Lares Valley to Machu Picchu

Day 1

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and travel by bus for approximately 2 hours to Calca, where we stop to buy personal supplies and bread for children we will meet during our trek. From here we drive 3 hours further to Lares (3100m), where we soak in the hot springs and have lunch. We meet with our horsemen and mules and begin the trek. After 4 to 5 hours of walking we arrive at our first campsite at Huacahuasi (3850m).

Day 2

After having breakfast we commence the most challenging day of the trek hiking over the Ipsaycocha Pass at 4350m. Then we descend for a half a hour towards the breathtaking Lake Ipsaycocha where we will have lunch. After lunch, we continue for nearly three hours mostly downhill, arriving at the town of Patacancha where we will set up camp. Along the route the scenery is stunning - there are glacial lakes, waterfalls and snow-peaked mountains. This area is also rich in birdlife and there is the possibility of seeing Andean ibis, Andean geese, flamingoes and more.

Day 3

After breakfast, we begin making our way to Ollantaytambo and pass through villages such as Huilloc and Pallacta, where we witness traditional Andean weaving by local women. We will also pass by the Inca sites of Huanacaure and Hatunayaorko. After having lunch in Ollantaytambo, we make our way to the train station and take the train to Aguas Calientes (2040m) where we will stay the night in a hotel.

Day 4

We get up very early today to get the first bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu. After a walking tour of the ruins provided by the guide there will be free time to explore Machu Picchu independently. We meet in the afternoon to take the train from Aguas Calientes and make our way back to Cusco.