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4 Days / 3 Nights

Lares trek to Machu Picchu - 4 Days

From
950 USD
per person

Inca Trail Lares Valley Machu Picchu

Welcome 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!

Highlights

  • Hike through the Lares Valley: walk through Andean landscapes, high-mountain areas, and traditional communities on a multi-day route toward Machu Picchu.
  • Lares hot springs: enjoy a stop at the thermal baths of Lares before continuing the hike toward Huacawasi.
  • Andean communities of Huacawasi and Patacancha: get a closer look at communities that preserve traditional activities related to agriculture, textiles, and life in the Andes.
  • Ipsay Pass at 14,436 feet (4,400 meters): reach one of the highest points of the route, surrounded by mountains and expansive views of the Lares Valley.
  • Pumamarca and Ollantaytambo: visit the archaeological site of Pumamarca and continue to Ollantaytambo before taking the train to Aguas Calientes.
  • Visit to Machu Picchu: complete the experience with a guided tour of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.

Itinerary

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.

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.

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.

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.

Details

What is included in the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu tour?

  • Transportation to the Lares Valley: hotel pickup and transportation to the starting point of the experience.
  • Tourist train: round-trip train travel between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
  • Bus to Machu Picchu: bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
  • Admission to the Lares hot springs: entrance included during the journey through the Lares Valley.
  • Admission to Machu Picchu: entrance to the sanctuary according to the circuit confirmed for your visit.
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes: one hotel night before visiting Machu Picchu.
  • Professional bilingual guide: guiding services in Spanish and English throughout the experience.
  • Camping equipment: professional tents, sleeping mats, restroom tent, and dining tent equipped with tables and chairs.
  • Meals during the trek: breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks according to the itinerary, with a vegetarian option available.
  • Cook and cooking equipment: staff responsible for preparing meals during the trek.
  • Muleteers and mules: assistance transporting up to 15.4 lb (7 kg) of luggage per passenger during the trek.
  • First-aid equipment: first-aid kit and oxygen tank available along the route.
  • Return transportation: transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco at the end of the journey.

What is not included in the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu tour?

  • Meals not specified: breakfast on the first day and lunch on the final day in Aguas Calientes.
  • Sleeping bag: not included, but one can be rented if you do not have your own.

What recommendations should you keep in mind for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu tour?

  • Backpack with rain cover: bring a comfortable daypack with protection against rain.
  • Sleeping bag: bring an appropriate sleeping bag for cold mountain conditions.
  • Warm and waterproof clothing: pack layers suitable for both warm and cold weather, including a waterproof jacket and sweater.
  • Trekking pants: bring lightweight pants as well as rain pants for wet conditions.
  • Appropriate footwear: wear trekking shoes and bring sneakers or sandals for showers and hot springs.
  • Socks: pack wool or synthetic socks suitable for trekking.
  • Rain protection: bring a rain poncho and a hat for changing weather conditions.
  • Swimwear: bring a bathing suit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Sun and insect protection: pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Personal hygiene items: bring hand sanitizer, toiletries, and toilet paper.
  • Water supplies: carry a reusable water bottle and water purification tablets.
  • Camera: keep your camera protected inside a waterproof or plastic bag.
  • Flashlight: bring a flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries.
  • Snacks: carry a few energy snacks such as chocolate bars and dried fruit.
  • Travel documents: bring your original passport and any valid student identification required for your booking.
  • Extra cash: carry some additional Peruvian soles for personal expenses along the route.
  • Extra clothing: because conditions can be cold and wet and clothes may not dry overnight, bring an extra set of dry clothes to change into.

Notes

  • From the first to the third day (from Lares hot springs to Ollantaytambo) we will be accompanied by muleteers and mules, who will carry all the camping equipment and private luggage of the passenger (up to 7 kg). From the village of Ollantaytambo all luggage will be transferred on the train with you.
  • Visit to Huayna Picchu: For Huayna Picchu requires to be booked well in advance, however we charge additional $ 15.00 and we guarantee your entrance to Huayna Picchu (This new state law started since July 18, 2011).
  • Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters will also be very grateful for a small donation, e.g. clothes or school supplies for your children.

Route map

The route is referential and may include small variations

Lares trek 4 days Prices

Choose the travel option that best suits you. Prices are shown per person and may vary depending on the type of service, accommodation, and availability of the services included along the route.
Tour options
Option
Group Service
Inca Trail Lares Valley Machu Picchu
Transfers and professional guide
US$ 950

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.

Additional services
Price per person
Upgrade to Vistadome Train
Return Train
View conditions
Upgrade to Vistadome Train
Applies only to the return trip and is subject to availability.
+ US$ 40
Upgrade a Tren Vistadome Observatory
Available per segment
View conditions
Upgrade to Vistadome Observatory
Can be requested for either outbound or return and is subject to availability.
+ US$ 60
Are 4 or more people traveling?
We can offer a special rate for your group.
Ask about group rates

Our Passengers’ Experiences on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

  • Caminata por las 7 lagunas ausangate
  • Caminata hacia el ausangate
  • Trekking 7 Lagunas Ausangate
Samuel and four days between Lares, andean trails, and Machu Picchu

I did the four-day Inca Trail through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu, and it was an incredible experience. From the very beginning, the team showed great responsibility and organization, which allowed me to enjoy each day of the journey. The guides and the entire staff were always attentive, accompanying us throughout the trek with experience and a great attitude.

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.

Samuel C.
March 2018
More reviews from our passengers
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kit f profile picture
kit f
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MACHU PICCHU/ RAINBOW MOUNTAIN Great experience over all! We loved especially John our tour guide in Machu Picchu! Though everyone else was wonderful Yvonne, our city tour guide, Darwin our Sacred Valley Aguas Calientes tour guide and Henry our Rainbow mountain tour guide,they are all awesome! It was a very smooth process from picking us up from the airport to dropping as off ! Would highly recommend CuscoPeru .com and Efrain did great on coordinating everything. We did 5days 4 nights MACHU PICCHU / RAINBOW MOUNTAIN Tour!
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Aline K profile picture
Aline K
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Tudo perfeito Eu e meu marido adoramos o passeio. Tudo ocorreu muito bem desde a reserva que fiz diretamente com a Cusco Peru ainda no Brasil. Fui muito bem atendida pelo whatsapp. No dia anterior a visita a Macchu Picchu, Effrain foi ao nosso hotel, explicar todo o itinerário detalhadamente. No dia do passeio nosso motorista, Rosel, estava na porta do hotel pontualmente para nos deixar na estação de trem. De lá seguimos até Águas Calientes onde encontramos nossa guia Maria. Fomos muito bem direcionados e também muito bem recebidos por todos os colaboradores da empresa. Também ganhamos brindes para guardar de recordação.
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macathy d profile picture
macathy d
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history and culture We had an amazing experience with Cuscoperu Our guide EFRAIN was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the tour really enjoyable. Everything was well organized, and we visited some incredible places. I especially loved Machu Pichu and Rainbow Mountain. EFRAIN was professional and easy to communicate with. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cusco Peru.
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Irena K profile picture
Irena K
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Great trip, great experience! The whole trip was wonderful experience and Efrain did excellent job taking care of everything. Trip program was very busy but we were able to see a lots of sites. Highly recommended!
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Daniela P profile picture
Daniela P
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Recomendación Increíble experiencia, gracias por hacer de este viaje algo inolvidable. Nos vamos muy contentos y lo recomendaremos a todos nuestros amigos.
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Ken D profile picture
Ken D
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Cusco & Machu Picchu It was very well done. CuscoPeru did a fantastic job with my tour. Efrain picked me up on time at the airport. Both Julio and Henry did a great job with super information the first 2 days. The buffet lunch the tour provided was top shelf, including sushi. On day 3 Eddy did a wonderful job explaining all of Machu Picchu. My tour was for Circuit 1, but he somehow managed to get me on Circuit 3 as well. It was a day I will never forget. All hotel accommodations were very comfortable. I would recommend this tour to anyone
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Sunny
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Highly recommended The trip was great! Our driver Roselito picked us up from the hotel and was very knowledgeable in the history of region, took us on the scenic route. Once we got on the train, it included snacks and drinks (water, coffee, or tea). Once we got to Aguascalientes, we were met by our tour guide Renato and Norma. Norma made sure we met our tour guide Renato, and made sure we got on the bus. Once we arrived at the entrance of Machu Pichu, we were met by our tour guide Renato. It was a pleasant experience. Pictures don’t do the site justice. Our tour guide Renato gave us an overview of the site and significance of the layout. I highly recommend booking with the company, and if possible make sure you get Roselito as your driver from Cusco to the train station.
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Karen D
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Fun and exciting! I had a custom 9-day tour. I told the booking agents the things I wanted see and do in Peru and they came up with an itinerary. I really enjoyed all the day trips and when I needed to make an adjustment during the tour, Efrain (my coordinator) was right on it. He was always available to answer my questions, which really made me feel comfortable travelling alone. Also, the tour guides and drivers were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend CuscoPeru to anyone who wants interesting/fun tours and/or needs a little assistance in planning what to do!
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ptlyogesh
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Spring vacation Great communication and good tours
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Georgeta R
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Cusco Peru-equipo que hace orgulloso un pais Elegí Cusco Peru por que Maria estaba siempre para aclarar mis dudas. Todos que nos atendiron,Rosa,John,Rosel,y los chicos que nos llevaban en coche,son personas muy bien preparadas,educadas,puntuales. Un 10 para todos! Recomiendo sin duda ❤️❤️❤️

Moments from the Lares to Machu Picchu Tour

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lares Trek 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.

How difficult is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

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.

How many days should I acclimatize in Cusco before starting the tour?

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).

Where do we sleep during the four-day tour?

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.

How much luggage can I bring during the trek?

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.

What kind of weather can I expect during the trek?

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.

Are meals included, and are vegetarian options available?

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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950 USD
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(+51) 984 709080(+51) 973 700 075info@cuscoperu.comcontact@cuscoperu.com

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