The 04 Day – Lares Trek to Machu Picchu tour offers a unique blend of stunning lakes, traditional Quechua communities, and ancient lifestyles that have stood the test of time in the mountains.
These communities still uphold age-old traditions, practicing ancient wisdom and constructing stone houses reminiscent of the Inca era.
The Lares Trek in Peru winds through high-altitude villages, showcasing breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and herds of llamas and alpacas. By the third day, we’ll reach the Patacancha-Ollantaytambo community for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, passing through the Sacred Valley, where we’ll spend the night and prepare to explore Machu Picchu, the most significant Inca city in the Andes.
The Lares trek in Peru begins in the quaint village of Pumahuanca within the Sacred Valley. Our journey takes us up a secondary valley, covering approximately 14km and ascending around 1150m / 3373ft until we reach Puyoc village. Along the ascent, we’ll explore the ancient Inca site of Pumahuanca and discover the diverse native flora, fauna, and birdlife of the area.
This particular Lares trek route is less frequented by other tour companies, allowing us to enjoy the serene and peaceful environment without disturbances. Due to the limited foot traffic in this region, there’s a high possibility of encountering Viscachas, creatures similar to rabbitlike Chinchillas, and possibly even spotting an Andean Fox. Our overnight camp will be set up in Puyoc at an elevation of 4100m / 13451ft. Given the barren nature of this altitude, it can get chilly during the dry season, so it’s advisable to bring gloves and a hat.
Accommodation: Campsite in Puyoc
Likewise, today marks the most breathtaking segment of the Lares trek in Peru, and it’s relatively more relaxed compared to the previous day. Starting from our camping spot, we’ll embark on a 13km journey to the village of Cuncani. However, the majority of this trek is downhill since the mountain pass is encountered just within the initial 2 hours.
During the trek, we’ll be greeted by towering snow-capped peaks, tranquil mountain lakes (including Yanacocha, known as Black Water), and encounter locals adorned in their vibrant red traditional attire. Notably, this side of the pass offers a distinct cultural experience compared to the other side. As we descend from the pass, your guide will provide insights into the local community and their lifestyle. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to learn some basic Quechua phrases, enabling you to engage more meaningfully with the local inhabitants.
Accommodation: Campsite in Cuncani
Today’s highlight on the Lares trek in Peru is the cultural immersion with the local communities. Rising early, our guide will escort us to a local home, offering an authentic experience to engage with a native family.
The locals are incredibly hospitable, showing genuine curiosity about our backgrounds. By this point, you should have grasped some Quechua phrases, enabling you to initiate conversations and ask questions, which often delights and entertains everyone. Additionally, this is the perfect opportunity to present any gifts you might have brought for the community and to purchase some locally crafted alpaca goods, for which the region is renowned.
After departing from Cuncani, a brief 6km journey leads us to the Lares hot springs. En route, we’ll traverse through quaint villages where locals cultivate a diverse range of crops like quinoa and tarwi.
It’s also likely we’ll witness flocks of Andean parrots soaring above, easily identifiable by their distinctive calls. Following a soothing soak in the hot springs, our bus will transport us back to the Sacred Valley. From there, we’ll board a train to Machu Picchu.
Accommodation: Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel *** or equivalent
Primarily, we’ll rise early to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu, ensuring we enter the site right when it opens.
We’ll embark on a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel, delving into the history of the Incas and exploring the most significant sections of the complex. Following this, if you’ve secured the necessary permits, you’ll have additional time to ascend either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
In the afternoon, the journey continues with a train ride back to Ollantaytambo, from where we’ll proceed by bus to Cusco.
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 Vicuña Peru 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.
Vicuña Peru 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 America
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.
Read more
