Lares Valley Hike to Machu Picchu

• Day 1: Cusco - Urubamba - Pumahuanca - Puyoc
• We will pick you up at 5:00 AM from your hotel to head to the town of Pumahuanca (2,840 MASL), located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, we will meet the horseman and horses. Leaving the Sacred Valley behind, we head north along a trail that gently ascends, running parallel to the small Cancha Cancha River and a small town of the same name. After our lunch, we climb to our Puyoc campsite.

• Campsite: Puyoc (4,100 m / 13,451 ft).
• Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles.
• Highest Point: Puyoc 4,100 m / 13,451 ft.
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

• Day 2: Puyoc - Yanacocha - Cuncani
• We wake up early for breakfast and then continue our route, leaving Puyoc. We follow the valley, and after about half an hour, the trail flattens before a steep 2-hour ascent to the Pachacútec Pass, the highest point of this trek, which is well rewarded with incredible views of Yanacocha Lake and the stunning snow-capped mountains of the Sacred Valley. After recharging with a delicious lunch, we continue our hike downhill to our next campsite, Cuncani.

• Campsite: Cuncani (3,700 m / 12,139 ft).
• Distance: 13 km / 8.06 miles.
• Highest Point: Pachacútec Pass 4,758 m / 15,610 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Day 3: Cuncani - Lares - Aguas Calientes
• Together with our travel team, we wake up around 5:45 AM to enjoy the hot springs, divided into several pools ranging from cold to boiling. All are composed of pure volcanic water, considered medicinal and beneficial for bones, stress, muscles, and headaches. After relaxing in the pools for a while, we continue by bus to Ollantaytambo to catch our train to Aguas Calientes. After approximately 2 hours on the train, we arrive at the town, check into the hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day. *Accommodation in Aguas Calientes / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

• Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
• The most magical day has arrived because we will finally visit the wonder of Machu Picchu. We have breakfast at 5:45 AM and then take the first bus to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which takes about 25 minutes. We arrive early to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun rises. Your guide will lead a walking tour of about 2 hours, and afterward, you can explore the mysterious Inca city on your own. Then, you will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and to receive your train ticket back to Cusco. Once at the train station, our transport will take you to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast.

The Tour Includes:

• Briefing where the guide will explain and provide more details about the trek and give you maps.
• Pick-up from your hotel and transfer Cusco - Pumahuanca.
• Professional, bilingual guide.
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 snacks (hot drinks, cookies, and popcorn), and 3 dinners. If you have dietary requests such as vegetarian food, please let us know.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs, and a cook.
• Camping equipment (tents + mattresses).
• Sleeping mattresses.
• Horseman and mules (carrying kitchen and camping equipment).
• Extra oxygen.
• First aid kit.
• Toilet tent.
• Portable hot shower.
• Train tickets (Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo).
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
• Round-trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
• Pick-up from Ollantaytambo station and transfer to Cusco.

The Tour Does Not Include:

• Water (for the first 4 hours; after that, our team will provide it).
• Travel insurance: It is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
• Airfare.
• Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages not mentioned in the program.
• Extra expenses and laundry.
• Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

Optional (we can provide these):

• Huayna Picchu entrance ticket (must be booked in advance).
• Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket (must be booked in advance).
• Sleeping bag and trekking poles.

Recommendations:

• Drink coca leaf tea to prevent altitude sickness.
• Stay hydrated during your tours.

Everything you should wear and carry in a lightweight backpack:

• Original passport or documents used for your reservation.
• Sleeping bag (not included but can be rented at our offices).
• Hiking boots.
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
• Wool jacket for warmth, hat, and gloves.
• T-shirts and comfortable long pants.
• Sun hat.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 35 recommended).
• Reusable plastic or metal water container.
• Insect repellent.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Personal medications and/or personal items.
• Binoculars, camera, or video camera.