Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: 4 Day Cultural Hike
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a beautiful alternative to the classic Inca Trail, perfect for travelers seeking stunning landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. This scenic route crosses high Andean mountains, glacial lakes, and traditional villages where local families still preserve ancient customs and weaving traditions.
Along the journey, hikers encounter breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and observe local communities raising llamas and alpacas, making this trek a peaceful and culturally rich adventure.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Day 1: Cusco – Lares Valley – Huacahuasi. Early morning transfer to the Lares Valley and start of the trek through traditional Andean villages and scenic mountain landscapes.
- Day 2: Huacahuasi – Ipsay Pass – Patacancha. Trek through high mountain passes with panoramic views of the Andes, glacial lakes, and encounters with local communities and their alpaca herds.
- Day 3: Patacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes. Descend through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and take the train to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco. Morning visit and guided tour of Machu Picchu, followed by the return to Cusco.
Itinerary
DISTANCE: 14KM/8.7 MILES
HIGHEST POINT: 3,700 masl/12,139 fasl
You will be picked from your hotel early in the morning and travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley to the city of Calca where we stop at a local restaurant for breakfast (optional) and then continue our drive until we reach the town of Lares. The trip takes approximately 3 hours. In Lares, we will hike to the natural hot springs where we will have lunch and have the opportunity to enjoy the thermal baths that consist of three pools that have temperatures ranging from 36-44°C.
From here we will drive around twenty minutes to PASCANA where our trek will begin. Our hike will take approximately 2.5 hours crossing beautiful landscapes to reach our campsite will be setup for us for the night. We will have some free time to meet the local people who live in this town and see traditional weaving techniques.
DISTANCE: 12KM/5.94 MILES
HIGHEST POINT: 4,450 masl/14,599 fasl
Our day will start early with a nutritional breakfast that will provide us with the energy for a big day of hiking where we will walk approx. 7 hours. We begin our ascent towards the highest point of the trek, Pachacutec Pass (4,450 masl/14599 feet). Our effort will be rewarded with magnificent views of Lake Pachacutec and the snowy peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray and Chicon. We will then continue downhill for approximately 2.5 hours passing beautiful scenery, wildlife and flora and fauna until we reach the town of Cancha Cancha where we will have dinner and spend the night.
DISTANCE: 12KM/5.94 MILES
HIGHEST POINT: 2,800 masl/9,186 fasl
After a delicious breakfast, we will start our hike, where we will descend for approx. 5 hours to reach the village of Huaran. We will then take local transport to the town of Ollantaytambo, a beautiful well-preserved Inca town that is surrounded by beautiful mountains and has an incredible Inca archaeological site built into the mountain over looking the town. We will have some time to explore this amazing place before heading to the train station to take our train to Agua Calientes.
We will be met by a member of our team in Agua Calientes, who will take us to our hotel. This will be followed by dinner in a local restaurant and a briefing about our visit to Machu Picchu the following morning. You will then have free time to explore the town, or visit the thermal baths.
DISTANCE: 4KM/2.49 MILES
HIGHEST POINT: 2,700 masl/8,829 fasl
Today we will visit the majestic Machu Picchu! We will wake up early (before 05:30 am) and have breakfast and then take the tourist bus (optional) or walk up (2 hours aprox) to Machu Picchu. We will be one of the first groups to enter Machu Picchu having the best opportunity to enjoy the beauty and magic of Machu Picchu with tranquility. We will have a two hour guided tour of the most important places of Machu Picchu with plenty of opportunities to take great photos of this incredible place.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you can either take the tourist bus (optional) or hike back down to Aguas Calientes. At the allocated time you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo where your transfer to Cusco will await you. You will arrive back to the city of Cusco in the evening.
Includes
- Bilingual and certified tour guide
- A briefing about the trek with your guide the day before
- Hotel pick up between 6:30 am to 7:00 am
- Private Transportation to Lares Valley (trailhead)
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- A duffel bag for personal items that can weigh up to 08 kilos (to be carried by horses or mules)
- Camping equipment (Kitchen tent, portable chairs and table)
- THERM-A-REST self-inflating air Sleeping mattresses (a whole new way to sleep in comfort)
- Four season tents (2 trekkers in each one) you will have enough space to put your personal items/bags inside.
- Horses or mules and muleteer to carry camping and cooking equipment
- Ride every 3 persons, days 1 to 2
- Professional Cook
- 3 Meals per day during the trek (food served in a buffet style)
- Availability of meals to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pesquetarian, etc)
- Snack for each day of trekking
- 1 night accommodation in a hostel in Aguas Calientes (upgrades available)
- Touristic train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Boiled water to drink during the trail
- First Aid Kit, with oxygen bottle.
Does not include
- First breakfast (in Ollantaytambo)
- Last lunch (in Aguas Calientes)
- Machupicchu mountain (tickets must be purchased/reserved in advance)
- Waynapicchu mountain (tickets must be purchased/reserved in advance)
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes (should you decide not to hike)
- Sleeping bag and walking sticks
- Extra horse for emergency or to carry additional bags
- Tips for cook and porter (it is not obligatory but if you wish to contribute it most welcomed)
Recommendations
- Original Passport.
- Good comfortable hiking backpack.
- Trekking shoes.
- Water bottle or storage container (i.e. camelback).
- Warm clothes (jacket, fleece and sweaters).
- Hiking clothes (i.e. t-shirts, pants etc).
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold.
- Sun block and insect repellent.
- Toilet paper.
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
- Cash (Limited ATM machines in Aguas Calientes).
- Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek).
- We recommend hiking sticks or knee supports if you have pre-existing issues.
- Positive mind!
Prices
- Price: Please contact us for private group rates.
- Student Discount: Available for students with a valid University ID (under 25) or teenagers under 17.
- Booking Process: A deposit is required to secure your Inca Trail permits, which are non-refundable and non-transferable.
More Info
Additional Options
As highlighted in our Additional Options section, you have the opportunity to enhance your trip with various upgrades.
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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: 4 Day Cultural Hike
4 Days - 3 Nights of breathtaking adventure and trekking.
$ 620.00
Per Person
Request Booking
Quick Stats
Duration
4 Days - 3 Nights of breathtaking adventure and trekking.
Physical Rating
Moderate. It’s not a technical hike, but the altitude may affect some individuals.
Trip Type
Trekking/Hiking, Cultural, Adventurous
Team
Private Guide, Driver, and Trip Managing Experts
