Lares Inca Trail Trek

We understand how special and meaningful this vacation is for you. Your journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, deserves to be perfect in every way. To ensure your experience is seamless and stress-free, we offer a detailed pre-trek briefing tailored specifically to the Lares Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu.

Your expert guide will visit your hotel in Cusco 1 to 2 days before your trek to provide comprehensive and personalized information about the adventure ahead. During this meeting, you’ll receive a clear explanation of the itinerary, the highlights of the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, and essential details to help you prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is also the perfect opportunity to address any questions or special requests you might have, ensuring you feel fully confident and excited about your upcoming journey.

What to Expect During the Briefing:

• A complete overview of the Lares Inca Trail itinerary, including the unique blend of culture, nature, and history that makes this route so extraordinary.
• Packing tips and advice to ensure you’re well-equipped for the trek through breathtaking Andean landscapes.
• Information about the incredible experiences awaiting you, such as interactions with local communities, visits to ancient ruins, and spectacular views of the Sacred Valley.
• Answers to any of your questions, whether they relate to the trail, accommodations, meals, or transportation.

Our goal is to help you feel connected, prepared, and truly excited about embarking on this unforgettable journey. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual serenity of the Lares trek or the rich history of the Inca Trail, this unique 5-day adventure offers the best of both worlds, culminating in the awe-inspiring beauty of Machu Picchu.

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 the most challenging yet deeply rewarding day of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. After a hearty breakfast to fuel your energy, we embark on a breathtaking ascent lasting approximately 3 hours, leading us to the stunning Ipsaycocha Pass (4,500 m / 14,763 ft), the highest point of our trek. This is where the magic of the Lares Inca Trail truly comes to life.

At this awe-inspiring elevation, you’ll find yourself immersed in the untouched wilderness of the Andes, surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges, towering glaciers, and the tranquil beauty of emerald-green Ipsaycocha Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). This serene spot is perfect for soaking in the grandeur of nature while enjoying a delicious, freshly prepared lunch. As we pause to rest, keep your eyes on the skies for majestic condors gliding overhead—a breathtaking sight that adds a touch of wonder to the journey.

The Lares Trek is not just about the landscapes; it’s a cultural immersion into the lives of the Andean Quechua communities, descendants of the mighty Inca civilization. Along the trail, we’ll encounter local shepherds tending to herds of llamas and alpacas, offering a glimpse into their traditional way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. This connection with the region’s people and their heritage adds depth and authenticity to your adventure.

After marveling at the natural and cultural richness of Ipsaycocha, we descend toward the charming village of Patacancha. Here, you’ll camp amidst welcoming local families who open their homes and hearts to share their traditions and stories. It’s an enriching experience that fosters a genuine connection with the Andean way of life.

• 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, we embrace a gentler pace, perfect for immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty and cultural richness of the Lares Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll begin our descent along a picturesque, narrow valley, following the Paracancha River for approximately 5 hours. This day offers countless opportunities to connect with the heart of the Andes as we pass through the historic Quechua village of Willoq (3,200 m/10,498 ft).

Explore the Timeless Culture of Willoq

Willoq is one of the oldest and most vibrant communities along the Lares trek to Machu Picchu. Here, locals continue to wear traditional clothing and proudly maintain their ancestral customs, providing travelers with a unique window into the past. The villagers, affectionately known as ‘Huayruros,’ take their name from the striking red and black huayruro seed, which symbolizes prosperity and is reflected in the vibrant colors of their ponchos.

As we journey through Willoq, you’ll witness firsthand the remarkable artistry of their renowned traditional weavings. These intricate textiles are not just beautiful; they tell the story of Quechua life, with designs inspired by the natural surroundings, daily routines, and deep-rooted cultural beliefs. You’ll have the chance to admire and, if you wish, purchase these high-quality weavings as a keepsake of this unforgettable experience.

Arriving at Ollantaytambo: A Living Inca City

Our trek continues downhill until we reach the majestic town of Ollantaytambo, a true gem of the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo, often called the “Living Inca City,” showcases the brilliance of Inca engineering and urban design. As you wander through its cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter ancient water channels and foundations of original Inca houses that remain standing to this day.

Spending the night in this historic town is like stepping back in time, surrounded by the spirit of the Inca civilization. This unique opportunity allows you to connect deeply with the heritage of the Andes, setting the stage for the grand finale of your adventure: the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

• Meals: Breakfast, Coffee Break, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping Facilities
• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Temperature: Minimum -2°C (28.4°F) / Maximum 18°C (64°F)
• Physical Difficulty: Easy (2/5)

After spending three awe-inspiring days immersed in Andean culture and landscapes, we entered the lush upper Amazon and began the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a highlight of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

A Magical Morning in the Andes

The day began early, with a hearty breakfast to energize us for the adventure ahead. Our journey started at the train station, where a scenic 1-hour 10-minute ride brought us to km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Along the way, we marveled at the breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a landscape filled with terraced hillsides, ancient ruins, and the vibrant hues of Andean flora.

Our first stop was the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,120 ft), an ancient ceremonial center nestled in a temperate microclimate. This hidden treasure set the tone for the day’s exploration, with its intricate stonework and tranquil surroundings offering a glimpse into the engineering brilliance of the Incas.

Hiking Through History and Nature

From Chachabamba, we began a three-hour uphill hike along the well-preserved Inca Trail, surrounded by the lush greenery of the cloud forest. The effort was richly rewarded as we reached the stunning ruins of Wiñaywayna, also known as “Forever Young” or “Mini Machu Picchu.” This extraordinary site, with its cascading terraces and perfectly aligned stone structures, exemplifies the ingenuity of sixteenth-century Inca architecture.

Wiñaywayna is a peaceful oasis hidden among the forest canopy, offering hikers a unique sense of connection to the past. Here, we paused to enjoy a boxed lunch prepared by our talented chef, taking in the views of this remarkable location while savoring a well-deserved meal.

The Final Ascent: Reaching the Sun Gate

After lunch, we embarked on an easier section of the trail, passing through the dense vegetation of the cloud forest. The anticipation built as we approached the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the gateway to Machu Picchu. As we stepped through this historic threshold, we were greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu, bathed in the soft light of the late afternoon. The sense of achievement and awe was overwhelming, as we stood gazing at one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

The Dream Fulfilled: Arriving at Machu Picchu

A short descent brought us to the main viewpoint of Machu Picchu, where we paused to capture the quintessential photographs of this Peruvian emblem. The sheer scale and beauty of the ancient citadel left us speechless, fulfilling a dream that had been years in the making.

From there, we took a bus down to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, where we celebrated the day’s triumphs with a delicious dinner and a restful night in a comfortable hotel.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
• Temperature: Minimum 5° C (41° F) / Maximum 22° C (71° F)
• Physical Difficulty: Medium (3/5)

Begin your unforgettable journey with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, setting the tone for an exciting day of exploration and adventure. Today, you will experience one of the world’s most iconic and awe-inspiring destinations Machu Picchu on a private, guided tour that immerses you in the history and mystery of this ancient Inca site.

Your day starts with a scenic drive from your hotel to the bus station, where you will board a bus for a 25-minute ride to back Machu Picchu. Once you arrive, your expert guide will take you on a captivating tour of the circuit 3, revealing fascinating stories about the Inca civilization and explaining the significance of the key structures within this remarkable site.

Spend approximately two hours exploring the last city of the Incas, discovering its secrets and marveling at the ingenuity of the ancient engineers who created this architectural wonder. As you walk through the ancient ruins, you will witness the stunning beauty of the Machu Picchu citadel and its surrounding landscapes, making memories that will last a lifetime.

After your immersive exploration, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, the vibrant town nestled at the base of Machu Picchu. Here, you can enjoy a delicious lunch (not included) before continuing your journey. In the afternoon, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo station, followed by a comfortable ride back to your hotel in Cusco in our private transportation.

For those who are seeking an additional challenge, the Huayna Picchu mountain hike offers a stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings. If you wish to hike this iconic peak, be sure to request availability and book your ticket in advance.

Important Information:

• The return trip from Aguas Calientes to Cusco lasts approximately four hours. We recommend enjoying lunch beforehand (not included) to ensure a more comfortable journey.
• Meals: Breakfast included.
• Temperature: Minimum 8°C (46.4°F) / Maximum 26°C (78.8°F).