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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 4 Days

Explore the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days from Cusco

Summary

Discover the authentic heart of the Andes on the 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu — a perfect combination of breathtaking landscapes, living culture, and adventure. This alternative route to the Inca Trail takes you through remote Andean villages where time seems to have stood still, allowing you to interact with local families who preserve their ancestral traditions. Hike past turquoise lakes, majestic waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks while enjoying the serenity of untouched nature. Each night, relax in scenic campsites surrounded by mountains and starry skies. The journey culminates with a visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu, where ancient history and natural beauty merge in one unforgettable experience. Ideal for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure rich in culture and authenticity.

Itinerary

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Day 1

The first day starts very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m.. From there, we’ll travel by private transport to the town of Huaran, where we’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast to recharge before the trek.

We will begin the ascent towards Cancha Cancha, passing through beautiful Andean landscapes. Halfway through the route, we’ll stop in Saywa to enjoy lunch. Finally, we’ll arrive at the camp in Cancha Cancha, where we’ll share a hot dinner and spend the night under a starry sky.

Tour Summary

  • Pickup: From hotel in Cusco (4:30 a.m.)
  • Transport: Cusco – Huaran
  • Breakfast: In Huaran
  • Hiking: From Huaran to Cancha Cancha
  • Lunch: In Saywa
  • Camp: Cancha Cancha
  • Dinner: At Cancha Cancha camp
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Day 2

The second day begins with a nutritious breakfast at the Cancha Cancha camp. Afterwards, we’ll start the hike towards the challenging Pachacuteq Pass, one of the highest points on the route, from where we’ll enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and Andean landscapes.

We will descend to Laguna Azul Cocha, where we will have a well-deserved lunch. Along the way, we will continue exploring the area of the impressive 7 Waterfalls. At the end of the day, we’ll arrive at the camp in Quiswarani, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night surrounded by mountains and local communities.

Tour Summary

  • Breakfast: At the Cancha Cancha camp
  • Hike: Ascent to Pachacuteq Pass
  • Lunch: At Laguna Azul Cocha
  • Exploration: Visit to the 7 Waterfalls
  • Camp: Quiswarani
  • Dinner: At the Quiswarani camp
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Day 3

The third day begins with a coca tea and breakfast at the Quiswarani camp. Then, we’ll start the hike towards the Lares hot springs, a perfect spot to relax after several days of trekking.

In Lares, we’ll enjoy a lunch and say goodbye to the porters who accompanied us throughout the journey. Afterwards, we’ll take transport to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll share dinner. At night, we will board the 7:00 p.m. train heading to Aguas Calientes, where we will stay overnight in a hotel.

Tour Summary

  • Drink: Coca tea in Quiswarani
  • Breakfast: At Quiswarani camp
  • Hike: To the Lares hot springs
  • Lunch: In Lares (farewell to porters)
  • Transport: From Lares to Ollantaytambo
  • Dinner: In Ollantaytambo
  • Train: From Ollantaytambo (7:00 p.m.) to Aguas Calientes
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Day 4

After a restful night, we will start the last day with breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes. Then, our guide will pick you up to head to the Consettur bus station for a 30-minute ride to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

We will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 3 hours, exploring the temples, plazas, terraces, and most important sites. Afterwards, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to have lunch (lunch not included). Finally, we will take the train to Ollantaytambo and then transportation back to Cusco.

Tour Summary

  • Breakfast: At the hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Pickup: From the hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Transport: Consettur bus (30 min) to Machu Picchu
  • Guided tour: 3-hour tour of Machu Picchu
  • Lunch: In Aguas Calientes (not included)
  • Train: To Ollantaytambo
  • Transport: Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Inclusions

Includes

  • Personalized service.
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English).
  • Assistant guide for groups of 9 or more people.
  • Specialized cook.
  • Private transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the trek and return from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
  • Mules to carry kitchen and camping equipment, and up to 7 kg of personal belongings per passenger.
  • Hotel pick-up and transportation to the starting point of the trek.
  • Return transportation.
  • Water during the trek (except for the first 4 hours, when you must bring your own water).
  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (dietary options such as vegetarian meals available).
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs.
  • Sleeping mats.
  • Comfortable and spacious tent for 4 people (2 people per tent).
  • First aid kit.
  • Entrance ticket to Salkantay.
  • Trekking pole.
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
  • Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back.
  • 2 nights camping and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Trekking duffel bag.

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from the agency).
  • Optional entries such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Lunch on Day 4.
  • Tips for the staff.
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).

Price - per Person

Sacsahuamán Qurikancha

Lares Trek 4 Days

Price $590.00

Recommendations for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 4 Days

To fully enjoy your experience on the Lares Trek 4D/3N, we recommend bringing the following:

What to Bring

For your Lares Trek 4D/3N, remember to bring the following:

What to Bring

  • ID or passport.
  • 30–35L trekking backpack.
  • Sleeping bag (rental available).
  • Light clothes for the day and warm clothes for the night.
  • Poncho or waterproof jacket.
  • Trekking boots and sandals.
  • Trekking poles.
  • Headlamp.
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • Lip balm and insect repellent.
  • Reusable water bottle (1–2L).
  • Energy snacks.
  • Personal hygiene items.
  • Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
  • Personal and altitude sickness medication.
  • Camera or phone with extra battery.
  • Comfortable clothes for the night at Aguas Calientes hotel.
  • Extra cash in soles.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (4 days)

It is a 4-day hike through the Lares valley, visiting Andean communities, mountain landscapes, lagoons, and archaeological sites. It ends in Aguas Calientes for the visit to Machu Picchu, combining adventure, culture, and nature.

The full route lasts 4 days and 3 nights, with moderate hikes of 4 to 7 hours daily, including camping accommodations and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

The trek is moderate level. It requires good physical condition and prior acclimatization in Cusco, but advanced trekking experience is not necessary.

It includes a professional bilingual guide, private transportation from Cusco to the trek start point and return from Aguas Calientes, a cook, mules or porters, camping equipment, accommodations in campsites and a hotel in Aguas Calientes, full meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners), water, first aid kit, Machu Picchu entrance, and bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

It is not strictly necessary, but it is recommended to have done previous hikes and have good physical endurance to safely enjoy the trek.

The best season is from April to October (dry season). From November to March, trails can be slippery and weather conditions less stable.

It is recommended to bring light clothing for walking, warm clothes for the night, waterproof jacket, trekking boots, optional trekking poles, comfortable backpack, headlamp, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, energy snacks, personal hygiene items, sleeping bag (optional if not rented), and camera or phone with extra battery.

You sleep in prepared campsites during the first three days and in a hotel in Aguas Calientes the last night before visiting Machu Picchu.

Yes, it includes a guided tour of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours at Machu Picchu, visiting the temples and most important sectors of the citadel.

Yes, as long as it is done with an authorized agency. Guides are trained in first aid, and the trek includes an emergency kit and mule or horse support during the hike.

PAYMENT METHODS

The agency requires a 50% deposit of the total cost of the contracted services. This deposit can be made through any of the authorized payment methods. The remaining balance must be paid 15 days before your arrival in Peru.

OPTION A: BANK TRANSFER

If you choose this option, please increase the deposit amount by $24 (bank commission). This is the fee our bank charges for each international transfer.

Accounts in US Dollars and Soles:

OPTION B: PAYMENT LINK (CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS)

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure payment link system. A 5% commission will be applied to the total tour amount. You will receive a secure payment link from one of our representatives.

OPTION C: INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER

OPTION D: DIGITAL WALLET

If you choose this option, please increase the deposit amount by $24 (bank commission).

  • Bank: BCP
  • Account in Soles: 420-3005150123
  • CCI Soles: 00342000300515012374
  • Account in USD: 420-3005951869
  • CCI USD: 00342000300595186973
  • SWIFT Code: BINPPEPL
  • Account Holder: JULIAN PEREZ CONCHA

We accept all major cards via payment link. A 5% commission applies to the total amount.

  • Beneficiary: JULIAN PEREZ CONCHA
  • ID (DNI): 25318323
  • City: Cusco - Peru
  • Holder: SHEYLA PEREZ AYNA
  • Phone: +51 974 550 926

Travel associations and certifications

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Calle Nueva Baja 585, Primer Piso Oficina 1,
Cusco, Cusco, Perú

📞 +51 968 163 793

✉ sales@vicunaexpeditions.com

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