After a nourishing breakfast, your Lares Trek Peru day begins with a scenic two-hour hike up to the Ipsayccasa Pass (4,450 m), the highest point of the trek. From here, you’ll descend for about 30 minutes to a stunning high-Andean lagoon, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and native wildlife. Along the way, you’re likely to spot llamas, alpacas, and a variety of Andean birds.

Continuing downhill, you’ll arrive at your lunch spot, where you can relax and take in the views. In the afternoon, you’ll hike to the traditional village of Pata Cancha, where a local bus will take you to the village of Pallata.

Upon arrival in Pallata, you’ll begin a one-hour hike to the little-known but fascinating Inca archaeological site of Pumamarca. After exploring the ruins, you’ll follow a section of the original Inca Trail, descending through terraced valleys and ancient paths until you reach Ollantaytambo.

You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel in this charming Inca town, surrounded by impressive ruins and living history.

Day 2 Trek Details:

• Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
• Min Altitude: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
• Max Altitude: 4,450 m / 14,600 ft
• Distance to walk: 13 km / 8.08 mi
• Weather: Cool, windy
• Difficulty: 2
• Start / End time: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Total walking time: 8 hours

Early in the morning, you’ll board the train in Ollantaytambo and travel to Km 104 — the gateway to your Short Inca Trail experience. From here, your hike begins along the original Inca stone paths, surrounded by stunning cloud forest and sacred ruins.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Chachabamba, an early archaeological site with terraces overlooking the river, before continuing toward Wiñay Wayna — one of the most impressive Inca sites outside Machu Picchu itself, known for its dramatic agricultural terraces and ritual baths.

Over the course of 12 kilometers, the trail climbs higher and deeper into the Andes until you finally reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — the Incas’ original ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. This is the moment the whole trek has been building toward: Machu Picchu reveals itself below you in full view, with Huayna Picchu rising behind it.

After taking in this magical arrival and capturing your classic photos, you’ll continue down into the citadel for a first look at Machu Picchu in the afternoon light, before heading to the main entrance to catch the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night at a comfortable hotel.

Day 3 Trek Details:

• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Min Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft (Km 104)
• Max Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (Sun Gate)
• Distance to walk: 12 km / 7.46 mi
• Weather: Warm, windy
• Start / End time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Total walking time: 5 hours

With the mist still lifting over the mountains, you’ll rise early for your final ascent to Machu Picchu. As the sun breaks over the peaks, the citadel appears like a dream carved in stone — the fitting finale to your four-day Lares Trek Peru and Inca Trail journey.

Once inside, your expert guide will lead you on a guided tour of the citadel, lasting approximately 2 hours. You’ll walk through its most significant structures — temples, royal terraces, and hidden corners still charged with ancient energy — while your guide shares the history, symbolism, and stories behind each one:

• Temple of the Sun
• Temple of the Condor
• Inca Palace
• Intihuatana Stone
• Temple of the Three Windows, and more temples throughout the citadel

After connecting with this sacred site, you’ll have free time to explore independently or take photos from the Guardian’s Hut, before heading back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch — hearts full of wonder and memories that will last forever.

In the afternoon, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by your private transfer to Cusco — closing out a journey that took you from remote Andean villages, through sacred mountain passes, and into the heart of Machu Picchu itself.

Day 4 Trek Details:

• Accommodation: N/A (return to Cusco)
• Max Altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft (Machu Picchu citadel)
• Distance to walk: 2 km / 1.25 mi
• Weather: Warm to cold
• Start / End time: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Total walking time: 2 hours