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Peru · Trekking
The journey
Journey along the Lares route for wonderful panoramic views, shockingly blue lakes, and the chance to experience rural Andean life up close. Lares Valley lies to the east of the Urubamba mountain range and is easily accessible from Cusco. This route offers a diverse combination of mountain and valley scenery as you trek through places such as Cancha Cancha, Concani, and Ollantaytambo, then relax at the famous Lares Hot Springs before continuing to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
The goal is to reach Machu Picchu as early as possible, when the site is less crowded and you have the best chance to enjoy its beauty, mystery, and magic in peace.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Meet at your hotel early in the morning and travel to the community of Huaran.
In Huaran, meet the muleteers and begin the ascent to Cancha Cancha, a small farming community situated amid beautiful high-altitude scenery.
Camp for the night in Cancha Cancha. Please inform us if you prefer a homestay with a local family on this night.
Duration: 5 hours
After breakfast, depart from Cancha Cancha and begin the 2.5-hour steep climb to Pachacuteq Pass. This is the first pass of the trek and provides breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped Mt. Pitusiray and Pachacuteq Lake.
From the pass, continue for approximately 1 hour along a narrow ridge to a splendid valley with glacial lakes. Observe the snowy peaks of Colquecruz, Minas, and Sirijuani.
After lunch, begin the hike toward the community of Quiswarani, where you may have the opportunity to learn about local weaving traditions.
From there, head to the campsite near beautiful Queuñaqocha Lagoon.
Duration: 7 hours
Heading west up a small valley, arrive at a lake at the head of the valley and begin a steep zig-zag climb along a narrow trail to the top of the second pass, known as Abra Huillquijasa (4200 meters / 13776 feet), about 3 hours from Quisuarani village. Below are incredible sapphire-blue lakes.
Eat lunch beside these lakes and continue for about an hour to the village of Concani (3750 meters / 12300 feet).
From Concani, descend for approximately 2 hours to Lares' famed hot springs, where you can take a well-deserved soak and set up camp for the night.
Duration: 6 hours
After time to relax at Lares, meet by the car and begin the ride from Lares to the town of Ollantaytambo.
Catch the train to Aguas Calientes, the final destination. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you will be transferred to your hotel and later enjoy a celebratory dinner.
Duration: No trekking today
Itinerary notes: This route has homestay options on all, some, or one night. Please enquire for details.
After an early breakfast, leave your luggage at the hotel and depart for Machu Picchu.
The bus trip takes about 20 minutes, and you also have the option of hiking up in about 1.5 hours. The goal is to reach Machu Picchu as early as possible, when the site is less crowded and you have the best chance to enjoy its beauty, mystery, and magic in peace.
Take a guided tour for about 2.5 hours, then enjoy free time to explore the site on your own.
Climb Huayna Picchu for the best views of Machu Picchu from above, or choose to visit the Temple of the Moon, located behind Huayna Picchu.
After a late lunch, board the return train toward Cusco.
Duration: Depends on client preferences and pace.
Where this trip takes you
Pachacuteq Pass, Queuñaqocha Lagoon, Lares Hot Springs, Machu Picchu
The route
The fine print
Treks through the Lares Valley are often referred to as the "Weaver's Way" due to the opportunity these routes offer for visiting remote communities, where traditional Andean life continues to this day. This includes centuries-old weaving and farming practices, traditional dress, and the opportunity to participate in optional homestays with local families.
The final day includes a full-day tour of Machu Picchu and return transport to Cusco.
Logistics
Your 5 days finish where they began, in Cusco.
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