4
DAYSFROM
$740
Overview
This 4-day hike provides an exceptional and authentic opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, while discovering ancient traditions and the enduring heritage of Inca communities.
If you’re a mountain lover, this hike is perfect for you. Experience the magic of the Andes with breathtaking 360° views of towering peaks, glacial valleys and lakes, ancient Inca ruins, and soothing natural hot springs.
Itinerary
Day 1: Relaxing Hot Springs | Lares village to Huacawasi
- The day begins with a one-hour bus ride to the traditional Inca town of Pisac, where you’ll discover the rich history of the Inca civilization while exploring the impressive archaeological site.
- Before starting the hike, we’ll stop at a colorful farmers’ market for some last-minute shopping and a chance to pick up school supplies or small gifts for local children — feel free to bring some from home too!
- Enjoy a 2.5-hour drive through the Sacred Valley and traditional Andean villages before arriving at Lares (3,150 meters / 10,395 ft), the starting point of your trek. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your horsemen and the pack horses that will provide logistical support during the journey.
- Unwind in the soothing natural hot springs, whose waters stay comfortably warm between 35°C and 44°C (95°F to 111°F).
- Today, we hike along the stream through small villages, passing corn, potato, and quinoa fields. Enjoy the stunning scenery and spot herds of llamas and alpacas as we climb toward the traditional Andean village of Huacawasi, our campsite for the night. This village is renowned for its high-quality handwoven textiles, including table runners, hats, and ponchos.
- Hiking time: 3.5 hours
- Distance covered: 7 km / 4 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Day 2: Reaching the hike’s highest point | Huacawasi to Mantanay
- The day begins with a demanding two-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, the Arruray Pass (4,500 meters / 14,850 ft).
- The majestic snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota range rise through the clouds, offering breathtaking photo opportunities. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including condors, geese, Andean ducks (an endangered species), and chinchillas.
- From here, the trail descends into the Mantanay Valley, winding around pristine glacial lagoons and through the ancient Q’euña forest, home to unique Andean flora and fauna.
- Tonight’s campsite, located at 3,800 meters (12,540 ft), is the highest point where we will camp. Nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing.
- Hiking time: 7-8 hours
- Distance covered: 10 km / 6.5 miles
- Difficulty level: Challenging
Day 3: Descending into the Sacred Valley of the Incas | Mantanay to Yanahuara
- During this four-hour hike through the Q’euña forest and surrounding farmlands, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.
- Visit a traditional chichería to sample chicha, the sacred corn beer once enjoyed by the Incas.
- Explore the remarkable Ollantaytambo ruins and gain deeper insight into Inca engineering, including how they managed to move massive boulders of up to 60 metric tons across rivers and valleys from distant quarries.
- Lunch will be enjoyed in Ollantaytambo, a historic village built around an impressive Inca fortress recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- For those seeking a culinary adventure, you’ll have the chance to try one of Peru’s most traditional dishes — roasted guinea pig (cuy), a delicacy enjoyed since Inca times.
- Board the train bound for Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance covered: 9 km / 5.6 miles
- Difficulty level: Moderate
Day 4: Visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
- Take an early morning shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu (a 25-minute ride).
- Passports or IDs must be presented at the checkpoint.
- We’ll start early in the morning, before the site becomes crowded. Enjoy a two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, learning about its history and significance as you explore the ancient citadel with a professional guide.
- Optional activity: Hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (known locally as Montaña), both offering spectacular panoramic views of the citadel and the Andean scenery. (ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED – Check availability).
- Board the train and then the bus back to your hotel.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure briefing for your tour.
- Transfers to the hike’s trailhead & to your hotel on the final day.
- Support staff includes professional cooks, horsemen, and horses to carry the camping equipment, as well as a riding horse available for emergencies. Additional horses can be arranged upon request for an extra fee.
- Camping equipment, including tents, stools, tables, and other necessary gear.
- Sleeping pad.
- Machu Picchu entrance fee.
- Entrance fees to Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological sites.
- Round-trip bus service: one ticket up to Machu Picchu and one ticket down to Aguas Calientes.
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes town.
- Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy depending on train availability.
- English-speaking tour guide (An additional tour guide for groups of 9+).
- Duffle bag.
- One night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes (at the selected hotel).
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian or gluten free PLEASE let us know).
- Emergency First-Aid kit and oxygen bottle.
BRIEFING: Before the hike, you’ll meet your guide and the rest of your group. Your guide will go over the route in detail and provide all the necessary recommendations to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
×Not Included
- Backpacks.
- Sleeping Bag (You can bring your own or rent it locally in the city of Cusco).
- Hiking poles (You can bring your own or rent it locally in the city of Cusco).
- Breakfast on Day 1, and lunch and dinner on Day 4
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain known locally as ” Montaña” (ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED – Check availability).
- Tips for horsemen, cooks and guides.
- Travel Insurance (You are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip.).
NOTE: The itinerary above is a sample. Hiking times, campsites, and lunch spots may vary at the discretion of our guides, depending on weather conditions, availability, group pace, and any safety restrictions imposed by the Peruvian government.
Ξ Packing List:
- Original Passport
- Valid ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun cream (SPF 35 or higher)
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Towels and sandals
- Small denominations of cash (useful for restrooms and snacks).
- Personal medication
- Camera and chargers
- Headlamp with spare batteries
⇒ Considerations:
- It is strongly recommended that hikers acclimate by spending a few days in the city of Cusco (3,400 meters / 11,220 ft) or at a similar altitude before starting the hike.
- Hikers should be in very good physical condition, as the trek involves long distances each day.
- Weather conditions vary significantly throughout the trek, with temperatures ranging from below freezing at high altitudes to approximately 23°C / 73°F in warmer, more humid zones.
- Supporting the local economy is well-appreciated by locals: Locals create beautiful traditional textiles, which are sold along the route. Bring small amounts of local currency if you wish to support them by purchasing their handmade crafts.
- Feeling like sharing or giving back to the community: Small gifts such as school supplies, clothing, or food are greatly appreciated by the locals, as Lares and the surrounding villages are among the less affluent areas in the region. You may ask your guide for recommendations on other thoughtful items to bring along on the trek.
- Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain known locally as “Montaña” or Huayna Picchu is a terrific add-on experience since they both offer outstanding views of the Inca citadel, but the entrance fees are limited (400 people a day) and at scheduled times. If you are considering climbing either of them YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR A SPOT IN ADVANCE.
BUSINESS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Peru Machu Picchu Tours S.A. is committed to responsible travel that respects local people, their culture, local economies, and the environment. With your support, we can help conserve the areas we visit and bring positive benefits to the communities that welcome us.
How to Travel Responsibly: What You Should Know…
- Protecting the natural environment is essential. If you need to go to the bathroom, please do so away from water sources and bury the waste. Pack out or bury used toilet paper, and remember that tampons and sanitary pads must always be carried out. Avoid using soap or shampoo in rivers or lakes. Your guide will advise when washing with soap is not suitable for the environment.
- Many travelers choose to bring a small extra bag to collect any litter they find along the trail—and to carry out their own. This simple action helps keep the landscape clean. Remember that you may need to carry your rubbish until reaching the next town where proper disposal is available.
- Help us reduce plastic waste by avoiding single-use water bottles. Instead, bring a reusable canteen, a CamelBak hydration system, or a water filter to refill safely along the route.
¶ Types of Services:
You can choose between two service options for your trekking experience:
Group Service: This is a high-quality shared service with a maximum of twelve travelers per group. Groups of up to eight hikers are led by one guide, and groups of 9+ are accompanied by two guides. This is a great option for those who enjoy meeting new people and sharing the trekking experience. Our GROUP SERVICE operates on set departure dates.
Private Service: This service is organized exclusively for you and your group, allowing you to choose the departure date, group size, and trek duration. It offers the flexibility to adjust the hiking pace to your comfort level and typically provides a quieter experience on the trail, with fewer travelers along the route.
| Hike duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
| Hike level | Moderate to Challenging |
| Hike style | Active |
| Type of hike | Archaeological, Cultural and Adventure |
| Distance | 26 km / 17 miles |
| Hiking time | Day 1: 3.5 hours / Day 2: 7.5 hours / Day 3: 4 to 5 hours / Day 4: Machu Picchu |
| Elevation | Lowest point: 2,800 m (9,200 ft) – Highest point: 4,500 m (14,850 ft) at Arruray Pass. |
| Accommodation | 2 nights in camping tents and 1 night in a hotel. |
| Group size | Group service up to 12 hikers maximum – Private service (as requested) |
Request more information!
