Explore the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days from Cusco
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Price | $590.00 |
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To fully enjoy your experience on the Lares Trek 4D/3N, we recommend bringing the following:
For your Lares Trek 4D/3N, remember to bring the following:
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.
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.
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:
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.
If you choose this option, please increase the deposit amount by $24 (bank commission).
We accept all major cards via payment link. A 5% commission applies to the total amount.