We depart Cusco in the afternoon toward Calca and the community of Wakawasi (Huacahuasi), with a travel time of about 3 hours 20 minutes. From here, you begin hiking through the Lares Valley, a route that blends living Andean culture with high-mountain scenery—home to traditional weaving communities and grazing alpacas. The hike starts at 3,750 m (12,303 ft) and climbs to the day’s high point at Ipsay Pass (4,440 m / 14,435 ft), a spectacular natural viewpoint. You then descend to Ipsa Cocha Lake (4,200 m), surrounded by puna landscapes and mountain silhouettes, and continue to Patacancha and Rumira, finishing around 3,800 m (12,467 ft). From there, transport takes you to your accommodation in Ollantaytambo (2,851 m / 9,353 ft). The trek is described as challenging to moderate depending on your fitness level—an incredibly rewarding start to this combined adventure.
