Machu Picchu (Lares Trek)

Right at 21 miles over three days, depending on the campsites chosen. While it is not a technical hike, it is extremely challenging due to the altitude.

Day One is a good day to warm up. You begin around 9,000 ft and climb to 12,500. The first half of the day is the hardest as it is mostly ascent with the peak of Colque Cruz off in the distance. The latter half of the day things ease up significantly as the trail begins to meander downhill.

Day Two is by far the most difficult. The trail rises another 2,500 ft, winding through the mountains, past stunning lakes, and then up a rocky trail to the pass at 16,000 ft. The remainder of the day is spent moving down through the valley, past trickling streams, a gorgeous waterfall, and then finally down to the second campsite. The walk down is several hours of solitude and refreshingly descending altitude.

Day Three is an easy half day hike, where transportation can be arranged to Ollantaytambo and then finally into Aguas Calientes. There is currently no real way to hike straight to Machu Picchu without taking the train the final stretch into the town.

While you can hike the mountain from Aguas Calientes up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, the best way to get there is to wake up early (I recommend at least 4:00am) to catch the first bus up. The ruins are stunning no matter when you visit, but being the first one in when they open at 5:30am allows you a serenity that simply isn't there when the site is overrun by all the tourists as the day progresses.