Lares Valley Trek and Machu Picchu 4 Days

In the morning we pick you up from your hotel and depart Cusco early in a private bus through the Sacred Valley to the picturesque town of Lares (3,100m). Here we will spend time bathing in the hot thermal springs before having lunch. Accompanied by mules and llamas to carry our packs, we begin our hike up the verdant river valley and continue for about 3 hours until reaching the charming community of Cuncani (3,600m.) where we have dinner and camp for the night.

In the morning we are greeted by a stunning view of the snow-capped peak of Colque Cruz (5,700m). Continuing our trek, beautiful landscapes dotted by colorful ponchos worn by villagers herding their sheep and llamas unfold before us. Slowly hiking upward, we pass a succession of turquoise lakes and then continue to the first high pass at Uchuycasa (4000m.) From the pass, we enjoy stunning views of the valley below as our trail winds down to the village of Quishuarani (3,700m), where we spend the night.

Today, we begin with a short walk to an impressive lake into which empties the beautiful, cascading waterfall of Pausi. Our trail leads up to the right, passing many small waterfalls and following an original Inca stone path. As we reach the Pachacuti pass (4,500m.), we have spectacular views of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5,750m.) and Chicon (5,500m.). Down below, we can also see the striking Suirococha lake located next to the village of Cancha Cancha (3,800), our last campsite.

This is our least difficult hiking day as we continue downward from the village of Cancha Cancha, passing thatched-roof stone houses and pastoral farmland. As we head into the warm valley, we follow mountain streams through a wide corridor filled with bird life and rocky formations. The trail comes out at Sayhuapata (2,800m), from where our private vehicle will take us to the legendary Inca town of Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, we have plenty of time to visit this incredible archeological site. Then we can relax, enjoy a savory meal, and sleep comfortably in a hostal with great views of the Inca temples.

We take the early morning train to Aguas Calientes (tourist class). In Aguas Calientes, we ride the tourist bus up to the famous archeological complex of Machu Picchu, arriving around 11:30am. An official English speaking guide will lead a tour of approximately 2 hours, followed by time to explore the remains on our own. Departing the ruins in the afternoon, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Cusco.