Lares Trek Via Yanahuara

You will be collected from you accommodation at 6:00am and will travel in private shuttle for 3hours to the town of Lares. The drive will take you through a section of the Sacred Valley, with a stop in the town of Calca for breakfast and any last-minute purchases. Crossing a mountain pass will finally find you at the point of descent towards the hot springs of the Valley of Lares. Here you can take a relaxing dip in the hot springs before a freshly prepared lunch by your chefs. Following lunch you will begin the four-hour hike to the first campsite Huacawasi (3,600 m). On the trail you will observe classic Andean landscapes and the local population in traditional clothing. You can interact with the locals, who isolated communities are experts in weaving from the alpaca wool. Your guide will provide detailed history and explanations along the way. They will even help you communicate in the ancient language of Quechua. Upon arrival at the campsite, the team will set up the tents and prepare the evening meal. You will sleep below the stars ready for the next day.

This will be the most challenging day as well as the most beautiful. Right after breakfast, you will begin the three-hour ascent to a mountain pass known as Sacsall (4,645m), a unique spot where the energy and tranquility of the mountains is intense. Over the course of the hike, you will take in breathtaking panoramic views, and observe turquoise lakes, farmland, Llamas, and native flora and fauna. There will be opportunities to stop along the way and for explanations from you guide. They will also be on hand to take photographs. Early afternoon you will find yourself descending to Lake Millpo where lunch will be prepared. Following a rest, you will continue to trek until arrival at the second evening’s campsite in Mantanay, for a tasty meal and a well-earned sleep.

After a slightly later breakfast, another magnificent, yet lower intensity day awaits. You will hike downhill for 4 hours to the town of Yanahuara, where you will have your final lunch and say goodbye to the cook and mule driver. The shuttle will be waiting here to take you to Ollantaytambo. This part of the trip offers views of Incan terraces and a part of the Sacred Valley that is still largely inhabited. If you haven’t been to the Sacred Valley of the Incas before this, this will give you a chance to appreciate its mystical landscape that is always covered in golden sunlight. The ancient fortresses still stand tall and proud in the mountains. You will take a train from the main station and travel for around two hours to the town Aguas Calientes. You will have time to enjoy the hot springs or shop the local markets. Here you will spend your final night in a comfortable hotel with hot water.