Lares 4 or 5 Days

This trek gives you a glimpse into the lives of the communities living in the Andean highlands. Along the way there are several villages where life has changed little in 500 years. The scenery is classic Andes, with glaciers, lakes and snow covered peaks. Your trek ends in the small town of Lares where you will spend your last night camping right next to the outdoor thermal springs with their healing properties are the perfect way to recover from all your hard work!

This trek is easily combined with a visit to Machu Picchu by train from Ollantaytambo. Please ask for more details.

Day 1 - Cusco to Cancha Cancha

Leaving Cusco early by private transport we drive for about an hour and a half to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and our trail head at Huaran (2900m). Our path takes us uphill all the way to Cancha Cancha where we camp overnight (4000m). Cancha Cancha is a traditional community where Quechua is the principal language and traditional life continues as it has done for hundreds of years.
(Total 7 hours walking)

Day 2 - Cancha Cancha to Quiswarani

An early start today to begin our climb up to the spectacular Salkantay pass. Weather permitting you will have superb views of Salkantay and surrounding mountains. The pass is approximately 4600m above sea level so it is important to walk slowly, taking time to enjoy the scenery. From the top of the pass we descend to Wayracmachay where we stop for lunch (altitude approximately 4200m). After lunch we continue to descend to our campsite, Rayanpata (altitude approximately 3600m).
(Total 8 hours walking)

Day 3 - Quiswarani to Lares

From Quiswarani we ascend to another pass (4500m). Descending from the pass we arrive at Cuncani, another small agricultural community. We continue down through a gentle valley to the larger town of Lares. Here we camp alongside the thermal baths, the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate.
(Total 8 hours walking)

Day 4 - Return to Cusco / Continue to Machu Picchu by train

Today you have the option to either return to Cusco or carry on to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Option
We leave Lares by private transport and drive to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley (approximately 3 hours). Ollantaytambo still retains the original Inca layout and is overlooked by impressive ruins that cling to the sides of the valley. It was an important city, acting as a gateway to the jungle beyond. After lunch in the town we will visit the ruins before taking the train to Aguas Calientes where we will check into our hotel.

Day 5 - Visit Machu Picchu, Return to Cusco

This morning we take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a 2 hour tour of the site. Afterwards you will have some free time to do your own exploring, and maybe hike a little more to the Sun Gate or Wayna Picchu if you still have the energy! Later in the afternoon we return to Cusco by train.