LARES TREK

Day 1 Cusco – Calca – Thermal Baths of Lares – Huacawasi

We leave early in the morning by bus from Cusco. During the trip we will pass through many archaeological remains, local craft markets and large extensions of agricultural land within the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Sacred Valley is one of the most fertile places in South America with one of the best products, such as corn, which is the first export product of this area.

Halfway through the Sacred Valley we will enter the province of Calca (2940m) where we will change paths and climb to the highest part of this trek called Huacacasi (4400m). After this pass we will descend to the less populated Valle de Lares (3250m). A few moments later we will arrive at the medicinal springs of Lares (thermal baths 3200m). Here we will have time to enjoy the bath with different natural charms and temperatures between 28 and 34 degrees Celsius. We will also meet with the rest of the staff such as cook and muleteers (horse handlers), the horses will carry food, camping equipment and part of your travel bag. After lunch in the hot springs we will start walking until we reach Huaca Wasi (3600m) where we will camp for the night. Our transportation time will be around 3 hours. Our trekking time will be about 4 hours in quite cold weather.

Distance 9km / Walking time approximately 4 hours.

Day 2 Huacawasi – Ipsaycocha – Patacancha

This will be the most difficult day due to the level of altitude. The highest pass that we will have to cross is called Abra Ipsay and is located at 4400 meters high. It will take us about 4 hours to walk there at an easy pace. The climb is quite hard with an indescribable panoramic view of snow peaks such as El Pitusiray, Sawasiray and surrounded by an impressive landscape. In the middle of the way we will make a stop for lunch. As we walk we will pass through local communities that over the years cling to their ancestral way of life and Andean traditions. They have a great knowledge of natural agriculture and the ancient ways of working with textiles and above all of mysticism so that their colorful clothing is unique in the Lares Valley. After the pass we will continue our journey down to our camp next to the small town of Patacancha (3650m). Our walking time will be about 7-8 hours in cold weather.

Distance 16km / Walking time approximately 8 hours.

Day 3 Patacancha – Willoc – Pumamarka – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.

Another day of hiking where we will pass local communities and small towns like Willoq (3400m), Pumamarca (3200m) and many others. From Patacancha through the landscape crossing these towns we can savor the traditions and customs transmitted by our ancestors throughout the times of the Tahuatinsuyo Empire (Inca culture and traditions).
After a 3-hour walk we will arrive at Ollantaytambo (2850m) that speaks from its archaeological sites, a wide history of Andean history and the anthropology of these times. From Ollantaytambo we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m), the tourist town built under the ruins of Machu Picchu where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Day 4 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

On this day we can visit the great ruins of Machu Picchu. In order to arrive at sunrise, we started ascending at 4:00 am. during
approximately 1 hour and a half until we reach Machu Picchu, where we will have a guided tour of the ruins for 2 hours
and a free time to climb Huayna Picchu, if you have the ticket. . Then we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo.
Transfer by bus / private transport back to your hostel. (breakfast included).