Lares trek and short Inca trail to Machu Picchu

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha

Your Andean mountain adventure through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu starts early at 5:00 am, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will spend the day  uphill as we make our way to the summit of our great mountain, continuing for another 40 minutes to Huarán. We will meet the muleteers and horses, and we will follow the road to Cancha Cancha. It will be a challenging hike. We will pass through farm fields filled with a rich variety of vegetation and snow-capped peaks that will be great fun

Cancha Cancha (3,900m.a.s.l./ 12,800 feet) is one of the most isolated and traditional communities, self-sufficient as it has been for hundreds of years. We’ll set you up in your tents, and then we’ll have afternoon tea. You will have the opportunity to visit a local family. You will learn all about life in a traditional Andean village, with your guide as interpreter. After dinner, your guide will show you the Inca constellations that they relied on to foresee the planting and harvesting seasons, and still do these days.

• Meals: Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
• Accommodation: camping
• Elevation: 3,680 m/12,073 ft.
• Distance: 8 km
• Walking time: Approximately 4-5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani

Today begins our second day of travel, after another delicious breakfast, we begin our 7-hour trek to the northeast. It starts out as an intense hike, passing over high passes on our way. The highest point of our trek is the Pachacutec Pass (4,500m.a.s.l. / 14,800ft). Then we will celebrate our achievement and the satisfaction and joy of having reached the top. Views of snowcapped mountains, remote lakes, herds of alpacas, rugged valleys, and spectacular mountain views are what will motivate you along the trail for this intense portion of the hike. Keep your eyes to the sky for hawks or Andean geese!

After enjoying the summit, we descend for 3 hours until we reach our campsite located in the community of Quiswarani, (3,700m.s.n.m / 12,139ft). Along the way, we will take a secluded trail where we will see local highland people in their traditional costumes herding their llamas and alpacas. The local people will open their hearts and interact with you in the Quechua language (the language of the Incas). Your guide will act as your interpreter to translate and teach you a bit of this language.

At the campsite, everything will be ready. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks before dinner to then curl up for a comfortable night’s sleep.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
• Accommodation: camping
• Elevation: 4,550 m/14,760 ft.
• Distance: 13 km
• Walking time: Approximately 7-8 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo

Today is a day full of adventure and full of rewards! We start our ascent for 3 hours until the Willqaqasa pass, (4,200m.a.s.l./13,779ft) getting a view of the mountains reflections in mirror images in the glacial lakes.

The majestic Colquecruz and Pitusiray mountains are impressive to admire from this pass. We continue our trek through the highland grasslands, rolling and productive agricultural sites and pristine natural lakes. Time to descend for 2 hours to the community of Cuncani.
From Cuncani we descend through a lush valley with extensive agricultural areas, fruit trees, several flora and native flowers such as begonias and wild orchids.

Finally, we arrive at our destination, the Lares hot springs (3,100m.a.s.l. / 10,170ft), where we will not be able wait to soak in the natural volcanic hot springs. Then, we will have lunch and relax. It’s time to say goodbye to our extraordinary chef and companions.

We will leave Lares, with many exciting experiences and take our transport to Ollantaytambo 2.5 hours, where we will have dinner together and spend the night in the hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
• Elevation: 4,200 m/13,779 ft.
• Distance: 14 km
• Walking time: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Km104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes Town

We start this exciting day early; your guide and you will leave the hotel at 5:30. When you arrive at the train station (1 hour and a half), we will take the train to Km. 104; from here we will start walking (2,000m.s.n.m/ 6,560 feet above sea level). The first hour and a half are easy, with several shelters along the way for a break to sunbathe, depending on the season. Along the way, we will stop at several viewpoints where you will have a wide view of the Urubamba River.

We will also experience several microclimates including cloud forest so be prepared for humidity or even rain at any time of the year. Shortly after we will see the spectacular Wiñay Wayna. (2,600 meters above sea level / 8,500 feet above sea level) This incredible archaeological site has a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle.

We will walk through an exuberant subtropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the archaeological site, as well as the incredible flora and fauna, about this microclimate and answer any questions you may have. After a short 5-minute walk before we enjoy our lunch box. Having recovered our energy, we will continue with the walk that will be mostly flat to the Sun Gate, from where you will have your first view of Machu Picchu.

Although the hour-long hike is gentle, up and down, it ends with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the rock made by the Incas. Once you reach the stairs, you will know that you are almost at the Sun Gate, from where you will have an impressive view of Machu Picchu, so take your time to enjoy the moment and take photos. The last 45 minutes from the Sun Gate provide many photo opportunities of Machu Picchu. There are also a couple of important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so be sure to go slow. Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the platforms above the site.

We will arrive in the afternoon, when the archaeological area begins to empty of tourists, giving you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before taking the bus to Aguas Calientes to check in at your hotel. You will have a delicious dinner, then you will have time to walk around this picturesque little town, or visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

• Meals: Breakfast – Box Lunch – Dinner.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Elevation: 2,750 m/ 9,020 ft.
• Distance: 12 km
• Walking time: Approximately 8-9 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Aguas Calientes Town – Machu Picchu – Cusco

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After early breakfast at your hotel, you will take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu so you can appreciate the sunrise. It is a truly remarkable site and something you would not want to miss! Your guide will give you the complete tour, which lasts approximately two hours. You will see all the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor etc.

After the tour, those who have booked in advance for the additional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have filled of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on the departure time of the train.

The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo our driver will meet you at the exit of the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy