Experience local life through the Lares trek to Machu Picchu
The Lares trek is a hidden treasure that few tourists know about: it takes you through an uncluttered path around breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins in the Sacred Valley. Lares is the only path to Machu Picchu that allows you to experience local Andean life as you push yourself up challenging terrain. Explore remote villages in the Urubumba and Patacancha valleys, with locals who will show you the secrets of their traditional way of life. This package is designed for those who seek adventure but also desire a deeper connection with their destination, making for a poignant cultural experience mixed with incredible treks through beautiful landscapes!
Why spend time among crowds of tourists when you can surround yourself with local Peruvians and native animals?
Not only will you see gorgeous scenery in Peru, but, most importantly, with the Lares trek you will get unparalleled insight into the daily life of the Peruvian Andes. By meeting local people, living with them, learning some of their skills, and wearing their traditional clothes, you will be truly immersed in Andean culture. If you dream about an active holiday combined with the experience of a new country from an alternative and fresh perspective, then this is definitely the package for you!
The Lares trek is one of the most beautiful and fascinating in Peru. The Andean countryside offers great trekking, bicycle and horseback riding routes, while the rest of the region presents many chances to learn about Peruvian history and important archaeological sites. Warm and friendly locals make this area a real joy to visit and witness, and their willingness to share knowledge of their rich traditions and culture makes for an unforgettable experience. From Lares, you can easily reach the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, jump down to the jungle, or reach the dizzying heights of the mountains. This region provides you with many attractions and unique experiences. Do not miss the opportunity to see all you can!
Minimum number of participants: 2
Tour Itinerary
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Day 1: CUSCO - PISAC - LARES
The Sacred Valley, also known as the Valley of Urubamba, is unique. Not only does it offer breathtaking landscapes and views, but Peruvians believe it to contain a special, positive energy. Here lie ruins from the ancient Inca Empire – believed to have been the most important and strategic in the entire country. You could spend days discovering new sites in this area of the Cusco region, but for this tour we have selected two of the most beautiful towns in the Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
On Day 1 the tour begins early in the morning at 6:45 am. First on the agenda is a visit to a small zoo hosting Peruvian animals, including jungle birds, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and condors. Next, we visit the small town of Pisac, where you will have the chance to explore the town centre – a special highlight is its local market – a very colourful experience! A visit to the ruins situated just above the town will give you your first introduction to the history of the Inca Empire. This archaeological site is unique – the ruins that you will see here differ in beauty and structure from others in the region.
From Pisac we will travel directly to the small Andean village of Lares, where you will have the chance to relax and unwind in the town´s hot springs which are open late into the night. We will then continue to the hostel where we will spend our first night.
Trekking time: 7-8 hours Max altitude: 14763 ft (4500 m)
Overnight stay in Lares
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DAY 2: LARES TREK TO PATACANCHA VALEY
Today you will enjoy approximately 8-hours of trekking from the lovely mountain village of Huacahuasi to the unique Patacancha Valley. The trek towards Patacancha valley will begin at 7:00 am, passing through small mountain villages along the trail. In the trail we will come across herds of llamas and learn how local communities live in this part of Peru. The day comes to an end in the beautiful little town of Huilloc in the valley of Patacancha, where you will meet with a local family and share the evening with them.
Trekking time: 2-3 hours Max altitude: 11154 ft (3400 m)
Overnight stay in Patacancha valley (local family stay)
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DAY 3: PATACANCHA VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO
On day 3, a typical Andean breakfast is served at 7:30 am. Once everyone has finished we will begin an easy and comfortable trek through the the Patacancha Valley to the beautiful Inca town of Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon we will have time to visit the Inca ruins in Ollantaytambo and walk through lovely streets of this amazing town. After lunch we will travel by train to Aguas Calientes, from where you will explore the showpiece of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu, the following morning!
Trekking time: 3-4 hours Max altitude: 12139 ft (3700 m)
Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
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DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU
You will start the tour to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes where, early in the morning, you will take a bus to the site´s entrance (in this option, additional fee for bus ticket is required) or you will walk there (around 1-1,5 hour).
In the ruins you will have a 2 hour guided tour, giving you an overview of the history and culture of the Inca Empire and the spiritual, political and educational importance of Machu Picchu. After the tour you will have time to explore the site independently until 5:00 pm – although you have the option to leave earlier if you wish. Inside the ruins there are many options available to you. You can hike one of the two small peaks, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, or walk to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and/or Inca bridge.
You will make your own way back to Aguas Calientes via bus (in this option, additional fee for bus ticket is required) or on foot (around 1 – 1,5 hour), from where you will take a train to Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo, our bus will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco, where you will arrive at around 10:30 pm.
Trekking time: 6-8 hours (depends how long you want to discover Machu Picchu and how you want to get there) Max altitude: 11154 ft (3700 m)
Your tour “Through Lares and Patacancha to Machu Picchu” comes to the end today in Cusco. If you would like to stay in Cusco region or in any other part of Peru longer and explore more, feel free to contact us. We can add or modify each tour to meet your expectations and needs.
Before booking any tour we require all clients to carefully consult our Terms.