A deep journey through the Andes that connects nature, living culture, and spirituality. The Lares Trek is an authentic alternative to the Inca Trail, ideal for those who want to live with local communities, walk among high-altitude lagoons, and reach Machu Picchu from a less traveled route.
Over four days we will travel through the Lares Valley, visit hot springs, cross mountain passes over 4,700 m, and share with Andean families who preserve their textile and agricultural traditions. The experience culminates with the guided visit to Machu Picchu, integrating adventure, culture, and spiritual connection with Pachamama.
Early departure (5:30 a.m.) from your hotel in Cusco in private transportation, with a stop in the Sacred Valley (2,800 m) for breakfast. We continue to the town of Lares (3,250 m), where we will enjoy a moment of relaxation in its natural hot springs, with temperatures between 28 °C and 34 °C.
Then we continue to the Cuncani community (3,700 m), the starting point of the hike. In the afternoon we will continue to our camp in Sondor (3,900 m), where we will be received by a local family who will share their daily life and textile traditions with alpaca wool.
Meals: Lunch and dinner included | Lodging: Camp in Sondor
After breakfast we will begin the hike to Huacahuasi Pass (4,700 m), the highest point of the route. The ascent takes approximately 2 hours and offers views of snow-capped mountains. We continue to the Auroray Cocha and Yurac Cocha lagoons, where we will make the stop for lunch.
Later we will cross a Queuñas (Polylepis) forest, habitat of Andean birds and high-altitude flora. We descend to the Pucara sector (3,000 m), where we will set up camp with views of the Sacred Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included | Lodging: Camp in Pucara
Descent to the Sacred Valley until reaching Ollantaytambo (2,850 m), considered the last living Inca town. We will visit the town and the Pinkulluna sector, admiring its Inca architecture and agricultural engineering.
After lunch, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m). Free afternoon to rest before the visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included | Lodging: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Early departure to Machu Picchu by bus. Guided tour of the Inca citadel, exploring temples, terraces, and main viewpoints, with explanations about its history and meaning.
Free time to enjoy the energy of the place before returning to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco, closing this journey through Andean communities and the sacred citadel.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lodging: Cusco