Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days

Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Wacahuasi

Begin your adventure bright and early 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 shares insightful information about the area.

Continuing our journey, we’ll arrive in the charming town of Calca. Take a brief pause to explore the local market, where you can observe and purchase traditional products unique to the region. After savoring 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, take the opportunity to relax in the Lares medicinal thermal baths, where temperatures range from 28°C to 34°C. These soothing baths are the perfect way 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 the 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.

• Estimated Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Total Distance: 11 km
• Campsite Altitude: 3,750 meters above sea level

Day 2: Wacahuasi – Paso Sacsallaully – Yanahuara – Aguas Calientes

Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before commencing our hike at 6:00 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). The remainder of the hike takes us downhill through the picturesque Queuñares valley, offering ample opportunities to photograph the vibrant Andean flora. Our path leads us to Yanahuara (2,780 meters / 9,120 feet), a welcoming village with a comfortable climate located near the Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley of the Incas).

Here, our vehicle will be ready to transport us to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, enjoy a delightful dinner and spend the night in a cozy hotel equipped with private bathrooms, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.

• Estimated Walking Time: 8 to 9 hours
• Total Distance: 18 km
• Accommodation Altitude: 2,000 meters above sea level

Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

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 $35 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.

What’s Included:

• Hotel Pickup: Convenient collection from your hotel in Cusco.
• Private Transportation: From Cusco to Lares, the starting point of the trek.
• Professional Guides: Bilingual (English and Spanish) guides with extensive knowledge of the region.
• Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners provided.
• Cooking Equipment and Chef: Ensuring delicious and nutritious meals throughout the trek.
• Support Animals: Mules and porters to carry tents, food, cooking equipment, and up to 6 kg of personal luggage.
• Train Tickets: Round-trip Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
• Accommodation: One night’s stay in Aguas Calientes.
• Machu Picchu Entry: Includes entrance to the citadel.
• Camping Gear: Double tents accommodating up to 3 people, mattresses, chairs, and tables.
• Safety Provisions: Oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
• Amenities: Hot water available every morning and night for washing, and boiled water for refilling bottles upon request.

What’s Not Included:

• Sleeping Bag: Can be rented at our office for $15 USD for the entire trip.
• Trekking Poles: Available for rent at our office for $15 USD per pair for the entire trip.
• Third Day Lunch and First Day Breakfast: Please arrange these meals separately.
• Huayna Picchu Entrance: Optional climb available for an additional $35 USD per person.

Recommendations:

• Passport: Bring your original passport with an expiration date of at least 7 months.
• Student ID: ISIC card or student carnet, if applicable (must be sent at the time of booking).
• Sleeping Bag: For a comfortable night’s rest (can be rented from the agency).
• Footwear: Mountain boots and sandals are essential.
• Trekking Poles: Can be rented from the agency.
• Warm Clothing: Layered clothing suitable for varying temperatures, especially for nighttime. Include thermal wear, gloves, scarves, wool socks, and a wool hat.
• Headlamp: Highly recommended for early mornings and nighttime.
• Camera and Spare Batteries: To capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
• Personal Medical Kit: Include any necessary medications and first aid items.
• Insect Repellent: To protect against bugs during the trek.
• Rain Gear: A high-quality raincoat, rain pants, and a plastic poncho.
• Toiletries: Small towel and toilet paper.
• Extra Money: For drinks, tips, souvenirs, etc. (preferably in soles or dollars).
• Swimwear: For the optional thermal baths.
• Water Bottle: A recommended 1-liter bottle to stay hydrated.