Lares Trek and Biking around Andean Communities of Sacred Valley

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Lares valley – Huacawasi

1. Sacred Valley
   2h
   We will pick you up from your hotel, leaving Cusco at 6.00 am and heading for Calca, a small town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. At this time of the morning the views are often spectacular. Along the way we will visit the Inca granaries of Muyoq Orqo, before continuing past the Sawasiray peak on our way to Willka Punku Pass, which marks the start of the ascent to Lares. There will be time to rest and enjoy the thermal baths at Lares, and after lunch we will begin our trek by walking to our first campsite near the village of Huacawasi, where you can visit local weavers and enjoy your evening meal.

Day 2: Huacawasi – Ipsaycocha – Patacancha valley

1. Patacancha Valley
   5h
   After breakfast, we will continue our trek in the direction of Ipsayqocha pass, a steady climb through the natural habitat of llamas and alpacas. Here, in addition to appreciating the surrounding panoramic views, it is possible to observe several high Andes bird species. At 4420 meters (14,500 feet) above sea level, Ipsaycocha is the only high pass on our route. Here the Andean landscape is dotted with herds of llamas and alpacas. Once over the pass, a long descent will take us to the Patacancha valley, where we will camp.

Day 3: Patacancha valley – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Machu Picchu

1. 4h
   This morning we will hike to the indigenous village of Willoq, a traditional farming, llama herding and weaving community that has conserved its traditional way of life. The trail follows a narrow valley through Inca terraces still used by local people to grow potatoes, corn, quinoa and other native crops. Along the way, we will pass the Inca archaeological site of Pumamarca. In the village our vehicle will be waiting to take the starting point of our biking tour. After a short explanation to help orientate you, Your guide will provide you with the necessary equipment for the activity. Beginning our 2-hour bike ride downhill to the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will have time to explore the charming sacred valley town before taking the train to Machu Picchu and spending the night in the nearby small town of Aguas Calientes.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco

1. Machu Picchu
   3h
   Your guided tour will include the temples, plazas, palaces, watercourses and residential areas of the archaeological complex, in the company of an experienced and knowledgeable guide. In the afternoon, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Cusco.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness