Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

ITINERARY

Day 1 : Cusco to Huaran- Cancha Cancha

• Distance: 9K / 5.4 miles

We leave Cusco early morning by bus and travel through the Sacred Valley for approximately 1 ½ hour to Huaran (2900m.) Our hike begins here in a fertile valley and follows a small river up through the mountain corridor. After walking roughly 4 ½ hours, we begin to see the glacial peaks of CanchaCancha Casa (4984m.) and Chicon (5530m.) We know we have reached camp when we see the thatched-roof stone houses of the CanchaCancha village (3900m.).

• Time approximate walking: 4 hours.

Day 2 : Cancha Cancha to Quiswarani

• Distance: 13.5K / 8 miles

Shortly after beginning our trek in the morning, we reach two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here we can see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese. From the lakes, the trail climbs steeply for about 2 ½ hours to the first pass, named Pachacutec (4700m.). Nearing the top, we enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750m.) and Chicon (5530m.). An original Inca stone path will lead us along the ridge down into the opposite corridor. We follow a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quiswarani, where we camp for the night.

Time approximate walking: 8 hours

Day 3 : Quisuarani to Lares Hot Springs to Ollantaytambo to AguasCalientes

• Distance: 9K / 5.4 miles

After a hearty breakfast and a short time to interact with the community, we begin our hike upward through the high puna to the Huillquicasa pass (4400m). From this high mountain perch, one can behold the extensive Vilcanota range and the pastoral farmland and lagoons below. The well-marked trail zig-zags us down to greener pastures, where llamas, alpacas, and sheep graze alongside flocks of Andean water birds. The rare Peruvian Viscacha, a medium-sized rodent related to the Chinchilla, can be seen bounding in and out of the rocky mountain crags. Continuing down even further, we reach the picturesque village of Cuncani (3700m.) our private transport will be waiting to take us where we’ll have lunch in the hot medicinal baths of Lares (3100m.) A relaxing soak in these thermal pools is an excellent way for trekkers to rest their tired bodies after such a challenging and exhilarating trip. From the village of Lares, our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Ollantaytambo where we will catch a train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, a representative will bring you to your hotel.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

After spending the previous night in a comfortable hotel, we can take the earliest bus up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, arriving around 6:00 am. After having an interesting 2 hour guided tour of the ruins, you will have some extra time to explore the ruins on your own. You will board a train in the late afternoon that will take you back to Cusco, where you will arrive in the evening.