For those with a passion for the great outdoors and a thirst for cultural immersion, the Lares Trek is a dream come true. Nestled in the heart of the Cusco region, this trek is a rich tapestry of natural beauty, ancient traditions, and deep-rooted history. As we embarked on this journey, every turn unveiled a new wonder, and here’s a peek into our awe-inspiring adventure.
As you set foot on the Lares Trek, Mother Nature unfurls her beauty in the grandest manner. The landscapes are nothing short of poetic, from towering mountains that pierce the sky to tranquil lakes reflecting the world in their azure depths. What’s more, the route is alive with a myriad of flora and fauna, offering endless opportunities for those spontaneous wildlife photography sessions.
Walking Through Living History: What sets the Lares Trek apart from other treks isn’t just its scenic beauty it lives and breathes in the Quechua communities that dot the route. As we traversed the path, we were welcomed into homes and hearts, giving us an unfiltered view of traditions and philosophies that have remained unchanged since the Inca civilization.
Our trekking adventure kick-started at the picturesque community of Acchahuata. As days turned into nights, we crossed breathtaking mountains and went to the Choquecancha community. But the pinnacle of our journey was undoubtedly the train journey from Choquecancha to Aguas Calientes. As the train chugged along, it paved the way to one of humanity’s greatest architectural marvels – Machu Picchu. The sight of the ancient citadel, with its stone structures and terraced fields, was a perfect culmination of our journey.
One of the things I love about the Lares Trek is its flexibility. Depending on your schedule and interests, you can tailor the experience. Have just a couple of days? No problem. Want to delve deeper and spend more time? There are options for that too. Every version of the trek promises the grandeur of Machu Picchu, making it a win-win regardless of your choice.
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu isn’t just a trek; it’s a holistic experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking to escape the mundane, this trek offers something for everyone. So, if you’re pondering your next adventure, let the Lares Trek be at the top of your list. Your Andean adventure is waiting to be written!
We leave the Hotel at 5:00 am. We will take private transportation with our trekking and culinary crew and drive for three hours until our starting point: the community of Acchahuata at 3700 meters above sea level, where your guide will introduce you to your Horseman. From this point, we will start our ascent gradually for three hours until lunch spot. After lunch, we continue up and down for two hours to reach the Summit Qellhuaccocha pass 4200m. After, you will descend for 45 minutes to our first campsite Quelhuaccocha.
Today’s hike is one of the most beautiful and peaceful, with outstanding views on both sides of the trail with many South American Camels, Llamas, and Alpacas.
Altitude 3700mtrs to 4100mtrs. Distance 10 km. Trekking time is 6 to 7 hours.
Quellhuaccocha and Mulaccocha is a sacred lagoon in this part of the Andes exceptional place very well respected by local people in the area. Highly recommended for families and people looking to hike in quietness to do meditation, Andean ceremonies, and yoga retreats. After doing any of this activity, we will depart from our campsite gradually up and down for three hours until the viewpoints overlooking the Lares area and the valley.
After enjoying our free time, we will descend for lunch and continue our descent for three hours until our basecamp Choquecancha. It is a local community with unique costumes and full of traditions. This community is built on the foundation of the Inca construction and is recognized as the best weavers in the Cusco Region.
The altitude of our camp is 3500 meters above sea level. Altitude 4100mtrs to 3500mtrs, distance 12 km, trekking time 6 to 7 hours.
This morning, our guide will introduce you to local ladies from this community. You are going to learn the Quechua language or (Inca Language). You will also learn about the daily life of this local community, the handmade weaving process of textiles, blankets, bags, table runners, etc.
You can buy as a souvenir any of their handmade work that can be very well appreciated by these local families, the best way to retribute and economic support to this local community in the Andes of Peru. Learn more about Social responsibility.
If you like to do more hiking, our guide will take you on the beautiful Inca Trail for 4 to 5 hours. After a morning full of lessons, we will take transportation to the Hot springs, where you will have the opportunity to go inside relaxing hot pools, then we will have lunch.
We will continue driving towards Ollantaytambo, where we will take the train for 1:45hrs until Aguas Calientes town, where you will spend a night in the Hotel.
After Breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your Hotel for a short bus journey to the entrance of Machu Picchu; you will explore this magical Inca city and enjoy learning about it was built and discovered for 3 hours. You will then have free time to wander around, and if you get a Ticket for Wayna Picchu, you can climb.
Note. There are just 400 visitors allowed per day. You must book the entrance with us in advance to ensure your permit. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes. Depending on the space, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and private transportation back to your Hotel Cusco.
Massage sessions: us$50 per 1-hour session. Our massage therapists have the highest recognition in Cusco.
In the captivating Cusco Region, you’ll encounter two distinct seasons: the rainy and dry seasons. From November to April, rain showers prevail, with the heaviest downpours occurring between January and March. The dry season, spanning May to October, brings colder temperatures, with nighttime lows dipping below freezing.
When trekking along the Inca Trail, anticipate temperatures ranging from 15-20°C on sunny days to 10-28°C on cloudy days. The nights can be cooler during the first two campsites, with temperatures hovering around 5-15°C. At lower altitudes, such as Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu, the temperatures are generally warmer, though bringing warm clothing for the evenings is still advisable.
Each season offers its own advantages and drawbacks for exploring Cusco and Machu Picchu. The dry season tends to be crowded at all sites, especially the Inca Trail, where securing your permit at least six months in advance is crucial.
The rainy season, on the other hand, can be a delightful time for cultural tours or for those planning a trek-free vacation, as Cusco and Machu Picchu see fewer visitors.
Cusco City Altitude: 3400 meters | Cusco Population: 1,300,000
Under the new regulations set by the Peruvian government, Machu Picchu entrance tickets are available for purchase from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm.
As per the new regulations, Wayna Picchu tickets are sold between 7:00 am and 10:00-11:00 am. The hike to Wayna Picchu takes approximately 45 minutes uphill and 30 minutes downhill. Please note that it’s not recommended for individuals with vertigo.
Note: It’s crucial to book your entrance tickets in advance to ensure access to these sites.
The hike up Machu Picchu Mountain takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a 1-hour descent. Tickets are available for two-time slots: 6:00-7:00 am and 8:00-9:00 am. While it may take longer, the breathtaking vistas make it worth the effort.
Strikes pose a significant challenge in South America, including Peru, and can impact our tour treks. Road blockades and disrupted train services are common occurrences. We strongly advise booking at least two weeks in advance to mitigate potential disruptions. In the worst-case scenario, Private Machu Picchu will promptly inform you and assist in canceling or rescheduling tours and treks. Your well-being and safety are our utmost priorities.
Cusco has a domestic airport primarily serving flights within the country. Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima is the main hub for international travel.
LATAM Airlines is the largest airline operating in Peru, offering connections worldwide. It is known for its minimal cancellations due to weather conditions in Cusco. The flight time from Lima to Cusco is approximately one hour. Additionally, our extension tours allow you to arrange connecting flights to Puno, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado Jungle, Iquitos, or other destinations in northern Peru.
For those seeking an alternative, a bus option from Lima to Cusco takes approximately 22 hours.
I’ve just gotten back from a 2.5 week trip to Peru organised by Private Machu Picchu. Jose planned an excellent itinerary...
This being my second visit to Peru, I was not prepared to be totally overwhelmed by the attention to detail, in depth knowledge...
Wonderful experience with this small local company. Created a personalised, 5 day itinerary, organised all the transport, accom...
We took the 5 day/4 night Inca Trail Trek with Private Machu Picchu, and added an extra day in Machu Picchu Pueblo for birding ...
