Your adventure begins with a crisp, early departure as you're collected from your accommodation in Cuzco between 5:00 and 6:00 AM. The journey to Lares Town is as inviting as it is scenic, offering you a serene moment to dip into the renowned hot springs—should you choose—at an extra charge, setting a tranquil prelude to the day's hike.

From Lares, at 2,900 metres, ascend on a path that challenges and charms in equal measure, with six hours of trekking that winds and climbs in a steady zigzag to Wakawasi, standing proudly at 3,850 metres. The hike unveils a landscape painted with the broad strokes of glaciers in repose, the playful movement of wildlife, and the simple but vibrant life of local communities.

Reaching Wakawasi, you're rewarded with not just breathtaking panoramas, but the humbling opportunity to engage with local families. Their lives, harmoniously intertwined with the rhythms of nature, offer a profound glimpse into a world where tradition and environmental custodianship span the arc of centuries.

You'll retire for the evening in this high-altitude haven after about 14 kilometres trekked, each step a narrative in this compelling introduction to your four-day cultural odyssey.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Shared Tour: Abra Wakawasi
• Private Tour: Abra Wakawasi

With the dawn of a new day on the Lares Trail, you embark on a journey upwards, setting forth from Wakawasi with the invigorating morning air guiding your ascent. Ahead lies a four-hour climb, taking you to new heights at the Ipsayccocha Pass, perched boldly at 4,400m above sea level. As you reach the apex, a serene pause beckons, inviting moments of reflection amidst the grandeur of the Andes.

The descent begins with a forty-minute walk, bringing you to an idyllic lakeside locale where lunch awaits. Here, in the tranquil repose of nature, you replenish both spirit and strength for the next leg of your trek.

The afternoon's path stretches for three more hours until you reach the quaint town of Patacancha, lying at 3,800 metres, where an enchanting camp setup awaits you. Surrounded by curious llamas, graceful alpacas, and framed by the endemic crop plantations of the Andes, you settle into the campsite—a rare chance to sleep amid a landscape alive with the culture of the high sierra.

As you tuck into your tent for the night, take a moment to absorb the day’s entirety: a robust 15 kilometres traversed over roughly eight hours, each step a narration of the heritage and natural splendour of this path less travelled.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Shared Tour: Patacancha
• Private Tour: Patacancha

The third day of your odyssey begins at Patacancha, where the crisp morning ushers in a day of transformative travel. You'll stride forth for a four-hour trek descending towards the historical town of Ollantaytambo, the charming remnants of living Inca city and illustrious gateway to Machu Picchu.

Upon arriving and taking some time to indulge in a lunch, the journey takes a leisurely turn as you board the train destined for Aguas Calientes. This train ride isn't just a transition; it's a journey through the heart of the valley, where the winding confines of the Urubamba River escort you to your penultimate destination.

As dusk settles over Aguas Calientes, you’ll find comfort in a local hotel—an oasis to rest and rejuvenate. Your guide will provide detailed instructions for the climax of your trek at Machu Picchu, laying the groundwork for tomorrow's pinnacle exploration.

With any remaining hours of the afternoon at your leisure, let your curiosity guide you through the vibrant streets of Aguas Calientes. Filled with cafés, shops, and spaces for repose, it's the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on the journey that brought you here.

Today's progress marks a 12-kilometre stretch covered in approximately four hours, a preamble to the final day of your remarkable journey, as the excitement for tomorrow's visit to the ancient citadel percolates through the evening air.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Shared Tour: Hotel Pucara Machupicchu or Similar
• Private Tour: Hotel Pucara Machupicchu or Similar

On the final day of your Lares Trek, awaken with the excitement of a child on a crisply-awaited morning. At 5:30 AM, ascend from Aguas Calientes to the enigmatic Machu Picchu on a brief yet scenic 25-minute bus ride, carefully timed to capture the ancient city awakening beneath the dissipating caress of the morning mist.

Upon your arrival, a 2-hour guided tour offers the keys to unlock the secrets of this magnificent archaeological treasure, illuminating its mysteries and the history that echoes through its terraced stones. After absorbing the insightful narrative, the opportunity to venture through Machu Picchu on your own arises—a moment to connect with the citadel’s silent stories, to touch the hand-carved stones, and to gaze upon its green-clad sentinels.

For those drawn to a higher vantage, the ascent to Huayna Picchu Peak presents itself as an additional journey (advance booking required), challenging your endurance and rewarding you with a peerless view of the landscape below.

Your homeward journey commences with a descent to Aguas Calientes, offering a brief interlude to browse the local marketplace—where the vivid tapestry of stalls presents a fitting farewell to the vibrant culture you've immersed in.

Thereafter, the trail leads you back to Ollantaytambo via train, where Cuzco is but a bus ride away, ready to welcome you back as the evening folds around 8:00 PM. Your expedition ends at the historic Plaza San Francisco, from where you'll find your way to your chosen accommodation, the tapestry of the last four days richly woven into your memory.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast