4 day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

We leave early from Cusco for the three and a half hour drive to the community of Quisuarani. We climb for 2 hours to Queuñacocha Lake where we have lunch. A further hour gets us to the Huchuyccasa pass at 4,458 m with spectacular views of the emerald lakes below us. We descend for two hours to our camp in the village of Cuncani where we will have a chance to visit some of the traditional stone and thatch houses inhabited by the people.

Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

Estimated walking time: 5 hours

Maximum altitude: 4,458 m (13,770 ft)

Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (11,480 ft)

We climb gently to the Cruzcasa pass at 4,200 m before traversing to Chachapata where we have lunch. Our second pass of the day at 4,490 m is a tougher climb but is rewarded by fantastic views of the Cordillera Vilcanota. A 45 min descent takes us to our campsite by the beautiful Ipsaycocha Lake.

Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

Estimated walking time: 5 hours

Maximum altitude: 4,458 m (13,770 ft)

Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (11,480 ft)

A gentle two and a half hour descent brings us to the village of Patacancha. Our private bus will take us from here to the town of Ollantaytambo with its famous Inca fortress. We will have lunch before taking the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes where we book into our hotel for a well deserved shower. We will have time to visit the famous hot springs to soak aching muscles whilst sipping a cocktail before heading out for dinner.

After an early breakfast, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving well before the majority of tourists. You will have a guided tour of the site for two hours before having a bit of free time and making your way back on the bus to Aguas Calientes. Here there will be time for some lunch before boarding the afternoon train back to Cusco. On arrival back in Cusco we will transfer you from the train station to the hotel and say goodbye.