Immerse yourself in authentic Andean life on the Lares Valley Trek. Here, locals still live in traditional ways, wearing colorful clothing and practicing centuries-old customs. Trek through stunning landscapes, from high-altitude valleys to lush cloud forests, and experience the vibrant flora, fauna, and culture of the region. The journey concludes at the legendary Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, hidden among the mountains and clouds.
Overview
- Activities: Archaeology, culture, history, nature, and hiking
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Distance: 35 km / 29.2 miles
- Average hiking time: 7 hours per day
- Maximum altitude: 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
- Group size: Minimum 2 passengers
- Service type: Private (custom itinerary) or Shared (fixed schedule)
- Difficulty: Medium
Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Cusco → Huacacasi Pass → Lares Thermal Baths → Huaca Wasi. Trek through fertile valleys, visit Sojma community, Perolniyoq waterfalls, and explore the Qorimarca archaeological site. Overnight camping.
- Day 2: Huaca Wasi → Abra Ipsay → Patacancha. Cross the Sipsay Pass (4,400 m) and witness traditional Andean farming, textiles, and highland life. Camp at Patacancha.
- Day 3: Patacancha → Willoq → Pumamarca → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes. Pass traditional communities, explore Pumamarca Inca site, and board the train to Aguas Calientes for overnight in a hotel.
- Day 4: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco. Guided tour of Machu Picchu (~2.5 hours), optional Huayna Picchu climb or visit Temple of the Moon/Inca Bridge. Afternoon train return to Cusco.
Included
- Pre-tour briefing
- Private transport from Cusco to Lares Valley
- Entrance fees for Lares Trail & Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guides, cooks, horsemen/mules
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Camping equipment (tents, dining/kitchen tent, toilet tent)
- Train ticket to Aguas Calientes, bus to Machu Picchu
- One-night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Portable radios, first aid, oxygen, 24-hour assistance
Not Included
- Meals not listed above
- Sleeping bags (rentable)
- Personal expenses, tips, optional hot springs
- Optional luxury train services
What to Bring
Passport, sleeping bag, backpack, hiking boots, rain poncho, layered clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, energy snacks, water bottle, flashlight, swimsuit, camera/binoculars, basic medical kit, optional walking sticks, extra cash.
Optional Add-ons
- Sleeping bag or thermal pad rental
- ISIC student discount
- Extra horse rental
- Luxury train upgrade (Vistadome or Hiram Bingham)