This trek takes us into the Lares region of the Peruvian Andes, passing green valleys, tranquil mountain lakes, and high passes, with breathtaking views of snow-capped Andean peaks rising to just under 6,000 meters. Our route takes us through many small villages that offer a rare and fascinating insight into traditional Andean life. Finally, we’ll make our way by train to Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
We start off our trek with scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Chincheros and stopping in the town of Urubamba, (2,700m). From there, we continue our drive to the beginning of the Pumahuanca Valley, known for its white corn crops and Chicha, the Inca´s favorite corn beer. We will have a locally guided tour of the Incan complex of Inca–Kancha, while our certified chef spoils us with delicious Peruvian cuisine. Continuing along the way, you will be able to see native trees such as qeuñas and eucalyptus. After another leg of our hike, we camp by natural scenic waterfalls in Cuyoc (3,950m).
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Urubamba – Pumahuanca Valley – P´acchayoq
Our private bus leaves Cusco at 05:45am for a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Chincheros and stopping in the town of Urubamba, (2,700m) for a brief rest and the chance to buy any last minute snacks, water, etc. A small picnic breakfast will be served at this time. Departing Urubamba around 07:15, we’ll drive 20 minutes more to the beginning of the Pumahuanca Valley, land of the famous white corn crops and the Chicha, the Inca´s favorite corn beer. This is where we will meet our horses and handlers, (arrieros), and trek staff. All of our equipment will be carried by mules and horses. We commence our hike through the beautiful Polylepis Qeuñas Valley with a gentle switchback ascent on a gravel path from 2,850m to 3,600m. It’s a four hour walk to the Incan complex of Inca–Kancha for a guided visit, and a stop for our first lunch. Our talented cook will spoil you with delicious Peruvian food. Continuing along the way, you will be able to see native trees such as qeuñas and eucalyptus. After several hours of walking, we will reach a series of small waterfalls and the beautiful campsite of Cuyoc (3,950m).
Day 2: Community Service
Rise early and be introduced to a local family! You will have a traditional breakfast with the community before our journey starts. We’ll also participate in an Incan ceremony to offer thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for all that she provides and ask for her grace. Then you will plant your tree with a local family. Your tour guide will explain the importance of environmental conservation to the local family and ask them to care for the tree that you’ve planted. We’ll spend the rest of the day doing community service with the family, helping them go about their daily tasks. This could include anything from shepherding llamas or alpacas to caring for guinea pigs, shearing wool, weaving or farming potatoes and quinoa. You will learn some basic quechua, the native indigenous language, as you become friends with the family members. As the day comes to a close, we will help prepare a traditional Pachamanca (traditional cooking method using hot stones) for a delicious dinner to share with your family by the campfire.
Day 3: Cuyoc – Pumahuanca Pass – Cuncani Campsite
We’ll wake up at 06:00 am with a cup of coca leaf tea and good breakfast of quinua pancakes. At 07:00am we’ll recommence our trek with scenic views of Chicon, San Juan and Veronica mountains.
Surrounded by a native forest for a challenging five hour climb along a dirt road, until we reach some zig zag switchbacks that will lead us towards the Pumahuanca Pass (4,740m). Once we reach the pass, we’ll honor the top of this mountain with coca leaves as is the local custom. Then we are ready to descend for an hour along a stone road until we arrive to our lunch spot, near impressive lakes. After lunch we’ll walk downhill for two more hours. Enroute, we may meet local campesinos (local people) in colorful costumes; this is the tradition with all villages around Lares. Our campsite is at Cuncani (3,700m) where we’ll enjoy dinner and camp for the night. Cuncani is also very famous for its textile production and ancesteral weaving techniques.
Day 4: Cuncani Campsite – Lares Hot Springs- Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Before we begin the final leg of our trek, we’ll wake at 7:00am and have breakfast. We’ll also have the chance to visit the home of our arriero, who will share with us their lifestyle of deep connection with nature and preservation of traditional customs. He will show us the weavings from generations past, use of medicinal plants etc. Then it’s a simple four hour walk to reach the Lares village. Once we arrive we can soak in the medicinal hot springs. After lunch, it’s a three hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where we will have a Peruvian-style dinner. We will then take a 2-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will stay overnight.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
At 5:00am we’ll have an early breakfast before taking the 5:30am bus directly to Machu Picchu. **The option is there for those still are able/wanting to walk to leave at 04:30am and walk up to Machu Picchu to meet us at 06:00am**
Machu Picchu is still a fifteen minute walk from the drop-off point to the entrance. Enjoy an early tour of Machu Picchu with your guide who will unfold the mysteries of this magical site. Your tour of Machu Picchu should finish between 10 and 10:30am, and then you’ll have free time to explore by yourself. Around 10:45am the guide will leave you at the trail head to climb Huayna Picchu if you booked this in advance.
Include / No include
Included
- All necessary tools for tree planting
- Ceremony with your tour guide and locals
- Pick-up from hotels from 5:25 to 05:45am or meet in our depart point Plaza Cusipata
- Transfer in bus to Lares, Quiswarani (starting point of the trek)
- 2 person per tent Igloo tents (new, spacious and comfortable)
- A roll pad mattress
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Excellent tour guide (2 guides for groups over 12)
- Full board meals: 3 Meals per day, snacks each afternoon
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent
- Horses/mules to transport (tents, food, cooking equipment)
- Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes
- Boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning
- Vistadome Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Expedition Train return from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta and private transport to Cusco
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (double or triple accommodation)
- Porterage of 6 Kg per person.
- Round Trip Bus Tickets
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Not Included
- Dinner on the last day
- Tips for your crew: cooks, horse herders, guides. Tips are not mandatory but are a great gesture of gratitude.
