Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Summary

1. Day 1

   Cusco – Cuncani – Huaca Wasi

   • •Departure: Early morning from Cusco by bus (4 hours)
   • •Route: Sacred Valley of the Incas, archaeological sites, and artisan markets
   • •Trekking: Start in Cuncani with ascent to Huaca Wasi
   • •Visits: Black Lagoon and Paccha Pata
   • •Camping: Huaca Wasi (3,600 m above sea level)
   • •Hiking time: 5 hours
   • •Meals included: Lunch and dinner
2. Day 2

   Huaca Wasi – Paso Ipsay – Patacancha

   • •Main challenge: Ascent to Ipsay Pass (4,400 m), the highest point of the trek
   • •Cultural experiences: Observation of traditional farming practices
   • •Interaction: Local communities and their colorful textiles
   • •Accommodation: Campsite or local lodging in Patacancha (3,650 m above sea level)
   • •Hiking time: 6 hours
   • •Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

3. Day 3

   Patacancha – Willoq – Purmamarca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

   • •Cultural visits: Traditional communities of Patacancha and Willoq
   • •Landscape: Descent through ancient agricultural terraces still in use
   • •Transfer: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
   • •Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes (preparation for Machu Picchu)
   • •Hiking time: 6 hours
   • •Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
4. Day 4

   Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

   • •Main visit: Early ascent to Machu Picchu (2,400 m above sea level)
   • •Activities: Guided tour of the Inca citadel and free time for exploration
   • •Return: Descent to Aguas Calientes and train journey back to Cusco
   • •Hiking time: 3 hours (at Machu Picchu)
   • •Meals included: Breakfast

Itinerary

• 1

  DAY 1Cusco – Cuncani – Huacawasi

  Main activities:

  • Early departure from Cusco by bus (4 hours)
  • Tour of archaeological sites and artisan markets in the Sacred Valley
  • Ascent to Huaca Wasi (4,400 m above sea level)
  • Visit to Black Lagoon and Paccha Pata
  • Camping at Huaca Wasi (3,600 m above sea level)

  The first day of the 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu begins by crossing the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas, known as one of the most productive regions in South America and the birthplace of sacred corn, a key symbol in Inca cosmology. After changing route in the province of Granary (2,940 m above sea level), we ascend toward Huaca Wasi, then descend to the village of Lares (3,250 m above sea level) and Cuncani, where our Lares Trekking officially begins. The day ends at the Huaca Wasi campsite after approximately 5 hours of hiking.

  • Hiking time: 5 hours
  • Weather: Cold
  • Meals included: Lunch and dinner
• 2

  DAY 2Huacawasi – Sondor – Paso Sacsayllame – Aruray Cocha – Yurak Cocha – Miski Inu

  • Ascent to Ipsay Pass (4,400 m above sea level) – the highest point of the 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
  • Observation of traditional farming practices
  • Interaction with local communities and their colorful textiles
  • Campsite or local lodging in Patacancha (3,650 m above sea level)

  This day represents the most physically demanding challenge of the route, with a 4-hour ascent to the impressive Ipsay Pass at 4,400 meters. Along the way, you will witness the daily life of Andean farmers, admiring their ancestral cultivation techniques and the creation of textiles inspired by Andean symbols and deities. After crossing the pass, we descend to the community of Patacancha to spend the night.

  • Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Weather: Cold
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 3

  DAY 3Miski Unu – Queshuarchalloc – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

  • Visit to the traditional communities of Patacancha and Willoq
  • Descent through ancient agricultural terraces still in use
  • Arrival in Ollantaytambo and train transfer to Aguas Calientes
  • Overnight in Aguas Calientes (base town of Machu Picchu)

  The third day of the 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu begins with time dedicated to exploring the fascinating communities of Patacancha and Willoq, true Andean cultural sanctuaries. We continue toward Puma Marca (Purmamarca) and descend through a landscape dominated by agricultural terraces dating back to Inca times, which are still remarkably in use today. After reaching Ollantaytambo, we board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we prepare for the visit to Machu Picchu.

  • Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Weather: Cold in the morning, mild during the descent
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 4

  DAY 4Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

  • Early ascent to Machu Picchu (2,400 m above sea level)
  • Guided tour of the Inca citadel
  • Free time for personal exploration
  • Return to Aguas Calientes and train journey back to Cusco

  The culmination of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu comes with a visit to the legendary Inca citadel. We recommend an early start to enjoy Machu Picchu in the first light of day. A specialized guide will reveal the secrets of this architectural wonder, explaining the sophisticated agricultural, astronomical, and religious techniques of the Inca civilization. You will also have additional time to explore on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes and taking the train back to Cusco.

  • Hiking time: 3 hours (at Machu Picchu)
  • Weather: Warm and humid, presence of mosquitoes
  • Meals included: Breakfast

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