Embark on a mesmerizing journey with the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Every step you take immerses you into the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Lares, Peru.
Nestled within the sprawling Andean Mountain ranges, this four-day adventure awaits. It invites you to traverse through the charming Lares Valley, showcasing a radiant display of natural beauty and ancient culture. You’ll step away from the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and forge a path along a lesser-known route. Discover untouched beauty and genuine local communities in the Sacred Valley.
As you commence your journey from the small town of Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes acts as your gateway to this Incan adventure. With every footfall, you navigate through the Lares hot springs and quaint Andean villages.
Here, welcoming local families provide a glimpse into age-old Peruvian traditions. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers a unique hiking experience. It also bridges your present moment with the historical whisperings of ancient Incan civilizations.
Ascending towards the highest point of the trek, you reach an elevation of 4,400 meters (14,435 feet). You might find the challenge of high altitude intertwining with overwhelming awe at the breathtaking scenery of the Urubamba mountain ranges.
Be mindful, as high altitude can bring the risk of altitude sickness. However, your gradual acclimatization and careful pace will likely guide you through safely. A kaleidoscope of colors from lush valleys to stark, towering peaks will narrate your passage. This differentiates the trek significantly from its well-trodden counterpart, the Salkantay Trek.
Visiting Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the crescendo of this journey. It reveals the majestic Incan city perched dramatically between the peaks of the Andean mountain ranges. Imagine standing amidst the clouds, overlooking the sacred site where civilizations thrived centuries ago.
This comes after days of immersing in a serene and almost meditative trek through vibrant local cultures and ethereal landscapes. It converges into a moment where time seemingly stands still.
Hiking the Lares Trek does not merely transport you from point A to B. It cradles you through a timeless journey. Every step is a gentle descent into an ancient world, bridging the echoes of the past with your vivid, unforgettable present.
So lace up your hiking boots. Allow the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu to reveal not just the physical destination. Experience a transformative journey through the sacred, untouched expanses of Lares, Peru.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0600 AM
Embark with “Trails to Machu Picchu” and anticipate an enlightening expedition on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Your journey starts from the pulsating heart of Lares, Peru, and stretches over 33 kilometers (approximately 20 miles) of enthralling terrains. These terrains must speak to you of rich history and untouched nature.
You’ll navigate through ancient trails, where every footstep whispers tales from the enigmatic Inca era. The team will guide you, ensuring that the enchanting landscapes entwine seamlessly with insightful narrations of historical contexts. The journey guarantees not merely a trek but a profound dive into a distant past.
Your guides from “Trails to Machu Picchu” will usher you through the Lares Valley. We will ensure that you immerse fully in the natural splendors and cultural richness the route has to offer. You will engage with local communities, experiencing a candid glimpse into the timeless traditions of the Andean people.
Ascending to elevations reaching up to 4,450 meters (approximately 14,600 feet), your body will encounter challenges. The excitement of high-altitude trekking will also be present. But fear not, for your experienced guides will navigate you safely. Ensuring each step you take weaves a thread into the tapestry of an unforgettable Peruvian adventure.
The journey begins early, with a 6:00 AM departure from Cusco. The group assembles, and excitement fills the air. Our transportation is comfortable and sturdy, suitable for the winding roads ahead.
The initial drive to Calca immerses travelers in picturesque landscapes. Lush valleys, robust mountains, and quaint villages punctuate the route. We reach Calca around 7:30 AM, welcoming a brief exploration period.
Local markets in Calca brim with activity and vibrant colors. Locals engage in animated bartering, exchanging goods and smiles. Visitors may grab a snack or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
The drive continues towards the Lares Hot Springs, reaching around 10:00 AM. Lares greets adventurers with welcoming thermal waters. These pools offer a rejuvenating soak, marking a soothing start to the trek. The team will allocate around 1.5 hours to enjoy the springs, ensuring ample relaxation.
Lunch follows at approximately 12:00 PM, showcasing a selection of Peruvian flavors. Traditional dishes, prepared with local ingredients, fuel the forthcoming trek. A pre-trek briefing unfolds as travelers savor their meals.
Our guide shares insights, tips, and a brief overview of the adventure ahead. Post-lunch, the trek commences towards Huacahuasi, initiating around 1:30 PM.
The path unfolds amidst a backdrop of staggering natural beauty. Towering mountains flank the route, while distant waterfalls whisper softly. The terrain gradually ascends, pushing physical abilities while rewarding with spectacular vistas. Locals, adorned in traditional attire, tend to their herds along the way.
Polite nods and warm smiles exchange between trekkers and the native Quechua people.
We will reach Huacahuasi around 6:00 PM, where we will set the camp. The village, nestled amidst the Andes, whispers tales of ancient civilizations and humble living. We will serve dinner around 7:00 PM, followed by a well-deserved rest under the Peruvian starlit sky.
Morning arrives with a gentle brightness in Huacahuasi. Trekkers stir from their tents, greeted by the crisp Andean air at 6:00 AM. The surrounding peaks, majestic and silent, stand as guardians of ancient lands.
Breakfast awaits, with a spread of nutritious and energizing foods served at 6:30 AM. Fresh fruits, hearty grains, and robust coffee fortify adventurers for the day ahead.
We will depart Huacahuasi at 7:30 AM, our boots finding rhythm on the trail. The path ahead presents a blend of gradual ascents and traversing through high-altitude environments. Verdant landscapes, dotted with native flora, unfold in a mesmerizing display of nature’s bounty. Alpacas and llamas, stoic in their highland domains, nonchalantly observe our passing.
The route gradually leads us to our highest point for the day. Steadily, we will approach the demanding pass, reaching it around midday. We will pause, absorbing the sweeping vistas that span across the untamed wilderness of the Peruvian Andes.
Cameras capture moments, yet the soul imprints memories of these boundless views. A descent ensues, leading our group towards Isaycocha.
Lunch graces our palates en route, a restorative break amid the trek at around 1:00 PM. Local chefs craft meals that not only nourish but also introduce trekkers to the vibrant palette of Peruvian cuisine. Post-lunch, our trajectory towards Isaycocha continues through varied terrains, encountering pockets of wilderness that defy mere descriptions.
Around 5:00 PM, Isaycocha greets us, offering a sanctuary amidst the wild. The camp setup commences, providing a cozy enclave for the evening.
Dinner, a symphony of local and international flavors, welcomes the famished at approximately 7:00 PM. Nightfall drapes the campsite. The celestial bodies above narrate tales of the cosmos. Eyes gradually surrender to a restful slumber
At 6:00 AM, the whispering winds of Isaycocha gently coax trekkers awake. The serene landscape, kissed by the first light, instills a tranquil beginning to the day. Breakfast, a flavorful and nutritious array, is ready by 6:30 AM. It offers sustenance while the encompassing beauty of the Andes serves spiritual nourishment.
By 7:30 AM, the trek recommences, with the pathway beckoning towards Patacancha Willoq. The journey unfolds amidst a canvas of scenic wonders and occasional settlements. Locals, with their vibrant textiles and heartwarming smiles, occasionally cross our path. Their lives, deeply intertwined with the land, provide a poignant reminder of the region’s rich heritage.
Upon reaching Patacancha Willoq at approximately 10:00 AM, a brief respite allows for the exploration of local traditions. Handcrafted goods, woven with generations of skill, present opportunities for mementos. Shortly after, the journey evolves towards Pumamarka, introducing varied terrains and vistas. Lunch serves as an appetizing interlude, available around 12:00 PM amidst the natural splendor.
Post-lunch, the route cascades towards Ollantaytambo, offering both challenge and reward. Feet tread across ancient, stone-paved trails, revealing whispers of civilization’s past. The town, a relic of Incan ingenuity and resilience, welcomes explorers around 3:00 PM. Here, an exploration of archaeological wonders and cobblestone streets beckons.
A train awaits, destined for Aguas Calientes, departing at 5:00 PM. The scenic ride intertwines with anticipation, as Machu Picchu’s proximity amplifies. Aguas Calientes, nestling in the shadows of the ancient citadel, welcomes weary travelers around 6:30 PM.
We will be serving a final dinner, rich with Peruvian flavors at 7:30 PM. Subsequently, a bed in a cozy hotel offers the prospect of restful sleep. It is beneath the enigmatic aura of the looming Andean peaks.
The fourth day ushers in a pinnacle moment of the trek. It begins before dawn in Aguas Calientes at 4:00 AM. Anticipation permeates the cool air as adventurers assemble for the final ascent.
A sense of shared camaraderie and accomplishment prevails among the trekkers. The path to Machu Picchu, shrouded in pre-dawn dimness, unfolds with a mysterious allure.
The trek upwards begins, gradually revealing the enthralling majesty of the landscape. The ascent, although strenuous, offers rewards that exponentially magnify with every step taken. By 6:00 AM, the iconic Sun Gate welcomes trekkers, revealing the timeless splendor of Machu Picchu below. Iconic, mystical, and majestically poised amidst its mountainous realm, it beholds an aura of unspoken reverence.
A guided tour commences, revealing the secrets, histories, and architectural marvels of the ancient city until 9:00 AM. Explorers navigate through the venerable ruins, where the tales of Incan civilization come alive in stone and earth. Post-tour, trekkers relish some free time, allowing for personal explorations and contemplations amidst the ruins until 12:00 PM.
A bus transports explorers back to Aguas Calientes around 1:00 PM. Here, a leisurely lunch provides a moment to reflect on the mystical experiences encountered atop the mountain. The return journey to Cusco begins with a train ride at approximately 3:00 PM.
The Peruvian landscape, bathed in the golden hue of the afternoon sun, serenely passes by. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a bus awaits to complete the final leg back to Cusco, reaching around 8:00 PM.
Back in Cusco, the trek officially concludes, yet the memories harvested along the Lares Trek continue to resonate deeply within. We will bid Adieu, not just to fellow travelers, but to a journey that transcends mere physical traverse.
Embarking on the Lares Trek with Trails to Machu Picchu was nothing short of a dream woven into the Peruvian Andes’ verdant tapestry. The route, meticulously etched through remote villages and rugged terrains, seamlessly intertwined the majestic allure of nature with the rich tapestry of local cultures. The encounters with the Quechua-speaking locals, sharing smiles and insights into their vibrant traditions, were heartwarming interludes in our trek.
