Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then in our private transport we will embark on a journey along the Sacred Valley of Incas to Calca. We will have a brief stop in a small town named Calca. Here you can pick up some last minute essentials from the shop. 

We will then continue to Quiswarani. This is the starting point of our Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Here we will be meeting our muleteers and chef. After organising our trekking gears and equipment, we will begin the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. 

We will begin with a gradual hike up the hill to a pass at 4200 metres above sea level. Here, we will have a brief stop so you can enjoy the jaw dropping views of the Andes. We will then continue hiking further up the hill to 4225 metres above sea level to Hualcacassa Pass. 

From here, you will be able to see the seven lagoons and snow capped Andean peaks. The view is simply out worldly. 

We will then hike down to the lunch camp. Here our Andean chef will be serving a typical Andean meal for lunch. We will then continue the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu by hiking to our second pass in Qolqecasa at 4200 metres above sea level. We will then hike down the hill for thirty minutes to our campsite in Yanacocha at 3800 metres above sea level. 

We will be serving a traditional Andean breakfast to start the day. After breakfast, we will begin with a downhill hike. You will be able to see the traditional Andean houses along the way. As farming is the main profession here, we will be showing you different farms. 

You will also get to see different Andean Camelids – Alpacas, Llamas and Vicunas. We will then hike to the highest point of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, Aururocassa Pass at 4600 metres. 

Here we will stop to immerse in the tranquility of nature and enjoy the pristine view of the Lares valley below. We will then hike down the hill to Mantanay Campsite.

This is the easiest day of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. We will be descending through Quinoa fields. Then we will be crossing potato farms before reaching Yanahuara. Here we will be stopping for lunch. 

After lunch, we will bid goodbye to the muleteers and chef. 

We will then drive you to Ollantaytambo train station. Here you will be boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.

You will be having some free time to spend the evening by enjoying a stroll through this rustic town. Aguas Calientes is also popular for hot springs so you can spend the evening by taking a rejuvenating dip. 

Our local guide will be meeting you that evening at your hotel and will be briefing you on the following day’s trip .

Early in the morning, the hotel crew will be handing you over a snack box. You will then be boarding a bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu citadel. It takes 25 minutes to reach. Here our tour guide will assist you in clearing the security and entering the citadel. 

Once inside, you will be rewarded with a sight of the golden rays of sun shimmering on the walls of the Incan citadel. Our guide will be giving you a detailed tour of the citadel for two hours. On this tour, you will be visiting some of the prime sites which will give you an in-depth information of the citadel. 

After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own. If you have booked to climb Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu mountain our guide will be directing you to the entrance. If you intend to hike one of these mountains do advise us at the time of booking. 

Alternatively, you can hike to the sun gate. It offers a spectacular view of the citadel. Sungate is the point of entrance to the citadel for those on Inca Trail. 

Once you have had your fill of the Inca citadel, you will be taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here you will be boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. 

Our representative will be meeting you and will be transferring you back to your hotel in the city of Cusco. We will arrive in Cusco at approximately 09:00 PM.