Lares Valley to Machu Picchu: 4-Day Cultural Trek
Trekking across Lares Valley to the fortress of Machu Picchu
Embark on a captivating 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, a journey blending breathtaking natural landscapes with profound cultural immersion. This private tour begins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking you through rugged terrain, past glacial lakes, and into the heart of authentic Quechua communities known for their textile craftsmanship.
As you trek through Lares Valley, experience a unique glimpse into Andean life, staying 2 nights in local family homes instead of traditional camping. This intimate setting allows you to connect with the local community, enjoying homemade meals and learning about their enduring traditions. Your journey culminates with a visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu, the iconic “Lost City of the Incas.” This trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail, offering a less crowded route filled with rich cultural experiences and stunning Andean scenery. Ideal for travelers seeking to combine adventure with cultural insight, this tour supports the local economy and promotes sustainable tourism practices.
Highlight
- Authentic Andean Life: Immerse in traditional Quechua culture with overnight stays in local family homes during your trek, experiencing unique hospitality and customs.
- Textile Craftsmanship: Discover the intricate art of Andean textile making in Quechua villages, witnessing firsthand the skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations.
- Scenic Lares Valley: Trek through the stunning Lares Valley, a less-traveled path boasting glacial lakes, lush landscapes, and remarkable tranquility.
- Culinary Homestays: Savor authentic Peruvian meals prepared by local families, an intimate culinary experience reflecting the rich flavors of the Andes.
- Majestic Machu Picchu Finale: Conclude your journey with a visit to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, exploring the iconic Inca citadel and its mystical allure.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Lares and Trek to Huacahuasi
Begin your adventure with transportation to Lares, embarking on a scenic hike to the village of Huacahuasi. The trek offers a glimpse into the stunning landscapes of the Lares Valley and the opportunity to experience local Andean life and culture.
Day 2: Trekking from Huacahuasi to Patacancha
Continue your journey with a hike from Huacahuasi to Patacancha. This day features a blend of natural beauty and cultural interaction, as you pass through quaint Andean villages, engaging with the local communities and observing their traditional ways of life.
Day 3: Hike to Ollantaytambo via Willoq & Pumamarca
Embark on a trek towards Ollantaytambo, visiting the intriguing communities of Willoq and Pumamarca along the way. The day concludes in Ollantaytambo, a unique living Inca town, where you’ll spend the night and prep for the final day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Exploration
On the final day, journey to the iconic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Inca ruins, take in the breathtaking views, and learn about the historical significance of this ancient wonder.
Prices for this trek
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE | |
---|---|
1 person | US$ 1,573 per person |
2 people | US$ 1,033 per person |
3 people | US$ 876 per person |
4 people | US$ 813 per person |
5 to 8 people | US$ 790 per person |
9 to 14 people | US$ 747 per person |
More than 15 people | US$ 685 per person |
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
* Prices are based on the number of people traveling together.
Includes and excludes
Included
- The clients will receive a briefing the night before the trek.
- Pick up from the Hotel and transfer to Lares (starting point of the trail).
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu citadel (but not Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain).
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available).
- 2-night homestay with local families (2 or 3 people per room), basic rooms with toilet facilities (Instead of tents, we use local family bedrooms); they will provide us single beds for each trekker, they don’t have double or matrimonial beds.
- One-night Hotel in Ollantaytambo (double or triple room), with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast, and luggage storage. Upgrade Hotel accommodation upon request; please ask the travel agent.
- One emergency horse every 4-people, for the second day of walking.
- We bring a first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu citadel – Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition train or similar) according to availability – we can upgrade Vistadome service upon request.
- Transfer from Poroy or Cusco train station to Cusco Hotel.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Travel insurance (Sun Gate Tours strongly recommends having a Travel Insurance to all our travelers).
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Entrance fee to the Aguas Calientes thermal springs.
- Sleeping bag.
Trip code: LTM4D01-PVT
Day 1 – Transport to Lares, Hike to Huaca wasi
- Pick up from the hotel at 07:00 and transfer to the head of the trail at Lares trekking; the journey takes about 4 hours by car.
- This is a perfect time of day to relish the breathtaking scenery that unfolds on both sides of the road. Along the way, we will make a stop to explore the Inca granaries of Muyoq Orqo.
- Continuing our journey down the valley road, we will pass by the majestic Mount Sawasiray before embarking on our ascent towards Lares town (3,250m/10,663ft), reaching a pass called Willka Punku (4,400m/14,436ft), which translates to “Sacred Gateway” in Quechua. Once we arrive in Lares, we will have ample time to unwind and indulge in the rejuvenating Lares thermal baths.
- Following a delicious lunch, we will set off on a leisurely hike to our overnight place located in the charming village of Huaca wasi (3,600m/11,811ft). Here, we will have the opportunity to visit local weaving families and enjoy a delightful evening meal.
- Learn and discover the local traditions. The locals will share their traditional Andean way of life; they speak Quechua.
- Dinner and overnight with local family.
- Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2 – Hike from Huaca wasi to Patacancha
- After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, we will resume our trek towards the Ipsayqocha pass, embarking on a steady ascent amidst the natural habitat of llamas and alpacas.
- This section not only offers breathtaking panoramic views but also provides an opportunity to spot various high Andean bird species.
- Reaching an elevation of 4420 meters (14,500 feet) above sea level, Ipsaycocha stands as the sole high pass along our route. The Andean landscape here is adorned with herds of llamas and alpacas. Once we conquer the pass, a gradual descent awaits, leading us to the picturesque Patacancha valley (3,750m/12,377ft), where we spend the night.
- We can share, cohabitate, and stay with a local family. We participate in everyday activities with the host family and understand their job and customs.
- The family prepares dinner and provides us with clean and comfortable bedrooms and toilet facilities.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3 – Hike to Ollantaytambo, Visit Willoq & Pumamarca
- This morning, we will embark on a scenic hike to the indigenous village of Willoq, known for its steadfast preservation of traditional farming, llama herding, and weaving practices.
- As we trek, we will trace a path through a narrow valley adorned with ancient Inca terraces, which local communities still utilize to cultivate potatoes, corn, quinoa, and other native crops.
- While traversing the stunning landscape from Patacancha and passing through these villages, we have the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich traditions and customs that have been handed down by our ancestors since the time of the Incas. It’s a chance to savor the essence of the local culture and experience firsthand the enduring legacy of the past.
- In the route, we will also have the opportunity to explore the remarkable Inca archaeological site of Pumamarca (3,435m/11,266ft). Upon reaching the village, our vehicle will be ready to transport us to our hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
- We will continue our walk until we reach the town of Ollantaytambo.
- We spend the night in this living Inca town.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Ollantaytambo.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- Hotel breakfast; pick up at 05:40 from the Hotel and transfer to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes town.
- Upon arrival, take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft).
- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
- Around 09:00, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Board the train to return to Cusco later in the day. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.