- Trek
- 4 days
- Year round
- Private
- English-
speaking optional - Moderate
Along the way......
The Lares Valley, surrounded by magnificent summits and their glaciers, guards in its bossom, hot thermal water springs fed by volcanic activity. Lined with several ruins, the trail takes us to the climax of our journey, the lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu.
Day 1 :
In the early morning, departure from Cuzco for the Lares Valley. During the journey, we visit some archaeological ruins, typical villages and see numerous crops, along the meanderings of the Urubamba River. We go over the Huaca Pass Casi, at an altitude of 4400 metrers a.s.l. (el. 14,435 feet), and arrive at the hot springs of Lares. Walk to the camp, at Huaca Wasi (at an altitude of 3600 meters a.s.l. / el. 11,811 feet). Transfer: around 5 hours; Hiking time: around 3 hours; Temperatures: low at night.
Day 2 :
Hiking day with a first stop at the Ipsay Pass. Continuation to the Ispaycocha Lagoon, and descent to Patacancha, at 3650 meters a.s.l. (el. 11,975 feet). During the hike, we come across various Andean communities and we can observe alpacas, llamas and vicunas. Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours; Temperatures: low at night.
Day 3 :
Continuation of the descent down to Willoq (at an altitude of 3400 meters a.s.l. / el. 11,154 feet). We cross the site of Cochamarca and visit the Inca site of Puma Marca where we have lunch. Continuation towards Ollantaytambo on a trail on the sides of a hill. Evening train to Aguascalientes. Arrival at the hotel. Hiking time: around 5 hours.
Day 4 :
In the early morning, we take the shuttle for the citadel of Machu Picchu. Day dedicated to the visit of the site; one of the wonders of the world, discovered in 1911 by the American anthropologist Hiram Bingham. In the afternoon, return by train to Cuzco. Reception and transfer to the hotel. Meals open. Suggestions: Ascent to the peak of Huayna Picchu (make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes and that you are not carrying a heavy load. People suffering from vertigo should not participate) or climb to the La Puerta del Sol. Please note: train timetables to be communicated to visitors upon arrival in Cuzco.