Classic Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Your adventure begins early, with pickup around 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, Huaran, or Pisaq. We’ll drive through the Sacred Valley, watching the landscape transform as we climb into the Andes.

Our first stop is the famous Lares hot springs. Here, you’ll enjoy breakfast surrounded by mountain views before relaxing in the natural thermal pools. The water comes from volcanic sources and ranges from cold to very warm — the perfect way to prepare your body for the trek ahead.

After soaking, we drive a short distance to the trailhead at Punta Carretera. This is where you’ll meet our horsemen and hand over your duffel bags before beginning the hike.

The first stretch is a gentle uphill walk through what locals call the “potato valley,” where families cultivate dozens of native potato varieties. Your guide will point out medicinal plants and explain how Andean communities use them.

We’ll stop for lunch near the village of Kiswarani, where our trekking chef prepares your first fresh mountain meal.

In the afternoon, you’ll witness a small cultural moment with the local llama herders. Llamas have always played a sacred and economic role in Andean life, and today we continue to support local families who care for them.

You’ll also have time to explore the village and, if possible, visit the local school where children still speak Quechua, the language of the Incas.

From here, we continue gradually uphill for about two more hours until reaching our campsite near the Kiswarani waterfall. Your tents will be ready upon arrival. Enjoy hot drinks as the sun sets behind the mountains, followed by a freshly prepared dinner under the Andean night sky.

You’ll wake up around 5:00 a.m. with hot tea delivered to your tent. As the valley comes to life, you’ll see locals herding llamas and alpacas across the hills.

After breakfast, we begin the most challenging yet rewarding climb of the trek: the ascent to Condor Pass. The trail zigzags steadily upward for several hours, offering views of glacial lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.

At the summit, you’ll stand at 4,680 meters above sea level, surrounded by panoramic mountain views. On clear days, you can see the majestic Pitusiray mountain towering in the distance. We’ll pause here for photos, rest, and a hot drink before beginning our descent.

After lunch at a scenic viewpoint, we continue downhill toward the remote village of Cancha Cancha.

This village is one of the most traditional communities in the region. There are no cars, no electricity, and most homes are still built using ancient stone techniques with thatched roofs. Life here moves at its own peaceful rhythm.

You’ll have time to interact with local families, learn about traditional weaving techniques made from alpaca and llama wool, and better understand the customs that have survived for centuries.

As evening arrives, enjoy hot drinks and dinner while surrounded by the silence of the high Andes.

After breakfast, we begin our final hiking day with a scenic downhill walk. The landscape gradually changes as we descend toward the Sacred Valley. You’ll notice the air getting warmer and the crops becoming more diverse — corn, quinoa, avocados, and fruit trees begin to appear.

We’ll finish our trek near the village of Huaran, where we say goodbye to our horsemen and trekking team.

From here, we drive to the impressive Maras salt mines. More than 3,000 salt pools cascade down the mountainside, fed by a natural saltwater spring that has been used since pre-Inca times. Local families still harvest salt here today, continuing a centuries-old tradition.

After visiting the salt mines, we continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns. You’ll have time to explore its original Inca streets and water channels before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and rest before the big day ahead.

You’ll wake up early to catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Watching the sunrise over the citadel is an unforgettable moment.

Your guide will lead a comprehensive tour of the main sectors of Machu Picchu, explaining its history, architecture, and mysteries. After the guided portion, you’ll have free time to explore on your own.

If you’ve reserved a permit, you may hike Huayna Picchu for incredible aerial views of the site.

In the afternoon, we return by train to Ollantaytambo and then transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.