itinerary
An early start for our first day of trekking, we leave Cusco and and travel to the village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley. We start our hike with a gentle hike up the valley that will cover around 14km as we make our way to the village of Puyoc. While waking visit a small Inca site of Pumahuanca, your guide will give you information about the native plants, flowers and all the wildlife that inhabit this area.
The Lares trek route is not popular so you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of your surrounding as you will usually come across many other trekkers. If we are lucky you will many species of wildlife like the Viscachas and the Andean Fox. Tonight we camp at Puyoc which is at a high altitude, it is common to see snow so remember to bring a warm jacket, hats and gloves. Camp under the stars and enjoy a wonderful dinner prepared by our trekking chef.
- 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!
Today will be a wonderful day and an easier trek than yesterday. The day will begin with breakfast at our campsite from where we take a 13km walk to the village of Cuncani which happily is mostly downhill. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
Along the way to Cucani pass spectacular snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance, see peaceful mountain lakes that will include Yanacocha. Have the opportunity to see the locals dressed in traditional clothing which is mostly red. Your guide will give you information about the local people and a lesson in how they live. Converse with the people with the help of your guide. At Cucani we will stay the night, camping under the stars and enjoy the night spent with your fellow trekkers complete with a delicious dinner prepared by your trekking chef.
- 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.
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.
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)
Important Notes:
- ** Entrance to Machu Picchu is scheduled for Circuit 2 at 6:00 AM (or the closest available time).
- ** You can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain at 10:00 AM or 07:00 AM.
- ** Please check availability of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu with us before confirming your booking.
