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Cusco
Lagoon Singrenacocha Day Trek: Glacial & Lakeside Picnic
Description: del Lares Trek 6-Day: Pumamarca Ruins, Hot Springs & Machu Picchu
This challenging 6-Day Lares High Valley Trek offers an intimate and comprehensive journey through the remote Andean communities and spectacular landscapes leading to Machu Picchu. The tour begins with a visit to the relaxing Lares Hot Springs before the trek starts, following the edge of the Amazon rainforest. The itinerary features a demanding ascent to the Pisaq Pass (4,550 m), the route's highest point, offering expansive views of the Terijuay mountain range. The final phase includes exploring the Inca ruins of Pumamarca before a scenic descent to Ollantaytambo and a train transfer to Aguas Calientes for the ultimate guided tour of Machu Picchu.
This trek provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the living culture of the Andes, featuring three nights of homestays in remote villages like Cochayoc and Patacancha. Imagine waking up in a village where locals still rely on radio for communication, sharing the trail with herds of llamas and alpacas, and being greeted by smiling shepherd children. Feel the immense satisfaction of conquering the high passes, rewarded by magnificent panoramic views of glacial valleys and serene lagoons. The use of llamas and horses for luggage transport preserves the ancestral atmosphere of this route, ensuring a genuine experience that blends physical challenge with profound cultural warmth.
If you seek a highly rewarding alternative to the classic Inca Trail—one that prioritizes cultural interaction, spectacular high-altitude scenery, and relative solitude—this Lares route is perfect. The journey is fully supported, including expert English-speaking guides, all logistics, entrance fees, and your train and bus tickets for the final leg. From the natural hot springs on Day 1 to the spiritual majesty of the Lost City on Day 6, this is a truly comprehensive Peruvian adventure. Book your 6-Day Lares High Valley Trek today and experience the heart of the Andes through its most remote communities and awe-inspiring heights!
Duration: 6 days
Carrying: Only your daypack
Accommodation: Homestay, Hotel
Guiding: Private English-speaking guide
Difficulty: Moderate
Itinerary Lares Trek 6-Day: Pumamarca Ruins, Hot Springs & Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Lares
Departure from Cusco towards the Lares Valley, passing through the charming town of Calca. If time allows, we’ll visit its colorful local market. We then continue to the village of Lares, where you can relax in the region’s natural hot springs.
Included:
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Lunch, dinner
Overnight at a local homestay.
Day 2: Lares (3,500 m) – Rosas Pata (3,305 m) – Cochayoc (3,745 m)
After breakfast, we load our llamas and horses to begin our trek. We follow the valley of Lares toward the edge of the Amazon rainforest. A balcony trail offers magnificent views of the river below as we ascend toward the village of Rosas Pata. The path continues gradually to the Andean village of Cochayoc — “the village with a lake” in Quechua — home to shepherds and herds of llamas and alpacas.
Included:
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight at a homestay.
Approx. 8 hours of hiking.
Elevation gain: +920 m / Elevation loss: -350 m
Day 3: Cochayoc – Pampa Wasi (4,200 m) – Pisaq Pass (4,550 m) – Challwacocha (4,280 m)
If the weather allows, we’ll enjoy beautiful morning views of the Terijuay mountain range. We hike across high pastures and reach the Cuypan Pass (4,550 m). From there, we continue toward Pisaq Pass, a challenging ascent rewarded with extraordinary panoramic views. We camp near a small lagoon close to the community of Challwacocha — a remote village where locals still communicate with the outside world by radio.
Included:
English-speaking guide
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight at a homestay.
Approx. 8 hours of hiking.
Elevation gain: +950 m / Elevation loss: -600 m
Day 4: Challwacocha (4,280 m) – Patacancha (3,350 m)
After breakfast, we continue through remote Andean valleys, passing another shepherd community where smiling children greet us along the trail. We cross the Yauricunca Pass (4,152 m) before descending toward the traditional village of Patacancha. Upon arrival, we meet the host family with whom we’ll spend the evening.
Included:
English-speaking guide
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight at a homestay.
Approx. 6 hours of hiking.
Elevation gain: +750 m / Elevation loss: -1,250 m
Day 5: Patacancha (3,350 m) – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo (2,750 m) – Aguas Calientes (2,040 m)
After breakfast, we say goodbye to our hosts and take a short drive to the Inca ruins of Pumamarca, which we explore before descending toward Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, we board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Included:
English-speaking guide
Breakfast, lunch
Entrance fees
Train ticket to Aguas Calientes
Overnight in hotel.
Approx. 5 hours of hiking.
Day 6: Machu Picchu – Cusco
At dawn, we take the shuttle bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Our guided tour (approximately 2 hours) covers the agricultural and urban sectors, temples, terraces, and remarkable stone constructions clinging to the mountainside.
In the afternoon, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then transfer by private vehicle to Cusco.
Optional activities (not included – must be reserved in advance):
Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to availability (these require separate entry tickets and specific schedules).
Included:
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Shuttle bus to/from Machu Picchu
Train to Cusco
Breakfast, lunch
Includes Lares Trek 6-Day: Pumamarca Ruins, Hot Springs & Machu Picchu
Accommodation in 3★ local standard hotels
Private English-speaking guide throughout the tour
Muleteers and cooks during the trek
All meals mentioned as included in the itinerary
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Roundtrip bus to Machu Picchu
Full trekking logistics and camping equipment when necessary
Homestay accommodations
All private and shared ground transportation as per program
All excursions and site visits mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees for all included sites
Not Included Lares Trek 6-Day: Pumamarca Ruins, Hot Springs & Machu Picchu
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned in the program (approx. USD 5–10 per meal)
Tips (suggested: USD 4/day/person for the guide; USD 2/day/person for muleteers and cooks)
Drinks and personal snacks
Personal trekking equipment (sleeping bag, walking poles)
Personal expenses
Recommendations Lares Trek 6-Day: Pumamarca Ruins, Hot Springs & Machu Picchu
Clothing & Gear
Dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes between valleys and high altitude.
Waterproof jacket and windbreaker essential.
Sturdy, comfortable trekking shoes for varied terrain.
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must.
Gloves and a warm hat for cool mornings and evenings.
Daypack for personal items (water, snacks, camera).
Sleeping bag suitable for cold conditions if not provided.
Health & Altitude
The trek reaches 4,550 m at Pisaq Pass — hydrate regularly and ascend slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before the trek.
Coca tea is recommended to aid acclimatization.
Carry a personal first-aid kit (painkillers, bandages, sunscreen, anti-diarrheal medication).
Accommodation
Homestay: Simple but clean rooms, limited electricity or hot water, shared toilets.
3★ hotels: Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers; some with heating or safes.
Meals
During the trek: Cold lunches and hot dinners prepared by our cook with fresh local ingredients.
At homestays: Simple, hearty Andean meals made from local produce.
For non-included meals, expect to pay around USD 5–10 per person per meal.
Culture & Respect
Always ask before taking photos of local people.
Respect the customs and traditions of each community.
Do not leave any waste, pick plants, or disturb animals.
Practical Information
Limited electricity and phone signal during the trek.
Bring an external battery for your devices.
Hiking days range from 5 to 8 hours, with varied terrain.
Optional hot springs available in Lares.
Additional Tips
Stay hydrated and walk at your own pace.
Bring energy snacks for long hiking days.
Listen to your guide’s safety instructions at all times.
Take time to enjoy the landscapes, flora, fauna, and encounters with local people.
Photo Gallery Lares Trek 6-Day: Pumamarca Ruins, Hot Springs & Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions Lares Trek 6-Day: Pumamarca Ruins, Hot Springs & Machu Picchu
What makes this Lares trekking route unique compared to classic Machu Picchu treks?
This route combines hot springs, remote Andean communities, high mountain passes and Machu Picchu in one journey. Unlike crowded routes, it offers deep cultural immersion, peaceful landscapes and authentic encounters before reaching the iconic site.
How important are the Lares hot springs at the beginning of the tour?
Starting the trip with the Lares thermal baths helps travelers relax muscles, improve circulation and acclimatize naturally to altitude, making the following trekking days more comfortable and enjoyable.
What kind of cultural interaction can travelers expect in the local communities?
Travelers stay in family-run homes, share meals, observe traditional farming and textile practices, and experience daily life in communities that still preserve ancestral Andean traditions, far from mass tourism.
How does this route prepare travelers for Machu Picchu?
The gradual progression from remote highlands to the Sacred Valley allows travelers to better understand Inca geography, culture and daily life—making the visit to Machu Picchu feel like a natural culmination, not just a tourist stop.
What role does Pumamarca play in this itinerary?
Pumamarca is a less-visited Inca archaeological site that provides context on Inca military and agricultural planning, offering a quieter and more intimate archaeological experience before reaching Machu Picchu.
Why choose this route instead of going directly to Machu Picchu by train?
Because this journey transforms Machu Picchu into a reward at the end of an adventure, not the entire trip. Travelers arrive with a richer understanding of the Andes, its people and landscapes, making the final visit far more meaningful.
Comments:
"Jimmy est un guide passionné qui aime transmettre et partager sa culture et ses connaissances ! On a adoré le temps passé avec lui ! On peut lui poser plein de question et il nous répond toujours avec le sourire ! Une vraie encyclopédie (qui s’adapte à son public) ! ???????? Visiter la Vallée Sacrée avec lui c’est comprendre énormément de choses sur l’histoire de cette région ! C’est passionnant ! On recommande ses tours sans hésitation ! Merci beaucoup pour tout !!! Ne changez rien !!!!"
"Gracias a Jimmy y su equipo por esta maravillosa semana visitando Cusco, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, y por conocer a una familia peruana tan encantadora. Todo estuvo increíblemente bien organizado. Hicimos mucho más de lo que lo hubiéramos organizado nosotros mismos. ¡Muchas gracias de nuevo! Los recomiendo ampliamente."
""
"Mis amigos y yo tuvimos una excelente experiencia con la agencia. El trato fue muy amable y personalizado, siempre atentos a cada detalle de nuestro viaje. Sin duda, los recomendamos."
"An excellent experience! Terres des Incas is truly an outstanding agency. Their itineraries are perfectly designed, the guides are highly knowledgeable and attentive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. The office staff was always available, listening to us, and quickly solving any small issues along the way. We felt supported throughout the entire trip. I am really happy with Terres des Incas and I recommend this agency 100% for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable journey in Peru."
"Voyage magnifique avec Jimmy un guide formidable. Interessant, attentif. À recommander"
"Buena experiencia, la atención es muy buena, como turista nacional me encantó el compromiso que tiene la empresa para con sus pasajeros."
"Excelente atención desde el primer momento. El equipo de TERRESDESINCAS se encargó de cada detalle y mi viaje fue perfecto. Muy recomendados por su profesionalismo, amabilidad y capacidad de resolver cualquier duda. ¡Sin duda volveré a viajar con ustedes!"
"J'ai fait appel à cette agence pour la vallée sacrée et palcoyo et je recommande à 100%. Tout s'est très bien passé, ils sont très réactifs et les guides très gentils et à l'écoute"
"Un lugar muy bonito para visitar"
"Una excelente experiencia! Terres des Incas es realmente una agencia excepcional. Sus itinerarios están perfectamente diseñados, los guías son altamente conocedores y atentos, y todo el equipo es increíblemente profesional. El personal de la oficina siempre estaba disponible, escuchándonos y resolviendo rápidamente cualquier pequeño problema en el camino. Nos sentimos apoyados durante todo el viaje. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia 100% para cualquiera que busque un viaje bien organizado, auténtico e inolvidable en Perú."
""¡Una experiencia inmejorable! Viajé desde Francia y honestamente puedo decir que Terres des Incas es la mejor agencia de viajes del Perú. Sus itinerarios están cuidadosamente diseñados, combinando cultura, aventura y momentos únicos que nunca olvidaremos. Los guías son extraordinarios: atentos, apasionados, y siempre deseosos de compartir sus conocimientos sobre historia y vida andina. El equipo de oficina era impecable, siempre disponible, servicial y resolver rápidamente cualquier detalle para asegurarse de que todo fuera perfecto. Nos sentimos acompañados y cuidados en cada paso, lo que hizo que nuestro viaje fuera aún más especial. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia al 1000% a cualquiera que quiera descubrir el Perú de una manera auténtica, bien organizada y excepcionalmente personal "."
"Jimmy est un guide passionné qui aime transmettre et partager sa culture et ses connaissances ! On a adoré le temps passé avec lui ! On peut lui poser plein de question et il nous répond toujours avec le sourire ! Une vraie encyclopédie (qui s’adapte à son public) ! ???????? Visiter la Vallée Sacrée avec lui c’est comprendre énormément de choses sur l’histoire de cette région ! C’est passionnant ! On recommande ses tours sans hésitation ! Merci beaucoup pour tout !!! Ne changez rien !!!!"
"Gracias a Jimmy y su equipo por esta maravillosa semana visitando Cusco, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, y por conocer a una familia peruana tan encantadora. Todo estuvo increíblemente bien organizado. Hicimos mucho más de lo que lo hubiéramos organizado nosotros mismos. ¡Muchas gracias de nuevo! Los recomiendo ampliamente."
""
"Mis amigos y yo tuvimos una excelente experiencia con la agencia. El trato fue muy amable y personalizado, siempre atentos a cada detalle de nuestro viaje. Sin duda, los recomendamos."
"An excellent experience! Terres des Incas is truly an outstanding agency. Their itineraries are perfectly designed, the guides are highly knowledgeable and attentive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. The office staff was always available, listening to us, and quickly solving any small issues along the way. We felt supported throughout the entire trip. I am really happy with Terres des Incas and I recommend this agency 100% for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable journey in Peru."
"Voyage magnifique avec Jimmy un guide formidable. Interessant, attentif. À recommander"
"Buena experiencia, la atención es muy buena, como turista nacional me encantó el compromiso que tiene la empresa para con sus pasajeros."
"Excelente atención desde el primer momento. El equipo de TERRESDESINCAS se encargó de cada detalle y mi viaje fue perfecto. Muy recomendados por su profesionalismo, amabilidad y capacidad de resolver cualquier duda. ¡Sin duda volveré a viajar con ustedes!"
"J'ai fait appel à cette agence pour la vallée sacrée et palcoyo et je recommande à 100%. Tout s'est très bien passé, ils sont très réactifs et les guides très gentils et à l'écoute"
"Un lugar muy bonito para visitar"
"Una excelente experiencia! Terres des Incas es realmente una agencia excepcional. Sus itinerarios están perfectamente diseñados, los guías son altamente conocedores y atentos, y todo el equipo es increíblemente profesional. El personal de la oficina siempre estaba disponible, escuchándonos y resolviendo rápidamente cualquier pequeño problema en el camino. Nos sentimos apoyados durante todo el viaje. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia 100% para cualquiera que busque un viaje bien organizado, auténtico e inolvidable en Perú."
""¡Una experiencia inmejorable! Viajé desde Francia y honestamente puedo decir que Terres des Incas es la mejor agencia de viajes del Perú. Sus itinerarios están cuidadosamente diseñados, combinando cultura, aventura y momentos únicos que nunca olvidaremos. Los guías son extraordinarios: atentos, apasionados, y siempre deseosos de compartir sus conocimientos sobre historia y vida andina. El equipo de oficina era impecable, siempre disponible, servicial y resolver rápidamente cualquier detalle para asegurarse de que todo fuera perfecto. Nos sentimos acompañados y cuidados en cada paso, lo que hizo que nuestro viaje fuera aún más especial. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia al 1000% a cualquiera que quiera descubrir el Perú de una manera auténtica, bien organizada y excepcionalmente personal "."
For responsible and sustainable tourism
The payment for each experience is distributed responsibly and transparently with the aim of generating a real and positive impact in Peru
