Lares Trek To Machu Picchu

96 hrs
From
ARS 1.547.690

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers an excellent alternative route to reach Machu Picchu, instead of following the classic Inca Trail.


This trek is perfect for travelers who wish to explore lesser-known paths and experience genuine Andean communities, all while enjoying breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and valleys.


Your adventure begins in a quaint village in the Sacred Valley, ascending over two mountain passes at 4,000 meters. Along the way, you will pass through vibrant, traditional villages, unwind in the hot springs of Lares, and conclude your journey with a visit to Machu Picchu on the last day.


If you’re seeking a unique trekking experience, we highly recommend choosing the Lares Valley hike.


Tour Description


Day 1 CUSCO - QUISHUARANI (LARES) - 7 WATERFALLS - CAMPSITE


We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and head to the Andean village of Calca in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, you'll have a final opportunity to purchase any last-minute items you may need.


Our journey continues by bus for another two hours until we reach the Lares hot springs. Take time to relax and enjoy a rejuvenating bath while taking in the mountain scenery (optional). Enjoy a well-deserved rest and experience the healing benefits of these thermal waters.


Next, we arrive at the starting point of the Lares trek to Machu Picchu. We will hike for approximately one and a half hours until we reach Quishuarani (3,700 meters above sea level), where lunch will be served. Take in the picturesque views of alpacas and llamas in their natural environment.


After lunch, we will visit the 7 waterfalls, hiking around stunning lakes until we reach our campsite for the night. Dinner and overnight stay. Distance covered: 4.72 miles – Estimated walking time: 4 hours.


Day 2 CAMPSITE - CONDOR PASS – CANCHA CANCHA

After a hearty breakfast, the trek begins along a gradual ascent to the Condor Pass, located at 4,800 meters above sea level. Following a zigzag path, we will make a traditional offering to the mountains with coca leaves, seeking protection for our journey. Enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Sahuasiray and look out for local wildlife such as vizcachas.

We will then descend for about 1.5 hours to our lunch spot. Marvel at the beautiful lagoons and spot llamas and alpacas grazing in the area. After a short break, the Lares trail to Machu Picchu continues until we reach the community of Cancha Cancha at 3,800 meters above sea level, where our campsite awaits.

Before tea time, we will visit the local families to learn about their customs and traditions. Dinner and overnight stay. Distance covered: 9.32 miles – Estimated walking time: 7 hours.



Day 3 CANCHA CANCHA - HUARAN - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES


After breakfast, we depart at 07:30 am towards the town of Huaran, descending through magnificent mountain scenery until we reach an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level. Experience the changing climate and observe local agriculture, including corn, potatoes, and various vegetables.


Our vehicle will then transfer you to the town of Ollantaytambo in a one-hour journey. Discover this enchanting Andean community with a walking tour through one of the Sacred Valley’s most beautiful towns. If you wish, you can opt for a tour of the Ollantaytambo Fortress (optional). Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.


Later, you’ll board a bus to the Ollantaytambo train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes for a scenic two-hour ride. Upon arrival, we will head to the hotel for an overnight stay. Distance covered: 5.59 miles – Estimated walking time: 4 hours.


Day 4 AGUAS CALIENTES– MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

Early in the morning, we will take the tourist bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu, where you will finally experience one of the 7 wonders of the world. Arriving early ensures you are among the first to enter this iconic site.

As the sun rises, you will begin a 2-hour guided tour and discover the secrets, stories, and fascinating facts about the Inca citadel. We will visit the Intiwatana, located at the summit of Machu Picchu.

Afterwards, you can choose to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional). Experience the thrill as you ascend the steps of Huayna Picchu for 2 hours and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, then take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city of Cusco.


What’s included?

What’s included:

* Briefing time one day before the trek  * Transportation from Cusco to the start of the trek  * Professional English speaking guide  * Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, daily snack) * High Mountain Tents   * Dining tent with tables and chairs  * Kitchen tent  * Cook and cooking equipment  * Round trip bus ticket to the entrance of Machu Picchu (confort service) * Mules (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).  * Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost   * Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night.  * Comprehensive first aid kit including oxygen bottles   * 01 night of standard hotel at Aguas Calientes (confort service) * Train ticket (Expedition class) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes on day 3 * Train ticket (Expeditions class) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on day 4

What’s NOT included:

* Sleeping bag * Extra Mules   * Ticket entrance to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains * Ticket entrance to the Fortress of Ollantaytambo * Lunch in Aguas Calientes on day 4 * Walking sticks * Meals not mentioned in the itinerary   * Extra services not mentioned in the program  * Tips for guides, porters or chefs and extra expenses * Travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

The Lares to Machu Picchu Trek is an adventure experience in the Peruvian Andes, in the Cusco region. Over four days, the route traverses the Lares Valley, offering spectacular landscapes, Inca archaeological sites, and delicious cuisine before reaching the iconic Machu Picchu. It's a popular option for those who want to explore Peru in a unique way and experience a memorable trek. For the complete itinerary, included activities, and service conditions, please consult the updated tour details.

The complete Lares to Machu Picchu Trek takes four days. During this time, travelers trek through the Lares Valley, explore the landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, and visit Inca archaeological sites, culminating at Machu Picchu. This duration allows you to fully enjoy the route and combine nature, adventure, culture, and gastronomy in a single trip to Cusco. To learn about the distribution of trek stages, schedules, difficulty level, and included services, please consult the detailed tour information.

The Lares Trek is one of the most popular alternative routes from Cusco to reach Machu Picchu and is a highly regarded option for visitors to Peru. Some consider it an easier alternative to the Inca Trail; however, its main appeal lies in the opportunity to explore the Peruvian Andes through the Lares Valley, enjoying spectacular landscapes, Inca archaeological sites, and delicious cuisine. The choice depends on each traveler's preferences. To compare routes and learn all the details, it is recommended to review the tour information.

During the Lares to Machu Picchu Trek, travelers immerse themselves in the Lares Valley and explore the diverse landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. The experience combines nature, adventure, and culture, offering the chance to admire spectacular scenery, visit Inca archaeological sites, and savor delicious cuisine. The trek culminates in Machu Picchu, one of Peru's most iconic destinations. The available information does not specify every point on the itinerary or the activities for each day, so it is advisable to consult the complete details before booking the tour.

The Lares to Machu Picchu Trek is presented as an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers who want to explore the Peruvian Andes and discover an alternative route in Cusco. Over four days, the trek combines hiking, spectacular scenery, Inca archaeological sites, gastronomy, and the arrival at the iconic Machu Picchu. This summary does not specify the level of difficulty, physical requirements, or recommendations for each participant. Therefore, before booking, it is advisable to inquire about these aspects and review the detailed conditions of the trek.

PRICES 2026-2027

Classic Group Service: Lares Trek To Machu Picchu - 4 Days

Includes A Short Explanation Of The Tour, One Day Before Starting The Tour, Transfer From Cusco To The Starting Point Of The Trek, Professional Tour Guide In Spanish And English, Food Mentioned In The Tour (3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners, Daily Snack), High Mountain Tents, Dining Tent With Tables And Chairs, Kitchen Tent, Kitchen Equipment, Hot Water Morning And Night To Wash, And Boiled Water For Your Thermos, First Aid Kit First Aid With Oxygen Bottles, Expedition Train Ticket From Ollantaytambo To Aguas Calientes, Day 3, Expedition Train Ticket From Aguas Calientes To Ollantaytambo, Day 4

  • Start Time: 05:00
  • Languages: ESP,ENG
  • Duration: 96 hrs
  • Operation Days: Every day
From
ARS 1.550.029
per person

Comfort Group Service: Lares Trek To Machu Picchu - 4 Days

Includes A Short Explanation Of The Tour, One Day Before Starting The Tour, Transfer From Cusco To The Starting Point Of The Trek, Professional Tour Guide In Spanish And English, Food Mentioned In The Tour (3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners, Daily Snack), High Mountain Tents, Dining Tent With Tables And Chairs, Kitchen Tent, Kitchen Equipment, Round Trip Bus Tickets To The Citadel, Hot Water Morning And Night To Wash, And Boiled Water For Your Thermos, First Aid Kit First Aid With Oxygen Bottles, 01 Night Of Standard Accommodation In Aguas Calientes, Expedition Train Ticket From Ollantaytambo To Aguas Calientes, Day 3, Expedition Train Ticket From Aguas Calientes To Ollantaytambo, Day 4

  • Start Time: 05:00
  • Languages: ESP,ENG
  • Duration: 96 hrs
  • Operation Days: Every day
From
ARS 1.777.817
per person

Price per person based on a booking for 2 people. Prices may vary depending on the date and number of travelers.

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Lares Trek To Machu Picchu

96 hrs
From ARS 1.547.690

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Lares Trek To Machu Picchu