Lares Trek Machu Picchu: 4 Days Cultural Adventure
4D/3N
Discover the magic in 4 unforgettable days.
Embark on the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, a captivating 4-day adventure that offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural immersion. This alternative route to the classic Inca Trail takes you through remote Andean villages, where traditions remain untouched by time, and the hospitality of the local communities is unparalleled.
As you traverse high mountain passes, serene valleys, and pristine lakes, you’ll witness the daily lives of the Quechua people, gaining insights into their customs and traditions. The journey culminates with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, providing a rewarding end to this unforgettable experience.
For more information on this trek, visit Lares Valley page.
ITINERARY Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
DAY 1: CUSCO – HUARAN – CANCHA CANCHA
CUSCO – HUARAN – CANCHA CANCHA
🌄 Begin your unforgettable lares trek to machupicchu with a 5:00 a.m. pickup from your Cusco hotel. After breakfast in Huaran, meet your horsemen and prepare to start the gradual 3-hour hike toward Cancha Cancha.
🥾 Enjoy a riverside lunch and continue toward this remote village (3,900 m / 12,800 ft), which only received electricity in 2019 and remains untouched by modern roads.
☕ Upon arrival, enjoy tea, meet a local family with your guide translating, and end the evening with a guided tour of the Inca constellations that were crucial for agricultural planning.
Focus keyphrase included: lares trek to machupicchu
Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Time: Approximately 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 2: CANCHA CANCHA – QUISWARANI
CANCHA CANCHA – QUISWARANI
🌞 Wake up to a warm cup of tea and prepare for a challenging but rewarding day on your lares trek to machupicchu. Hike 12 km for about 7 hours, reaching Pachacutec Pass at 4,500 m (14,800 ft).
🏞️ You’ll witness majestic glaciers, highland lakes, and traditional Andean herders. Along the way, engage with local Quechua-speaking villagers, gaining insight into authentic mountain life.
🛖 Finally, after passing the Seven Waterfalls, you’ll reach the Quiswarani campsite. Enjoy tea, appetizers, a hearty dinner, and rest under the stars.
Distance: 12kms / 7.5 miles
Time: 7hrs approximately
Difficulty: challenging
DAY 3: QUISWARANI – CUNCANI – LARES – OLLANTAYTAMBO
QUISWARANI – CUNCANI – LARES – OLLANTAYTAMBO
🏔️ Begin the day with a scenic hike across Willqaqasa Pass (4,200 m), descending through Cuncani village where you’ll meet local children and continue through lush valleys.
🌺 Admire colorful flora and fruit trees before reaching the rejuvenating Lares Hot Springs. Enjoy a volcanic soak, lunch, and farewell to your team.
🚂 Afterward, drive to Ollantaytambo for dinner and take the train to Aguas Calientes for a peaceful night in a mountain hotel.
Distance: 15kms / 9.3 miles
Time: 6 hrs approximately
Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
🌄 Start early with breakfast, then take a bus to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. A 2-hour guided tour explains the site’s agricultural, religious, and urban features.
🛍️ After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch or shopping. Board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco in the evening.
🏡 This concludes your unforgettable lares trek to machupicchu.
PRICE AND INCLUSIONS Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Each trip is tailored to your specific needs and desires, so our prices vary depending on the number of people traveling, the desired level of accommodation, and the activities included, among other factors.
INCLUDE
- Transfer from the Airport to Hotel
- Private transport
- Professional guide
- Round trip train tickets Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo
- Round trip Bus tickets Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast included
- 4 person EUREKA TIMBERLINE TENT
- Comfortable foam mattress
- Gourmet meals for 4 days
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Horseman and mules to carry camping gear and 7 kg of personal items
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency
- First-aid kit
- Water to fill the bottles
- Transfer back to Cusco
- Backpack rain cover
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent -$30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade -$67 USD per person (Return Only )
- Huayna Picchu Mountain -$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
ACCOMMODATIONS
We offer you an exclusive selection of our accommodations in Cusco, ensuring that you enjoy the utmost comfort and an unparalleled experience during your stay.
