LARES VALLEY TO MACHUPICCHU 4D/3N
This 4-day itinerary offers an outstanding combination of amazing mountain and valley scenery in a remote area, the visit of authentic Quechua communities and that of the world-famous Sacred Inca city of Machupicchu. This hike starts in the Lares Valley and village of the same name, where you can enjoy a night dip in its relaxing hot springs, to then follow to the Andean communities of Huacahuasi, Patacancha and Willoq, reaching the village of Aguas Calientes on the third night, after a 2-hour train-ride from Ollantaytambo. Finally, the fourth day is devoted to visiting the impressive Inca citadel of Machupicchu.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Cusco to Lares
We leave Cusco at 6:00am in a private transport and drive for an approximated 4h through part of the Sacred Valley to then head towards Lares (3100m/10168ft), a little rural village located in the beautiful valley of the same name, hosting some well-known hot springs. Upon arrival, we leave our equipment and continue towards Choquecancha, an impressive archaeological site with amazing views of the neighboring valleys. After our visit, we hike back to Lares, where we can enjoy an evening dip in its hot springs before or after our dinner is served. Our camp will be set next to the thermal baths and access is free the whole night.
Meals: L, D
Day 2 - Lares to Ipsayqocha
After an early wake up and breakfast, we meet our horsemen and horses and leave our campsite at around 9.00am to walk along an ascending path that will lead us to Huacahuasi, (3600m/11808ft). This remote Andean community is located in an impressive valley, where the typical lifestyle and house constructions of the Quechua communities living at high altitude can be appreciated. We stop to visit a typical house and family, before we enjoy our lunch. In the early afternoon, we continue our hike ascending toward the mountain pass of Ipsay (4450m/14596ft/3h), walking across little communities and Andean flats (pampas) with the presence of llamas and alpacas. The pass offers impressive views of Mount Veronica and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Just half an hour from this point is Ipsayqocha, a beautiful lagoon next to which we set our camp and spend the night, amidst awesome scenery.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 - Ipsayqocha to Aguas Calientes
We leave our camp and continue our hike following a downhill trail, until we reach Patacancha (1,5-2h). This is a well-known textile Andean community that still preserves the ancient Quechua traditions and dressing code at its best, where we will stop to visit. We then continue an additional 1,5 hour until we reach Huilloq, hiking along a gorge with increasing vegetation as we approach the Sacred Valley. Huilloq is another well-preserved authentic Andean community, where we meet our private transport and drive to Ollantaytambo. We then board an afternoon train that takes us to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we are accommodated at the selected hotel.
Meals: B, L
Day 4 - Machupicchu to Cusco
After an early breakfast, we board a bus to go up to Machupicchu and then immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. We then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can appreciate spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
* Departure and arrival times are approximated
** Campsites are subject to change according to our guide’s criteria and the group progress.
Difficulty degree of this hike: Moderate
The hiking portion of this itinerary is concentrated on day 2 and the morning of day 3. Day 4 is devoted to the visit of Machupicchu. Therefore, despite the altitude of the Mountain pass of Ipsay, this program is rated as moderate, the first day acting as acclimatization day.
