4-day lares valley trek to machu picchu

The Lares Valley is one of the lesser-travelled routes to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

On this trip you'll trek through spectacular landscapes whilst enjoying cultural exchanges with the people you encounter along the way. It will lead you through incredible landscapes of mountain ridges, lakes, and farmlands where the local people still wear traditional clothing. This is one of the best trails for seeing local indigenous culture up close and observing ancient farming habits and religious rituals. Your trek will eventually join up with the traditional Inca Trail and climax with a visit to the world wonder of Machu Picchu.

Add in that you'll be camping in the valley beneath the stars, what better way is there to experience the true Peru?

Itinerary:

Day 1

4am pick-up in Cusco

Visit to Lares Valley hot springs for bathing and breakfast

9.30am 3 hour hike to Huarcahuasi Town

Rest and lunch in Huarcahuasi Town

Visit to Huarcahuasi waterfall

Observating llama herders returning to Huarcahuasi

Dinner with local family

Camping on land of local family

Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 2

Breakfast with family

Trek for several hours to the Ipsay Pass at 4,500m

Descent to Ipsaycocha Lagoon

Lunch at Ipsaycocha Lagoon

3 hour trek to Patacancha Town

Dinner and sleep at campsite

Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Day 3

Breakfast at campsite

Transport to Patacancha to the Pumamarca archaeological site

Lunch at Punamarca

Hike to Sacred Valley

Transport to Ollantaytambo

4.30pm train to Aguas Calientes

Dinner and sleep in Aguas Calientes hotel

Approximate Walking Time: 4 hours

Day 4

Morning trek to Machu Picchu

3 hour tour of Machu Picchu

Optional hike up Huayna Picchu ($20 per person)

Optional 3 hour trek to Inti Punku ($20 per person)

Bus to Aguas Calientes

2.30pm train to Ollantaytambo

Transport to Cusco

Food and accommodation included