Lares Valley and Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Cuncani – Sondor

5:30 AM | Hotel Pick-Up and Breakfast

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in our private tourist vehicle and travel toward the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we will stop for breakfast at approximately 2,800 m (9,186 ft), preparing for our first day of adventure.

Lares Hot Springs

After breakfast, we will continue to the town of Lares (3,250 m / 10,663 ft), famous for its natural hot springs. Here, you will have time to relax and enjoy the mineral-rich waters, with temperatures typically ranging from 28°C to 34°C (82°F–93°F), surrounded by the beautiful Andean landscape.

Trekking from Cuncani

We will then travel to Cuncani (3,700 m / 12,139 ft), where our trek begins. As we follow the trail through the Andes, we will admire impressive granite and andesite rock formations, rugged mountains, and breathtaking highland scenery.

Lunch Along the Trail

After approximately 2–3 hours of hiking, we will take a break at a scenic spot to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. This is the perfect opportunity to rest, recharge, and appreciate the peaceful surroundings before continuing our journey.

Afternoon Hike to Sondor

In the afternoon, we will continue hiking for approximately two hours toward Sondor (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where our campsite awaits. Along the way, we will enjoy panoramic views of the Andean mountains and the spectacular landscapes of this remote region.

Cultural Experience with the Local Community

Upon arrival in Sondor, we will meet members of the local community and gain insight into their traditional Andean lifestyle. We will discover how alpaca wool is transformed into beautiful, colorful textiles using ancestral weaving techniques passed down through generations.

Evening | Dinner and Overnight Camping

After a rewarding day of hiking and cultural discovery, we will settle into our campsite and enjoy dinner surrounded by the tranquility of the Andes. We will spend the night camping beneath the Andean sky, immersed in the natural beauty of the region.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight: Camping in Sondor (3,900 m / 12,795 ft).

Day 2: Sondor – Huacahuasi Pass – Andean Lagoons – Pucara

Early Morning | Breakfast and Trek to Huacahuasi Pass

After an early breakfast at our campsite, we will set off on a challenging hike toward Huacahuasi Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), the highest point of the day. Following a less-traveled mountain trail, we will ascend through spectacular Andean landscapes, with sweeping views of rugged peaks and, depending on the season, snow-covered mountains.

Andean Lagoons and Lunch

After crossing the pass, we will continue through the breathtaking highlands, passing two beautiful lagoons: Auroray Cocha and Yurac Cocha. We will pause in this peaceful natural setting to enjoy lunch, surrounded by the region’s pristine landscapes.

Queuña Forest and Andean Wildlife

In the afternoon, we will continue along the trail through native queuña forests, an important part of the high-altitude Andean ecosystem. Along the way, we may spot native bird species and discover the unique flora that thrives in this remarkable mountain environment.

Afternoon | Descent to Pucara Campsite

We will gradually descend toward Pucara, located at approximately 3,000 m (9,843 ft). As we make our way down, the scenery will change from rugged high-altitude terrain to greener landscapes, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Sacred Valley region. Upon arrival, we will settle into our campsite and enjoy some time to rest.

Evening | Dinner and Overnight Camping

After a memorable day of mountain trekking, we will enjoy dinner at camp and relax beneath the Andean sky, surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight: Camping in Pucara.

Day 3: Pucara – Huylloc – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

6:30 AM | Breakfast and Trek Through the Andean Valley

After breakfast at our campsite, we will begin our descent through a picturesque Andean valley. During approximately two hours of hiking, we will pass through native queuña forests (Polylepis incana), a high-altitude tree species that provides shelter for a variety of Andean wildlife. Enjoy the changing scenery as we descend toward the traditional communities of the Sacred Valley.

12:00 PM | Huylloc Community and Lunch

We will arrive at Huylloc, a traditional Andean community known for its textile-making heritage. Here, we will enjoy lunch and have time to rest while learning about the local culture and ancestral weaving traditions that remain an important part of daily life.

Afternoon | Pumamarca Inca Terraces

After lunch, we will continue hiking for approximately two hours toward Pumamarca, an archaeological site renowned for its impressive Inca agricultural terraces and stone structures set against the surrounding mountains. These terraces showcase the Incas’ remarkable agricultural knowledge and their ability to adapt to the Andean landscape.

3:00 PM | Arrival in Ollantaytambo and Train to Aguas Calientes

We will continue to Ollantaytambo, a historic town famous for preserving its original Inca urban layout, traditional streets, and stone-built houses. Often described as a living Inca town, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s pre-Hispanic heritage.

From Ollantaytambo, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu archaeological site. Enjoy the scenic journey through the lush landscapes of the Urubamba River valley.

6:00 PM | Arrival in Aguas Calientes

Upon arrival, we will transfer to our accommodation and check in. You will have time to relax, refresh, and prepare for the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

7:00 PM | Dinner and Overnight Stay

We will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our accommodation for a restful night in Aguas Calientes, ready for the highlight of our journey: exploring the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Hostel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 3: Pucara – Huylloc – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

6:30 AM | Breakfast and Trek Through the Andean Valley

After breakfast at our campsite, we will begin our descent through a picturesque Andean valley. During approximately two hours of hiking, we will pass through native queuña forests (Polylepis incana), a high-altitude tree species that provides shelter for a variety of Andean wildlife. Enjoy the changing scenery as we descend toward the traditional communities of the Sacred Valley.

12:00 PM | Huylloc Community and Lunch

We will arrive at Huylloc, a traditional Andean community known for its textile-making heritage. Here, we will enjoy lunch and have time to rest while learning about the local culture and ancestral weaving traditions that remain an important part of daily life.

Afternoon | Pumamarca Inca Terraces

After lunch, we will continue hiking for approximately two hours toward Pumamarca, an archaeological site renowned for its impressive Inca agricultural terraces and stone structures set against the surrounding mountains. These terraces showcase the Incas’ remarkable agricultural knowledge and their ability to adapt to the Andean landscape.

3:00 PM | Arrival in Ollantaytambo and Train to Aguas Calientes

We will continue to Ollantaytambo, a historic town famous for preserving its original Inca urban layout, traditional streets, and stone-built houses. Often described as a living Inca town, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s pre-Hispanic heritage.

From Ollantaytambo, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu archaeological site. Enjoy the scenic journey through the lush landscapes of the Urubamba River valley.

6:00 PM | Arrival in Aguas Calientes

Upon arrival, we will transfer to our accommodation and check in. You will have time to relax, refresh, and prepare for the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

7:00 PM | Dinner and Overnight Stay

We will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our accommodation for a restful night in Aguas Calientes, ready for the highlight of our journey: exploring the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Hostel in Aguas Calientes.