LARES TREK 5 DAYS
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Through the mountains, behind the Urubamba mountain range is the most impressive Inca trails used by our ancestors and today by the high Andean people who still inhabit these places away from the great civilizations, Lares.
Adorned by glaciers and snow-capped peaks, this adventure will surprise you from the moment you start the hike in the middle of high Andean forests, accompanied by lagoons, rivers and beautiful waterfalls and of course enjoy the thermal medicinal baths at the end of the excursion. Walk along these trails and enjoy the great landscapes adorned by sheep, llamas and alpacas throughout the tour. The Andean flora and fauna will surprise you. You will meet Andean communities and the people who live there and you will be able to interact with them and learn about the culture and traditions that are still preserved by the families that live in these places.
Escape with us and live a unique adventure in this hike that will take you through time and feel the living Inca culture in this unique experience in the Andes.
Day 1
Cusco – Calca – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
We will travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and from there we will begin to climb through a beautiful valley covered with Queuñas and adorned with beautiful streams, waterfalls, local animals such as sheep, llamas and large herds of alpacas.
Day 2
Cancha Cancha – Pachacutec Pass – Quiswarani
We will begin to climb to the highest point of the hike and you will be able to observe different types of birds flying around the lagoons that you can admire while ascending to the Pachacutec pass, and before reaching the camp you will see the famous 7 waterfalls of Lares.
Day 3.
Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares (Thermal waters) – Ollantaytambo
We will go to another high point of the hike and see more of them and share beautiful moments with the people who live in these small villages. We will arrive at the thermal baths of Lares and you can enjoy its hot waters and then we will go to Ollantaytambo.
Day 4.
Ollantaytambo – km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñaywayna – Puerta del Sol – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
After traveling by train we will start walking on the Inca Trail and you can visit buildings such as Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna and then arrive at the Sun Gate from where you can admire Machu Picchu, we will sleep in the town of Aguas Calientes.
Day 5.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
We will visit the magical Inca City of Machu Picchu and you will be able to explore and admire this majestic construction over the mountains and learn about the history and culture of this new wonder of the world.
Through the mountains, behind the Urubamba mountain range is the most impressive Inca trails used by our ancestors and today by the high Andean people who still inhabit these places away from the great civilizations, Lares.
Adorned by glaciers and snow-capped peaks, this adventure will surprise you from the moment you start the hike in the middle of high Andean forests, accompanied by lagoons, rivers and beautiful waterfalls and of course enjoy the thermal medicinal baths at the end of the excursion. Walk along these trails and enjoy the great landscapes adorned by sheep, llamas and alpacas throughout the tour. The Andean flora and fauna will surprise you. You will meet Andean communities and the people who live there and you will be able to interact with them and learn about the culture and traditions that are still preserved by the families that live in these places.
Escape with us and live a unique adventure in this hike that will take you through time and feel the living Inca culture in this unique experience in the Andes.
Day 1
Cusco – Calca – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
We will start the day at 5:00 in the morning and we will pick you up from your hotel in our private transport and then we will head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will make our first stop in CALCA (2,930 m.a.s.l. / 9,612 feet). A small town that is located in the middle of valleys and next to the URUBAMBA River. We will visit its market and we will be able to see the great variety of products that grow in the area and the typical food of the place. You will be able to do some last minute shopping and then we will continue in our transport to the starting point of our adventure.
In this place we will have time to prepare everything necessary for the walk, the backpack, walking sticks, clothes, etc. While our cook prepares an energizing breakfast for you to enjoy before going up the mountain.
Once ready we will begin with a small climb in the middle of a great vegetation where you will be able to see the flora and fauna of the place. Butterflies, sparrows and hummingbirds will be our companions in this first part of the hike. You will be able to see the agricultural production of the area such as potatoes, corn, among others. We will walk through a Queuña (Polylepis) forest, a tree considered in natural medicine for the ancient inhabitants of the Andean area. The alpacas will witness our journey through this beautiful valley. The pleasant sound of the river coming from the lagoons and the snowy peaks that we will see later.
After 4 hours of hiking we will arrive at the small town of Cancha Cancha (4,000 m.a.s.l. / 13,1234 feet). Lunch and camping place, where our mountain chef will surprise you with the best of Cusco and Peruvian food and then you can rest.
Then we will settle into our high mountain tents, specially made to withstand the different climates and temperatures we have in the mountains. The mats and pillows will be ready for you to use the things you have in your duffel bag.
After a well-deserved rest, you will be able to see the inhabitants who continue the tradition of working as farmers in these areas where it is very cold. The production of the agricultural centers is mostly potatoes. They also have large herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep, which for them is their main source of income. Later on we will have happy hour (hot drinks, milk, chocolate, coffee, accompanied by snacks and popcorn). And to end the day, savor a buffet dinner prepared exclusively for you. Before going to sleep you can admire the Andean sky decorated with stars and you will be able to appreciate the constellations and the Milky Way in all their splendor. Distance: 10 km / 6,213 mi. Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours Initial elevation: 2,300 m.a.s.l. Campsite elevation: 4,200 m.a.s.l / 13,779 feet. Difficulty: moderate
Day 2
Cancha Cancha – Pachacutec Pass – Quiswarani
We will wake you up with a hot coca tea in your tent and after packing your backpack we will enjoy an energizing breakfast to then start another day full of adventures and you will be able to enjoy great views, mountains and natural landscapes.
Once ready we will begin the walk towards the highest point of our adventure. You will be able to see streams, houses built with stones and snowy peaks that adorn this great valley. We will continue until we reach the Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m.a.s.l. / 15,420 feet). On the way we will see the lagoons that are at the foot of this mountain range and the great variety of birds that inhabit this area. At the top we will have time to rest and there we will do a small ceremony for Pachamama (mother earth) where we will share an important tradition of our ancestors that we still preserve. Afterwards we will descend to the Qoyalay lagoon where our team will be waiting for us ready with a delicious lunch. Then we will have time to rest and take photos of this place, ducks, geese and other varieties of birds will be present in this lagoon and after a short descent we will arrive at another special place, Canchis Paccha (seven waterfalls). Where you can take more photos and admire this beautiful place.
Afterwards we will continue down to the town of Quiswarani (3,800 m.a.s.l. / 12,4672 ft). There our team will be waiting for us ready to accommodate us in our tents. Afterwards you will have time to explore this beautiful place and you will be able to share moments and talk with the people of this warm town. The children and ladies will be dressed in typical local costumes and you will be able to take photos with them. To end the day we will have happy hour and a delicious buffet dinner and then we will go to sleep.
Day 3.
Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares (Hot Springs) – Ollantaytambo
The day begins with a coca tea and after organizing our backpacks and enjoying a good breakfast we will begin the climb to the next mountain. It will be approximately 3 hours of climbing until we reach the Willqaqasa pass (4,400 m.a.s.l. / 14,4357). From there you will be able to see the lagoons that adorn the valley and the majestic Colquecruz and Pitusiray mountains. We will pass by agricultural centers and then we will go down to the town of Cuncani (3,800 m.a.s.l. / 12,4672 ft.). In this place you will have the opportunity to visit the school and share moments with the local children.
Then we will board our transport that will take us to the thermal baths of Lares (3,100 m / 10,170 ft.), where you will be able to enjoy the hot pools while relaxing after 3 days of walking. Then we will have lunch and after enjoying the meal we will say goodbye to our cooks and muleteers who accompanied us during the last days. Afterwards we will continue in our transport towards Ollantaytambo (2,792 m.a.s.l. / 9,160 ft.). There we will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 4.
Ollantaytambo – km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñaywayna – Puerta del Sol – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we will head to the train station and we will board the train that will take us to the starting point of the trek. On this journey you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, its great centers of corn cultivation, its majestic river and the great mountains that cover the entire train ride to Km. 104, where this service ends.
Arriving you will have time to take the first pictures of the river and also crossing the bridge, then we will arrive at the checkpoint. It will be time to show our documents, passport and entrance ticket to the Inca Trail. Then you can pack your backpack and use your sunscreen and mosquito repellent, remember that you are already in part of the Amazon and the climate in this area is tropical.
We will begin the adventure with the first visit to the archaeological center of Chachabamba (2,100 m.a.s.l. / 6,889 ft.). Where the guide will share the most important information about these constructions next to the river that was one of the entrances to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Then we will begin the ascent to the mountains, in this first part the forest will be covered with flowers, begonias and orchids that decorate the path. Then the trail will be open and you will be able to observe in all its beauty the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the great Urubamba River and the constructions that are in this tropical forest. After 3 hours we will arrive at the archaeological center of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m.a.s.l. / 8,694 ft.). This place is the most famous of all the Inca Trail, for its large buildings, ceremonial centers, agricultural terraces and water sources. It is considered as the small Machu Picchu because of its beautiful design. Rest and admire all the beauty of this impressive place hidden among the mountains and breathe the pure air of the rainforest.
After a rest and having tasted an energizing lunch we will continue the walk through the forest full of vegetation with large trees and always in the company of the singing of the birds that inhabit all this fantastic place. After an hour we will arrive at the famous Puerta del Sol (2,720 m.a.s.l. / 8,923 ft.). From here you will be able to appreciate for the first time the imposing Inca city of MACHU PICCHU.
Rest and enjoy the landscapes that surround this wonderful city built in the middle of valleys and mountains. Feel the connection with the mountains and breathe the pure air provided by the Pachamama (mother nature). After contemplating this wonder from the Puerta del Sol, considered the main entrance to this magical sanctuary, we will begin the 1 hour descent to the checkpoint. Of course you will have time to take pictures from all angles in this journey where you can appreciate the Urubamba mountain range.
Today we will pass through Machu Picchu Park but we will not visit it. Don’t worry because tomorrow we will return for a tour of the entire citadel. When we are outside the enclosure we will take the bus and head to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will accommodate you in your hotel and after a hot shower and a rest we will have dinner in a restaurant where we will talk about today and organize the schedule to visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
It’s time to rest, tomorrow we have a spectacular day ahead of us and you have to be ready to complete the adventure of a lifetime.
Meals: box lunch and dinner
Distance: 9 km / 5.592 mi.
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Starting elevation: 2,100 m.a.s.l. / 6,889 ft.
Highest elevation: 2,720 m.a.s.l. / 8,923 ft.
Difficulty: moderate
Day 5
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – aguas calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The time has come. Today is the day you will visit one of the new wonders of the world, MACHU PICCHU. We will start the day early to enjoy a good nutritious breakfast at the hotel and then we will go to take the bus that will take us to the lost citadel of the INCAS where you can see the majestic sunrise behind the Urubamba mountain range.
Once we arrive at the INCA city of MACHU PICCHU (2,430 m.a.s.l. / 7,972 ft.). we will start the tour in this enigmatic city that was abandoned for hundreds of years and today is part of one of the most important cultural attractions in the world. Feel the energy of this imposing place that has survived hundreds of years in this remote place and you will be able to see how the great constructions of the ancient inhabitants of the Inca culture are appearing in front of your eyes.
We will start with the first photos from the highest and most panoramic point of all these constructions and then we will begin with the most important information about the history of the INCA culture, the discovery and we will share with you the cultural wealth that our ancestors left us.
Then we will tour the entire circuit of the park where we will visit the most important places of the citadel as the Temple of the Sun, The Quarry, The Main Square, The Intihuatana, The Huayranas and the Temple of the Condor. Of course, in each of these points we will talk about the function and importance they had 500 years ago, remember that you can take all the pictures you want during the tour to take the most beautiful memories of your visit to this mystical INCA city located at the entrance of the Amazon at the top of the mountain ranges of the Sacred Valley of the INCAS.
You will have time to explore and immerse yourself among the small streets, squares and large terraces that this mega construction has and when the tour ends we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes where you can enjoy lunch and then we will go to the station to board the train that will take us to Ollantaytambo where our transportation will be waiting for us to go to the city of Cusco and we will leave you at the hotel where you are staying.
We are sure that after this experience you will be very happy to have experienced the feeling of having been in the mountains and to have met the imposing Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Meals: breakfast
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Starting elevation: 2.040 m.a.s.l. / 6.693 ft.
Mountain elevation: 2,430 m.a.s.l. / 7,972 ft.
Elevation of machu picchu mountain: 3,000 m.a.s.l. / 9,842 ft.
Difficulty: easy
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
HIGH QUALITY SERVICE AND SAFETY
– Briefing:
One day before your trip you will meet with your guide to learn more about the itinerary you will take on this adventure. You will also get to know the most important information about the day to day of the trip. We will give you your duffel bag where you can put the extra things you will need during the trip. Remember that in this meeting you can talk about the different options or food restrictions you have.
– Professional mountain guides:
All our guides are graduates of the most important universities and institutes of Cusco. They are chosen for their great experience, responsibility, professionalism and above all for the great passion and pride they have for our history and culture. They will be proud to share with you everything related to our ancestors. They will make sure that your trip will be unforgettable. Your safety is guaranteed from the moment we pick you up in Cusco until we drop you off at your hotel at the end of the trip.
– First aid kit:
Our guides are specialists in first aid, rescue and evacuation if necessary. Because they have specialized training and are certified by the international red cross. They are highly trained and will always have a first aid kit and oxygen for any emergency. Your safety is guaranteed with us.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
HIGH QUALITY SERVICE AND SAFETY
– Briefing:
One day before your trip you will meet with your guide to learn more about the itinerary you will take on this adventure. You will also get to know the most important information about the day to day of the trip. We will give you your duffel bag where you can put the extra things you will need during the trip. Remember that in this meeting you can talk about the different options or food restrictions you have.
– Professional mountain guides:
All our guides are graduates of the most important universities and institutes of Cusco. They are chosen for their great experience, responsibility, professionalism and above all for the great passion and pride they have for our history and culture. They will be proud to share with you everything related to our ancestors. They will make sure that your trip will be unforgettable. Your safety is guaranteed from the moment we pick you up in Cusco until we drop you off at your hotel at the end of the trip.
– First aid kit:
Our guides are specialists in first aid, rescue and evacuation if necessary. Because they have specialized training and are certified by the international red cross. They are highly trained and will always have a first aid kit and oxygen for any emergency. Your safety is guaranteed with us.
Sometimes time is short for visitors and that is why we have this option designed for you and you can enjoy this Inca Trail in 2 days and 1 night, where you will see great constructions, terraces, ceremonial centers and of course you will enjoy the most incredible landscapes, mountains, waterfalls, tropical forests and the flora and fauna that you can only enjoy in this great hike in the rainforest of Cusco.
• ACCLIMATIZATION.
Travelers arrive from different parts of the world, from different altitudes and even from sea level for this the recommendation is to arrive 1 or 2 days before the city of Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l. / 11,154 ft.). The altitude, the flight time and the time change can affect you especially if it is your first time in our city. No special training is required for this adventure, but acclimatization is recommended before starting the hike. We have alternatives before you travel. Day hikes for better acclimatization, we recommend some of them.
City tour
Sacred Valley
Salt mines of Maras and Moray
Raimbow Mountain, Vinicunca
Raimbow mountain, Palcoyo
Waqrapucara
Seven lakes, Ausangate
Queswachaca, Inca bridge
Biking, horse riding, rafting, zip line and more…
Very Important.
Original Passport
Student Card (students)
Cash (Souvenirs, Drinks, Snacks and Tips)
Water Bottles or Camelbaks
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Mosquito Repellent
WipesHand sanitizer
Hat
Snacks
CLOTHING
Pantalones de Senderismo (2)
T.Shirt (2-3)
Hiking Underwear and Socks Sets (4)
Warm Jacket
Thermal Fleece
Comfortable Hiking Boots
Waterproof Jacket / Rain Poncho
Wool Hat (Bennie)
Sneakers or Sandals (For use in Aguas Calientes)
Waterproof Gloves
