LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS

Day 1: We will pick you up early from your hotel to take you to the beginning of the trek at Huaran (9,840 ft) in the Sacred Valley; it is 1 ½ hours by private bus. We will pack the horses and start to walk northward. The trail climbs gently following the Cancha Cancha river towards the community of the same name. On this walk along the river we will see cultivated fields and pass through old Polylepis forests. This type of vegetation is very interesting for a wide assortment of bird life, and the valley itself is very impressive. We will have lunch half way through the hike.

We will pass by the village of Cancha Cancha. on the way to our camp. After a total hike today of around 6 hours we will reach our campsite for the night at Acopata.

Day 2: After an early breakfast we will continue up hill. After 2 ½ hours we will reach the highest point of the trek: Pachacutec Pass is at 15,678 ft. The view from here is overwhelming. The Pitusiray and Sahuasiray snowcapped mountains will be right in front of us.

Now we will hike downhill for 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot, next to a captivating lake.

After lunch we will descend for another 1 ½ hours into the valley. We will pass by several glacial lakes along the way. Also we can see herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep. It is also possible to see Gray Brocket Deer, Viscachas, Andean Geese, the rare Giant Coot, Puna Hawks and the impressive Andean Condor. Tonight we camp at Quishuarani village, which has typical stone houses

Day 3: Today we follow another valley and climb up to the second pass at Willcaccasa mountain for 2 to 3 hours. Again the view of the Andes, turquoise lakes and its beautiful valleys are impressive.

After the pass we walk downhill for 1 ½ to 2 hours, passing many gourgeous lakes. This takes us to Cuncani village. We then continue downhill for 2 to 3 hours towards the Lares Valley and its hot springs, where we can have a well deserved soak. This is also our lunch spot.

Now that we are fully relaxed, we will get in our private van, which will be waiting for us, for the 3 hour drive to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft). We will have dinner in Ollantaytambo. After dinner, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival you will check in to your room at the bed and breakfast.

DAY 4: You will have breakfast at your hotel before we take a very early bus (5:30am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent sunrise. Once there you will be given at 2 hour walking tour of the site.

You will begin your Huayna Picchu hike at 10 AM.

After your hike, you will have free time to explore before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel.