LARES VALLEY TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 4D/3N

A very practical alternative route for those adventure lovers who do not have much time and want to get off the beaten path away from dozens tour groups going in one direction and destination. On the Lares Valley Tail we will experience the beauty of the mountains at high elevations, drastic changes in flora and fauna, and experience daily life in farming communities along the way. If you want to experience the real Peru, this tour is for you!

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Kiswarani

We leave our hotel early in the morning and drive three hours to the small farming community of Kiswarani (12540 ft / 3800 m), our starting point for the hike. Here we begin hiking along a rising path for about three hours to our first mountain pass, Willkijasa (14256 ft / 4320 m). From the pass we will see snow capped mountains and spectacular turquoise color lakes. The hike downhill to our camp will take two and half hours. On the way down we will see herds of llamas and alpacas grazing on the green grass of the mountains. Our camping spot is located in the rural community of Cuncani (12705 ft / 3850 m).

Day 2: Kiswarani – Puma Huanca

Today is the hardest and longest day, so we will rise early to start the walk before the sun comes out over the mountains. The first five hours are uphill as we hike through the mountains and along streams and lakes to the second mountain pass called Sicllajasa or The Condor  Pass (15411 ft / 4670 m). From here we can see the Sacred Valley in the distance.  In the afternoon we hike down for two hours to our camp through a forest of native Andean trees (Polylepis P.) only found over 12210 ft / 3700 m.

Day 3: Puma Huanca – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu

Today we walk for four hours along the Puma Huanca valley descending to the town of Urubamba (9570 ft / 2900 m) in the Sacred Valley. Here our bus will be waiting to transport us to the Ollantaytambo train station. We will enjoy a one and a half hour train ride as we watch the vegetation change from semi-arid to the lush green forests and spectacular mountain ranges on the way to Aguas Calientes (6600 ft / 2000 m) where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco

We take the earliest bus to enjoy the sunrise over Machu  Picchu. After sunrise our Inca trail guide will give us a complete tour visiting the nicest parts of the City. You will then have free time to visit Machu Picchu your own before taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Ollantaytambo. A bus waits for us at the train station in Ollantaytambo and will transport us to Cusco city. 

The Lares valley trail to Machu Picchu 4d/3n program includes:

The Lares valley trail to Machu Picchu 4d/3n program does not include:

We recommend bringing: