4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 1: CUSCO – PUMAHUANCA – PUYOC

1. Sacred Valley
   7h · Admission ticket included
   Our Lares Trek adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco (3,399 masl / 11,152 ft.). We travel by private transport through the Sacred Valley, enjoying views of snow-capped peaks and traditional Andean villages, before reaching Pumahuanca (2,950 masl / 9,678 ft.), the starting point of our trek.
   
   We begin a gradual 14 km (8.7 mi) ascent, gaining 1,150 m (3,773 ft.) as we hike through a scenic valley surrounded by native forests and streams. Along the way, we visit the Inca site of Pumahuanca, where our guide explains the region’s history, flora, and birdlife.
   
   Unlike other routes, this less-traveled path offers complete serenity. With luck, we may spot Viscachas (rabbit-like chinchillas) and Andean foxes. Our campsite at Puyoc (4,100 masl / 13,451 ft.) is set in a barren yet stunning high-altitude landscape, where cold temperatures and occasional snowfall make warm clothing essential for a comfortable night under the Andean sky.

Day 2: PUYOC – YANACOCHA – CUNCANI

1. Sacred Valley
   7h · Admission ticket included
   Today is the most breathtaking day of the Lares Trek, offering easier terrain after yesterday’s challenging ascent. From our high-altitude campsite at Puyoc, we embark on a scenic 13 km (8 mi) trek toward Cuncani (3,900 masl / 12,795 ft.), with most of the journey being a gentle downhill descent.
   
   The day begins with a two-hour climb to the highest pass of our trek, where we take in sweeping views of snowcapped peaks and remote valleys. As we descend, we pass by serene mountain lakes, including the mystical Yanacocha (Black Water Lake), reflecting the sky in its dark, mirror-like waters.
   
   This side of the pass reveals a rich cultural contrast from the previous day. Along the way, we encounter local Quechua communities, easily recognizable by their bright red traditional clothing. Your guide will introduce you to their way of life, and you’ll even learn a few Quechua phrases to interact with the locals, making for an authentic and meaningful experience.

Day 3: CUNCANI – LARES

1. Sacred Valley
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Today is all about connecting with the local people. After an early wake-up, our guide takes us to a local home, where we meet an Andean family eager to share their traditions. Their warmth and hospitality make this a memorable experience, and by now, you might confidently use a few Quechua phrases, much to everyone’s amusement. After the visit, you’ll have the chance to offer small gifts and browse handwoven alpaca textiles, renowned for their quality and craftsmanship.
   
   Leaving Cuncani (3,900 masl / 12,795 ft.), we hike a gentle 6 km (3.7 mi) descent toward the Lares hot springs (3,150 masl / 10,334 ft.), passing quinoa and tarwi fields while spotting Andean parrots overhead.
   
   After a relaxing soak, our private transport takes us to Ollantaytambo (2,792 masl / 9,160 ft.), where we board the train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl / 6,692 ft.), ready for the final chapter of our journey to Machu Picchu.

Day 4: MACHU PICCHU!

1. 3h · Admission ticket included
   The day begins early with breakfast before boarding one of the morning buses to Machu Picchu (2,430 meters or 7,972 feet). Upon entering the Inca citadel, your guide will lead you on an in-depth tour, sharing the captivating history of this iconic site and explaining its most remarkable features, such as temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and storage structures.
   
   If you’ve secured an additional ticket in advance, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore either Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters or 8,924 feet) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 meters or 10,111 feet) for a breathtaking perspective of the surroundings.
   
   After the guided tour, the group will return to Aguas Calientes for a brief rest and lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll board a train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to take you to Cusco.

Pickup details

We'll pick you up from the lobby or front door of your hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or any accommodation located in Cusco's historic center.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
• Send us the following personal data for each individual traveller.
• Full Name
• Nationality
• Passport Number
• Date of Birth
• Confirm us If you want vegetarian meals or have any special dietary requirements
• please let us know as soon as possible. It’s easy for us to arrange and there’s no extra cost. If you have an allergy to certain types of food please ensure that this is written on your trek voucher as well as reminding both the guide and the cook on the trail. We do not accept bookings from clients with life-threatening allergies.
• Minimum age is 6 years
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Important: Upon booking, please contact the email address on your voucher to advise of any specific requirements
• What you need to bring:
• Original Passport, ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Clothes: Walking boots, Waterproof jacket / rain poncho, Warm jacket, Hat and gloves, T-shirts, comfortable trousers
• Other items: Sunscreen (factor 35 or higher), insect repellent, toiletries and hand sanitizer, personal medication, camera and film, torch with spare batteries