Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Early morning departure from Cusco. During the bus journey, we will pass some archaeological sites and craft markets in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

This valley is one of the most fertile regions of South America, where a large amount of corn, highly symbolic in the Inca Andean religion, is produced. Once we reach the province of Graneros (2940m / 9646f) we change our route and head upwards to the Huacawasi pass (4400m / 14436f), before descending to the town of Lares hot springs (3200m / 10499f).

Here we will have a few hours relaxing in the pools that have a temperature of between 28 and 36 degrees C / 82 and 97 degrees F. , after lunch, we walk towards Huacawasi (3600m / 11811f), where our campsite is situated.

Bus travel time: 5 hours

hiking time: 3 hours in cold weather.

This day will be the most difficult due to the varied terrain and climate that we will pass through. For example, getting through the Sipsay Pass at 4,400 meters (14436f) will take us 4 hours.

During this walk, we will pass through some communities where we may observe Andean farmers, their agricultural land and their traditional rustic houses.

These people have a great knowledge of natural farming methods and the communities also still produce traditional colorful textiles inspired by Andean gods and symbols. After this pass, we drive to the village of Patacancha (3650m / 11975f), our campsite for the night.

Hiking time: 7 hours in cold weather.

This will be another spectacular day, passing through communities and small towns like Willoq (3400m / 11156f) and Pumamarca (3200m / 10499f). As we pass through the valley of Patacancha we will have a chance to witness ancient Inca traditions and customs that have survived the passage of time in these remote villages. After visiting this area for a few hours, we arrive at the town of Ollantaytambo (2850m / 9350f), also an archaeological site of the Inca dynasty.

From here we take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m / 6726f), where we spend the night in a hotel. 

The lost city of the Incas is at its best in the early morning. After an early breakfast, we will take the bus to Machu Picchu (2400m / 7874f), where a professional guide will take us on a tour of the site, explaining the history, politics, ancient agricultural techniques, astronomy, and religion that our ancestors left us in this wonderful city of the Incas. After the tour, you’ll have enough free time to further explore the site on your own and take some of the short walks, before returning to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco.