The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days is the perfect tour for families or people who not only want to hike through amazing landscapes but also want to immerse themselves in the authentic Andean culture of remote villages.
On this tour, you will visit quaint villages, such as Huacawasi, Calca, Ollantaytambo, or Aguas Calientes, bath in the medicinal hot springs of Lares and explore different archeological sites such as Sondor or the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage of Machu Picchu.
Let yourself be mesmerized by the astonishing beauty of the Andean landscapes and the hospitality of the Andean people. Experience the culture, marvel at ancient Inca ruins, and let yourself be fascinated by the magnificence of nature. Book your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu now!
Overview
DAY 1: CUSCO – PASO HUACAWASI – LARES – CUNCANI – HUACAWASI
- 6 AM Pickup at your Hotel
- Meals: (optional Breakfast), 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner & Snacks
- Approximate hiking time: ~4 hrs.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Climate: Warm and Cold at night
- Highest elevation: 3600 m / 11811 ft
- Sleepover in local family’s house in Huacawasi
DAY 2: HUACAWASI – SONDOR – PASO SACSAYLLAME – ARURAY COCHA – YURAK COCHA – MISKI INU
- Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner & Snacks
- Approximate hiking time: ~7 hrs.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Climate: Cold
- Highest elevation: 4400 m / 14435.7 ft
- Sleepover in campingsite in Miski Inu
DAY 3: MISKI UNU – QUESHUARCHALLOC – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
- Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner & Snacks
- Approximate hiking time: ~4 hrs.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Climate: Warm
- Highest elevation: 3550 m / 11647 ft
- Sleepover in Hotel in Aguas Calientes
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
- Meals: 1 Breakfast
- Approximate hiking time: ~3 hrs.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Climate: Temperate to Warm
- Highest elevation: 2400 m / 7874 ft
- Transportation back to Cusco
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Paso Huacawasi – Lares – Cuncani – Huacawasi
We will begin the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu by picking you up from your respective hotel at 6 AM. You can relax in the car as we drive to Calca (2926 m / 9600 ft) where we will make our first stop to visit the local market. Your guide can advise you on things to buy for your trip and also on gifts or food to distribute to the children you will meet during the trip. After that, we will have breakfast in some of the local stands.
Fully energized we will continue our journey toward Lares (3150 m / 10334.7 ft) where we will visit the medicinal thermal baths and take a delightful swim in the pools before we get ready for the trek. Whilst you are bathing our cooks will prepare you a delicious lunch that you can enjoy right after the hot springs.
After lunch, we will drive to Cuncani (3810 m / 12500 ft) where we will start to hike towards our first camp in Huacawasi (3600 m / 11811 ft). For about 3 hours you will gradually ascend the mountain until you reach the highest point of the day, this will be good exercise and warm-up for the second day.
Finally, we will arrive at the Huacawasi community where our dear local companions will host you for the night. You will be able to learn about the Andean culture and experience their warm hospitality while savoring some snacks and hot tea. Finally, we will serve you a tasty dinner to end the first day.
- Visit Calca (2926 m / 9600 ft)
- Optional Visit medicinal hot springs of Lares (3150 m / 10334.7 ft)
- Visit Cuncani (3810 m / 12500 ft)
- Visit Huacawasi and the local community (3600 m / 11811 ft)
Day 2: Huacawasi – Sondor – Paso Sacsayllame – Aruray Cocha – Yurak Cocha – Miski Inu
On the second day, we will start with a nutritious breakfast to strengthen us for the hardest part of the trek. We will ascend the Sacsayllame pass (4,400 m / 14435.7 ft) a very steep and high passage, so take it easy, remember to take enough breaks and if you feel it is too hard, don’t worry we have some emergency horses as a safety backup.
However hard the effort, the astonishing scenery will make it up to you. You will hike through some of the most astonishing landscapes, surrounded by colossus mountains, dazzling panoramic views, and idyllic farmland. Yet, beware of the cold, as we are trekking through high altitudes it can get really cold.
We will take a quick rest when reaching the highest point. Take in the breathtaking views and congratulate yourself on the ascent. Then we will descend passing by a beautiful lagoon and astonishingly beautiful landscapes before our cooks will prepare you a delicious lunch, right next to a riverbank.
Then we will descend further down through an enchanting forest of «Queuñas» (Polylepis), the typical native tree in this region of the Peruvian Andes. We will descend for about an hour before reaching our camp in Inu Miski (3550 m / 11647 ft).
Here you will have enough time to relish the incredible landscape while our guides will serve you hot tea and some snacks before dinner will be served.
- Visit Sacsayllame pass (4,400 m / 14435.7 ft)
- Visit Queuñas Forest.
- Visit Inu Miski (3550 m / 11647 ft)
Day 3: Miski Unu – Queshuarchalloc – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
The third day will be a spectacular day for learning about the native flora and fauna. After a tasty breakfast, we will walk for about 3 hours through an incredible forest where you can observe the rich biodiversity. Accompanied by the chirping of a variety of birds, you will enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas. However, beware to take mosquito repellent as the climate will get warmer and provides thus the perfect habitat for mosquitos as well.
We will reach Queshuarchalloc where we will have our last lunch together with our cooks, assistants, and horses. After saying goodbye we will take a local bus to reach Ollantaytambo (2792 m / 9160.1 ft). We will have enough time to visit this idyllic little town before we will have a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants.
At 7 PM we will take the train to travel to the final destination of the day, the famous town of Aguas Calientes (2040 m / 6692.9 ft), where we will spend the night in a hotel.
- Visit Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Visit Queshuarchalloc.
- Visit Ollantaytambo (2792 m / 9160.1 ft)
- Visit Aguas Calientes (2040 m / 6692.9 ft)
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
On the last day, we will get up early at 5:30 AM, have a quick breakfast, and leave for the lost city of the Incas, the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400 m / 7874 ft). We will catch the tourist bus to drive up to the sanctuary and try to get there at 6 AM in order to be one of the first visitors to this magical place.
You will have a guided tour by one of our expert guides who will explain to you all the archeological background information, its cultural significance, and its historical importance during the Incan Empire. After the guided tour you will have enough time to explore Machu Picchu on your own or do an optional visit to Huayna Picchu (2693 m / 8835 ft).
After visiting Machu Picchu Sanctuary we will return to Aguas Calientes, you can walk down the stairs that lead you through a gorgeous forest with some astonishing views or optionally book a Bus down. In Aguas Calientes, you will have some free time until we will meet at the previously coordinated time to meet at the train station. Take your time to enjoy the last moments of the tour by strolling around the cozy little streets, checking out some of the shops, having lunch in a local restaurant, or even taking a swim in the hot springs.
Finally, we will take the train to return back to Ollantaytambo and from there to Cusco where we will drop you off at your respective Hotel.
- Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary (2400 m / 7874 ft)
- Optional Visit to Huayna Picchu (2693 m / 8835 ft)
Included
TOUR INCLUDES
- Tourist Transportation Cusco – Calca – Lares.
- Professional bilingual guide service (language on request)
- This tourist train. Ollanta to Aguas Calientes – Est. Ollanta, depending on availability.
- Bus Consettur Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Entrance of houses with hot water.
- The entrance citadel of Machu Picchu.
- 01 nights in Basic Accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Camping equipment (bedroom tent, dining tent, mats, tables, chairs).
- Crutches and crutches (camping equipment and food).
- Cook and Assistant (kitchen team)
- Food 3 breakfasts – 3 lunches – 3 dinners.
- First aid kit – Oxygen balloon.
- Emergency horse (minimum 2 people)
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag.
- First breakfast, last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Extra tips for horses.
- Expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance to Huaynapicchu (+ 30.00 USD – depending on availability)
- Bus ticket to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes. (This is possible on foot and takes 1:20 Hrs. Or also the possibility of buying a ticket and it costs $12.00 per person)
Contact Us
More Information
What to pack for the Lares Trek?
- Original passport and if applicable student card «ISIC» (for the entrance to Machu Picchu)
- Extra money in soles (Peruvian money)
- Backpack
- Rain poncho
- Sleeping bag
- Clothes for hot and cold weather (e.g. short and long sleeve shirts, trekking pants, Wool or cotton socks, warm jacket, etc.) -> keep in mind that the weather can be humid; in this case, wet clothes do not have the time to dry
- Trekking shoes
- Swimsuit, towel, and Sandals for the hot springs
- Sun protection: hat & sunscreen
- Insect repellent, hand sanitizer gel, toilet paper, toiletries
- Water bottle or water purifying tablets
- Camera (waterproof or wrapped in a plastic bag), flashlight, and extra batteries
- Additional snacks: Cereal bars, chocolate, nuts, etc.
What is the Lares Trek?
The Lares trek is a 4 days and 3 nights trek to Machu Picchu, which crosses high Andean landscapes inhabited by Quechua people. This adventure tour is also known as the Weavers’ Circuit because along the way, you learn the ancestral weaving techniques of the native villages. It is an easier alternative to the classic 4-Day Inca Trail.
How difficult is the Lares Trek? Acclimate and altitude sickness
The Lares Trek is considered to be a moderate hike, which is in comparison to the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Treks less arduous. However, you still reach a maximum altitude of 4400 m / 14435.7 ft above sea level. This is very high and can cause altitude sickness if you don’t properly prepare and acclimate beforehand.
In order to avoid any serious complications, we advise everyone to acclimate for at least two or more days in the city of Cusco. For this purpose, we can offer you various city tours in Cusco out of which we especially recommend the easier ones such as the Cusco City Tour, Maras and Moray Tour, and the Sacred Valley Tour.
Furthermore, we recommend eating healthy, avoiding fatty foods, and drinking a lot of water or Coca-tea. Please avoid drinking alcohol or smoking, especially on the days before the hike.
Nonetheless, altitude sickness can happen even to the fittest, thus here are the most common symptoms so that you can recognize it: headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortened breath, and difficulty with coordination. As long as the symptoms are relatively mild, we recommend using Coca leaves as a way to treat the symptoms. You can chew them or drink them as tea.
In any case, acclimatize your body and take it easy!
How high is the Lares Trek?
Lares is located at 3150 m / 10334.7 ft above sea level
When is the best time to do the Lares Trek?
In Cusco we have two seasons:
- The dry season (from April to October)
- The rainy season (from November to March)
The best time to do the Lares Trek of 4 days is during the dry season, from April to October as there is a lower chance of rain and generally more sunlight.
Dry Season
In April the season is still changing from rainy season to dry season which means the rain progressively reduces and the days are getting warmer and sunnier.
The months from May to September are undoubtedly the best time to hike the Lares Trek, as the days are sunny with clear skies. Even though the nights are much colder, you will have a higher chance of taking amazing photos of the landscapes during the day.
In October the dry season is slowly changing to the rainy season which can increase the risk of rainy days progressively.
Rainy Season
From November to March there is a higher chance of rain and the rain can be very strong.
In November and December, the rainy season is starting, which means that the rain progressively gets stronger. Yet, there are sunny and bright days, but it can rain at any time and cloudy days get more common.
The rainy season is the strongest from January to March which means that the rain is rather persistent and days are often cloudy, but with some luck, you can still find some sunny days.
Does the Lares Trek go to Machu Picchu?
Yes, on the last day you will visit the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Our specialized guides will give you an extensive tour through the archeological site and answer all your questions. Additionally, you can request us to book you also entrances to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. Please do so well in advance so that we can book your tickets according to availability.
Weather in Lares
The climate in Lares is temperate with cold nights. The average temperature is 11ºC. During the day, the heat can reach 21ºC. At night, temperatures can reach 1ºC.
Rainy season: The rainy season is from November to March. During these months, there will be heavy rainfall and fast-flowing rivers. Therefore, the roads will be bumpy and the sky will always be cloudy; as for the temperature, the maximum recorded temperature is 18° C and goes down to 7° C.
Dry season: This season is from April to October. During these months it is advisable to hike since the roads are in better condition.
However, the presence of rainfall is very occasional and snow is very rare in higher altitude areas, which in June and July is the frost season. Therefore, these months will be colder than usual with the presence of snow.
Where is Lares located?
Lares is one district of the province of Calca, which forms part of the region of Cusco. It is located in the Andes Mountains, in the south of Peru.
The differences between the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail
|  | Inka Trail | Lares Trek |
| Difficulty | Challenging | Moderate to Challenging |
| Duration | 4 Days | 4 Days |
| Remoteness | Remote trails through the mountains | pass by towns |
| Max. altitude | 4200 m / 13779.5 ft | 4450m / 14599.7 ft |
| Accommodation | Camping | Camping & Hotel |
| Best time to go | April to October | April to October |
| Permits required | Yes | No |
During the Inca Trail, you will see 7 archeological ruins, which can only be accessed by foot. What makes the Lares trek unique is that it passes through several traditional mountain villages.
The Inca Trail is the only trek that ends at the ruins of Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek requires participants to travel to Aguas Calientes for the final night followed by a visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
The classic Inca trail is by far the most popular and crowded of all the trekking routes in the area. You should not expect solitude or peace and quiet on the trail.
On Lares Trek you most likely won’t meet many other groups on the trail. The experience is a bit more private, the campsites more remote.
The classic Inca Trail is also highly regulated, numbers are strictly controlled and documents must be shown at various checkpoints. Remember to book well in advance, as places are limited and tickets sell out months in advance.
Considering the difficulty between the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail, the De Lares trek is slightly less difficult than the Inca Trail, but still not an easy trek.
Did you know that the Lares tours, is a traditional and experiential adventure that offers us the experience of the Lares Trek 4 days and 3 nights on a path full of history and tradition still alive in the villages that we will find during our hike.
This experience gives us endless emotions from the first day visiting beautiful hot springs or lares baths, in a valley full of flora and fauna, this allows us to discover that nature is our best refuge from the routine and stress that can be in the day to day of our daily lives.
How long is the Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek is in total approximately 33 km / 20.5mi long, excluding the visit to Machu Picchu Sanctuary on the last day.
Price
HOW MUCH DOES THE LARES TREK COST?
We have price alternatives that accommodate all budgets, prices per person, expressed in US Dollars.
Make your quotes and reservations by email [email protected], you can also communicate with one of our sales executives at the telephones detailed below, we will be happy to assist you.
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 969 787 221
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 986 994 218
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
To start the reservation process, please send us the following information:
- Name and surname:
- Passport number:
- Nationality:
- Date of Birth:
- Phone:
- Very important – We need the address and information about the hotel that you are staying at, in the city of Cusco, to be able to pick you up at the time when the tour starts.
To confirm reservations it is required to pay 50% in advance and the other 50% can be paid upon arrival at your destination.
PAYMENT METHODS
- IZIPAY
- PAYPAL
- WESTER UNION
- MONEYGRAM
- TRANSFER TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT PERU
GENERAL CONDITIONS
- All rates for our Peru Packages are expressed in US dollars (subject to currency exchange rates) and are priced per person
- The rates for Peruvians only include VAT
- All our rates are subject to availability and circumstances
- Children under 2 years and 11 months are considered INF (babies) and are not permitted on this tour
- Children from 3 to 10 years and 11 months are considered DCC (child) and thus eligible for special rates and obliged to share the room with their parents
- Children over 11 years old are considered adults
- Minors must travel with an identity document
- Rates do not apply to holidays, Easter, long weekends, national holidays, Christmas, or New Year
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