4-Day Trek from Lares to Machu Picchu

Dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a memorable four-day trek through the Lares Valley leading to Machu Picchu. This route serves as an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail for those wishing to immerse themselves in authentic Andean communities.

Lares Valley Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco - Lares - Cuncani

Commencing from your hotel in Cusco, a bus journey will take us to the Sacred Valley, where we will arrive at Valle de Lares. Before proceeding, we will briefly stop in Calca to gather any last-minute supplies necessary for our trek.

Our hike will begin as we ascend to the Amparaes Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet), offering breath-taking views of the surrounding peaks.

Upon reaching the natural thermal pools in Valle de Lares, we’ll indulge in a relaxing soak to rejuvenate ourselves for the next phase of our adventure. After a refreshing break, we’ll continue our exploration of the area's beauty before pausing for lunch nearby.

Following our meal, we’ll make our way to Cuncani, where we will set up camp for the night.

Day 2: Cuncani - Pumahuanca Pass - Paccha

After enjoying breakfast at our campsite, we’ll set out for the Pumahuanca Pass.

If the weather is favorable, we will be rewarded with magnificent views of Colque Cruz, a glacier-clad mountain providing vital water resources to nearby communities like Cuncani and Quishuarani. This vantage point allows us to capture the stunning vistas of the glacier and the various lagoons scattered across the valley.

As we near the Pumahuanca Pass, the trail grows slightly more challenging with rocky sections as we ascend. We’ll traverse past high-altitude lagoons, giving us a chance to reflect on our progress.

Upon reaching the summit, we’ll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of Pampa de Anta. After soaking in the incredible scenery, we will descend through a unique polylepis forest, home to an endemic and endangered tree species of the Andes.

Ultimately, we’ll establish camp for the night at the Paccha campsite.

Day 3: Paccha - Local Fish Farm - Ollantaytambo

Rise and shine! After a hearty breakfast, we will embark on our initial visit of the day. At the local Pumahuanca fish farm, we’ll discover the intricacies of fish cultivation through a guided tour.

Once we conclude our visit, a few hours of scenic hiking await us before we board a private vehicle destined for Ollantaytambo station. Here, we will board a train bound for Aguas Calientes, the largest town near Machu Picchu. Just like that, we will find ourselves at one of the Seven Wonders of the World!

Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes station, representatives from the hotel where we will spend the night will assist us with our luggage. After settling in, we will savor a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 4: Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

In order to fully enjoy our final day, we'll wake up early. After breakfast, we will follow a winding path leading us to the renowned site of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

After a brief 25-minute bus ride, we will reach the main entrance of the sanctuary. Here, a guided tour will allow us to explore the site for approximately 2 hours. Following the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the area independently at your leisure.

With unforgettable memories in mind, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at various local establishments.

Finally, we will take a train back to Ollantaytambo, where our staff will be ready to escort us to our original departure point in Cuzco.

Accommodation

The route includes three nights of accommodation:

• Two nights at mountain campsites in Cuncani and Paccha
• One night at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes

Important

If the tour is canceled due to strikes or adverse weather conditions, we will offer an alternative date to complete the trek. Should rescheduling not be feasible, please be advised that a full refund will be provided, excluding the non-refundable entrance fees to Machu Picchu (approximately 200 PEN).