Cultural
We will travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu one day tour, to learn about the history, architecture and beauty of this Wonder...
View tourWelcome to the incredible Lares trek to Machu Picchu! Embark on a unique adventure that will take you through the ancestral paths of the Incas, exploring majestic landscapes and immersing yourself in the cultural richness of the region. This Lares trek is an enriching experience that will allow you to discover the hidden treasures of the Lares Valley and reach the iconic Machu Picchu citadel in an authentic and exciting way.
Throughout this Lares Valley trek to Machu Picchu, you will witness the incomparable beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit indigenous communities full of history and tradition, and walk the same paths once traveled by the ancient inhabitants of this magical land. From the rejuvenating thermal baths in Lares to the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu. Get ready for a journey full of discoveries, adventures, and unforgettable moments as you follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas on the Inca Trail Lares Valley Machu Picchu Tour. Let's start an unforgettable experience together!
Day 1
We will leave Cusco and head to Lares at 5:00 am by bus. During this trip we will pass several archaeological sites and handicraft markets in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will arrive in the province of Calca (2940m/9646f) first, and then we head to the Huaca Casi pass (4400m/14436f) to descend later to the thermal baths of Lares (3200m / 10499f). Here we will have some time to relax in the pools between 28 and 36 degrees Cº / 82 and 97 degrees F. After lunch we will continue our trek to Huacawasi (3600m/11811f), where our campsite will be located.
Weather: cold.
Duration of transport: 4 hours.
Walking time: 3-4 hours.
Day 2
The second day is possibly the most beautiful. After breakfast we will start a 4 hour hike to the Ipsay pass (4400m/14436f). There we will visit some families who live from agriculture and textile design, inspired by the Andean gods. Afterwards we will head towards the village of Patacancha (3650m/11975f), where we will find our campsite.
Weather: cold.
Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 3
The third day is also spectacular: we will visit several communities and indigenous villages, such as Willoq (3400m/11156f), Pumamarca (3200m/10499f) and Ollantaytambo (2850m/9350f) which is considered the last stronghold of the Incas. From there we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m/6726f), where we will spend the night in a hotel.
Weather: moderately warm.
Walking time: aprox. 6 horas.
Day 4
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head to Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour of the archaeological site, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train at either 2:55 pm or 6:10 pm. Until then you will have time for lunch at one of the restaurants. You will also enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, concluding our 4 day Lares trek to Machu Picchu.
Weather: moderately warm.
Walking time: 2 hours.
Trains: The service includes Expedition or Voyager train for the round trip. The upgrade to Vistadome applies to the return, and the Vistadome Observatory can be requested per segment; both are subject to availability.
The circuits and schedules of your visit are subject to availability at the time of booking. See reservation and cancellation policies →
Finally arriving at Machu Picchu after several days of hiking gave the entire journey a very special meaning. I took home wonderful memories of the trek and, above all, of the team that made sure everything went smoothly. It was a highly recommended adventure for anyone looking to combine hiking and culture in one trip.
Explore images from the Lares Trail Machu Picchu route through the Lares Valley: Andean communities, high-mountain passes, landscapes around Huacawasi and Patacancha, the archaeological site of Pumamarca, Ollantaytambo, and the final visit to Machu Picchu.
Find answers to the main questions about duration, difficulty, altitude, luggage, campsites, meals, included services, and recommendations for completing the Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 days itinerary.
The route is of moderate difficulty and requires a reasonable level of physical fitness, as it includes several hours of hiking each day and mountain passes reaching approximately 14,436 feet (4,400 meters) above sea level. You do not need to be an experienced hiker, but you should be comfortable walking and prepared for uneven terrain and changes in elevation.
We recommend spending at least a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before beginning the trek. This helps your body gradually adapt to the altitude, especially because the route reaches elevations above 13,123 feet (4,000 meters).
The first nights are spent at campsites along the route through the Lares Valley and Patacancha. The final night before visiting Machu Picchu is spent at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, allowing you to rest before the following day’s visit.
Muleteers and mules transport up to 15.4 lb (7 kg) of personal luggage per passenger. During the hikes, we recommend carrying a small daypack with water, documents, sunscreen, warm clothing, rain gear, and any other items you may need during the day.
The weather changes considerably along the route. Higher-altitude areas can be cold, especially in the morning and at night, while closer to Machu Picchu the weather is generally warmer and more humid. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing protection from both rain and sun.
Yes. During the trek, the meals specified in the program are provided, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. A vegetarian option can also be requested. Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the final day in Aguas Calientes are not included.

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