Lares Trek 4 Days
to Machu Picchu

We will pick you up from your hotel at 5 a.m. to begin our adventure on Lares Trek. We will then drive for 3 hours to reach the town of Lares. There you will enjoy the hot springs which feature several pools of varyig temperatures. These natural thermal baths contains mineral-rich waters that are benificial for your skin and bones, help relieve stress, relax your muscles, and ease headaches.

After relaxing in the baths for a while, you will start hiking. The trail gradually ascends for about two hours until we reach our first lunch spot near a small village. Along this section of hike you will pass through potato farmlands supported by the cummunity of Quisuarani. Your guide will explain the different varieties of potatoes that grown in the area, as well as introduce you the native medicinal plants. You will then enjoy your delicious meal freshly prepared by our trekking chef.

In the afternoon, we will take part in a traditional ceremony made by our trekking team who will offer some local products to Mother Earth (Pachamama). They will also showcase these beautiful animals such as Llamas were considered sacred by the Incas and were fundamental to their economy.  Nowadays a few families in remote areas still use llamas to transport their products. At Vidal Expeditions we have designed different alternatives trekking routes that help revive ancient traditions while supporting the communities that protect them. Llamas are friendly, strong animalsand make wonderful walking companion. Just don't get too close; they might try to give you a kiss.

You will also have time to explore the village and visit some local homes, where you will learn about the lifestyle and ancient traditions of the local people. From there, It will be another two hour, gradual uphill hike to reach the campsite where our trekking staff will be waiting to welcome you with your tents already set up. After, you’ll have the option to do some stargazing. You may choose to stay up a little longer enjoying the night sky, or, if you prefer, you can head to your tent for a well-deserved rest.

Today, you will be woken up around 5 a.m. with our hot tea service. You will enjoy breathtaking views of the colorful lake and Kiswarani Valley. Enjoy an Andean breakfast prepared by our chef using the local organic ingredients. After breakfast, we’ll fill up our water bottles, and pack our trekking gear. Then, you will begin one of the most memorable days of your expedition to Machu Picchu.

The hike to Pachacute also known as Condor pass will take about three to four hours ascending along a scenic switchback trail. The views along the way are truly stunning. You will see crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and herds of llamas, and alpacas. Once you reached Condor Pass 4,680 m/ 15,354 ft high, you will be above the clouds and mountain peaks, surrounded by breathtaking 360-degree vistas. Directly ahead of you will be the majestic Mount Pitusiray, towering at 5,700 m (18,700 ft). Take a well-deserved rest and allow the tranquility of the high Andes to envelop you.

You’ll begin a one-hour downhill descent toward El Mirador (viewpoint), where you’ll enjoy a scenic lunch break. You may even spot some llamas grazing nearby.

After lunch, you'll continue with a final three-hour descent, surrounded by breathtaking views of mountain lakes and herds of llamas and alpacas. Eventually, you'll arrive at your campsite in the village of Cancha Cancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft)—a unique community untouched by modern technology.

Here, you'll experience not only the beauty of the wilderness but also the warmth of the local culture. Your porters will set up your tents, and you’ll have some time to meet the local children. As part of our commitment to the community, we provide food and school supplies, and we invite our travelers to contribute as well. If you wish, you're welcome to bring items that could support the education and well-being of these Quechua-speaking children.

Later, your guide will take you to visit a local family’s home, where you’ll gain insight into their daily life. You'll see how they raise guinea pigs and learn about their traditional hand-woven textiles made from llama and alpaca wool.

Our trekking team will wake you up with a hot cup of tea, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views and the crisp morning air. After breakfast, your guide will take some time to share experiences with the local children and visit their school, where the ancient Inca language, Quechua, is still taught.

Once you're ready, you’ll begin the final leg of your Lares Trek. We’ll hike for about four hours along a beautiful trail, passing more herds of llamas and alpacas. Along the way, you’ll also see traditional farms growing fava beans, potatoes, and a variety of other native Andean tubers, cultivated in the time-honored Incan style. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Peruvian agriculture, as the locals still farm by hand using traditional Inca tools. From here, we begin our descent into the Sacred Valley. As we go down, you’ll notice a shift in the microclimate and begin to see different types of crops, unique to the lower elevations.

Your trek ends in the small village of Huaran, located in the Sacred Valley at 2,700 meters (8,858 feet). Here, you’ll say goodbye to your horses, horsemen, chef, and porters, as they return to their homes.

From Huaran, we’ll catch a van for a short drive into the valley to visit Ollantaytambo, the only living, intact Inca village. The town still preserves many original Inca water channels, houses, and stone walls. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of this charming village, sharing its history and significance. After the tour, you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. We’ll then board the 7:00 p.m. train to Aguas Calientes—the town at the base of Machu Picchu. (Train times may vary depending on availability.) Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check in to your hotel and have time to relax and prepare for the next day's adventure.

After hiking in the Andes Mountains, we will embark on a tour to explore the iconic Machu Picchu. You will wake up early to beat the crowds and experience this magical Inca site, with the opportunity to see the sunrise over the ruins.

After capturing postcard-worthy photos, your guide will lead you on an informative two-hour tour of the site. Following the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or choose to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (this requires a separate entrance ticket, costing $75 per person).