5-Day Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: An Adventure Through Mountains and Ancient Inca Trails
The 5-Day Lares Trek and Inca Trail is an excellent alternative for travelers who want to enjoy a different experience before visiting Machu Picchu. The route combines the peaceful high-Andean landscapes of the Lares Valley with the excitement of hiking along part of the historic Inca Trail.
During the trek, we’ll cross high-altitude areas, valleys, and natural landscapes while enjoying breathtaking views of the Andes. One of the most challenging moments will be the ascent to Wacawasi Pass, at 4,420 m.a.s.l., before descending toward Mantanay. We’ll also have the opportunity to relax at the Lares hot springs.
The final part of the journey will take us from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104, where we’ll begin our hike along the Inca Trail. We’ll visit Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna before reaching Intipunku, where we’ll enjoy our first view of Machu Picchu. The journey will culminate with a visit to the citadel and our return to Cusco.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the natural landscapes of the Lares Valley.
- Visit the Lares hot springs.
- Visit the Ankasmarka archaeological site.
- Ascend to Wacawasi Pass at 4,420 m.a.s.l.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Andes during the trek.
- Descend toward Aurora Cocha and the Mantanay Valley.
- Visit Ollantaytambo and spend the night there.
- Hike along the Inca Trail from Kilometer 104.
- Visit the Chachabamba archaeological site.
- Visit the Wiñaywayna archaeological complex.
- Reach Intipunku, or the Sun Gate.
- Enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
- Visit the Machu Picchu citadel.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Ankasmarka – Lares – Wacawasi
We’ll depart early from Cusco toward Calca, where we’ll have the opportunity to purchase some items needed for the journey. We’ll continue to the Ankasmarka archaeological site, located at 3,850 m.a.s.l., and then make our way to the town of Lares and its hot springs. After lunch, we’ll begin our hike toward Wacawasi, crossing Andean landscapes until reaching our first campsite, located at 3,700 m.a.s.l.
Day 2: Wacawasi – Wacawasi Pass – Aurora Cocha – Mantanay
After breakfast, we’ll begin a challenging uphill hike until reaching Wacawasi Pass, located at 4,420 m.a.s.l. From this point, we’ll enjoy privileged views of the Andes and have time to take in the surrounding landscape. We’ll then begin our descent toward Aurora Cocha and continue to the Mantanay Valley, at 3,500 m.a.s.l., where we’ll set up our campsite and rest after the day’s hike.
Day 3: Mantanay – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo
We’ll begin the morning with a hot cup of coca tea before continuing our hike. We’ll descend from Mantanay toward the town of Yanahuara, where we’ll have lunch and say goodbye to the support team. We’ll then board our transportation to Ollantaytambo, located at 2,792 m.a.s.l. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at our accommodation to rest and recharge before continuing our adventure to Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – Wiñaywayna – Intipunku – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we’ll head to the train station to travel to Kilometer 104, where our hike will begin. We’ll visit Chachabamba and continue uphill toward Wiñaywayna, where we’ll take a break and enjoy our box lunch. We’ll then continue to Intipunku, at 2,745 m.a.s.l., where we’ll enjoy our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Finally, we’ll descend toward the checkpoint and take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
In the morning, we’ll take the bus to Machu Picchu to begin our visit to the citadel. We’ll first ascend to the Guardhouse, where we’ll have the opportunity to capture the classic photograph of the sanctuary. We’ll then explore important areas such as the Main Plaza, Sundial, Royal Quarters, Intihuatana, and the Temples of the Three Windows and the Condor. Afterward, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo and continue to Cusco.
Why Book with Us?
At Peru Top Experience, we focus on providing an organized experience with support throughout every stage of the journey. Our team is prepared to guide you during the hikes and help you enjoy the different landscapes, cultural attractions, and historic trails that are part of this experience.
The 5-Day Lares Trek and Inca Trail allows you to combine two experiences in a single journey: an adventure through the high-Andean landscapes of the Lares Valley and a hike along a section of the ancient Inca Trail to Intipunku before discovering Machu Picchu.
With Peru Top Experience, you can enjoy a complete experience that brings together nature, adventure, Andean culture, and history, culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu and your return to Cusco.
