6 Day Lares Adventure

Upon arrival in Cusco (3,400m), our guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for a short briefing, followed by some well-deserved rest—essential for proper acclimatization to the altitude.

Cusco is a city where history comes to life in every alleyway and plaza. As we explore its streets, we’ll encounter impeccably preserved Inca walls standing alongside grand colonial churches and palaces, a testament to its rich and layered past. Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco has witnessed centuries of transformation since the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in 1533.

We’ll take a short drive to Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Inca fortress with monolithic stone walls strategically overlooking the city. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Cusco’s vibrant historic center, discovering its unique blend of Inca and colonial heritage at your own pace.

Departing Cusco, we cross the Chinchero Plateau, admiring breathtaking Andean views before descending into the Sacred Valley. Our destination is Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca town known for its impressive monolithic ruins and well-preserved streets.

For adventure seekers, an optional rafting experience on the Urubamba River adds an extra thrill. We’ll explore the awe-inspiring archaeological site, where massive granite blocks were transported from over 8 km away to build an unfinished temple.

After immersing ourselves in history, we settle into our hotel in the Sacred Valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes and Andean charm.

At 7:00 a.m., our private transport will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will make a short stop near Calca to enjoy breakfast, and if needed, you can buy snacks such as fruit, chocolate, and water.

We will then continue to Huaran (3,000 m / 9,840 ft), where we will meet our horsemen and horses before starting the trek. The trail ascends gradually for 4 hours, following the Cancha Cancha River to the small community of the same name. Along the way, we will pass through traditional farmland, admire breathtaking valley views, and walk through Polylepis forests, home to diverse wildlife, including hummingbirds.

In the village, we will enjoy a traditional Andean lunch before continuing our hike for two more hours until we reach our campsite, Acopata (3,950 m / 12,960 ft). We will spend the night here after a delicious dinner and a short briefing about the next day’s journey.

After breakfast, we continue our ascent on what will be the most demanding day of the trek. We will hike for approximately 3 hours to reach the highest point, Pachacutec Pass (4,750 m / 15,580 ft). From here, the panoramic views are breathtaking, showcasing the majestic Pitusiray and Sahuasiray glaciers and stunning emerald-green lakes.

We then begin a 2-hour descent to the glacial lake Qoyalaycocha, where we will stop for a traditional Andean lunch. After a short break, we continue trekking for another 2.5 hours to reach the village of Quishuarani, passing herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep along the way. With some luck, we may also spot Andean deer, geese, falcons, ducks, or even the elusive Andean fox.

Our campsite will be set at the community center, which offers basic facilities. In Quishuarani, you will have the opportunity to purchase handwoven alpaca textiles, crafted using traditional Lares Valley techniques. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a light snack, followed by a hearty Andean dinner to end the day.

We start the day early at 6:00 AM with a hearty breakfast before beginning our 4-hour ascent to Cuncani Pass (4,200m / 13,780ft). From the top, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Urubamba mountain range, including Willcaccasa (4,458m), Padreyoc (5,500m), and Veroni (5,800m), as well as turquoise lakes and the stunning valley landscapes.

A 2-hour descent past several lakes takes us to the shores of Lake Cuncani, where we will have lunch. Another hour of hiking brings us to the village of Cuncani (3,900m / 12,795ft), where you can purchase authentic alpaca textiles and meet locals dressed in their vibrant traditional clothing, surrounded by herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep.

From Cuncani, we continue our descent to Lares, famous for its medicinal hot springs, where we’ll enjoy a relaxing soak after our trek. Our private transport will then take us to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel El Mapi, and in the evening, your guide will provide a briefing for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Early in the morning, we meet our guide to take the CONSETUR bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. After passing the entrance checkpoint, we begin our 2 to 2.5-hour guided tour, exploring its legendary temples, terraces, and plazas while learning about its fascinating history.

After the tour, you will have free time to explore at your own pace or simply soak in the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to the Sacred Valley or Cusco, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Note: If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, permits are limited and must be reserved in advance along with your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport, where you will board your flight to Lima. Here, our services come to an end, wishing you a wonderful journey and hoping to welcome you back soon to explore more of Peru!