Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

We will pick you up from your hotel at 5 a.m. to begin the famous Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Pick up locations can be from any hotel, condo, or apartment located in the cities of Cusco, Urubamba, Huaran, or Pisaq. It will be a three-hour drive along the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley and through the Andes. Once we arrive at the Lares Hot Springs site, you will have your first breakfast accompanied by views of the Andes Mountains. Then, you will enjoy the hot springs, that is divided up between various pools ranging from freezing to hot water. They are all composed of pure volcanic water, which is medicinal and considered to be good for your bones, stress, muscles, and headaches.

After soaking in the pools for a while, you will drive 20 min to the trailhead. Punta Carreteraat 3,300m / 10,827 ft above sea level. Here you will meet up with your horses and riders and give them your duffle bags to be taken to the campsite. After, you will begin your expedition to Machu Picchu with a two-hour gradual uphill hike until we reach our lunch spot at the first village called Kiswarani. This section of the hike is considered the potato valley area, where people farm many varieties of organic potatoes. Your guide will also point out some indigenous medicinal plants growing along the way. Then, we will arrive at our lunch spot, where you will enjoy your first delicious meal prepared by our trekking chef.

After lunch, our horsemen (llameros) will do a ceremony with llamas showcasing these beautiful animals. Llamas were considered sacred to the Incas and fundamental to their economy. Our llameros will introduce you to these animals and discuss their importance and why owning one was a sign of privilege. Today they are disappearing, constantly breaded with smaller animals. We hope to continue the tradition of the Incas and give some llamas work. We do this to support the community that helps protect them. Llamas are pleasant to walk with and are friendly animals. Just don´t get too close, they might try to kiss you.

You will also have time to explore the village and visit some local homes, where you will learn about the lifestyle and ancient traditions of the local people. If there is time, we will visit the schoolhouse where the kids still speak Quecha, their native language. You may also bring toys, notebooks, or school supplies to distribute. Perhaps you may even teach them a few words in English. It will be another two hours, gradually uphill hiking until we arrive at the campsite. There you will be welcomed by our trekking staff, who will have your tents set up. We’ll enjoy some hot drinks, as the sky darkens and the stars start appearing. Finally, you will enjoy a lovely dinner prepared on-site. If you want to keep star-gazing, you may stay up for a while longer or, if you’d rather, you can turn in to your tent.