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.
Duration: 4 Days
Transport: Bus
Price: Contact us
Others: Please note that all itineraries are subject to change
Bring With You
- Backpack
- Hiking shoes
- Warm Clothes
- Rain jacket or Poncho
- Flashlight
- Camera
- Water Bottle
- Hat against the sun
- High factor sun block
- Insect repellent
- Snacks (energy bars, chocolates etc.)
- Swimsuit
Included
- Professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish) and cook
- Pack horses to carry food, camping equipment, and personal items
- Pre-departure orientation meeting
- Pick up from accommodation in Cusco and transfer to Lares
- Double occupancy tents (all new equipment) with foam mattresses
- Camping Equipment
- All meals, snacks and coffee/tea breaks
- First Aid Kit with oxygen
- Radios for communication in case of emergencies
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- 1 night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes (double rooms)
- One way bus ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu and guided tour
- Train back to Cusco (standard Backpacker Service, if you would like to make a change to the service, or request a specific departure time, please let us know)
- Transfer from the train station back to accommodation in Cusco
Not Included
- Entrance fee to the hot springs
- Sleeping bag (can be rented at Dos Manos)
- A few meals are not included - breakfast on day 1 and lunch as well as dinner on day 4
- Entrance and climb to Wayna Picchu (can be booked with Dos Manos - please let us know in advance)
- Possibly the most important thing to consider - TIPS for porters, guides, cooks
Additional Options:
This is a fantastic trek that takes you well off the tourist trails as you climb out of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and continue over into the valley of Lares. In crossing these mountains you have the chance to enjoy spectacular Andean scenery, including lakes and wildlife, and also visit traditional Andean villages and Incan ruins. Many of these people still dress in typical clothing and they can be seen far off in the distance in their red and black clothing while tending their sheep or llamas. 
