Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Welcome to Peru and the city of Cusco! Transportation will be arranged for you to get to your hotel from the airport, and once there you will meet your guide for a tour briefing and overview. Depending on what time you arrive, you should have time to explore Cusco! This city set high in the Andes was the capital of the ancient Incan Empire, and there are many remains left from this time. You can also see Spanish churches and mansions. Cusco also offers wonderful Peruvian restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.

Today you are free to explore Cusco at your own pace and following your own interests. There is much to see, do, and learn here in South America’s oldest, continuously inhabited city. What was once the Inca’s capital city has now become the archaeological capital of South America.

To help you make the most of your visit, you can choose one of two optional daytours, which are provided for free (though you still need to pay admission fees while on the tour. Choose between the Sacred Valley Tour and the Maras Moray Tour.

The Sacred Valley Tour is a full day of experiences. You’ll visit an Indian market in Pisac to experience this colourful tradition. You’ll then travel to the town of Ollantaytambo, a town of narrow streets and canals that are largely unchanged since the time the Incas inhabited it. Finally, visit the Chinchero market. This market is more authentic and less geared toward tourists. According to legend, Chinchero is the birthplace of the rainbow. When you are finished in Chinchero, return to Cusco.

Your other option is the Maras Moray tour begins with a drive from your hotel to Moray (approx. 1.5 hours). Moray is known as the “Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory.” Here, the Incas carved amphitheatre-like terraces in a bowl shape. It is thought that these were used to test and determine optimal growing conditions for different crops. After exploring Moray, continue another two miles to visit the Maras salt mines, a spectacular set of terraced salt ponds. Exposed to the sun, the water dries and leaves the salt behind. It is believed that salt was harvested in this way in this place since a time before even the Incas. After exploring the Maras salt mines, return to Cusco.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Calca, which is in the Sacred Valley. This is an opportunity to purchase any last-minute supplies. continue driving, going to today’s highest elevation, 4,265 m (13,992 ft), where you will be able to see two large and beautiful mountains: Sawasiray and Pitusiray. Descending again, you’ll come to the small colonial town of Lares (3,207 m / 10,521 ft). Pause to have lunch, enjoy the springs and prepare to begin your hike.

Today’s Lares trek hike will climb almost 400 m to reach your first campsite at Huacawasi (3,800 m / 12,467ft). Here in this small town, you’ll see adobe houses, llamas, and plenty of vibrant colors.

After breakfast, begin your trek from Huacawasi to Aruraycocha (4,500 m / 14,763 ft), which is today’s highest point. From here you can see the stunning Aruraycocha Lake and the views from this point are simply incredible. From here, begin hiking down toward the lake. You’ll notice the vegetation begins to change as you enter the Mantanay Conservation Area, so watch for the special Q’euñas trees that surround another lake, Lake Yuraccocha. Stop for lunch in the beautiful region around these two lakes. Keep your eyes to the skies for the chance to spot the enormous Andean condor. After lunch, continue descending the trail into the village of Mantanay, where you’ll find your next campsite (3,800 m / 12,467 ft).

Finish your Lares guided trek today from Mantanay to Yanahuara (2,950 m / 9,678 m). Yanahuara is another lovely and colorful village in the Sacred Valley. White grain corn, an important staple crop, is grown here. You’ll notice the weather grows warmer here. In Yanahuara, you’ll have one last meal with the horsemen and cooks that accompanied you on your trek, then bid them farewell. Board a van takes you on to Ollantaytambo, where you will visit a museum and archaeological site that were formerly the royal estate of Incan Emperor Pachacuti, who conquered this area in the mid-15th Century. Ride the train from here to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stay for the night.

Get a very early start today, eating breakfast and being ready to leave the hotel at 5:40 AM. A short bus ride will bring you to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sunrise. You’ll then be able to enter the Citadel for a guided walking tour of the complex that lasts about 2 hours. After your tour, you’ll have time to freely explore this mysterious ancient city. If you would like to climb Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, the mountain behind Machu Picchu, this can be arranged for an additional fee. This hike allows you to see Machu Picchu from a different perspective, as well as some steps that the Incas cut into the rocks, and other interesting details. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes by bus and eat lunch. After lunch, the train takes you back to Ollantaytambo, where you will be picked up and transported back to your hotel in Cusco.

Optional: You can also choose to hike to the top of Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, scenic mountain near Machu Picchu, that has amazing views of the site from another angle. Make sure to book this hike a long time in advance, as there is a limited number of permits issued for every day. Check Dates and Prices for more information about the price.

Sadly, your Lares and Machu Picchu tour has come to an end. After breakfast, depending on your flight times, you are free to explore Cusco until it is time for your transfer to the airport. Have a pleasant journey!