Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Departure begins early from Cusco, descending toward the Sacred Valley and continuing to Calca, where the landscape opens before rising again toward Lares. After reaching the valley, there is time at the hot springs, allowing the body to settle before beginning the walk.

From Lares, the trail climbs gradually toward Cuncani. The ascent is steady and unforced, crossing open highland terrain where llamas and alpacas graze freely. Local families move along the same paths, following daily routines connected to herding and small-scale agriculture. Native plants appear across the slopes, traditionally used for food and medicine.

Lunch is prepared and shared along the route. In the afternoon, the trail continues toward higher ground near Quishuarani, where camp is set in an open highland environment. The day closes with a simple dinner and a quiet atmosphere shaped by altitude and distance.

Details:
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
• Walking time: 6 hrs
• Walking distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camp
• Lares (trailhead): 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
• Quishuarani (campsite): 3,850 m / 12,631 ft
• Kilkikasa Pass: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
• Arrival at camp: approx. 4:00 pm

The morning begins with breakfast alongside the team, without fixed timing. The route ascends steadily toward Qoyalay Lake, crossing terrain marked by streams and small waterfalls descending from higher ground. The environment becomes more open as elevation increases.

The climb continues toward the highest pass of the journey. The final section is approached at an individual rhythm, allowing space between walkers. Llamas and alpacas remain present even at this altitude, often accompanied by local herders. It is common to encounter families and children moving between settlements.

From the pass, the descent into Cancha Cancha is long and remote. The valley below feels more sheltered, with scattered dwellings appearing gradually. Camp is established near the community, where interaction happens naturally through shared space rather than structured activity. The evening remains simple and quiet.

Details:
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft
• Walking time: 7 hrs
• Walking distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camp
• Quishuarani (trailhead): 3,850 m / 12,631 ft
• Cancha Cancha (campsite): 3,950 m / 12,959 ft
• Pachacutec Pass: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
• Arrival at camp: approx. 4:00 pm

The day begins with a steady descent through a valley where vegetation becomes more diverse. Native trees such as queuñas and molle appear along the trail, along with a wider range of plant life adapted to lower altitudes. The path follows the course of water, gradually leading toward Huarán.

Arrival at Huarán marks the end of the trekking section. Lunch is taken outdoors in a natural setting, shared with the team before transitioning out of the trail. From here, transport continues through the valley to Ollantaytambo, where there is time to walk through the town and observe its layout, still closely connected to its original Inca design.

In the afternoon, the journey continues by train to Aguas Calientes. The transition from trail to town is gradual, allowing time to rest and prepare for the final stage.

Details:
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 3,950 m / 12,959 ft
• Walking time: 5 hrs
• Walking distance: 11 km
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Cancha Cancha (trailhead): 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
• Huarán (lunch): 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
• Ollantaytambo: 2,790 m / 9,153 ft
• Arrival: approx. 5:00 pm

The final day begins early, moving from Aguas Calientes toward Machu Picchu before the site becomes active. The surrounding cloud forest holds dense vegetation, where birds and small wildlife move along the edges of the archaeological area.

The guided visit focuses on the relationship between the site and its surroundings — mountains, water channels, and agricultural terraces. After the guided portion, time remains open for independent exploration.

Return to Aguas Calientes follows, where lunch is left open to personal choice. In the afternoon, the train returns to Ollantaytambo, followed by road transport back to Cusco, closing the journey without disrupting its overall rhythm.

Details:
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
• Walking time: 4 hrs
• Walking distance: 8 km
• Meals: Breakfast
• Total distance: 45 km / 27.9 mi
• Return time: approx. 6:30 pm