Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: A 4-Day Adventure Like No Other
Join us on a remarkable 4-day journey through the heart of the Andes, as we take you on the path less traveled – the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This expedition is a fusion of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and the grandeur of Machu Picchu, all in a compact and unforgettable package.
Explore Lares Valley
Begin your journey by delving into the cultural riches of the Lares Valley. This remote and pristine region is a living testament to the Andean way of life. Immerse yourself in the traditions, meet the locals, and witness their daily life. join us on an exhilarating trek that traces the paths once used by the Inca. Walk amidst towering peaks, meander through lush valleys, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Each step is a connection to history.
Marvel at the untouched beauty of the Andes. Majestic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and tranquil hot springs will surround you at every turn. Nature is your constant companion on this journey.
Machu Picchu – The Grand Finale
Your adventure culminates at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. As you enter this archaeological wonder, you’ll be transported back in time, connecting with the ancient Inca civilization and marveling at the architectural marvels.
Join us on this extraordinary 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, where every moment is a chance to create your own adventure story. Embrace the freedom of the open trail and let the spirit of exploration guide you
Itinerary Lares Trek To Machupicchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
DAY 1: CUSCO – LARES – CUNCANI – QUISHUARANI
The excitement of your trip through Lares to Machu Picchu We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am. The first part of our trip is approximately 2.5 hours to the community of Cuncani. Once here, we will have breakfast with beautiful views. Then we will begin our 3-hour ascent to the Hullkiccasa Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). Here you will enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged Andean peaks, lakes, valleys and much more. Then, we will enjoy our gourmet lunch prepared by our trekking chef. Finally, we will descend for 2 hours to our campsite in Quishuarani, where we will appreciate incredible views of the area.
Our camp is in the community of Quishuarani, which is a very traditional village and still keeps its culture alive, especially with its agricultural practices.
We will enjoy afternoon tea with breathtaking views of the frozen Andean peaks and seven waterfalls. We will also have the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture.
After dinner, our guide will show you the Inca constellations that the Incas depended on for agricultural guidance and that the villagers still use to this day.
- Meals: Breakfast /Lunch / Afternoon tea /Dinner.
- Lodging: Camping facilities.
- Distance: 12 km/7miles
- Time: Approximately 6 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
DAY 2: QUISHUARANI -PACHACUTEC PASS – CANCHA CANCHA
We will wake up to start our second day feeling refreshed after a good sleep and another delicious breakfast. We begin our 4-hour hike to the southwest, an intense and steep hike to the highest point of our trek known as the Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). The views from the summit are spectacular, filled with glaciers, alpine lakes, llama herds, steep valleys and rolling farmland. After some time to enjoy the 360º views, we will descend for 30 minutes, where we will have an exquisite lunch in the Andes.
After some rest, we descend for 2 more hours until we reach our campsite located next to the Cancha Cancha community, (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). We will take isolated trails, along the way we will see llamas and herds of alpacas. The local people will greet us with a bit of shyness and interact with us in Quechua (the Inca language). Our guide will act as your interpreter to translate and teach you some Quechua words. Cancha Cancha is one of the most isolated and traditional mountain communities, where you will have the opportunity to meet with a local family to learn about their Andean lives. Depending on the time you arrive at Cancha Cancha, you may have the opportunity to visit the school as well.
Once at the camp, everything will be ready. You will enjoy tea time and dinner, then you can relax for a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon tea / Dinner.
- Lodging: Camping facilities.
- Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
- Time: 7 to 8 hours approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 3: CANCHA CANCHA – HUARAN – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
This day will be memorable. We start the tour with a hike downhill for 3 hours until we reach Huaran which is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here we will say goodbye to our team of muleteers, and then we will take our van to Ollantaytambo. Then we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Lodging: Accommodation in aguas calientes
- Distance: 9 kms/ 6 miles
- Time: 3 hours approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
This day will be the most exciting of our adventure because we will visit one of the 7 wonders of the world. First of all we will start this great day with a delicious breakfast, at 5:00 am we will leave to take the first bus to the historic santuary of Machu Picchu, the duration of the trip is 25 minutes. Our first objective is to be the first to enjoy the great sunrise in Machu Picchu, feel the energy and magic that holds the ancient Inca citadel. Then we will make an excursion through the most important areas of the sanctuary, viewpoints, temples, residences, stairways, courtyards, sacred temples etc. all archaeological sites in which our professional guide, will delight you with his explanations of history, meanings and theories for a space of 2 hours, After the tour, you will have free time to explore and take some good pictures.
Optionally you can enjoy some of the following activities on your own (not included in the tour price):
- Hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain to appreciate the beauty of Machu Picchu (Additional cost).
- You can also do the Inti Punku tour, 2 hours round trip or the Inca Bridge, 1 hour round trip (No additional charge).
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes such as visiting the local museum Manuel Chavez Ballon or visiting the thermal baths (general fee).
When you are ready, you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, have lunch on your own and then board the train at 14:55 for the return trip to Cusco. From Ollantaytambo train station where our private transportation will be waiting to take you to Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Ollantaytambo-Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy
Includes
- Briefing prior to the start of the trek with our guide at our Terra Quechua Peru office.
- Pick up from hotel in Cusco.
- Private transportation from Cusco to Cuncani (starting point of the trek).
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Experienced professional guide.
- Tent or tents (quadruple tents for two people), mats or inflatable mattresses.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary – vegetarian option (no extra charge).
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, tables, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent.
- Expedition class train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Celebration dinner in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes in a tourist restaurant.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom.
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- First aid kit including oxygen balloon.
- Expedition class train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Horses for camping equipment, food, cooking utensils and passenger’s belongings (up to 7 kg).
- Emergency horse in case you feel exhausted or sick.
- Boiled water to drink.
No Incluye
- Lunch and dinner on last day
- Sleeping bag US$15
- Pair of walking sticks US$10
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$60 per person (book one month in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$60 per person
- Optional upgrade (hotel).
- US$60 can be added for the Vistadome train.
- Tips
Prices Lares Trek To Machupicchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Price information: Price per person 2024- 2025
Group Size: 2min – 10 Max All private service departure dates are adapted to your request.
Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative)
Students: US$ 20.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)Children: US$ 40.00 (up to 7 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)Departure Dates: Departures are available along the year although due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is April to November. All private service departure dates are adapted to your request.
DEPARTURE DATES 2024 – 2025
PRICE PER PERSON US$535
(GROUP SIZE: 02 People MINIMUM & 10 People MAXIMUM) To confirm we need you to send us a deposit of US$100 per person as well as filled out booking form)
DECEMBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,25,27,
JANUARY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29
FEBRUARY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27
MARCH 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
APRIL 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29
MAY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
JUNE 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,19,21,23,25,27,29,30
JULY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
AUGUST 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
SEPTEMBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,17,19,25,27,29,30
OCTOBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
NOVEMBER 2023: 11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,30
DECEMBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
JANUARY 2024: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,29,31
Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: A 4-Day Adventure Like No Other
Join us on a remarkable 4-day journey through the heart of the Andes, as we take you on the path less traveled – the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This expedition is a fusion of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and the grandeur of Machu Picchu, all in a compact and unforgettable package.
Explore Lares Valley
Begin your journey by delving into the cultural riches of the Lares Valley. This remote and pristine region is a living testament to the Andean way of life. Immerse yourself in the traditions, meet the locals, and witness their daily life. join us on an exhilarating trek that traces the paths once used by the Inca. Walk amidst towering peaks, meander through lush valleys, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Each step is a connection to history.
Marvel at the untouched beauty of the Andes. Majestic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and tranquil hot springs will surround you at every turn. Nature is your constant companion on this journey.
Machu Picchu – The Grand Finale
Your adventure culminates at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. As you enter this archaeological wonder, you’ll be transported back in time, connecting with the ancient Inca civilization and marveling at the architectural marvels.
Join us on this extraordinary 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, where every moment is a chance to create your own adventure story. Embrace the freedom of the open trail and let the spirit of exploration guide you
DAY 1: CUSCO – LARES – CUNCANI – QUISHUARANI
The excitement of your trip through Lares to Machu Picchu We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am. The first part of our trip is approximately 2.5 hours to the community of Cuncani. Once here, we will have breakfast with beautiful views. Then we will begin our 3-hour ascent to the Hullkiccasa Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). Here you will enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged Andean peaks, lakes, valleys and much more. Then, we will enjoy our gourmet lunch prepared by our trekking chef. Finally, we will descend for 2 hours to our campsite in Quishuarani, where we will appreciate incredible views of the area.
Our camp is in the community of Quishuarani, which is a very traditional village and still keeps its culture alive, especially with its agricultural practices.
We will enjoy afternoon tea with breathtaking views of the frozen Andean peaks and seven waterfalls. We will also have the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture.
After dinner, our guide will show you the Inca constellations that the Incas depended on for agricultural guidance and that the villagers still use to this day.
- Meals: Breakfast /Lunch / Afternoon tea /Dinner.
- Lodging: Camping facilities.
- Distance: 12 km/7miles
- Time: Approximately 6 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
DAY 2: QUISHUARANI -PACHACUTEC PASS – CANCHA CANCHA
We will wake up to start our second day feeling refreshed after a good sleep and another delicious breakfast. We begin our 4-hour hike to the southwest, an intense and steep hike to the highest point of our trek known as the Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). The views from the summit are spectacular, filled with glaciers, alpine lakes, llama herds, steep valleys and rolling farmland. After some time to enjoy the 360º views, we will descend for 30 minutes, where we will have an exquisite lunch in the Andes.
After some rest, we descend for 2 more hours until we reach our campsite located next to the Cancha Cancha community, (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). We will take isolated trails, along the way we will see llamas and herds of alpacas. The local people will greet us with a bit of shyness and interact with us in Quechua (the Inca language). Our guide will act as your interpreter to translate and teach you some Quechua words. Cancha Cancha is one of the most isolated and traditional mountain communities, where you will have the opportunity to meet with a local family to learn about their Andean lives. Depending on the time you arrive at Cancha Cancha, you may have the opportunity to visit the school as well.
Once at the camp, everything will be ready. You will enjoy tea time and dinner, then you can relax for a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon tea / Dinner.
- Lodging: Camping facilities.
- Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
- Time: 7 to 8 hours approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 3: CANCHA CANCHA – HUARAN – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
This day will be memorable. We start the tour with a hike downhill for 3 hours until we reach Huaran which is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here we will say goodbye to our team of muleteers, and then we will take our van to Ollantaytambo. Then we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Lodging: Accommodation in aguas calientes
- Distance: 9 kms/ 6 miles
- Time: 3 hours approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
This day will be the most exciting of our adventure because we will visit one of the 7 wonders of the world. First of all we will start this great day with a delicious breakfast, at 5:00 am we will leave to take the first bus to the historic santuary of Machu Picchu, the duration of the trip is 25 minutes. Our first objective is to be the first to enjoy the great sunrise in Machu Picchu, feel the energy and magic that holds the ancient Inca citadel. Then we will make an excursion through the most important areas of the sanctuary, viewpoints, temples, residences, stairways, courtyards, sacred temples etc. all archaeological sites in which our professional guide, will delight you with his explanations of history, meanings and theories for a space of 2 hours, After the tour, you will have free time to explore and take some good pictures.
Optionally you can enjoy some of the following activities on your own (not included in the tour price):
- Hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain to appreciate the beauty of Machu Picchu (Additional cost).
- You can also do the Inti Punku tour, 2 hours round trip or the Inca Bridge, 1 hour round trip (No additional charge).
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes such as visiting the local museum Manuel Chavez Ballon or visiting the thermal baths (general fee).
When you are ready, you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, have lunch on your own and then board the train at 14:55 for the return trip to Cusco. From Ollantaytambo train station where our private transportation will be waiting to take you to Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Ollantaytambo-Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy
Includes
- Briefing prior to the start of the trek with our guide at our Terra Quechua Peru office.
- Pick up from hotel in Cusco.
- Private transportation from Cusco to Cuncani (starting point of the trek).
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Experienced professional guide.
- Tent or tents (quadruple tents for two people), mats or inflatable mattresses.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary – vegetarian option (no extra charge).
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, tables, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent.
- Expedition class train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Celebration dinner in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes in a tourist restaurant.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom.
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- First aid kit including oxygen balloon.
- Expedition class train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Horses for camping equipment, food, cooking utensils and passenger’s belongings (up to 7 kg).
- Emergency horse in case you feel exhausted or sick.
- Boiled water to drink.
- Lunch and dinner on last day
- Sleeping bag US$15
- Pair of walking sticks US$10
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$60 per person (book one month in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$60 per person
- Optional upgrade (hotel).
- US$60 can be added for the Vistadome train.
- Tips
TERRA QUECHUA INFO: HOW LONG IS THE LARES TREK AND HOW MANY HOURS DO WE HIKE PER A DAY?
The Lares Trek is 33 kms ( 20.5miles) long and depending on which campsites are used the approximate hours hiked per day are: Day 1: 5 hours Day 2: 8 hours Day 3: 4 hours
How difficult is the Lares Trek? The Lares Trek is considered a moderate hike. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.
TERRA QUECHUA INFO: IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS COMMON? AND HOW HIGH IS THE LARES TREK?
It’s impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cusco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Lares Trek is 4550 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.
TERRA QUECHUA INFO: IS IT POSSIBLE TO SKIP THE LARES TREK EVEN IF THE TOUR INCLUDES IT?
Yes! If you do not wish to hike the Lares Trek please advise us at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have already confirmed). If you choose not to hike the trail you will spend two nights in Cusco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes for the third night where you will rejoin your group and spend the night before touring Machu Picchu the following morning.
TERRA QUECHUA INFO: WHEN DO WE REACH MACHU PICCHU AND HOW MUCH TIME DO WE SPEND THERE?
You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning on Day 4. You will be met by a local guide who will take you on an informative 2-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cusco.
TERRA QUECHUA INFO: DO PORTERS CARRY OUR LUGGAGE WHILE ON THE LARES TREK?
No, llamas, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry any essentials you might want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, rain jacket, etc.
TERRA QUECHUA INFO: HOW COLD DOES IT GET ON THE LARES TREK (WILL I NEED TO BRING HATS AND MITTS)?
The high altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven hats and gloves in Cuzco.
TERRA QUECHUA INFO: WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION IS USED ON THE LARES TREK?
Three-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travelers for the first two nights. The third night will be spent in a simple hotel in Aguas Calientes. There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent.
TERRA QUECHUA INFO: IS A SLEEPING BAG AND MATTRESS INCLUDED?
Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. If travelling between May and October a 4-season sleeping bag is recommended. These can be rented in Cuzco for approximately $15 for the length of the trek Some renters may choose to bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet.
TERRA QUECHUA INFO: IS PURIFIED WATER AVAILABLE ON THE TREK?
We recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle as boiled water will be provided in the morning at breakfast, at lunch and every evening after dinner.
TERRA QUECHUA INFO: WHAT TYPE OF FOOD WILL WE GET ON THE LARES TREK?
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of at meal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
