Lares Trek & Inca Trail: A 5-Day Epic Journey to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco – Lares Thermal Baths – Kiswarani – Blue Lagoon. Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel at approximately 4:30 am (depending on your location). As the sun rises, we’ll journey through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, arriving at the renowned Lares hot springs around 8:00 am. Imagine starting your day soaking in the therapeutic waters, set at varying temperatures, with the majestic Andes surrounding you. These thermal baths are not only relaxing but offer natural healing benefits—perfect for your muscles, bones, and any travel stress. After this refreshing experience, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast in a stunning location before we set off on the next leg of our journey. A short, scenic drive brings us to the trailhead, where we begin a 2-hour hike through picturesque landscapes, making our way to the charming village of Kiswarani. Here, your chef will prepare a well-earned lunch with fresh, local ingredients. But the day doesn’t end there! We continue with another 2-hour trek, passing through postcard-perfect scenes of potato farms, vibrant waterfalls, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Your destination? A tranquil campsite perched on the shores of the enchanting Blue Lagoon at 3,900 meters (12,795 ft). Upon arrival, your tent will be ready, and a steaming cup of tea will be waiting for you—just the thing to unwind after a day of adventure. As night falls, immerse yourself in the magic of the Andean sky. Stargaze under the pristine heavens and let our guides introduce you to the fascinating world of Inca astronomy. Campsite Altitude: 3,900 m (12,795 ft). Distance: 10 km (6 miles). Duration: 7 hours. Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Camping

Day 2: Blue Lagoon – Condor Pass – Canchacancha Community. We'll wake you up bright and early with a steaming cup of coffee or coca tea to energize you for the day's adventure. This is the longest and most challenging day of our trek, but it’s filled with incredible rewards! After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll embark on a 4-hour uphill hike to reach the majestic Condor Pass at 4,750 m (15,583 ft)—the highest point of your journey. As you ascend, you'll pass by crystal-clear lakes where Wallatas (Andean geese or ‘love birds’) gracefully swim, all set against the backdrop of the towering Andean giants: Pitusiray, Sawasiray, and Qolquecruz, each standing over 18,000 ft high. At the summit of Condor Pass, take a moment to catch your breath with a well-deserved cup of coca tea while your tour guide leads a spiritual offering ceremony to the sacred mountains, connecting you with the powerful energy of these ancient lands. Next, we begin our descent—over 3 hours through breathtaking Andean scenery. Along the way, you'll be greeted by serene lagoons, exotic birds, playful llamas and alpacas, and even the elusive vizcachas (rabbit-like creatures). Keep an eye out for more Wallatas as we make our way to our second campsite in the traditional village of Canchacancha. Canchacancha sits at 3,750 m (12,303 ft) and is a unique place, completely untouched by modern technology. There are no drainage systems, computers, internet connections, or even cellphone service. Here, the local people speak Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas, and live by time-honored traditions. You’ll have the rare opportunity to meet and interact with the villagers, visit a local school, and help teach and play games with the children. The community welcomes any donations of food, school supplies, or anything else that can support their education and well-being. In the afternoon, your guide will invite you to visit a local family's home, where you’ll experience their traditional lifestyle, taste authentic food, and see firsthand how they raise guinea pigs, llamas, and alpacas. Afterward, enjoy a hearty dinner prepared by our talented chef, and then settle in for a well-earned night’s rest under the Andean stars. Campsite Altitude: 3,750 m (12,303 ft). Distance: 16 km (10 miles). Duration: 7 hours. Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Camping. Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Day 3: Canchacancha – Salineras of Maras – Ollantaytambo. Wake up to a stunning panorama of the Andean highlands and savor a delicious breakfast as you prepare for the final leg of your trek, descending from the highlands into the fertile Sacred Valley. Before we begin, we'll bid a heartfelt farewell to the villagers who continue to live by ancient Inca traditions, remaining isolated from the modern world. As we make our way down, you'll experience a dramatic change in landscapes and ecosystems—from the cold, rugged mountains where potatoes thrive to the lush, fertile soil of the Sacred Valley, where corn dominates the crops. Our trek concludes in the charming town of Huaran (2,700 m / 8,856 ft), where we’ll meet our private bus. From here, we'll journey to the famous Salineras of Maras, where thousands of salt pools have been harvested since pre-Inca times, and then continue to Ollantaytambo, known as the “Last Living Incan City” or the “World Capital of the Native Americans.” Walk the ancient streets, explore Inca water channels, and immerse yourself in the living history that surrounds you. After our exploration, we'll enjoy a hearty dinner at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo before retiring to a comfortable hotel for the night—ready for the next chapter of your adventure. Campsite Altitude: 2,700 m (8,856 ft). Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles). Duration: 4 hours. Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Hotel. Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes. After an early breakfast at your hotel, we'll set off on a breathtaking 1.5-hour train ride along the winding Urubamba River from Ollantaytambo to km 104 at Chachabamba, nestled in the heart of the cloud forest. Upon arrival, we'll head straight to the Chachabamba checkpoint to begin your TreXperience to Machu Picchu. Don't forget to bring your original passport to pass through the checkpoint. Our adventure kicks off with a visit to the enchanting Inca site of Chachabamba. From here, we'll hike along an ancient Inca Trail, abandoned in the 16th century and hidden for centuries in the lush jungle. The initial part of the trail involves a gradual uphill hike lasting about 4 hours until we reach the mesmerizing Wiñaywayna, which translates to "Forever Young." Here, we'll pause to explore this stunning archaeological site and soak in the spectacular views of the Andes. A delicious packed lunch and refreshments will be provided to keep you energized. Rejuvenated, we'll continue our hike towards the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you'll catch your first awe-inspiring glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas—an unforgettable sight that will leave you breathless. From the Sun Gate, it's a one-hour downhill walk to the city, offering breathtaking views at every turn. We'll arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, providing a unique opportunity to experience the citadel with fewer crowds—perfect for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime photos. After immersing ourselves in the magic of Machu Picchu, we'll take a comfortable bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we'll enjoy a hearty dinner and spend the night in a cozy hotel, resting up for the next day's adventures. Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 m (6,561 ft). Highest Altitude: 2,700 m (8,858 ft). Distance: 16 km (10 miles). Duration: 7 hours. Meals: Lunch, snacks, dinner. Accommodation: Hotel. Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Discover Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas) – Return to Cusco. Rise very early to seize the highlight of your Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail tour: visiting the legendary Machu Picchu. We'll head straight to the queue to catch one of the first buses at 5:30 am, ensuring we arrive as the sky begins to brighten. As dawn breaks, you'll witness incredible views of the ancient city emerging from the morning mist. On a clear day, you can marvel at the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu—an unforgettable sight that will leave you breathless. Your expert guide will lead you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour, unveiling the secrets of the city and covering all its major highlights. After the tour, you'll have the freedom to explore Machu Picchu on your own or challenge yourself with a climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked in advance). Your guide will provide all the information you need to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, relax as you journey back to Cusco aboard the luxurious Vistadome train and a private van, enjoying panoramic views of the Sacred Valley along the way. You'll arrive in Cusco at approximately 7:30 p.m., concluding your unforgettable adventure. Duration: 3 – 4 hours. Meals: Breakfast (hotel). Difficulty: Easy