The 4-day Lares to Machu Picchu trek is a fantastic way to explore the Andean landscape—featuring valleys, rivers, crystal-clear lagoons, waterfalls, queuña forests, and the traditional Andean way of life. This trek also includes a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
Cusco Hotel
Moderate
This ancient trail was once used by the Inca culture to transport food and deliver messages across the empire. At the time, only domesticated South American camelids were used—primarily llamas for carrying loads up to 20kg and alpacas for clothing and food. To this day, local people continue the customs of their ancestors.
Along this route, you’ll see natural hot springs, mountain ranges, cloud forests, rivers, snowcapped peaks, and a wide range of birds and plants. The highest point of the trek is the C’asa Pasa Pass at 4,500 m / 14,764 ft. An unforgettable adventure awaits you.
Early morning pickup from your hotel at 6:00 AM. After a brief stop at the viewpoint of the Sacred Valley and a local market visit in Calca, we travel 2 more hours to the village of Lares. We enjoy a soak in the Lares hot springs (3,250 m) before beginning our trek. We hike for about 2 hours to Vilcabamba Bridge for lunch, then another 3 hours to Wacahuasi (3,750 m), where we camp overnight.
After breakfast, we start the day with a challenging 4-hour hike to the highest pass at Abra C’asa Pasa (4,500 m). On the way, we observe native fauna such as llamas and alpacas, and birds like the Cara Cara. After lunch near the Auroray Cocha lagoon, we descend for another 4 hours through lush forests until reaching Punta Toro (3,100 m), where we camp.
After a relaxed breakfast, we descend for 1 hour to the village of Yanahuara (2,850 m). A short drive brings us to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town, where we catch the 12:55 PM train to Aguas Calientes. After lunch, your guide will help you settle into your hotel and provide orientation for Machu Picchu.
After an early breakfast, we take a bus to Machu Picchu. A 2-hour guided tour will take you through its temples and plazas. You’ll then have free time to explore further or hike Huayna Picchu (optional). In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco.
The “Lares Trek via Yanahuara 4 Days” was an amazing journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Trekking through the Yanahuara route allowed me to see beautiful Andean valleys and connect with welcoming local communities. The hike was challenging but well worth it for the stunning views and the chance to experience traditional customs firsthand. Our guides were knowledgeable and supportive, making the trek comfortable and educational. I highly recommend this tour for those seeking an authentic and immersive Andean adventure.
