From Cusco: Lares and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4-Day Hike

Highlights

• Enjoy a small-group trek to Machu Picchu
• Experience local life and traditions in the Lares Valley
• Hike across the most beautiful part of the Inca Trail
• Explore the iconic site of Machu Picchu
• Have the chance to take the optional Waynapicchu Mountain Hike

Description

Day 1: Cusco – Huaca Casi pass – Lares Hot Springs – Huacawasi - Sondor Your journey begins with a drive to the town of Calca to visit the local market and get extra supplies. The ride continues to the village of Lares, home to hot springs. Here, soak in the hot water and relax before beginning the hike. After lunch, the very beginning of the trek starts by leaving Lares and going to the first campsite at Sondor. This part of the trek lasts for approximately 3 hours. Ascend gradually and reach the campsite at 3,800 meters to enjoy dinner and spend the night in tents. Day 2: Huacawasi – Sondor – Paso Sacsayllame – Aruray Cocha – Yurak Cocha – Pucara After breakfast, embark on the hike to the highest point of the 4 days, the pass of Sacsayllame or Hucahuasi at 4,400 meters. The hike will take about 2 hours and will be very steep uphill, but you will be rewarded by the stunning mountain scenery and typical Andean agricultural lands. After reaching the highest point, descend downhill and pass a beautiful lagoon. After a break, have a leisurely lunch on the shores of a river. Next, descend further through a Queuñas tree forest. Stroll about 4 hours before reaching the campsite at Pucara at 3,100 meters. Enjoy hot tea and snacks upon arrival and have dinner at the campsite. Day 3: Pucara - Ollantaytambo - Km 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes The journey on the third day starts at around 6:00 AM with a drive to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. From here, board the tourist-class train to where the Royal Inca Trail begins. After checking in, start the hike to Chachabamba, which is at 2,270 meters. Enjoy the greenery and changing landscapes. In Chachabamba, your guide will tell you about the history of the archeological site. Next, reach Wiñayhuayna at 2,650 meters. The trail continues towards the Sun Gate “Inti Punku,” a viewpoint from where you can enjoy the sunset over Machu Picchu. Spend a short time here before heading to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Sanctuary of Machu Picchu - Cusco After leaving your hotel, you will take the early bus up to Machu Picchu. Arrive at the citadel at around 6:00 AM to beat the crowds and enjoy a detailed explanation about Machu Picchu and the history of the Incas from a guide. Have enough free time to explore the site on your own before taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Have the chance to relax in the town before heading back to Ollyantaytambo by train, and then by bus to Cusco.

Includes

Pre-departure briefing
Transportation to the start of the trek
Lares hot-springs entrance fee
Transport from Pucara to Ollantaytambo where the train station is located
Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Return bus transfer from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
English/Spanish-speaking guide
Private hostel room in Aguas Calientes
Standard train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Bus transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco
High-quality camping equipment (professional Eureka tents, extra light/4.5kgs for 2 persons, mattresses, dining tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)
Meals as per the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks), vegetarian and vegan food available on request
Cook and cooking equipment
Horsemen and mules to carry all camping equipment including luggage allowance of 7kg per participant
Emergency horse (from Huacahuasi to Pucara)
First-aid kit
Breakfast on day 1
Lunch and dinner on day 4
Sleeping bag
Entrance fee to Aguas Calientes hot-springs (10 Peruvian soles)
Gratuities
Waynapicchu Mountain Entrance (unless option selected)

Important Information

• It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek, to acclimatize and get used to the altitude
• Vegetarian and vegan food are available on request at no extra charge
• Sleeping bags are available at an extra cost
• Upon entering the Inca Trail on Day 3, travelers have to carry their most important belongings. Extra luggage will be transported to Cusco
• To do the Waynapicchu Mountain hike; please choose the option when booking (subject to to availability)
• This tour does not operate on February

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund