Lares Trek to Machu Picchu & Panoramic Train - 4 Days

Itinerary

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  Day 1: Cusco – Calca - Puyas de Raymondi - Lares Hot Springs – Blue Lagoon Arrival Day

  We’ll pick you up early from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco or from accommodations near Pisac and head toward Calca to explore its lively market. From there, visit the Inca site of Ancashmarca before continuing into the highlands to see the rare Puyas de Raimondi plants. By mid-morning, we’ll arrive at the Lares Hot Springs, where you can soak in the thermal pools while your trekking chef prepares a hearty breakfast with mountain views. Afterward, stop at a women’s weaving cooperative to learn about traditional Andean textiles. In the afternoon, begin the hike from Pampacorral, passing alpacas, potato fields, and waterfalls. Pause in Kiswarani for a freshly prepared lunch, then continue toward the Blue Lagoon campsite at 3,900 m. By evening, settle into camp and enjoy a well-earned dinner under the stars.

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  Day 2: Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Canchacancha Village

  Wake up with a warm drink and enjoy breakfast in camp. Today’s hike takes us past lakes and grazing llamas as we climb to Condor Pass (4,750 m), the highest point of the trek. From the top, take in sweeping views and join a short Andean offering ceremony. After lunch in Acopata, we’ll descend to the village of Canchacancha (3,750 m) to camp. The evening is yours to meet local families, here you can experience firsthand their traditional lifestyles passed down from the Incas, sample traditional food, and see how they raise guinea pigs, llamas, and alpacas. Finally, by the evening, our chef will have prepared dinner for us to enjoy together before a well-earned night's rest.

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  Day 3: Canchacancha – Huaran– Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

  After breakfast, take a short walk through Canchacancha to visit homes and the village school. Then begin the 4-hour descent into the Sacred Valley, where the scenery shifts from potatoes to corn and avocado fields. In Huaran, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing by private vehicle to the salt ponds of Maras and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. After exploring its ancient streets and enjoying dinner, we’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes for a comfortable hotel stay.

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  Day 4: Machu Picchu - Vistadome Train - Cusco

  After an early hotel breakfast, we’ll ride the bus up to Machu Picchu and enter as the first light reaches the citadel. Explore the main temples, terraces and plazas with your guide on a 2–3 hour tour. If booked in advance, you may also hike Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu. Later, return to Aguas Calientes for some free time before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo, where private transport will bring you to Cusco by evening.