Lares Trek & Machu Picchu

• Total Walking Distance: 12km
• Total Walking Time: 8hs
• Minimum Altitude: 4000m (13,123 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4440m (14,566 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 4000m / 13,123 ft
• Approx. night temperature: -10°C (14°F)

We start early today, covering significant distance. A 1.5-hour climb brings us to Meloq’asa Pass (4440m / 14,566 ft), where the vegetation begins to change. After 3-4 hours of trekking along the mountain’s edge with stunning views, we’ll stop for lunch by the river. Following a rest, we descend for 2 hours (500m / 1,640 ft) to our campsite at Maranniyoq, where we’ll spend the night.

• Total Walking Distance: 8km
• Total Walking Time: 3h
• Minimum Altitude: 3300m (10,826 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4000m (13,123 ft)

From our campsite, we’ll spot the town of Lares (3300m / 10,826 ft), our first stop today. After breakfast, we hike over undulating terrain along the ravine to the Lares hot springs. Here, we’ll relax with a rejuvenating dip before having lunch. Our driver will then take us on a 3-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our accommodations and enjoy a celebratory dinner before heading to bed for an early start tomorrow.

If time, pace, and weather permit, we can extend the day by 2-3 hours to visit the Huaman Marka archaeological site.

After an early breakfast, we take a pre-dawn bus to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise from the Watchman’s Hut (Guardhouse). Your guide will lead a 2-3 hour guided walking tour of the citadel.

For those feeling adventurous, you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, but note that these require extra permits, which sell out quickly. Let us know at booking if you’d like to add one of these hikes.

After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes by bus or on foot. From there, we take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will transfer you to your Cusco hotel. The journey from Aguas Calientes to Cusco takes about 4 hours.