Trip Overview

We are a 100% Peruvian agency specialized in small groups with experienced guides for all our tours and treks to Machu Picchu, and we have the best prices of the market because we do not subcontract, we are a direct tour operato. Guarantee a magical and headache-free trip with our team.

Tour plan

Day 1: Thermal Baths – Cultural Immersion in Quishuarani – Blue Lagoon Camp
Day 2: Conquer the Condor or Pachatuq Pass – Accopata – Cancha Cancha Village
Day 3: Weaving Process – Pachamanca Food – Fundo Huran – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Visit to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Included

1 nights at campin, 1 night hotel
Tour guide for all excursions
All entrance fees
All necessary transportation for the tours.

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is often recognized as a popular alternative to the Classic Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek. Lares Trek Peru is a high altitude and off the beaten track trek dotted with jaw-dropping sights at every turn. The trek is less crowded so you will have most sites to yourself.

The four days Lares Trek Peru takes you through many small towns and remote Andean villages along the Lares Valley. This will be a perfect introduction to life in the Andes. Accompanied by our English-speaking local tour guide, you will get a detailed insight into the life and culture of local people living in the highland.

You will also be hiking through different hot springs and highland Andean lagoons snuggled between snow-capped peaks. Most of these regions are home to different Andean camelids, Alpacas, Llamas, and Andean Rabbits – Vizcacha.

Lares Trail is a high-altitude experience. The highest point that you will be reaching on this four-day trek is 4850 meters above sea level (15912ft). To avoid altitude sickness, we highly recommend that you spend at least 3 to 4 days acclimatizing in Cusco.

We are a fully locally owned and certified Lares Trek to Machu Picchu tour operator based in Cusco. This is one of our signature treks. We have a dedicated team for the Lares Trek tour with years of experience guiding this trek.

Do take a moment to check our reviews on Tripadvisor.

Promotional video

Lares Valley Trek - Full Itinerary

Day 1Thermal Baths - Cultural Immersion in Quishuarani - Blue Lagoon Camp

Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel a 5 am. We will then embark on a 3-hour drive to the Hot Spring of Lares. Along the way, we will be making a brief stop in Calca in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here you can buy some last-minute items and snacks.

At Lares, we will have free time to enjoy the hot springs that are divided into different pools ranging from cold to hot water. Later we will be serving our first breakfast of the Lares Trek prepared by our local Andean chef.

We will then drive for another 40 minutes to Quishuarani (3300m/10827ft). This is the trailhead of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Our tour guide will be introducing you to our support crew. After a short briefing, we will begin the trek with cultural immersion.

We will stop at a local family’s home, where you can witness traditional dances, and also learn about their farming techniques, including harvesting potatoes. They will also show you how they build their traditional houses.

Next we will enjoy a lunch served by the local family, and after a rest, we will begin our three hour hike to the first campsite on the bank of a lagoon. It will be a gradual ascent.

When we arrive at the camp, our chef will serve us coca tea, chocolates or coffee, and finally we will have the Andean dinner.

This hike will take you through mountainous Andean farms, where you will see alpacas and llamas. We will also pass waterfalls that come down from the mountains.

Campsite Altitude: 3880 m/12735 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 4.9 miles
Hiking time: Around 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Accommodation: Camping under million stars
Considered: Moderate

Day 2Conquer the Condor or Pachatuq Pass - Accopata - Cancha Cancha Village

We will be waking you up to a cup of freshly brewed infusion or Peruvian Coffee. After relishing a typical breakfast, we will begin hiking for four hours, up the hill through the Lares Valley.

This section of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is somewhat challenging as we will be hiking to the highest point of Lares Trek, Condor Pass or Pachacutec Pass (4680m/15350ft).

On this Lares Trek hike, you will see stunning views of highland lagoons, dotted with snow-capped peaks.

At the summit of the pass, you will have free time to enjoy the panoramic view of the valley and the snow-capped mountains, enjoying a coca tea served by our chef. at the same time our guide will explain the meaning of the Apus (mountains), which are Andean deities.
Afterwards, we will descend for an hour and a half, accompanied by breathtaking views, to the community of Accopata, where we will have lunch. After lunch we will descend for another two hours through the valley to the last camp of the Lares Trail, the community of Cancha Cancha, where farmers grow only potatoes.

After or before dinner, depending on the weather, our guide will explain the importance of the Andean constellations for agriculture for the Andean man, and at the same time will show you the constellations in the sky.

Campsite Altitude: 3750 m/12303 ft
Distance: 16 km/ 9.9 miles
Hiking time: Around 8 hours
Highest altitude: 4700 m / 15354 ft
Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Accommodation: Camping under million stars
Considered: Moderate to challenging

Day 3Weaving Process - Pachamanca Food - Fundo Huran - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

After enjoying a typical breakfast, we will be visiting a local family house. They will demonstrate their skills in spinning and weaving. You can also buy some items as souvenirs if you wish.

We will then commence our last descent to Huaran. It is a four hours hike along the valley beside the river. You will get to see different Llamas and Alpacas along the way. We will also be passing through potatoes and fava beans farms. The farmers will be happy to demonstrate their farming skills here.

Once in Huaran, our chef will serve a traditional local meal called Pachamanca for lunch. Pachamanca is a traditional Andean meal baked with the aid of hot stones. The earthen oven is called Huatia.

After lunch, we will bid goodbye to our support team. We will then begin our trip in our private transport to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This was the former administrative capital of the Incas.

Ollantaytambo is also a “living Inca town”. Here you will witness the advancement of the Inca’s town planning and our guide will be giving you a tour.

After having an Andean meal for dinner here, we will be boarding the train to Aguas Calientes town where we will be accommodating you in an ensuite hotel room for the night.

Campsite Altitude: 2,000 m / 6561ft
Distance: 12 km/ 7.4 miles

Hiking time: Around 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star basic hotel

Considered: Easy

Day 4Visit to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

After early morning breakfast, we will be taking the tourist bus from our hotel to the entrance of Machu Picchu. It is a 25-minute ride up the hill to the entrance of the citadel. Our guide will be assisting you in clearing the security control and entering the citadel. As you enter the citadel, you will witness the golden rays of morning sun shimmering on the walls of Machu Picchu.

We will be giving you a two hours tour of the citadel. You will be visiting prime sites like the main square, remains of royal quarters, and ceremonial center among others. After the guided tour of the complex, you will have some time to explore the citadel on your own.

If you have booked to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will be directing you to the respective trailhead. Please note that to hike to the summit of one of these mountains, you will need a permit. Often permits are sold months in advance.

We will then take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Here we will be stopping at a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, you will have some free time to explore the narrow streets of the town.

Later in the evening, we will be taking the train back to Ollantaytambo train station. Our representative will meet you on arrival and will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco. We should be there by 9 pm.

Included

Pre departure briefing.Meet with your guide and group in our office a day before at 6 pm.
Tour Leader or GuideAn experienced trip leader with be with you for the entire journey.
Accommodations We include 2 nights camping in tents and 1 night in a Basic three-star hotel in Marital (double or triple rooms) for the night.
If you prefer a single tent, there is an additional fee.
Entrance FeesThe entrance to the Lares Trek plus Machu Picchu and the places we will visit as described it the itinerary.
All Private TransportationTransportation from Cusco to Quishuarani on day 1, from Huaran to Ollantaytambo on day 2, Consettur Bus round trip on day 4 and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco on day 4.
Expeditions and Vista Done Train The Expedition Train on day 1 from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on day 2.
Meals • Our chef’s meals are included from lunch of day 1, until the breakfast of the last day. Also, we include a snack per day, boiled and cooled water for your bottles. Those are prepared by our mountain chef.
Medical KitAll of our team are trained in first aid, all our guides carry a kit to face emergencies as well an oxygen tank.
7KM of your bagWe will transport 7 kg of your belongings and will provide you a duffle bag, a rain poncho, plus a backpack cover.
Camping Equipment: We use the best possible equipment for mountain activities for your comfort and safety. Tents of 4 people capacity that we use for 2 people, as well a foam mattress and pillow.
Tour support team. We include staff that will make your trip unforgettable, such as the guide, cook, cook's assistant, porters and muleteers.

Not included

Single Room If you require a single room or tent there is an extra cost.
Gratuities for the team.Tipping is a common tradition on any tour. Traveler’s tips will be shared with the muleteers, chefs and guides. Although we pay a good salary to all our team, a little extra is always welcomed.
Meals not mentioned.First Breakfast, last lunch and dinner are not included.
Trekking poles.Walking sticks with rubber tips are highly recommended to make your hike easier.
Sleeping BagsIt is necessary to bring a -15°C sleeping bag, for your comfort.
Travel insurance: It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to protect yourself

Here are some additional items that you can include in this tour.
- Vistadome Train for Return: US $ 70 -First class train with panoramic views, windows on roof, typical dance show and on-board service and best accommodation.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$75 – It is the famous mountain behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It takes 50 minutes to go up and another 40 to come back. You can climb it after you finish the guided tour of Machu Picchu. The entrance to this mountain has an additional cost and needs to be booked in advance.
- Private tours and excursions. They are ideal for those who wants a more personalized service, where the schedules are arranged according to the client’s requirements.
- Extensions. If you wish we can extend your trip a few more days, before or after the tour, either in Cusco or to other destinations in Peru, just consult us.

Price

Prices in shared service

Category and room type ↓

Hotels Included ↓

Without Hotel
$ 440,00 per person

In this price, you will have to book the hotels by your self.

Economic ***
Package price per person in room

Single
$ …,00

Double
$ 475,00

Triple
$ …,00

Águas Calientes:
-Retama Inn, Hatun Samay or Similar

Tourist ***
Package price per person in room

Single
$ …,00

Double
$ 550,00

Triple
$ …,00

Águas Calientes:
-Tara Hotel, Waman Inn or Similar

Superior ****
Package price per person in room

Single
$ …,00

Double
$ …,00

Triple
$ …,00

Águas Calientes:
-Casa Andina, Ferre Mapi, Tierra Viva or Similar

Premium ****
Package price per person in room

Single
$ …,00

Double
$ …,00

Triple
$ …,00

Águas Calientes:
– Jaya, Hatun Inti or Similar

Luxury *****
Package price per person in room

Single
$

Double
$

Triple
$

Águas Calientes:
-Sumaq Hotel, Inka Terra.

A group trip means that it is open for other travelers to join in.
100% guaranteed departures. This tour can be done at any time of the year.
Prices are per person based on the selected hotel room and in American Dollars.
For tours in private service contact us, it has another cost.

Discount:

40 dollars discount for travelers under 17 years old.
40 dollars discount for CAN member countries: Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia.
Groups, with more than 6 members also have a discount. Please inform us at the time of booking so that we can apply the discount.

How to Book and Pay ?

To book, it is necessary to make the initial payment of the requested amount US $ … per person with any credit or debit card, by the way that we will indicate.
After the deposit, you will have to send us a passport photos, only with this we will be able to confirm your deposit and booking.
If you cancel the tour, all deposits are non-refundable for any reason.
The remaining balance must be paid in Cusco before starting your tour with cash.
Note: If you are paying the balance with credit or debit card there is an extra charge of 6%.

Photos

FAQs

How long is the Lares Trek ?

The Lares Trek is around 33 km long (20 miles). It usually takes 3 days to traverse it, while the 4th day consists on a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

How high is the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek reaches a maximum height of 4600 m.a.s.l at the Condor Pass.

Does the Lares Trek go to Machu Picchu?

The Lares Trek doesn’t directly end in Machu Picchu. The hiking trail ends in Huaran, and it’s followed by a car trip to Ollantaymbo, a train trip to Aguas Calientes, to finally end with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

How difficult is the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek has a moderate difficulty due to its high altitude, similar to the Salkantay Trek.

Is the Lares Trek worth it?

The Lares Trek is definitely a worth experience. It allows hikers to visit the beautiful Andean landscapes and local communities, while trekking to Machu Picchu. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek doesn’t require a special permit.

Lares Trek 4D