Immerse yourself in the incredible local culture of the Sacred Valley of the Incas on this unforgettable four-day trek through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu. The ideal alternative to the Inca Trail for those wanting an in-depth experience of traditional Andean towns.
Lares Valley Trek to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco - Lares - Cuncani
Leaving your hotel in Cusco, we'll go by bus to the Sacred Valley area, where we'll come to Valle de Lares. Before arriving, though, we'll make a brief stop in Calca, where we can buy any last-minute supplies we may need.
Then, we'll go on foot to the Amparaes Pass, situated at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet), where we'll be treated to impressive mountain views.
As we arrive at the natural pools in Valle de Lares, we'll take a rejuvenating dip in the relaxing thermal waters to prepare for the next leg of our journey. After a short break in this tranquil area, we'll continue to explore the surrounding region before stopping for lunch nearby.
Once we finish lunch, we'll head to Cuncani, where we'll make camp for the night.
Day 2: Cuncani - Pumahuanca Pass - Paccha
After breakfast at the campsite, we'll hike to the Pumahuanca Pass.
If the weather allows, we'll enjoy a privileged view of Colque Cruz, a mountain crowned by a glacier that provides water to several communities in the area, like Cuncani and Quishuarani. Here, again, we'll enjoy fantastic views of the glacier and various lagoons in the valley. A picture-perfect scene!
As we approach the Pumahuanca Pass, our path becomes a bit more rocky and precarious as we go uphill. We'll pass by lagoons at high altitudes, allowing us to look back at how far we've come.
Once we summit the mountain, we'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic views of Pampa de Anta. After taking in this beautiful natural landscape, we'll make our descent and go through a polylepis forest, an endemic and endangered tree species of the Andes.
Leaving this area behind, we'll make camp for the night at the Paccha campsite.
Day 3: Paccha - Local Fish Farm - Ollantaytambo
Wake up call! After a filling breakfast, we'll hit the road and make our first visit of the day. Arriving at a local Pumahuanca fish farm, we'll tour the grounds and gain a deeper understanding of fish cultivation.
Moving on from the fish farm, we'll walk around for a few hours before boarding a private vehicle that will take us to Ollantaytambo station, where we'll catch a train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu's largest town. Just like that, we'll have arrived at one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes station, staff from the hotel where we'll be staying the night will pick us up and help with our bags. Once we're all settled in, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner nearby.
Day 4: Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu
We'll get up very early to make the most of our last day. After breakfast, we'll head up along a winding path that will take us to the mythical site of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
After a short 25-minute bus ride, we'll arrive at the main entrance to the sanctuary. From here, we'll take a guided tour through the grounds, which will last about 2 hours. When we finish the tour, we'll allow for some free time so you can explore the area at your own pace.
With a picture-perfect sight in our mind's eye, we'll get back on the bus to return to Aguas Calientes, and you can enjoy lunch at any of the local restaurants.
We'll return to Ollantaytambo by train, where staff will be waiting to take us to our original starting point in Cuzco.
Accommodation
The route includes 3 nights of accommodation:
- 2-night stay at mountain campsites in Cucani and Paccha
- 1-night stay at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Important
In the event the tour is canceled due to ongoing strikes or inclement weather conditions, we'll offer an alternative date to complete the tour. If an alternative date is not possible, please note that you will receive a full refund minus the admission fees to Machu Picchu (200PEN approximately) which are nonrefundable.
