Start your unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Peruvian Andes with the Lares Trek.
This 3-day trek takes you off the beaten track, immersing yourself in stunning landscapes, charming villages and the rich cultural heritage of the Lares region. Walk through valleys adorned with vibrant wildflowers, climb to glacial lakes between snow-capped peaks, and interact with local communities preserving their ancient traditions.
The Lares Trek offers a unique combination of challenges and cultural discoveries, culminating with the majestic view of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Are you ready to experience the magic of the Andes?
Your adventure in the Andean mountains through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu begins early with your 5:00 am pickup from your Cusco hotel. Then, we head to Huaran, where we meet your muleteers and horses. It’s time to get ready, put on your boots and start our first 3 hours gradually ascending towards Cancha Cancha. Along the way, your lunch will be served by the river, replenishing your energy for the hike with a delicious meal prepared by the trekking chef.
Cancha Cancha (3,900 m / 12,800 ft) is one of the most isolated and traditional communities, self-sufficient as it has been for hundreds of years. There is no road into the community and they were only connected to electricity in December 2019. After settling into your tents and having afternoon tea, you will have the opportunity to visit a local family. You will learn everything about life in a traditional Andean village, with your guide as an interpreter. After dinner, your guide will show you the Inca constellations that they relied on for their agricultural guidance and still do to this day.
Feeling refreshed and ready for the challenge of the second day, we began our 7-hour hike northeast after another delicious breakfast. It begins as an intense journey, reaching high passes on our way to the highest point of our hike at the Pachacutec Pass (4,500m /14,800 feet). Here, we celebrate achievement and marvel at the views of glaciers, remote lakes, and majestic mountains that surround us.
After enjoying the summit, we descend for 3 hours until we reach our camp near the community of Quiswarani at 3,700 m/12,139 ft. Along the way, we meet locals herding their llamas and alpacas, who will kindly share their culture and traditions, interacting in the Quechua language with the help of our guide as an interpreter.
As we approach Quishuarani, we pass by the impressive seven waterfalls, marking our imminent arrival. Finally, we arrive at Quiswarani, where transportation awaits us for a 2-hour trip to Ollantaytambo and then we take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a cozy hotel.
The long-awaited day has arrived! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise.
It is a truly extraordinary place and an experience you won’t want to miss. Your guide will take you on a tour of approximately two hours, showing you the most important points of Machu Picchu and explaining its division into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
After the tour, those who have pre-booked additional hikes to Huayna Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own.
After soaking up the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on the departure time of your train, you can do shopping, sightseeing, visit the museum or relax in the hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 or 3:20 p.m., following the spectacular Urubamba River. Near Aguas Calientes, the canyon narrows and the river features many whitewater sections. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up the steep canyon wall!
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. It is estimated that you will arrive at your hotel around 7:00 p.m.
***IMPORTANT:
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all that's left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, we'll be with you every step of the way. At Cosmo Expeditions, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.
Book fast and easy on our website and keep track of your reservation with our most advanced booking system, be updated on our discounts every week.
Cosmo Expeditions it’s the people who make a difference. Our travel experts craft the perfect trip for every traveler through our award-winning customer service. Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most popular destinations for adventure treks in South Amer
Read moreThe Inca Trail is a world-renowned hiking trail that leads to the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail is a combinatio
Read moreMachu Picchu is a stunning 15th-century Inca ruin located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is considered one of t
Read more