Ayni offers a unique Lares trek route, which affords wonderful panoramic views of snowcapped peaks, shockingly blue lakes, and the opportunity to experience rural Andean life up close. The final day is spent at magnificent Machu Picchu.
Our Lares trek offers a glimpse at an area where traditional Andean life continues to this day. This includes centuries-old weaving and farming practices and traditional dress, and the opportunity to participate in optional homestays with local families.
As with all Ayni Peru travel, this itinerary can be customized or combined with tours in Cusco and beyond. Please contact us for custom itineraries, quotes, and questions.
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
After an early breakfast, we`ll depart across the Sacred Valley for the village of Patacancha, our trek departure point. In Patacancha we`ll meet our muleteers and mules, and enjoy breakfast with a local family before setting out on the trail. From there, we begin the ascent up a long, narrow valley toward the remote village of Chuallacocha. As we ascend, the air gets cooler, grazing llamas and alpacas appear, and snowcapped peaks come into view. We`ll arrive in Chuallacocha in time for a late lunch, then spend the rest of the afternoon learning about traditional weaving and potato cultivation. Tonight you have the option of camping or staying with a local family.
Trek Duration: 5 hours/8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we say goodbye to the villagers in Chuallacocha and set out on an incredibly scenic and relatively easy hike toward the Ataotambo, our campsite tonight. As we descend, the vegetation becomes increasingly lush, and we pass small streams and lakes. We’ll break mid-day for lunch and a rest before continuing on to Ataotambo, our campsite for the night.
Trek Duration: 6 hours/11 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning begins with a leisurely downhill walk, leading to the colonial town of Lares. The trail follows the river valley downhill for about 2 hours to the town (3100m). Here we will spend the remainder of the morning relaxing and enjoying the town’s renowned hot springs. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a soak in open air thermal hot springs (bring a swimsuit) and enjoy lunch, before departure for the town of Ollantaytambo. You will have some time to explore and see this original Inca town before going to Aguas Calientes by train. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Trek Duration: 2-3 hours/5 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We awake this morning to catch the bus to the gates of this Wonder of the World. You will ascend stone steps, through heavy tree cover to finally emerge at the top of the world – Machu Picchu! The incredible Inca stone construction will be spread below, alternately hidden and revealed by clouds. After your private tour, you will have time to explore the ruins on your own. In the afternoon, you will descend to Aguas Calientes for your return train to Ollantaytambo. We will be waiting in the station and will bring you to your hotel in Cusco for a good night’s rest.
Meals: Breakfast
“We did the Lares Trek and it was like nothing I have done before. If you do this tour and are lucky enough to have Domingo as your guide, it’s going to be even more special.”
