Peru Trek: Explore Machu Picchu & Local Culture

Embark on a 4-day guided trip to Peru’s Lares Trek and Machu Picchu. Explore stunning landscapes, meet local communities, and contribute to reforestation campaigns. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Machu Picchu!

Duration: 4 days
Cancellation: 72 hours
Highlights

Cusco - Cuncani - Cuncani Pass – Huacawasi

Aguas Termales de Lares - At 5:30 am, a private vehicle will transport you to the Lares Valley, specifically to the community of Cuncani (3,750 m). A visit to the Calca market offers a chance to explore the diversity of native foods, Andean grains, and Amazonian fruits. Cuncani serves as a gateway to the vibrant culture of the Huayruros, igniting an adventurous spirit to explore the high Andean mountains from the Cuncani Pass at 4,200 m. Following this, a trail leads to the community of Huacawasi (3,800 m). Here, you can immerse yourself in the ancestral Andean culture through textile displays, daily life, and local cuisine. Overnight accommodation is available in rustic lodgings with a local family or in camping tents.

Transportation time: 3h.
Walking time: 5h.
Distance: 7 Km
Difficulty level: moderate.

Lares Trek - Discover the art of Andean textiles in Huacawasi: in the Andes, textile tradition is more than a craft; it’s a heritage passed down through generations. In Huacawasi, these ancient techniques and patterns are preserved with care, reflecting daily life and Andean cosmology in every thread and color.

Experience the authenticity and cultural richness as you uncover the secrets behind each fabric. From shearing llama and alpaca wool to crafting traditional textiles filled with vibrant colors and meanings, each step unveils a world of ancestral wisdom and artisanal skill. Enjoy a friendly experience and support local entrepreneurship!

Huacawasi – Huacahuasi C’asa Pass – Laguna Aruray Cocha – Laguna Yurak Cocha – Mantanay Forest - Pucara

Lares Trek - After breakfast, embark on a hike to the highest point, Huacawasi C’asa Pass, at 4,500 m. This is the most physically demanding day of the trek, rewarded by stunning landscapes of high mountains, snow-capped peaks, streams, and a mosaic of farmland with breathtaking views. Be prepared for low temperatures; a windbreaker jacket is recommended. After crossing the pass, descend to the shores of two beautiful lakes (Laguna Aruray Cocha at 4,250m and Laguna Yurak Cocha at 3,560m) where lunch will be served. Continue downhill to the natural reserve of Mantanay park (3,480 m), where you can admire the flora and fauna, including Queuñas (Polylepis) species and local birds. Spend the night camping, with a bonfire and amenities, in the community of Pucará (3,000 m).

Walking time: 8h-9h.
Distance: 19 Km
Difficulty level: challenging
Overnight: tent.

Lares - Natural reserve of Mantanay park (3,480 m): admire the flora and fauna, including Queuñas (Polylepis) species and local birds.

Lares - Colibris Sanctuary: Explore the natural beauty of the Colibrís sanctuary - Ensifera, nestled in the heart of Pucara community, Yanahuara. Be captivated by the vibrant colors and graceful movements of hummingbirds thriving in their picturesque natural habitat.

Pucara – Sacred Valley - Soqma - Perolniyoc Waterfall - Raqaypata Ruins - Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Lares Trek - At 7:30 am, a private vehicle will take you to the community of Soqma (3,220 m), the starting point of the hike. Along a winding trail, discover the impressive Perolniyoc Waterfall (3,460 m). Nestled in the vegetation, this crystalline waterfall is a true natural gift, and you’ll likely not encounter any tourists along the way. A challenging trail then leads to the Inca archaeological complex of Raqaypata 3,645 m, meaning “ruins at the top” in Quechua. After exploring, follow the Inca trail back to Soqma. Continue by car to Ollantaytambo town (2,800 m). Ollantaytambo is a village of extraordinary urban planning: its cobbled streets and some colonial houses are built on beautiful Inca walls, a true historical legacy. Later in the afternoon, take the train to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m) to spend the night in a hotel.

Transportation time: 2h 30.
Walking time: 3h.
Difficulty level: moderate

Ollantaytambo - Discover the impressive Perolniyoc Waterfall (3,460 m). Nestled in the vegetation, this crystalline waterfall is a true natural gift, and you’ll likely not encounter any tourists along the way. A challenging trail then leads to the Inca archaeological complex of Raqaypata 3,645 m, meaning “ruins at the top” in Quechua.

Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo - Ollantaytambo is a village of extraordinary urban planning: its cobbled streets and some colonial houses are built on beautiful Inca walls, a true historical legacy.

Aguas Calientes – Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – Cusco

Machu Picchu - After breakfast, explore the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400 m). With an expert guide, the sunrise offers a unique view to reveal the fascinating Inca culture and rituals in the territory of Tahuantinsuyo. Discover the temples and sacred sites of this archaeological wonder. After the experience, enjoy some time to soak in the magic of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Then, return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, where transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Transportation time: 3h 30.
Visiting time: 3h.
Distance: 3 Km
Difficulty level: easy
Overnight: on your own

What's Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Additional Information
  • In December 2021, Explorandino was awarded the TourCert certification for its “Sustainable Management System for Tour Operators.”
  • The proposal emphasizes the wealth of culture and natural beauty. Every tourist experience is a chance to preserve and share cultural heritage, while encouraging practices that rejuvenate the natural environment.
  • Collaborating closely with various stakeholders, a model is designed to benefit all parties. By respecting local communities and conserving biodiversity, each action contributes to more responsible tourism.
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
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Carmeny768
Apr 16, 2024
Excellent tour - The guidance and information provided by Exploraandina was very timely and complete. A trek that I would do again with the agency
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jorgefq3742dc
Apr 12, 2024
Unique experience - An authentic experience in Valle de Lares. My experience in Valle de Lares was truly unique and enriching. Exploring the Andean heights and immersing myself in the textile traditions of the Huacawasi community was a transformative journey. The weavings seem to tell ancient stories, and walking through the stunning landscapes while visiting historical sites like Raqaypata and Soqma was simply amazing. The visit to the Perolniyoc waterfall was a magical moment. And of course, the cherry on the cake was the visit to Machu Picchu. I recommend the Explorandino travel agency for the work they have been developing with the proposal of unconventional trips, they integrate local ventures that are respectful of the local culture and the natural environment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sabrinalo5478zr
Apr 12, 2024
Inca Walk - A spectacular trip, landscapes that will remain engraved on the retina because it is impossible to capture so much immensity and beauty in a photo. And above all things, we were accompanied and guided by an excellent team (Explorandino tour)...grateful to have met you guys!!!! And many thanks to Daniel Castillo Quispe our guide!! They are geniuses!! This trip far exceeded my expectations!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yovanam849
Nov 10, 2023
BEST GUIDE EVER - Since the first time we met Russel it was as if he was just another one of our family members. He was always on time, super enthusiastic, and always ready to answer our questions. He was very flexible with time and change in plans because of some of my kids being sick. Thanks to him my Cusco trip was the best it could be.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeremy
Aug 25, 2023
Great food, great cultural insights, knowledgeable leader - Such a tiring but exciting experience. Although I'm a pretty fit man who works out regularly, this was definitely a challenge to hike! It might've been easier on my body with walking sticks and less weight in my bag, but this got my legs were worn out more than ever before. However, this was such an enriching experience! Not only seeing Peru's beautiful nature, but also learning more and more about the history of the indigenous people up to the Spanish invasion, which they are still uncovering. It's fascinating! The food was also great and plentiful. ¡Muchas gracias por esta experiencia!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahkr629dt
Sep 11, 2022
Trek with the Local Pros! - An incredible experience! Our guide Christian is a local expert and we were in good hands the entire trek. I enjoyed learning history from Christian and he knows so much about the land and how people use natural remedies for healing. Every time we passed guides with other groups, they said Christian is the best guide on the Inca trail - high praise! Our cooks amazed us with the deliciousness and variety of meals they prepared on the trail. And our porters were all gracious and friendly. I would highly recommend this trek to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielgy996gy
Aug 1, 2022
Inca trail needs to be on your bucket list! - Incredible adventure and challenge which included with stunning views, history at every turn, local culture, lots of wildlife, and a ton of fun for my group. We hiked the 4 day Inca trail with family and friends who all had an amazing time. We hired Explorandino as our tour operator who far exceeded our expectations and still managed to surprise us with exceptional customer service and amenities. We were well prepared ahead of time and our guide, Cristian was phenomenal!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
985rutho
Nov 19, 2021
Fantastic - MY favorite part was being guided by the tour guides and learning as we walked in the trails. I loved the part where we saw were the Inca took baths
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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