Towards Lares Valley

Route: Cusco → Pumahuanca → Lares

Our first day of the trek starts of in the small village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley. We’ll gently make our way up one of the side valleys covering about 14km in total and climbing about 1150m / 3373ft as we make our way towards the village of Puyoc. On our way up we’ll visit the small Inca site of Pumahuanca and learn about the native plants, flowers and birds that inhabit this region.

This particular route for the Lares trek is not commonly done by other companies so we can enjoy the peace and tranquility of our surroundings without any distractions or disturbance. Because so few people visit the area there is a good chance of seeing Viscachas (a rabbit like Chinchilla) and we may also spot Andean Fox. Our campsite for the night is at Puyoc (4100m / 13451ft); it’s quite barren at this altitude and it is not uncommon for it to snow up here during the dry season so gloves and a hat are recommended.

• Starting Altitude – 2800m / 9186ft.
• Highest Altitude – 4780m / 15,682ft.
• Walking Distance – 14km/8.7 miles.
• Coldest Night – Day 1 around 0º Celsius.
• Overall Difficulty – Moderate.
• Campsite Elevation – 3700 meters ASL / 12333 feet ASL.

• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner (snacks and afternoon tea time).
• Accommodation: Camping.
• Adventure: Moderate-High!

Walking Meditation: Enjoying The Hike

Route: Lares → Cuncani

Today is the most spectacular day of the trek and quite a bit easier going than yesterday. From our campsite it’s about a 13km walk to the village of Cuncani but most of that is downhill as the pass is only about a 2 hour walk right at the beginning.

As we make our way to Cuncani we’ll pass by snowcapped peaks high above us, serene mountain lakes (including Yanacocha – Black Water) and get to meet the local people dressed in their traditional bright red clothing. This side of the pass is completely different culturally to the other side and as we wind our way down from the pass your guide will teach you about the people and their way of life. You’ll also get to learn a few Qhechua phrases so that you can interact with the local people. Camping.

• Starting Altitude – 3700m / 9186ft.
• Highest Altitude – 4780m / 15,682ft.
• Walking Distance – 14km/8.7 miles.
• Overall Difficulty – Moderate.
• Campsite Elevation – 3150 meters ASL / 10500 feet ASL.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (snacks and afternoon tea time).
• Accommodation: Camping.
• Adventure: Moderate.

Towards Machupicchu

Route: Cuncani → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes

The focus of today is to meet the local people. Waking up early we’ll be taken by our guide to one of the houses where we’ll get to meet a local family. The people are incredibly welcoming and are just as eager to learn about you as you are of them – hopefully by now you’ll have mastered a few phrases and be able to ask a few questions (much to everyone delight and amusement). After the visit you’ll have the opportunity to give any gifts you’ve brought for the local people and also to buy some of the locally made alpaca products that the region is famed for. After a relaxing dip in the hot springs we’ll be picked up by our bus and driven back to the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo) we’ll meet the parent’s group and together board our train to Aguas Calientes. 

We enjoy a scenic train ride long the Urubamba River to the charming village of Aguas Calientes.

• Campsite Elevation – 2430 meters ASL / 8100 feet ASL.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
• Accommodation: Hotel Aguas Calientes- Machupicchu.

Machu Picchu – The Ancient City

Route: Aguas Calientes → Machupicchu → Cusco

After an early breakfast we make our way by bus to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu for our spiritual awakening. This Cristal Condor sacred site is an inspiring and beautiful place, an architectural wonder, and a great testament to Incan Civilization. Once used primarily as an astronomical Observatory and place of pilgrimage, Machu Picchu now attracts thousands of visitors each year to connect with the sacred energies and ancient wisdom. Because it sits within three corresponding high peaks of power, which create an energy triangle, it is a perfect spot to sit and meditate, focus your intent, and expand your awareness.

During our time here we will visit the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the spiritual centre of the Intihuatana, or the Hitching Post of the Sun. ¡Puma will guide us into a heart-opening ceremony to connect with Pachamama and the universal energies that encompass us – a life changing experience! Since we are spending a 2nd night in Machu Picchu Pueblo, we can relax and spend the full day at this amazing site. (Overnight in Machupicchu)