Inca Trail and lares trek to Machu Picchu

Duration:
4 days
Max People:
15
Min Age:
10+
Inca Trail
Peru » Cusco
English
Overview

This trek follows a path through deep green valleys, towering mountain passes, small rural villages, chilly snow caps and communities herding farmers whose way of life has essentially not changed since hundreds of years ago. The Lares trail is located east of Cusco. This journey is the perfect option if you are looking for something more off the beaten path than the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Difficulty: Moderate.

Attractions You’ll See

Inca Trail

Whats Included
  • Professional guide english/spanish.
  • Private transportation from your hotel, Cusco - Lares.
  • Horsemen and horses to carry all the luggage camping.
  • Cook and assistant cook.
  • All meals as indicated in the schedule: 3 x breakfasts, 3 x lunches, 3 x dinners and snacks daily.
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs.
  • Kitchen tent.
  • 4 person tents for 2 people. Very comfortable and safe for your backpacks.
  • Mattress.
  • First aid kit.
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
  • Expedition train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
Does not include
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day.
  • Horses to carry your luggage or to ride.

Packing List

Trekking Accessories

A small backpack to carry a light jacket in case the weather changes during the trek.
A larger backpack with warm, comfortable clothes that are suitable for rain, as well as a rain poncho.
Several pairs of socks.
Scarf, gloves, and hat for cold weather, handkerchief.
Small towel and cleaning implements (wipes).
Comfortable trekking shoes, preferably waterproof.

Personal Care

Sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent (minimum 20%).
Moisturizer for face and body.
Toilet paper.
Water bottle and sterilizing tablets to safely drink river water.

Biodegradable Plastics

Snacks: energy bars, dried fruit, chocolates, cookies, etc.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Lares hot springs - Wacawasi

We depart at 6:00am from Cusco by private bus, picking you up at your hotel. We travel through the Sacred Valley to the hot springs of Lares, where we’ll enjoy a great lunch. Then we start out two hour hike to our campsite in Wacawasi where we’ll have dinner.

Day 2: Wacawasi - Ipsaycocha - Patacancha

After breakfast, we go to the first activity of the day: observation of Alpaca fabric weaving. Then we start our climb to the Ipsaycocha pass (4200 m.a.s.l.). Here we will enjoy the incredible view of Mount “Veronica” at 5750 m.a.s.l. and recharge to continue our hike to lake Ipsaycocha, where we have lunch. Then we will do the final hike to Patacancha where we set up our camp and have dinner

Day 3: Patacancha - Wylloq - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we start walking downhill to Ollantaytambo, where we will observe traditional textile and weaving practices. Then we continue to Wylloq for a brief rest. Afterwards we walk for two hours to Pumamarka and enjoy the Inca terraces. Then we depart to Ollantaytambo to have our lunch and board the Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. When we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we bring you to your hotel and have dinner

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Today we get up early for the bus to Machu Picchu after breakfast. We start with a 2.5 hour guided tour of the different sectors of the archaeological complex. If you want to climb the mountain of Huayna Picchu, there is an additional cost and you have to reserve at least 3 months in advance due to limited availability. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the sites or visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. You must make your own arrangements to be back at the Aguas Calientes train station for the train back to Cusco. We will board the 18:20 - 21:50 Expedition from Agua Calientes back to Ollantaytambo and its recommended to be at the station at least 30 minutes in advance. In Ollantaytambo our bus awaits us to return to the square of San Francisco, Cusco

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is an archeological center that preserves the remains of an Inca city, built in a green environment of mountains and rivers, a mystical and mysterious place; in addition, it is a patrimony of humanity and one of the most desired destinations in the world.

It is located at 2,400 m. a. s. l. in a cloud forest between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest of Peru.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

To get from Lima to Machu Picchu you must travel to the city of Cusco by plane or bus.

When to go to Machu Picchu?

It is possible to go all the year, the minimum temperatures vary between 8 ºC and the maximum around 20 ºC.
There are 2 seasons in Machu Picchu: the dry season and the rainy season.  The first one takes place between April and October, it is characterized by little rain and a sunny climate. The rainy season runs from November to March and is characterized by constant rains. 

How much luggage can I take on the train?

On trains to Machu Picchu you can only take hand luggage that should not exceed 5 kilos (11 pounds).

Can Machu Picchu be visited by people of any age?

Yes, it can be visited by people of all ages. However, in order to ascend Huayna Picchu mountain, it can only be visited by people older than 12 years old.

From what time can I enter Machu Picchu?

Public access is from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is home to almost 150 amazing constructions, these are some of the places that stand out:

• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Temple of the 3 Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Ladder of the Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The Temple of the Moon.
• The Door of the Sun (Intipunku).
• The Main Square.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock.