Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Cuncani 

We depart early in the morning by bus from Cusco (3,400 m / 11,154 ft) to Calca through the Sacred Valley of the Incas enjoying the stunning scenery. Then we ascend towards the Willcapuncu pass (4,461 m /14,635 ft), once here we enjoy the spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, rural communities and valleys with plenty of llamas and alpacas. After that we descend to Lares town (3,200 m / 10,498 ft) and start the hike.

Beginning in the town of Lares it’s a nine kilometer hike to the first campsite in Cuncani (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). The first section of the trail is tame and the air will feel slightly thinner, but take it easy, after being hiking for a couple of hours we’ll be at the lunchspot being welcomed by our team.

After a three course meal in the colourful gardens of a local home, the trek picks up in both height and beauty, and you will witness clouds rolled into mountains; rivers breaking the green ground and children wearing red ponchos around in the distance.

Once at the camp we will have time to take our tents and arrange our stuff, or buy a drink from the local ladies, and then have hot drinks and snacks before our dinner.

• Meals included: lunch & dinner
• Maximum altitude: 4,461 m /14,635 ft
• Minimum altitude: 3,200 m / 10,498 ft
• Campsite altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
• Distance hiked: 9.00 km / 5.59 ml
• Approximate walking time: 4 – 5 hours

Day 2: Cuncani – Sicllaccasa Pass – Queuñales – Pacchayoc 

The second day of the hike is the toughest as you head to the high pass of Sicllaccasa (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The climb makes a notable difference compared to the previous day, in both weather and landscape. Snowy peaks, mountainside lagoons, and swirling clouds are all wrapped up into one panoramic vista. Along the way hikers marvel at the views as well as the many alpacas along the trail.  For some, the solitude of the trail surrounded by wildlife, adds to the beauty of the trip, and the 360º views from the summit into the valley deserve a place on any postcard.

Hiking downhill after reaching the top feels like a walk in the park, we will hike through a rocky trail to the open-air lunch place Queuñales (4,300 m / 14,107 ft), it is perhaps the favourite part of the hike, not because of the ease but due to the valley rising around you and the mind-blowing landscape stretching far beyond the tiny looking town of Moray in the infinite distance.

After a restorative lunch we carry on down to the camp Pacchayoc (3,700 m / 12,139 ft) where hot drinks and dinner will be served later.

• Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Maximum altitude: 4,800 m /15,748 ft
• Minimum altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
• Campsite altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
• Distance hiked: 17.00 km / 10.56 ml
• Approximate walking time: 9 – 10 hours

Day 3: Pacchayoc – Pumahuanca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes 

The third day on the trail is a gentle descent over about (6 km / 3.72 ml) down the valley.  The downhill is a welcome change to a greener and warmer  valley, with a historical touch because of the presence of a small Inca site.

At the terminus of the trail is the town of Pumahuanca (2,871 m / 9,419 ft), which marks a transition from travel by foot to wheeled transport. Our bus will be there waiting for all the group of hikers and crew to head towards Ollantaytambo (2,800 m / 9186 ft) on a short bus ride for another three-course lunch served up by the talented team and then taking the train to Aguas Calientes town (2,000 m / 6,551 ft), which is the launching pad for day four; the expedition to Machu Picchu itself.

The Inca Trail hikes directly into Machu Picchu whereas the Lares Trek allows a night in Aguas Calientes to sleep, shower and see the Citadel feeling refreshed.

A well-deserved meal and night’s sleep in a hotel await us in the town, along with the anticipation of soon witnessing one of the world’s greatest wonders.

• Meals included: breakfast & lunch
• Maximum altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
• Minimum altitude: 2,000 m / 6,551 ft
• Aguas Calientes altitude: 2,000 m / 6,551 ft
• Distance hiked: 6.00 km / 3.72 ml
• Approximate walking time: 3 – 4 hours

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

On your final day you get up very early to have breakfast at the hotel and to prepare for the highlight of your Lares Trek; visiting Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft), the Lost City of the Incas. You’ll go straight to the line to wait for the bus going up to Machu Picchu.

Arriving as the sky brightens, before the tour in Machu Picchu you’ll have the option to walk for an hour up to the Sun Gate (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), with incredible views of the city along the way. On a clear day you can watch the spectacular sun rise over Machu Picchu. This is truly an unforgettable sight. Another option would be heading west from Machu Picchu in a 30 minute walk to the Inca bridge along a narrow path. If you want to do more hiking you can climb Huayna Picchu mountain (2,720 m / 8,923 ft) (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible). 

After the options, your guide will take you on a 2 hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own. Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then take the train to Ollantaytambo and bus back to Cusco. The Epic Peru Adventures team will meet you off the train station and return you safely to your hotel.

Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets are subject to availability

• Meals included: breakfast at the hotel.
• Cusco altitude: 3,400 m / 11,154 ft
• Minimun altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
• Huayna Picchu altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft

Transportation and tickets

• Transfer in from the airport to your hotel in Cusco
• Hotel pick up in Cusco
• Private transport to the trailhead in Lares valley
• Private transport from Pumahuanca to Ollantaytambo
• Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Entrance fee ticket to Machu Picchu
• Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• Hotel drop off in Cusco
• Transfer out from your hotel to the airport 

Camping equipment

• Comfortable 4-season sleeping tent
• Two nights camping
• One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes 3***
• Foam mattress
• Outdoor dining and cooking tents
• Food and drink utensils
• Portable chemical toilet tent
• Emergency medical first aid kit
• Emergency oxigen bottle
• Duffle bag for your personal items up to 8 Kg / 17 Lb
• Biodegradable soap and hand towels
• Portable transmitter-receiver radio

Team

• Pre-departure Lares Trek briefing
• Professional trekking Tour Guide
• Personalized service
• Small tour group max 8 people
• Private walking tour in Machu Picchu
• Professional and well trained Trek Chef
• Horsemen and mules to carry provided equipment and food
• Extra horse for emergencies only
• Guaranteed departure

Food

• High quality meals while on the trek 3B, 3L, 2D & snacks
• Drinking water to refill bottles from first day lunch onwards
• Classic afternoon tea before dinner
• This tour offers vegetarian and vegan food options on request simply let us know the food option that you prefer

• Huayna Picchu mountain entrance fee ticket
• Machu Picchu mountain entrance fee ticket
• First day breakfast and dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Meals after arrival to Machu Picchu
• Personal sleeping tent (available for rent)
• Sleeping bag (available for rent)
• Sleeping bag polar liner
• Insulated air sleeping pad (available for rent)
• Hiking poles (available for rent)
• Rain poncho
• Extra expenses
• Thermal baths in Aguas Calientes
• Gratuities
• Travel insurance
• International or local airfare
• Hotel in Cusco or Aguas Calientes