Lares Valley Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Day 1: Cusco - Cuncani - Cuncani pass – Huacawasi

1. Aguas Termales de Lares
   1h
   At 5:30 am, our private transport will take you to the Lares Valley, community of Cuncani (3,750 m). Visit the Calca market, an opportunity to identify the biodiversity of native foods, Andean grains, and Amazonian fruits. Cuncani is the meeting place with the vibrant culture of the Huayruros, awakening our adventurous spirit to discover the high Andean mountains from the Cuncani Pass at 4,200 m. Then, a trail will lead you to the community of Huacawasi (3,800 m). Experience and discover the ancestral Andean culture through textile exhibitions, daily life, and local gastronomy. Night accommodation in rustic lodging with a local family or camping tents.
   
   Transportation time: 3h.
   Walking time: 5h.
   Distance: 7 Km
   Difficulty level: moderate.
2. Lares Trek
   10h · Admission ticket included
   Discover Andean textile art in Huacawasi: in the heights of the Andes, textile tradition is more than a skill; it's a legacy passed down through generations. In the community of Huacawasi, these ancient techniques and patterns are preserved with devotion, reflecting everyday life and Andean cosmology in every thread and color.
   
   Experience authenticity and cultural richness as you learn the secrets behind each fabric. From shearing llama and alpaca wool to crafting typical textiles full of vibrant colors and meanings, each step reveals a universe of ancestral wisdom and artisanal skill. Live a friendly experience and support local entrepreneurship!

Day 2: Huacawasi – Huacahuasi C'asa Pass – Laguna Aruray Cocha – Laguna Yurak Cocha – Mantanay Forest - Pucara

1. Lares Trek
   8h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, we will embark on a hike towards the highest point, Huacawasi C'asa Pass, at 4,500 m. This will be the most physically demanding day of the trek, with the reward of discovering beautiful landscapes of high mountains, snow-capped peaks, streams, a mosaic of farmland and breathtaking views. It’s important to be prepared for low temperatures; a windbreaker jacket is recommended. After crossing the pass will descend to the shore of two beautiful lakes (Laguna Aruray Cocha at 4,250m and Laguna Yurak Cocha at 3,560m) which nearby will stop for having lunch. Then, we’ll continue downhill to the natural reserve of Mantanay park (3,480 m), where we can admire the flora and fauna, including Queuñas (Polylepis) species and local birds. We will spend the night camping, with a bonfire and amenities, in the community of Pucará (3,000 m).
   
   Walking time: 8h-9h.
   Distance: 19 Km
   Difficulty level: challenging
   Overnight: tent.
2. Lares
   20m
   Natural reserve of Mantanay park (3,480 m): where we can admire the flora and fauna, including Queuñas (Polylepis) species and local birds.
3. Lares
   30m
   Colibris Sanctuary: Join us as we explore the natural beauty of the Colibrís sanctuary - Ensifera, nestled in the heart of Pucara community, Yanahuara. Prepare to be mesmerized by the vibrant hues and graceful movements of hummingbirds as they thrive in their picturesque natural habitat.

Day 3: Pucara – Sacred Valley - Soqma - Perolniyoc waterfall - Raqaypata ruins - Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

1. Lares Trek
   6h · Admission ticket included
   At 7:30am, our private transport will take you to the community of Soqma (3,220 m), the starting point of our hike. Along a winding trail, you will discover the impressive Perolniyoc Waterfall (3,460 m). Perolniyoc is located in the middle of the vegetation, this crystalline waterfall is a true gift of nature and you’ll most probably not meet any tourists on the way. Then, a challenging trail will take you to the Inca archaeological complex of Raqaypata 3,645 m, whose name on Quechua means “ruins at the top”. After exploring, we will follow the Inca trail back to Soqma. Next, we continue by car to Ollantaytambo town (2,800 m). Ollantaytambo is a typical village of extraordinary urban planning: its cobbled streets and some colonial houses are built on beautiful Inca walls that constitute a true historical legacy. Later afternoon, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m) to spend the night in the hotel.
   
   Transportation time: 2h 30.
   Walking time: 3h.
   Difficulty level: moderate
2. Ollantaytambo
   3h
   Discover the impressive Perolniyoc Waterfall (3,460 m). Perolniyoc is located in the middle of the vegetation, this crystalline waterfall is a true gift of nature and you’ll most probably not meet any tourists on the way. Then, a challenging trail will take you to the Inca archaeological complex of Raqaypata 3,645 m, whose name on Quechua means “ruins at the top”.
3. Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo
   2m · Admission ticket not included
   Ollantaytambo is a typical village of extraordinary urban planning: its cobbled streets and some colonial houses are built on beautiful Inca walls that constitute a true historical legacy.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – Cusco

1. Machu Picchu
   3h
   After breakfast, explore the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400 m). Accompanied by our expert guide, the sunrise will provide a unique view to unveil the fascinating Inca culture and rituals in the territory of Tahuantinsuyo. Discover the temples and sacred sites of this archaeological wonder. After the experience, you’ll have some time to enjoy the magic of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Then, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco.
   
   Transportation time: 3h 30.
   Visiting time: 3h.
   Distance: 3 Km
   Difficulty level: easy
   Overnight: on your own

Pickup details

To ensure a smooth start to your adventure, we recommend an informative meeting with your guide at your hotel 1 or 2 days before the trek begins, usually around 7 pm (exact time to be confirmed at booking). To help us stay connected, please provide your hotel address and share your WhatsApp number in case we need to reach you at the beginning or end of your journey. We're here to make your experience as seamless as possible!

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• 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