4-day journey that seamlessly connects the serene Lares Valley with the iconic Machu Picchu. This trek offers an unforgettable experience through breathtaking landscapes adorned with lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks of the Andes.
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and lifestyles of local communities, sharing special moments and gaining insights into their rural way of life.
Concluding this remarkable adventure, you’ll arrive at the legendary Machu Picchu, the seventh wonder of the world, where you’ll explore the historic sanctuary and complete your incredible trek.
Your adventure begins early in the morning at 5:30 AM, where our team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. After an hour-long drive through the Sacred Valley, we’ll make our first stop at the Mirador. Here, you’ll capture stunning panoramic photos of the valley while our guide provides a brief overview of the area.
Continuing our journey, we’ll arrive in the picturesque town of Calca. Take a short break to explore the local market, where you can observe and purchase traditional products unique to the region. After soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Calca, we’ll drive for approximately two more hours to reach the village of Lares (3,100 meters / 10,170 feet), the starting point of our trek.
Upon arrival in Lares, you’ll meet our dedicated team, including our chef and muleteers who will accompany you throughout the trek. Before setting off on foot, enjoy a relaxing visit to the Lares medicinal thermal baths, where temperatures range from 28°C to 34°C. These soothing baths provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and prepare for the day’s hike.
After your rejuvenating soak, our adventure continues with a two-hour walk across flat terrain, allowing you to acclimate to the altitude. We’ll reach the Vilcabamba Bridge, where our team will welcome you with a delicious Andean lunch. Following lunch, enjoy a short rest before embarking on an additional three-hour trek to the village of Wacahuasi (3,750 meters / 12,303 feet). Along the way, you’ll be greeted by children from nearby villages dressed in traditional attire, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect and share joyful moments.
Wacahuasi will be our campsite for the night. As evening sets in, temperatures can drop to as low as -5°C, so be sure to bring warm clothing. After setting up your tent and exploring the quaint village, we’ll gather for tea time—a perfect moment to exchange experiences. Our guide will also provide an engaging talk on the customs and traditions of this small community. The day concludes with a hearty dinner, ensuring you’re well-rested for the next day’s journey.
Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before commencing our hike at 7:00 AM. Today’s trek offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Andes mountains. We’ll ascend steadily for three hours, reaching the Paso Sacsallaully (4,646 meters / 15,242 feet). This pass provides a rewarding panorama of lush valleys, snow-capped peaks, and the serene Aruray Cocha Lake. Along the way, you’ll encounter native bird species such as Cara Cara geese and ducks, as well as typical Andean animals like llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
From Aurora Cassa Pass, we’ll descend towards two beautiful lakes, Aruraycocha and Yuraccoha, nestled within the Queuñas forest—a tree species revered by the Incas. By the lakeside, we’ll enjoy a traditional Andean lunch amidst stunning scenery.
The next two hours of our trek bring a significant change in the landscape as we approach Mantanay (3,850 meters / 12,631 feet), our second campsite. The remainder of the hike takes us downhill through the picturesque Queuñares valley, offering ample opportunities to photograph the vibrant Andean flora. Upon reaching the campsite, take time to rest and share stories from the day’s long and arduous journey. The day concludes with tea time and a delicious dinner, perfect for reflecting on the experiences of the day.
This day promises a more relaxed pace. After a leisurely morning and breakfast, prepare your belongings for the descent. Bid farewell to our dedicated team of cooks and muleteers as we begin our descent, trekking for about an hour to reach the village of Yanahuara (2,850 meters / 9,350 feet). Yanahuara boasts a temperate climate and is a supplier of food products to Cusco. Here, we’ll board our transportation for a short 15-minute drive to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo (2,850 meters / 9,350 feet), a living Inca village renowned for its stunning architecture and narrow, beautiful streets from the Inca era.
In Ollantaytambo, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the local artisan market, where you can observe and learn about the traditional crafts and customs of this vibrant community. After exploring, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before boarding the train at 12:58 PM. The train journey to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, takes approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, our guide will escort you to your hotel, where you can relax and learn about optional afternoon activities, such as visiting the thermal baths or exploring the local artisan market.
In the evening, enjoy your final dinner of the trek and receive recommendations for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day. Spend a comfortable night in a cozy hotel equipped with private bathrooms, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
Wake up early and, after breakfast around 5:00 AM, begin the final ascent with a one-hour walk to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Arriving early ensures you are among the first visitors to witness the majestic sunrise over this ancient city. Enjoy a guided tour through Machu Picchu’s most significant temples and palaces, lasting approximately two hours. After the guided portion, you have the freedom to explore the mysterious Inca city on your own. For those seeking an extra adventure, an optional climb to Huayna Picchu is available for an additional $70 USD per person.
At the appropriate time, we’ll descend back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the train returning to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, our vehicle will drive you back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of 8:00 PM. Finally, you’ll be transported to your respective hotels in Cusco, marking the end of our services.
We are thrilled to announce that Spirit of the River Lodge has been honored with a prestigious award, recognizing our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. This esteemed acknowledgement is a testament to the tranquility, comfort, and deep connection with nature that define every stay with us.
Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Spirit of the River Lodge offers an unparalleled escape, allowing guests to relax, refresh, and truly feel the spirit of the river. This award celebrates our dedication to excellence in every detail, from our luxurious rooms designed for ultimate comfort and style, to the exquisite dining featuring the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
In the heart of the stunning Sacred Valley, a destination known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Specifically, you’ll find us in Urubamba, a charming town that serves as a gateway to exploring the region’s most iconic attractions.
Our address is Ayllupampa Camino Real (Qapaqñan Cusco Machupicchu)
