Spiritual Lares Trek to Machu Picchu with Shaman (4 Days)
Unlocking Spiritual Depths through Authentic Amazonian & Andean Rituals
- always available
- 4 days
- private
- challenging
Overview
Immerse yourself fully in rural Andean culture! The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is the perfect trekking adventure filled with incredible views, including waterfalls, blue lagoons, and snowy mountain peaks. Our Andean shaman will accompany you, providing the chance to learn more about Andean customs and spirituality. What sets us apart is our unique route—we trek Lares in reverse, concluding in Lares for a relaxing soak in the hot pools. Post-trek, we continue the adventure with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
We’ll pick you up from your hotel and head to Ollantaytambo, where you can grab any last-minute essentials and enjoy breakfast (not included). Then, we’ll take an hour-long drive up a winding mountain road to kick off our trek in Patacancha (3900m / 12795 ft). Explore the Patacancha community to learn about Andean life and weaving.
An Andean shaman will lead a beautiful Blessing and Cleansing Ceremony to connect with mountain spirits. Our 3-hour trek to Chaullacocha pass (4300m / 14,107ft) offers stunning views of the Andes, snow-capped peaks, and lagoons. Witness llama and alpaca shepherding before descending to Chaullacocha (4121m / 13,520ft) for lunch.
Afterward, a 3-hour hike takes us to the Chupani community on a scenic Andean trail, surrounded by breathtaking views. In Chupani, take a break, and savor a delicious dinner prepared by our Andean chef.
After breakfast, we will hike down the valley, passing through Chupani Pampa (3838m / 12,591ft) until we reach after a 4-hour walk Machaypampa (3308m / 10,853ft) where we will have lunch close to the river. After a restful break, we will start our 1.5 hour ascent to the Quellokasa mountain pass (3500m / 11,482m). We will do a special Andean meditation with our Andean Maestro to connect with the mountains and Mother Earth. We will visit the look-out of Condor Huachana, which is the perfect spot to observe Andean wildlife and admire waterfalls. We then continue our hike and pass through the local communities of Rosaspata, Choquecancha and Cachin. We will have lunch with beautiful scenery and hike down to the Andean village of Vilcabamba (3150m / 10,334ft), which is our campsite for tonight. Our Andean Shaman will share his ancestral wisdom with us before we go to sleep.
After a hot cup of coca tea, we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast and, if we are lucky, we can even get a first glimpse of the village of Lares from our campsite (3250m / 10,662ft). We will start today’s hike with a 2-3-hour walk to the hot springs of Lares. There, we can take a relaxing bath while our Andean chef prepares a delicious lunch for us. Later, we will perform, together with our Q’eros Shaman, a beautiful ceremony of gratitude. The purpose of this ceremonial offering is to connect with Mother Earth and have a farewell with our shaman. In the afternoon, we will take our private transfer to Ollantaytambo (approximately a 3.5-hour drive) and take the train to Aguas Calientes, the village at the bottom of Machu Picchu. This train ride is a beautiful opportunity to admire the fascinating landscapes of the valley. Upon arrival, we will check in at our hotel and have free time to explore the local village. In the evening, we will have a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating this incredible hiking adventure! Overnight stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
On our last day, we’ll finally visit the World Wonder of Machu Picchu! We’ll rise early to catch the first bus to the ancient Inca citadel. If we’re lucky, we might witness the sunrise at Machu Picchu! Our professional guide will lead us to the most important spots of the site, and we’ll have ample time to explore Machu Picchu on our own.
There’s also the option to visit Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu; please let us know in advance, as entrance permits are limited and sell out fast ($65.00 per person).
Later, we’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and catch the train back to Ollantaytambo/ Poroy. There, our transfer staff will pick us up and bring us back to Cusco.
$590
for the couple
*best price guarantee in USD
2 people
$1185
/person
Prices are in USD per person, based on a group of 2. Please contact us for customized modifications.
3-4 people
$970
/person
Prices are in USD per person, based on a group of 3-4. Please contact us for customized modifications.
5-7 people
$880
/person
Prices are in USD per person, based on a group of 5-7. Please contact us for customized modifications.
Enquire More Details:
Inclusions and Additional Information
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
- Transportation to the starting point of the hike
- Local guide and Andean shaman for the hike
- Various ancestral ceremonies performed by our real shaman
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Meals and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Professional cook and cooking equipment.
- Dining tent and kitchen tent for the cook to freshly prepare your meals.
- Boiled water provided for coffee and tea to accompany your meals at the campsites.
- Horses and horsemen, who carry camping equipment, food, and kitchen utensils.
- We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 5kg per person).
- Entrance permit for the Lares Trek
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Accommodation in comfortable tents at campsites (night 1-2) and in a 3-4* hotel in Aguas Calientes (night 3)
- Train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo/ Poroy
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo/ Poroy back to Cusco
- Entrance to Lares Hot Springs
- Breakfast on day 1, lunch and dinner on last day.
- Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you don’t have one with you ($25.00 per person).
- Trekking poles. Available for rent for $15.00 per person.
- Activities and meals not mentioned in the itinerary or indicated as optional.
- Gratuities for the staff.
- National or international flights.
- Travel Insurance.
If you ever need to cancel or want to know about refunds, you can find all the details in our Terms and Conditions. If you’re not sure about something or have any questions, just get in touch with us.
We’re here to help and make things clear for you. Your happiness is really important to us!
FAQ about this trek
The Spiritual Lares Trek with Shaman offers a unique and enriching experience. What sets it apart:
Andean Shaman from Q’eros Community: Throughout the entire trek, an authentic Andean shaman from the Q’eros community will accompany you. This shaman will guide you through various ancestral ceremonies, providing insights into Andean spirituality and customs.
Reverse Route: Unlike traditional routes, we take the Lares Trek in reverse. This means you conclude your journey at the soothing hot springs of Lares. After the last days of hiking, relax and unwind in the therapeutic hot pools, allowing you to reflect on your spiritual journey.
- Visit to Machu Picchu: Following the tranquil interlude at Lares, the adventure continues with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu site. This harmonious blend of spiritual exploration, natural relaxation, and historical discovery makes the Spiritual Lares Trek an extraordinary and holistic journey.
The Lares Trek is moderately challenging, featuring diverse terrains with rocky paths, steep ascents, and descents. Hiking at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) requires proper acclimatization. The trek spans 3 to 4 days, with daily hikes of several hours. Trekkers should maintain a reasonable level of physical fitness and be prepared for variable weather conditions in the Andean region. Cultural interactions with local villages add a unique aspect to the trek, involving walks on uneven surfaces and exposure to different cultural practices. Overall, a well-rounded preparation and a spirit of adventure contribute to a fulfilling Lares Trek experience.
Yes, acclimatization is crucial to mitigate the risk of altitude sickness.
Acclimatization is crucial to minimize the risk of altitude sickness during high-altitude treks like the Lares Trek. Here are some tips to help you acclimate effectively:
Arrive in Cusco Early: Plan to arrive in Cusco at least a couple of days before starting the trek. This allows your body to gradually adjust to the high altitude.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Proper hydration helps your body cope with the altitude more effectively.
Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: Alcohol and tobacco can contribute to dehydration and may exacerbate altitude-related symptoms. It’s best to avoid them during your acclimatization period.
Take It Easy: During the first day or two in Cusco, avoid strenuous activities. Take it easy and allow your body to adjust at a gradual pace.
Eat Light Meals: Heavy meals can make altitude-related symptoms more pronounced. Stick to light and easily digestible meals during your acclimatization period.
Consider Medication: Consult with a healthcare professional about medications that can help prevent or alleviate altitude sickness. Acetazolamide is one such medication, but it should only be used under medical guidance.
Explore Cusco at a Leisurely Pace: Use your time in Cusco to explore the city at a leisurely pace. This allows you to acclimate while enjoying the cultural and historical attractions.
Rest Well: Ensure you get adequate rest and sleep. Quality sleep contributes to overall well-being and helps your body adapt to the altitude.
Coca Tea: Many hotels in Cusco offer coca tea, which is believed to help with altitude symptoms. While its effectiveness is debated, it’s a popular local remedy.
Be Mindful of Symptoms: Pay attention to any symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath. If you experience severe symptoms, it’s essential to descend to a lower altitude.
The dry season, from May to September, is generally considered the best time. However, the trek is possible year-round, with each season offering a unique experience. The wet season (November to March) brings lush landscapes but also more rain.
Essentials include comfortable hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing (including layers), a daypack, a refillable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a sleeping bag. Consult your tour operator for a comprehensive packing list tailored to the specific trek.
You can rent a sleeping bag for $25.00 per person and hiking poles for $15.00 per person, just let us know in advance!
