Lares Trail Program

Why choose the Lares Trail?

• A unique and peaceful route through the Lares Valley
• Overnight stays at private campsites, allowing you to truly connect with nature
• Exceptional birdwatching in a unique setting
• Authentic encounters with local communities
• The quietest and least demanding alternative to the classic Inca Trail

Day 1: Connecting with the Local People

While Cusco is still fast asleep, your guide will pick you up early in the morning. A private vehicle takes you to the village of Cuncani, where the Trail begins. Along the way, you’ll stop in Calca to visit the local market and pick up any last essentials.

We enjoy lunch at Yanacocha (the first mountain pass), before continuing with a 4-hour climb to Huacawasi. Fortunately, the ascent is not too strenuous, giving you plenty of time to take in the rich variety of flora and fauna along the way. You’ll also pass local farmers tending their cows and llamas—your first opportunity to connect with the local people and hear Quechua, the traditional language still widely spoken here.

At the end of the day, you’ll camp in Huacawasi, a small Inca village known for its houses built from mountain stone and mud.

Day 2: Blue Lakes and Exotic Birds

Day 2 is dedicated to the ascent toward the Huacawasi Pass. As you climb to 4,500 meters, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the entire Lares Valley. From here, you can admire the iconic Andean landscapes, with deep blue lakes and ancient Inca Trails stretching across the mountains. Spotting alpacas and llamas along the way is almost guaranteed.

Upon reaching the pass, you’ll discover a stunning blue lake formed by meltwater from the snow-capped Pumahuanca Mountain. Take your time to soak in the scenery, as lunch will be served here.

After lunch, we descend toward Pucara, where you’ll spend the night at a private campsite. This peaceful location is a paradise for bird lovers, offering the chance to spot a wide variety of species in complete tranquility.

Day 3: The Vegetable Garden of Cusco

On the third day, you continue your journey toward Yanahuara, a beautiful village located at 2,950 meters in the pleasant Urubamba Valley. Thanks to its favorable climate, the area is filled with agricultural terraces growing corn and a variety of vegetables—many of which still supply Cusco to this day.

These terraces guide you toward Ollantaytambo, with a stop along the way at Choccana, an archaeological site. Lunch is served in Ollantaytambo.

After lunch, you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as “Machu Picchu Town.” This village lies at the foot of the mountain on which Machu Picchu is perched. Here, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant. You’ll spend the night in a simple but comfortable hotel. During dinner, your guide will prepare you for the highlight of the next day: your visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Visit to Machu Picchu

At last, the moment has arrived. In the morning, you take the bus up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour, sharing the fascinating history behind this mysterious Inca city. After the guided tour, you’ll have some free time to explore and take photos within the designated route.

Important: Since 2024, Peruvian authorities have introduced regulations to manage visitor numbers at Machu Picchu. As a result, three circuits have been created for visiting the Inca citadel. Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 are the most comprehensive. This trek includes a 2-hour guided tour via Circuit 3. If you would like to extend your visit with Circuit 2, an additional ticket can be arranged for $45 per person.

Optional Climbs: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

For an extra adventure, you can climb Huayna Picchu (“Young Mountain”), the iconic green peak overlooking Machu Picchu, offering spectacular views of the city and surrounding valleys. The climb takes about 45 minutes and is not included in the standard program.

Alternatively, Machu Picchu Mountain, located opposite Huayna Picchu, is slightly steeper but equally rewarding for those seeking a challenge. If you would like to include either climb in your itinerary, please contact us for more information.

In the afternoon, you descend back down—either by bus (optional) or on foot—where you say goodbye to your guide before taking the train back to Cusco.