This 4-day Lares Trek via Patacancha is a deeply immersive journey into Andean life and landscapes. You’ll trek through traditional Quechua villages, witness ancient weaving traditions, and breathe in fresh high-altitude air. Along the route, you’ll cross scenic mountain passes and arrive at Machu Picchu filled with cultural insights and unforgettable memories. This peaceful path offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-track alternative to the classic Inca Trail.
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Service | City | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco – Cuncani – Huaca Wasi | Trek | L – D |
| 2 | Huaca Wasi – Ipsay Pass – Patacancha | Trek | B – L – D |
| 3 | Patacancha – Willoc – Pumamarca – Ollanta – Machu Picchu | Trek | B – L – D |
| 4 | Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco | Cusco | B |
Day 1: Cusco – Cuncani – Huaca Wasi
We depart early from Cusco, traveling through the Sacred Valley and visiting artisan markets and archaeological sites. After about 4 hours by vehicle, we reach Lares (3,250 m) and continue to Cuncani to begin our hike. We trek past Laguna Negra and Paccha Pata, where we stop for lunch, then continue to our camp in Huaca Wasi (3,600 m). Approx. 4 hrs by vehicle + 5 hrs walking.
Day 2: Huaca Wasi – Ipsay Pass – Patacancha
Today we climb to the Ipsay Pass (4,400 m), the highest point of the trek, passing through beautiful ecological zones and local communities preserving ancestral traditions. We descend to Patacancha (3,650 m), where we will camp or stay with a local family. Approx. 6 hrs walking.
Day 3: Patacancha – Willoc – Pumamarca – Ollanta – Machu Picchu
We visit the traditional Andean communities of Patacancha and Willoc, then descend through ancient Inca terraces toward Pumamarca with panoramic views of the Willoq Valley. The journey continues to Ollantaytambo, where we relax before boarding the train to Machu Picchu for dinner and overnight rest. Approx. 6 hrs walking.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco
Early in the morning, we take the bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of this wonder. After the tour, we enjoy free time to explore the citadel before returning to Aguas Calientes and taking the train back to Cusco. Approx. 3 hrs walking.
End of Our Service
The Program Includes
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
- Briefing before the trek
- Private transport from hotel to Lares Valley
- Tourist bus transportation to and from the trek
- Tourist train: Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and return
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Entrance to the thermal baths in Lares Valley
- Hostel in Aguas Calientes (private room & bathroom, breakfast included)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Vegetarian food on request
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Daily snack bags
- Boiled water daily
- Oxygen and first aid kit
- 01 emergency horse
- Horseman and mules (up to 4 kg personal gear per person)
- Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide
- Porters (for tents, cooking and toilet equipment)
- Camping equipment: tents and mattresses
The Program Does Not Include
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Domestic or international flights
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, etc.
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, calls, etc.)
- Excess baggage charges
- Extra nights due to flight cancellations
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, snacks, or insurance
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes (optional, approx. $12 USD; walking takes ~1 hour)
