Lares Trek

Departure begins early from Cusco, descending into the Sacred Valley before continuing toward Calca. The terrain opens briefly, then rises again as the road enters the Lares Valley, following the river into higher ground.
In Lares, time is taken at the hot springs—not as a pause, but as a way to prepare the body before walking.
The trail begins with a steady ascent toward Cuncani. The landscape remains open, with llamas and alpacas grazing freely across the slopes. Paths are shared with local families, where daily routines unfold without separation from the route. Native plants appear along the way, still used for food and traditional remedies.
Lunch is taken along the trail. In the afternoon, the route continues upward toward Quishuarani, where camp is set in exposed highland terrain. The day closes early, shaped by altitude, cold air, 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

Morning begins without fixed timing. Light reaches the valley gradually, and the trail follows a steady ascent toward Qoyalay Lake. Water from higher ground crosses the path through small streams and falls.
As elevation increases, the terrain opens and becomes more exposed. The climb toward the pass is continuous, approached at an individual rhythm. Llamas and alpacas remain present, often accompanied by herders moving between seasonal grazing areas.
At Pachacutec Pass, the highest point, the crossing marks a shift rather than a destination.
The descent into Cancha Cancha is long and quiet. The valley becomes more sheltered, with scattered homes appearing gradually. Camp is set near the community, where interaction happens through proximity, not arrangement. The evening remains calm.

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 trail descends through a valley where vegetation becomes more diverse. Open highlands give way to areas where native trees such as queuñas and molle begin to appear.
The path follows the course of water, guiding the descent toward Huarán. As altitude drops, the rhythm becomes more fluid, allowing longer stretches of walking.
Arrival in Huarán marks the end of the trekking section. Lunch is shared outdoors with the team before leaving the trail behind.
From here, transport continues to Ollantaytambo. The town retains its original structure, where streets and water channels still follow Inca design. The afternoon remains open, allowing time to move without direction. The night is spent in a local hotel.

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 morning follows the river from Ollantaytambo as the landscape shifts once more. Vegetation thickens, and the air becomes warmer as the train moves deeper into the valley.
At KM 104, the trail resumes. This section of the Inca Trail feels enclosed, with stone paths partially reclaimed by vegetation. The ascent is steady, passing through sites such as Wiñay Wayna, where terraces and structures remain embedded in the terrain.
The final stretch leads to Inti Punku. Machu Picchu appears gradually, framed by late afternoon light. The moment is brief—an introduction rather than an arrival.
The descent continues toward Aguas Calientes, where the group settles for the night. A short briefing prepares the following day.

Details
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
• Walking time: 6 hrs
• Walking distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Chachabamba (trailhead): 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Inti Punku (Sun Gate): 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
• Aguas Calientes: 2,070 m / 6,791 ft
• Arrival at camp: approx. 5:00 pm

The day begins early, returning to Machu Picchu before the main flow of visitors. Light reveals the site gradually, in relation to the surrounding mountains.
The guided visit focuses on connections—between structures, water, and terrain—rather than isolated facts.
Afterward, time remains open to explore independently, allowing each person to move at their own pace.
The return follows the same route to Aguas Calientes. From there, the train traces the river back to Ollantaytambo, reconnecting with the road toward Cusco. Arrival is in the early evening, closing the journey without ceremony.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
• Walking time: 5 hrs
• Walking distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
• Aguas Calientes: 2,070 m / 6,791 ft
• Machu Picchu: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
• Cusco (final): 3,350 m / 10,990 ft
• Total distance: 63 km / 39.1 mi
• Return time (Cusco): approx. 6:30 pm