Trekking Lares a Camino Inca

We know how important this vacation is for you. So, we do not want you to have any doubt or any lack during your trip towards one of the wonders of the world, therefore the guide will meet at your hotel 1 to 2 days before to give you detailed and personalized information to answer your inquiries.

Begin your journey with our private transportation, departing Cusco at 5:30 am, and prepare to marvel at the picturesque journey through the Sacred Valley. Make a 20-minute stop at the market in the provincial town of Calca and witness a range of local products from both the highlands and the subtropical jungle, such as cacao, coca leaves, bananas, and oranges, among many others. You will have time to buy last-minute items, such as water, before continuing your adventurous journey.

We will then continue driving for about 2 hours to reach the thermal springs of Lares (3,120 meters or 10,2660 feet), where we will have the option to soak in this medicinal thermal bath and unwind our muscles before our hike begins. The trail begins to climb gradually up the Lares Valley to the lunch spot.

Upon arrival, we will meet our rider and his horses. Today we will have lunch around 1:30 p.m., tasting a succulent lunch prepared by our adventure chef. After feeding and taking a nap, the adventure continues. Along this segment, we will see some herds of llamas and alpacas accompanied by their shepherds, who are usually children dressed in their typical costumes of their community, and later, we will arrive at our first camp located in the community of Wacawasi (12,630 ft/3,850 m). At the camp, we will have our tents ready to rest, and we will have a coffee break followed by dinner prepared by our creative chef.

MEALS: lunch, coffee break, and dinner.
ACCOMMODATION: camping facilities.
Distance: 8 km/5 miles.
HIKING TIME: 5 to 6 hours.
TEMPERATURE: minimum of -5 °C (23 °F) or maximum of 18 °C (64 °F).
Physical difficulty: medium 3/5.

Today is our challenging but rewarding day. After breakfast, you will begin your ascent for approximately 3 hours to reach the Ipsaycocha pass (4,500 m/14,763 ft). This marks the highest elevation of our Lares Trek. Here we will enjoy the wildlife of the Andes and the life and herding of the Andean Quechua descendants of the Inca culture, who still live in the tranquility of these places. We will also observe the impressive mountain ranges, view the majestic mountain glaciers, and watch for condors. Below is the emerald green lake Ipsaycocha (4,200 m/13,779 ft.), where we will have a delicious lunch—truly an amazing place!

Next, we will head to the village of Patacancha, where we will camp in the midst of welcoming local families.

• MEALS: breakfast, coffee break, and dinner
• ACCOMMODATION: camping facilities.
• DISTANCE: 12 km / 7.4 miles.
• WALKING TIME:  7 to 8 hours.
• TEMPERATURE: minimum -7 ° C (19.4 ° F) / max. 18 ° C (64 ° F)
• PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: challenge 4/5

Today is an easier day. After breakfast, we will walk downhill through a narrower valley for about 5 hours, following the Paracancha River. On the way down, we will pass one of the oldest communities, Willoq (3,200 m/10,498 ft). It’s a Quechua village where the locals still wear traditional clothing and are proud to maintain their cultural identity. The inhabitants of this area are known locally as ‘Huayruros’, named after a red and black seed that recalls the color of their ponchos. During our journey, we will have the chance to admire some of the weavings made by the locals themselves. These high-quality weavings are renowned for their intricate designs that reflect various aspects of their daily lives and cultures.

Our journey will continue until we reach Ollantaytambo, which is the town that we are looking for. The streets, water channels, and foundations of some of the original Inca houses can be found in this Quechua town, which is another example of the Inca construction style being preserved. The Inca city of Ollantaytambo is a place that honors our ancestors by preserving their spirit in living form. Having the opportunity to spend the night in this historic location, which will feel like a trip back in time, will be a wonderful experience.

• MEALS: breakfast, coffee break, and dinner
• ACCOMMODATION: camping facilities.
• DISTANCE: 12 km / 7.4 mils
• WALKING TIME: 5 to 6 hours.
• TEMPERATURE: minimum -2 ° C (28.4 ° F) / max. 18 ° C (64 ° F)
• PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: easy 2/5

After spending three days in the Andes, we entered the upper Amazon and embarked on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

We woke up early to prepare and have breakfast before heading to the train station. This is where we began our hike. During the 1:10-hour train ride to km 104, we enjoyed the breathtaking scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Nearby is the first archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,170 m/7,120 ft), which boasts a pleasant, temperate climate.

We then continue for three hours uphill along the well-preserved Inca trail to visit another Inca site, Wiñaywayna, also known as Nini Machu Picchu. This hidden gem is nestled among the vegetation of the cloud forest and boasts impeccable sixteenth-century architecture that has been well preserved. Hikers use a camp nearby with the same name. Our chef will prepare a boxed lunch for us to enjoy with a rewarding view.

Then, we will continue on an easier hike through a cloud forest to the famous Sun Gate. From there, we will have our first panoramic view of the Peruvian emblem, Machu Picchu.

After a short descent, we will continue walking until we reach the main viewpoint and fulfill our dream. After taking the classic photos of Machu Picchu, we head to the town of Aguas Calientes, boarding the bus to spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

• MEALS: breakfast, boxed lunch, and dinner
• ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
• DISTANCE: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• WALKING TIME: 6 to 7 hours
• TEMPERATURE: minimum 5° C (41° F) / max. 22 ° C (71° F)
• PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Medium 3/5

Today, we will begin our day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an exciting sightseeing and exploration tour of Machu Picchu. We will take a private tour of this magnificent site with our guide. To reach Machu Picchu, we will drive from the hotel to the bus station and board a bus for a scenic 25-minute ride.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, our guide will lead us on a captivating tour, sharing fascinating stories about its history and explaining the significance of the main sites of this wonder. We will spend two enchanting hours immersing ourselves in the last city of the Incas.

After enjoying its mystery and creating unforgettable memories, we will board the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes. Following this, we will enjoy a delicious lunch (not included) before continuing our journey. In the afternoon, we will take the train to Ollanta Tambo station, followed by a comfortable ride back to your hotel in Cusco on our private transportation. If you wish to hike the Huayna Picchu mountain after the tour on your own, please request availability and book your ticket.

Please note that the return trip from Aguas Calientes to Cusco takes approximately four hours, so we recommend having lunch before (not included).

• Meals: breakfast
• Temperature: minimum 8 ° C (46.4 ° F) / max. 26 ° C (78.8 ° F)