Lares Trek Machu Picchu 4D 3N

Lares Trek Machu Picchu 4D 3N

An unforgettable and less-travelled hike that combines amazing mountain scenery, glacier lagoons, cloud-forest valleys and authentic Quechua textile communities as well as a visit to the Lares hot springs. This wonderful hike offers a unique view into the lifestyles and traditions of the Andean people.

4 days / 3 nights
550.00 €
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Day 1: Cusco – Calca - Lares Hot Springs – Huacawasi

We’ll leave Cusco at around 6am (hour to be confirmed). It is a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Pisac and stopping for breakfast in the provincial town of Calca. Leaving Calca around 08:00 we head off for a 3-hour drive to the town of Lares (3100m) which is the starting point for the trek. Along the way you will be able to observe small Andean communities, and spectacular mountain landscapes dotted with herds of llamas and alpacas.

Before we start the trek we'll visit the hot springs which are located in meadows just outside town. For those of you who remembered to bring your swimwear we’ll take a relaxing dip in the warm waters which are famous for their healing powers. Feeling fully refreshed, we’ll take a leisurely walk up the Trapiche River Valley. After about 2½ hours we will arrive at Vilcabamba village where we’ll stop and have lunch. We’ll then continue up the valley for another 1½ hours to the small village of Huacawasi (3700m) where we’ll set up camp and spend the night. Walking distance of approx 12km (4-5 hours).

Day 2: Huacawasi – Abra Ipsay – Patacancha

Many of the houses that we’ll see in this small village of Huacahuasi are built from stone and have thatched roofs. The people of this village produce beautiful colourful textiles. In the morning we’ll learn about the weaving techniques and be able to admire some of their high quality ponchos, chullos (wool hats) and other garments. After lunch we’ll climb for approximately 2 hours to the top of Ipsayccasa Pass which, at 4500m, is the highest pass along the trek. From here we’ll have stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We’ll descend gently for about 1 hour until we reach the site of our second night's camp beside the beautiful Ipsaycocha Lake. We may be lucky enough to see Andean Geese, Puna Ibis and other wetland birds. Walking distance approx 9km (6-7 hours).

Day 3: Patacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today is a much easier day. After an early breakfast we'll walk gently downhill through a wide-open valley for about 2½ hours until we arrive at the village of Patacancha. The people from this area are known locally as "Huayruros" - the name of a red and black seed reminiscent of the colour of their ponchos.

We'll have a chance to view some textiles made by the people of this community - their high quality weavings are famous for the intricate designs reflecting aspects of their everyday lives and culture. We'll walk slowly down the valley to Willoq, another Quechua village where the locals still wear their traditional dress and are proud to maintain their cultural identity.

Our transport will be waiting for us to take us further down the valley to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo where we’ll  rest and have lunch. In the early afternoon we’ll catch a train to Aguas Calientes. This is a spectacular journey that starts in the Quechua highlands and slowly descends through lush tropical vegetation as we near Aguas Calientes. Total journey time by train is about 1½ hours. We'll spend the night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes where you'll no doubt enjoy the opportunity to take a hot shower!! We’ll have an early night and prepare for your Machu Picchu visit the following morning. Walking distance approx 12km (5-6 hours).

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Rise early around 4:20am to start walking up to Machu Picchu, or take one of the first buses at 5:30am (US$ each way). You'll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and have some peaceful time alone to enjoy the sun rising from behind the mountains. Your guide will give you a tour of Machu Picchu telling you about Inca history and the significance of the major sites of interest. The tour takes about 2 hours, after which you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own or climb Huayna Picchu (if you book it in advance; US$ per person) - the mountain that overlooks the ancient Inca city (allow a minimum of 1½ hours).

Most people are ready to take the bus back to Aguas Calientes around 1pm where you can have lunch in one of the many restaurants (not included). You need to be at the train station half and hour before your train departs at 9:30pm. There will be transport waiting for you in Ollantaytambo to bring you back to Cusco - estimated arrival time 1:30am. If you prefer to be back in Cusco earlier, you can select the 16:22 pm (US$) or the 18:45 pm (US$) return train.

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