Summary
Important Details
- Frequency: Scheduled departures (check availability)
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Start time: Day 1 – 06:00 h
- Return time: Day 5 – Approx. 20:30 h
- Mode: Shared Group
- Difficulty level: Medium – High (high-altitude trekking)
Why Travel with Peru Coyana?
The Lares trek to Machu Picchu is a high-Andean journey that blends majestic mountain landscapes, authentic Quechua communities, glacial lakes, hot springs, and a final visit to the most iconic Inca sanctuary in Peru. Over five days, you’ll explore remote regions of the Sacred Valley, cross mountain passes, share with local families, and walk through snow-capped peaks and deep canyons.
This cultural and adventure-packed trek connects you with the living traditions of the Andes, where locals still practice weaving, potato farming, and ancestral customs. The journey culminates with a night in Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu — a transformational route that merges history, nature, and humanity.
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha (camp)
- Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani (camp)
- Day 3: Quiswarani – Cuncani (camp)
- Day 4: Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (hotel)
- Day 5: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco → Huaran → Cancha Cancha
We depart from Cusco in tourist transport to Huaran (2,950 m.a.s.l.), where our hike begins. We gradually ascend through a narrow Andean valley following ancient Inca trails. After about 5 hours, we reach the remote community of Cancha Cancha (4,000 m.a.s.l.), where we camp and experience rural Andean life firsthand.
Day 2 – Cancha Cancha → Quiswarani
After breakfast, we ascend to Pachacútec Pass (4,697 m.a.s.l.), the highest point of the trek. Along the way, we admire glacier-fed lakes such as Azulcocha and Suerococha, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks like Colque Cruz, Pitusiray, and Sawasiray. We descend toward the traditional village of Quiswarani (3,902 m.a.s.l.), surrounded by waterfalls. Overnight at camp.
Day 3 – Quiswarani → Cuncani
We begin the day by crossing the Huillquijasa Pass (4,457 m.a.s.l.), where we can spot 7 Andean lagoons and native birds such as Andean geese and wild ducks. We then descend toward the village of Cuncani (3,886 m.a.s.l.), considered the last refuge of Inca nobility. After lunch, we continue through valleys filled with giant rocks until we reach our campsite in Cuncani.
Day 4 – Cuncani → Lares → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
Early breakfast followed by a 2-hour hike to Lares (3,261 m.a.s.l.), where we enjoy a relaxing soak in its natural hot springs. After lunch, we travel by private vehicle to Ollantaytambo and board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Day 5 – Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco
We take the early bus to the Machu Picchu entrance, arriving around 06:50 a.m. to enjoy the site before the crowds. Our guided tour (approx. 2.5 hours) covers key sites including the Intihuatana, Sun Temple, Temple of the Condor, and Sacred Rock. Free time to explore or hike Huayna Picchu (optional). In the afternoon, we return by train to Ollantaytambo and then travel back to Cusco. Estimated arrival: 20:30 h.
Includes / Not Included
What’s Included in the Lares 5-Day Trek?
- Transport Cusco – Huaran
- Transport Lares – Ollantaytambo
- Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guide
- Cook and kitchen assistant
- All meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Camping equipment (tents, mats, kitchen, dining tent, utensils)
- Pack horses and horsemen for gear and food
- 1 night in hotel in Aguas Calientes
- First aid kit
- Transport Ollantaytambo – Cusco
What’s Not Included?
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- First breakfast and last lunch/dinner
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu (USD 10, optional with advance booking)
- Personal emergency horse (optional)
- Entrance to Lares hot springs
- Personal expenses and tips
Tips
Recommendations for Your Lares 5-Day Trek
- Bring warm clothes for high altitudes and light clothing for warmer areas
- Rain poncho and trekking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
- Insect repellent and personal hygiene items
- Headlamp and camera
- Original ID or passport
- Cash in soles for extra expenses
- Note: This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of adventure, culture, and connection with living communities. Good physical condition and prior acclimatization are required.
