Lares trek lodge to Machu Picchu 3 Days Pool Service

Short Itinerary: Lares Trek Lodge to Machu Picchu (3 Days / 2 Nights)

This trek offers two distinct paths (Option A and Option B) depending on your preferred challenge level and interests.

Day 1: Sacred Valley – Lares – Huacawasi Lodge

• Option A (Challenging): Drive to Quishuarani and hike up the steep zig-zag trail to Abra Huillquijasa (4,200m). Enjoy views of turquoise lakes before descending to Cuncani and arriving at the Huacawasi Lodge. (6–7 hours hike).
• Option B (Moderate): Visit the local market in Calca and the Ancasmarca ruins. Drive to Cuncani for lunch, then hike over the Yanacocha Pass (4,200m) to the lodge, where you can learn about traditional weaving. (3–4 hours hike).

Overnight: Huacawasi Lodge (3,835m).

Day 2: Huacawasi – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

• Option A (Challenging): A tough but beautiful climb over the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450m)—the highest point of the trek. Descend to the weaving community of Patacancha before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. (6–7 hours hike).
• Option B (Moderate/Easy): Witness a traditional Shamanic offering to Mother Earth. Explore the Pumamarca archaeological site and choose between a downhill hike to Ollantaytambo or a private van transfer to the train station. (2–3 hours hike).

Overnight: Aguas Calientes (2,040m).

Day 3: Machu Picchu Citadel – Cusco

Early bus ride to Machu Picchu for a private 3-hour guided tour of the «Lost City of the Incas.» Explore the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza before returning to Cusco by train and private transfer in the afternoon.

Itinerary

DAY 1 HUAYLLABAMBA – CALCA – QUISWARANI, HUACAWASI

OPTION A

Our bus leaves sacred valley at around 07:00am. Its a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, we head off for the two hours drive to Quishuarani (3700m 12139ft) which is the starting point for the trek. Along the way you will be able to observe small Andean communities, spectacular mountain landscapes, herds of llamas and alpacas.

Heading west up a small valley well arrive at a lake at the head of the valley and start a steep zig-zag climb up a narrow trail to the top of the first pass known as Abra Huillquijasa, (4200m 13779ft) about 3 hours from Quishuarani village. Below you lies a series of stunning turquoise lakes. Well drop down and picnic lunch beside the lakes before continuing on for the short trek to the next village of Cuncani (3750m) in the bottom of the valley (2 hour from the pass). Arriving in the village around 4pm we will take our own van and drive for 20 minutes to our Huacawasi Lodge.

• Walking distance approximately: 12km 7.45ml (6-7 hours)
• Active hike: 6-7 hours.
• Challenging
• Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585’ / 3,835m)
• Kiswarani – Huacawasi

OPTION B

Our bus leaves sacred valley at around 08:00. Its a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Calca and stopping for visit the local Market of Calca town for about 30 minutes Departing Calca town around 08:30 we head off 40 minutes’ drive to Ancasmaraca inca storage buildings located over (3600m 11811ft).

We continue driving for two more hours utill Cuncani valley where we are going to have our picnic lunch and start a steep gradual climb up a narrow trail 2 hours to the top of the first pass known as Yanacocha pass (4200m 13679ft), We will walk slightly downhill for 2 hours to our lodge in Huacawasi community (3700m 12139ft). Many of the houses that we see are built from stone and have thatched roofs. Here we will learn about the weaving techniques and be able to admire some of their high quality ponchos, chullos (wool hats) and other garments. We will rest and have dinner at the lodge.

• Walking distance approximately: 5,44km 3.4ml (4-3 hours)
• Active hike: 4-3 hours
• Moderate hike
• Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585’ / 3,835m)
• Kunkani – Huacawasi lodge.

DAY 2 HUACAWASI – PATACANCHA COMMUNITY – AGUAS CALIENTES

OPTION A

Today trek is beautiful and interesting but tough one. After breakfast it begins with a climb up and over the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450m 14599ft) – the highest point on the trek – which takes about 2-3 hours, and then a descent of just over an hour to our picnic lunch at Ipsaycocha Lake. After a good lunch and rest is all downhill! The route descends for 2-3hours to the Quechua weaving community in Patacancha, where we will take our private van to Ollantaytambo train station.

• Walking distance approximately: 12km 7.45ml (6-7 hours)
• Active hike: 6-7 hours
• Challenging hike
• Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes (6,692´/ 2,040m)
• Huacawasi – Aguas Calientes

OPTION B

Begin the day and enjoy spectacular scenery as you drive for 30 minutes through the andes mountain range , in this area, South America camelids (llamas and alpacas) graze in the immense lands of Sonco Cocha (heart lake). In the middle of the nowhere inside of the mountains you will have the opportunity to meet with an Andean shaman or healer and witness a real offering to mother earth & the sacred mountain protectors to thank them for this trip. From there, we will drive one hour then arrive to Pumamarka (City of Puma) arqueological site. After to explore the Pumamarka arqueological site having our picnic lunch in the same Inka site choose as optional and enjoy a nice hike for 2:30 minutes of downhill to Ollantaytambo town and the arqueological site or just take our private van to Ollantaytambo train station.

• Walking distance approximately: 9km 5.59ml (3-2 hours)
• Active hike: 3-2 hours
• Moderate to Easy hike
• Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes (6,692´/ 2,040m)
• Huacawasi – Aguas Calientes

DAY 3 MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

After an early morning rise and a healthy breakfast, we take the 30 minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu complex, where we will tour the amazing site with its spectacular architecture and mysterious temples, which were left behind by the Incas. Machupicchu (The Lost City of the Incas) designated by Unesco as one of the New Wonders of the World. See the highlights of the site including the imposing Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved rock likely used as a sundial by the ancient Incas. Return by train to Cusco and transfer to the Cusco City.

• Walking tour approximately: 3 hours
• Over night: Cusco hotel

Inclusions & Exclusions: Lares Trek Lodge to Machu Picchu (3 Days)

What is Included:

• Expert Guidance: A pre-trek briefing at the office (including a provided duffel bag) and a private, expert English-speaking guide for the entire journey.
• Accommodation:
  • Premium lodging at the Sacred Valley Aranwa Hotel Resort.
  • 1 night at the Huacahuasi Lodge (Lares).
  • 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
• Transportation: All transfers and transportation according to the itinerary, including train tickets to and from Machu Picchu.
• Meals & Drinks: All meals, snacks, and hot/cold drinks while at the Machu Picchu lodges (specifically including 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner as per the trek schedule).
• Logistics: Pack llamas and emergency horses to carry your personal luggage (up to 8 kg / 17 lb per person).
• Permits: All entrance fees and entry permits for archaeological sites and Machu Picchu.
• Staff Tips: Gratuities for the lodge staff are included.

What is Not Included:

• Specific Meals: Dinner on the second night and lunch on the final day in Aguas Calientes.
• Staff Gratuities: Tips for your guides, cooks, and muleteers are not included and are at your discretion.
• Beverages: Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages at the lodges or affiliate hotels.
• Personal Gear: Walking sticks (available for rent at $20 per pair).
• Insurance: Travel and health insurance.
• Extra Weight: Any luggage exceeding the 8 kg limit requires hiring an extra horse.

FAQs: Lares Trek Lodge to Machu Picchu

1. What makes the Lares Trek different from the Classic Inca Trail?

The Lares Trek is a fantastic alternative that offers a more authentic glimpse into rural Andean life. It is significantly less crowded than the traditional Inca Trail and passes through remote settlements where local traditions and weaving techniques remain largely untouched by tourism.

2. How challenging is the hike, and can I choose my difficulty level?

Yes! This trek is unique because it offers Option A (Challenging) and Option B (Moderate/Easy) for the first two days. Option A involves steeper climbs to higher passes (up to 4,450m), while Option B focuses more on cultural visits and shorter hikes, making it accessible to different fitness levels.

3. What is the luggage limit for the trek?

We provide a duffel bag during your briefing. We carry your personal luggage up to a maximum of 8 kg (17 lb) per person using pack llamas and horses. If you have extra gear or exceed this weight, you will need to request an additional horse at the time of booking.

4. What kind of accommodation should I expect?

This is a «lodge-to-Machu Picchu» experience. You will spend one night at the Huacahuasi Lodge (equipped with solar panels to protect the environment) and one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. This eliminates the need for multiple days of camping.

5. Is there a pre-trek briefing?

Yes. There is a mandatory briefing at 6:30 pm the night before your departure. During this 40-minute session, we will discuss the itinerary, provide your duffel bag, and answer any last-minute questions to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure.