Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

• MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4350 meters above sea level
• TOTAL HIKING DISTANCE: Approximately 47 km
• DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate
• BEST TIME TO VISIT: March-November

Our Lares Trekking to Machu Picchu tour takes you through stunning high Andean landscapes and incredible mountains, visiting remote highland villages where life still resembles that of the Incas. Farmers are still weaving textiles by hand, practicing traditions. This trek takes you off the beaten path with visits to authentic Andean villages while surrounded by beautiful lakes and green valleys. The trail leads to the tropical forests around Machu Picchu, ending with an incomparable visit to Machu Picchu (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World).

First Day: Cusco – Lares Town – Huacahuasi

Pick-up from the hotel at 6:00 a.m. and travel for three hours to the Lares hot springs, arriving around 9:00 a.m. Here, we’ll spend two hours enjoying the thermal medicinal waters before starting the approximately three-hour hike. We’ll then pass through a trail to reach our first camp located in Huacahuasi (3400 meters above sea level), a small community where people produce fine handwoven textiles such as beautiful ponchos and clothing. Dinner and camping.

Second Day: Huacahuasi – Ipsaycocha

After an early breakfast, we start the hike towards the highest point of the journey, Ipsaycocha at 4350 meters above sea level. From this point, we have a wonderful view of the Pumahuanca Mountains (5330 meters above sea level), Sahuarsirai, and Pitusiray. Then, we descend to Lake Ipsaycocha for lunch, followed by a two-hour hike to Patacancha. Our campsite.

Third Day: Patacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today’s path is downhill, offering fascinating views of the valley as we reach the community of Willoc at 3200 meters above sea level, a picturesque place. We’ll pass through Pumamarca, with its beautiful Inca terraces, before arriving at Ollantaytambo. This ancient Inca town is considered one of the most important living museums in the world. It’s a perfect place to appreciate the vast archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo and a variety of flowers and birds. We’ll have lunch here before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Fourth Day: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

On this last day, after an early breakfast, we’ll take the first bus to Machu Picchu, arriving in about 30 minutes. We’ll spend approximately 3 hours exploring Machu Picchu and then have free time for photos or optional activities like climbing Huayna Picchu, visiting the Temple of the Moon, or the Sun Gate. Lunch in Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.