Private 4 Days Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Private 4 Days Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

This trip combines an exceptional alternative trek with the principle archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. We begin by visiting the Pisac ruins and market, then drive into the Cordillera Vilcanota for a short hike to the Andean community of Quishuarani. On the second day we pass waterfalls and turquoise glacial lagoons to reach Pachaqutec pass (4700m.) while surrounded by other soaring peaks of the Vilcanota range. On day three the trail returns us to the Sacred Valley with a gentle descent along the Cancha Cancha River. In the afternoon we drive to Ollantaytambo where we will explore the arqueological site. In the evening we´ll take the train to Aguas Calientes. Early the next morning we'll visit Machu Picchu and learn more about this breathtaking site during the guided tour.

During our trips, we make every effort to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the benefits to the local inhabitants and natural environments we visit.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Pisac - Quisharani

Stop At: Pisac Archaeological Park, Pisac 08105, Peru
We depart Cusco in the morning and drive to Pisac, where we tour the ruins perched high above the Sacred Valley.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Pisac Market, Central Plaza, Pisac Peru
We visit the local artisan’s market and have lunch in the charming Main Square. We continue our drive through the Sacred Valley to Cordillera Vilcanota.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Lares Trek, 08000 Peru
There we´ll have a short acclimatization hike to the village of Quishuarani, our first campsite.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campsite in Quishuarani

Day 2: Quisharani - Cancha Cancha

Stop At: Lares Trek, 08000 Peru
Distance: 13.5K / 8 miles
Approximate walking time: 8 hours

Following the trail out of Quishuarani community, we climb past a series of cascading waterfalls and lagoons. An original Inca stone path leads us steeply up the ridge to Pachaqutec pass (4700m.), the highest point on our trek. Close to the top, we enjoy spectacular views of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750m.) and Chicon (5530m.). The trail leads down into the opposite corridor to the brilliant glacial lakes of Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here we can see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese. Descending further, we begin to see the thatched-roof stone houses and corrals of Cancha Cancha community, our last camp site.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campsite in Cancha Cancha

Day 3: Cancha Cancha - Huaran to Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Stop At: Lares Trek, 08000 Peru
Distance: 9K / 5.4 miles

Today our hike follows the Cancha Cancha River down into a fertile green valley replete with flowers, plants, and birds of the region. After a gentle descent of approximately 3-4 hours, we reach the village of Huaran where we have lunch before driving to Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon we will board a train that will take us the final stretch of the way to Aguas Calientes.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo, Ollantaytambo 08676 Peru
Once arrived in Ollantaytambo we'll visit the arqueological site.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ollantaytambo Village, Pueblito DE Rumira a 2.5km DE Ollantaytambo Trayecto Hacia, Camino Incaico, Ollantaytambo 08675, Peru
During our time in Ollantaytambo we'll also stroll through the village. Afterwards we'll take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Comfortable Hostel in Aguas Calientes

Day 4: Machu Picchu to Cusco

Stop At: Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Peru
Waking up early in the morning, we will take a bus up to Machu Picchu and enjoy an official tour of the spectacular Inca ruins. There is time to explore on your own before the afternoon train departs Aguas Calientes. We arrive to Cusco at approximately 8:00pm (depending on availability of trains).
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.