Famous Treks of Cusco
From the original royal stone road of the Inca Trail to the untamed wilderness of Choquequirao and the high glaciers of Salkantay. Handcrafted private guided expeditions operated with ethical porter standards and mountain safety.
4 DaysClassic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
5 DaysSalkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
4 DaysChoquequirao Lost City Expedition
4 DaysLares Cultural Trek & Hot Springs
4 DaysAusangate 7 Lakes & Rainbow Mountain
Lares Cultural Trek & Hot Springs
Expedition Route Overview
The Lares Trek is the premier cultural trekking route in Cusco. While other treks focus strictly on ruins, Lares takes you straight into high-altitude Quechua communities where villagers still dress in hand-woven red ponchos, herd alpacas, and speak the language of the Incas. Combined with rejuvenating volcanic hot springs in Lares and a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, this route provides deep cultural intimacy with moderate physical challenge.
Drive through the Sacred Valley to the thermal baths of Lares (3,250m). Rejuvenate in mineral pools of varying temperatures. After a fresh organic lunch, begin the gentle hike up the river valley to the traditional weaving village of Huacahuasi, where women create masterwork textiles on backstrap looms.
The high alpine stage. Ascend toward the high Ipsaycocha pass (4,450m). Gaze down upon pristine glacial tarns inhabited by Andean geese and caracaras. Cross the summit pass with views of Mt. Veronica (5,750m) before descending past herds of grazing llamas to our camp near Patacancha.
Hike through the "Living Inca Village" of Willoc. Explore agricultural terraces down to the colossal stone town of Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, board the scenic train along the Urubamba River gorge into Aguas Calientes. Check into your hotel and enjoy a hot shower before dinner.
Early morning bus to Machu Picchu. Take part in a 2.5-hour comprehensive private guided tour across the Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana, and Agricultural sectors. Descend to Aguas Calientes and board the panoramic return train to Ollantaytambo, with private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
Why this route is legendary:
Included in Your Private Expedition
Not Included
The Auqui Signature Standard
Auqui works directly with local Quechua weaver families in Huacahuasi, supporting fair trade artisanal textile production while treating travelers to authentic Andean hospitality.
Ethical Porter Treatment
Fair wages, warm equipment, insurance, and strict weight regulations strictly observed on every trail.
Chef-Crafted Mountain Menus
Warm, multi-course nutritional meals utilizing Andean superfoods (quinoa, native potatoes, fresh trout).
Satellite SOS & High-Flow Oxygen
Pulse oximeter daily altitude checks and medical-grade oxygen canisters carried on all expeditions.
Native Quechua Historians
Bilingual certified guides born in Andean villages with deep ancestral knowledge of Incan cosmology.
Cusco Trekking Comparison Matrix
Compare duration, elevation, permits, and difficulty to choose the perfect route for your fitness and travel style.
| Route Name | Duration | Distance | Max Altitude | Difficulty | Finish Point | Permits Needed | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 43 km (26.7 miles) | 4,215 m | Challenging | Machu Picchu | Yes (4-6 mos ahead) | $890 |
| Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu | 5 Days / 4 Nights | 60 km (37.2 miles) | 4,630 m | Challenging | Machu Picchu | No strict permits | $695 |
| Choquequirao Lost City Expedition | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 64 km (39.7 miles) | 3,033 m | Demanding | Choquequirao Citadel & Apurímac Canyon | No strict permits | $690 |
| Lares Cultural Trek & Hot Springs | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 33 km (20.5 miles) | 4,450 m | Moderate | Machu Picchu | No strict permits | $720 |
| Ausangate 7 Lakes & Rainbow Mountain | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 52 km (32.3 miles) | 5,036 m | Demanding | Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain & Pacchanta | No strict permits | $650 |
The Auqui Expedition Standard
Every detail of your journey is managed with uncompromised attention to guest safety, authentic cultural immersion, and deep respect for the Andean ecosystem.
Ethical Porter Protection
We believe in human dignity on trail. Our porters receive fair wages, warm footwear, sleeping tents, insurance, and adhere to strict load limits.
Nutritious Andean Cuisine
Personal chefs accompany every expedition. Enjoy hot multi-course meals prepared fresh using organic Andean quinoa, fresh vegetables, and local trout.
Satellite & Medical Safety
We carry satellite communications for emergency SOS, high-flow medical oxygen canisters, and daily finger pulse oximetry monitoring.
Native Storytellers
Certified guides born in native Quechua communities, fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, sharing living Andean folklore and history.