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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, 5 days from Cusco

Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu

Your certified guide will lead you on this incredible 5-day trek among the stunning and raw natural beauty of Peru, starting in Cusco and traipsing along the Lares Trek, and then culminating in a visit to the world famous and breathtaking Machu Picchu.

Private

Andes

5 Days

All year

High

Intermediate


Highlights

* Trek along the Lares Trail - a less-crowded alternative to the Inca Trail

* See the absolutely wondrous and world famous Machu Picchu!

* Hike along several spectacular high passes and valleys

* Meet the local farmers and weavers and learn about their traditions

Description

Join me on this truly special, epic, amazing and awesome 5-day trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu via the Lares Trek, and I promise you will see and experience memories to last a lifetime, as we witness majestic mountains over high passes, vast open valleys, picturesque and tranquil lakes and richly diverse flora and fauna, all while learning about the ancient culture of the local people and areas.

The Lares Trek is a high altitude trek to Machu Picchu in the region of Cusco, Peru, and is popular as an alternative trek to the immensely more famous, but much busier and more populated Inca Trail. It is home to many local farmers and traditional weavers specializing in textiles, and many exotic bird species such as Andean ibises, Andean geese and flamingos inhabit the area.

We meet on the first morning at your hotel in Cusco, before driving 2 hours to the starting point, the village of Huaran. We then trek through the Sacred Valley, meeting the llama’s that will accompany us along the way, before winding our way along the Cancha Cancha River, before setting up camp in the idyllic village of Cancha Cancha.

The subsequent 3 days are spent trekking on some of the amazing high-altitude passes such as Pachacuteq (4458m), Qasa Cruz (4100m) and Ipsaycocha (4350m), taking in the stunning variety of lakes, waterfalls and snowcapped peaks along the way.

There will be ample time to visit the many villages that dot the landscape such as Quishuarani, Huacahuasi and Patacancha, learning about the local customs and traditions in each one via talking and interacting with the farmers and weavers.

The final day is spent marveling at and exploring the glorious Machu Picchu, one of the most famous tourist spots on earth and a fantastic place to bask in the magnificence of Peru.

Trek to Machu Picchu the different way and experience something truly unique – book now to try!

For those who want a shorter experience around the Cusco region, try our 2-day Helamcoma ascent in the Cusco region, here!

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Transport during the trip

- Transportation start and back

- Permit and entrance fees

Price details

Price does not include:

- Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes

- Sleeping bag (if you do not have one, possibility to rent one at the agency

- The entrance of hot baths in Agua Calientes


Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Huaran - Cancha Cancha

We will pick you up at your hotel at 6:00 am, then drive for approximately 2 hours until we get to Huaran (2900 m). It is a small village in the Sacred Valley, and it will be our starting point for the trek. We will join at this time the rest of the team, including the llamas! We will start our magnificent trek through this fascinating valley, following the tranquil route of the high hills along the Cancha Cancha River. It will take us 5 hours to reach the picturesque village of Cancha Cancha, where we will set up our first camp.

Day 2: Cancha Cancha - Pachacuteq Pass - Quishuarani

After breakfast, we will start the climb to the Pachacuteq Pass (4458 m), the highest point of the trek. From up there you will be treated to a spectacular view of the snowy peaks, Pitusiray, Lac Pachacuteq and all around the Valley. After the Pass, we will continue walking down, this time, to the next valley to arrive at the village of Quishuarani (3700 m) where we will spend the night. Along the way, the landscapes will be breathtaking – with frozen lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. This region is also rich in bird species and it is possible to see the Andean ibises, Andean geese and flamingos among others.

Day 3: Quishuarani - Huillquijasa Pass - Cuncani - Huacahuacasi

We will have breakfast and leave for an ascent of about 3 hours to reach the Huillquijasa Pass (4200 m), the second highest point of the trek. The view is impressive and worth it! After that, we will descend to the village of Cuncani (3860 m) through beautiful turquoise lakes along the way. We will continue to cross several lands and we will meet Andean local families, where agriculture and textile expertise inspired by Andean gods and symbols is very famous in this region. Once the Qasa Cruz Pass (4100 m) past we will go to the community of Huacahuasi (3800 m). With this community you will have the opportunity to share a unique and authentic moment by learning more about their culture, customs, traditions and their daily lives. We will set up the camp near the community where you can explore the surroundings if the desire and time allow you.

Day 4: Huaca Wasi - Ipsaycocha pass - Patacancha - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Another beautiful day thanks to the different biodiversity that we will encounter on the Ipsaycocha Pass (4350 m), which will take us 4 hours to reach. To join it, we will pass by several communities, where we will be able to observe the Andean farmers and their experience in the culture of the land and their rustic and authentically Andean house. Farmers have a great deal of knowledge about nature and old farming habits, as well as expertise on old textile methods filled with colors inspired by Andean gods and symbols. After this pass, we will go to the village of Patacancha (3750 m), where our bus will be waiting to take us to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo (2700 m). From there you will experience the incredible train experience to Aguas Calientes with an outstanding panoramic view. The night will be in a hotel, comfortable, in the city of Aguas Calientes.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

We will leave the hotel, after breakfast, at 5:30 to go to Machu Picchu (2400 m) with a tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, about the life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough free time to explore Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750 m) at your own pace. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train. In the meantime you will have time to have a lunch at Machu Picchu in the Sanctuary Lodge restaurant (optional) and enjoy the hot baths of the city of Aguas Calientes to relax and give you a 5-day walk.

 

Details

More info

Bilingual Spanish-English professional guide (for a French-speaking guide, contact us in advance!, At no extra charge)

Meeting point

Pick up from your hotel in Cusco

About the guide

Guide profile image

Peru

4.6

(20)

Guide Agency

Peru Expeditions is a Guide Agency and Tour Operator based in Huaraz, Peru.

It's a family-owned travel agency, which was founded more than 35 years ago, and is now managed by IFMGA-guide Juventino and his son, Eric.

We organize trekkings and mountain expeditions in Cordillera Blanca, and all around Peru.

Languages

| English

Certificates

AGMP | IFMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about Peru

5

He was very kind, patient and helped me to reach my goal the citadel of Machupicchu. One day I wanted to quit but he encouraged me to continue and waited for my step.

5

We did the MTB-Huarascan-Circuit (Crossing Punta Olimpica Pass and Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass) with Eric Albinos „Peru Expedition“. All, the transfers, the hotel stays, the acclimatization tours and the circuit itself, was well organized. Eric and his staff were flexible to our wishes and very helpful. Our Guide Joni is an excellent mountain bike-guide and good tailor too if something is torn. The cook prepared delicious meals during the circuit. The camping equipment was in very good condition. We (Karin, Franz. Wolfgang) can fully recommend „Eric´s Peru Expeditions“.

Marcela

4

The agency gave me a guide Darwin, not Juventino. Climb was good, easy just walking. There is one dangerous section near the moraine area with very loose gravel. So make sure you don't slip there or you are dead. I stayed in refugio at the base camp which was much more comfy than camping. Darwin was good but give clients some breaks once in a while, not rush too much. It's a high altitude climbing after all.

5

5 star guide. Nothing but the best.

5

A very, very sympathic guide, who knows all the secrets of the places and itinerarys the most beautiful ; organization top ; food excellent too ; marvellous souvenirs.


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