The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers hikers enchanting landscapes and interaction with rural Andean farmers dressed in their traditional ponchos with distinctive local colors. You will see stone houses with thatched roofs, magical mountain scenery, llamas and alpacas roaming freely in the mountains, and a total absence of frenetic tourist crowds, the beautiful Lares Valley has all the natural beauty of the Inca Trail – magical mountain scenery and the legacy of the Incas – but without the busy tourist crowds. The advantage of this trek is that permits are not required and, in theory, you could just turn up in Cusco and make a booking 2 or 3 days in advance. A wonderful hike offering a unique view into the lifestyles and traditions of the Andean people.
The Lares Trek is similar in difficulty to the Inca Trail (with one challenging 4,100m / 13,123 ft high pass). 2 nights camping and one night accommodation in Aguas Calientes, and an early bus ride up to Machu Picchu on day 4.
Relax in the hot springs and visit an Andean community to learn ancient traditions
Experience the best of Peru, from the Lares Valley Highlands to the Machu Picchu Inca city.
Learn from the experienced Cusquenian guides, who are passionate about Inca Culture and the Mountains.
Hike through the communities of the Andes and witness authentic Andean traditions.
Follow local expert guides who pass on their Inca’s knowledge.
ITINERARY
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
PRICES
MAPS
FAQs
Day 01: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Wacahuasi
We depart Cuzco early in the morning and travel to the town of Calca (2,900m) in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We then ascend out of the Sacred Valley, and, after 2 hours of driving, arrive in the town of Lares. Here we will soak in the medicinal waters of the hot springs and relax until lunch. We will begin the Lares Trek afterwards, walking about 3.5 hours to Wacawasi, the first campsite. Overnight camping, dinner and breakfast on the next day.
Wacahuasi.
Day 02: Wacawasi – Lago Ipsaycocha
Today offers the most captivating scenery. This morning we cross Ipsaycocha, our first high pass (4,600m / 15,456ft), with spectacular views of IpsaycochaLake situated at 4,280m / 14,380ft. We will also see the surrounding valleys and Andean farmers dressed in their traditional, brightly colored ponchos and head-wear, tending their crops and alpaca and llama herds. Our time here is an unforgettable experience and excellent photo opportunity. We will stop for a well-deserved lunch close to IpsaycochaLake and then continue on to Patacancha, being welcomed by children coming back home from school. We will spend the night here.
Abra Ipsaycocha.
Day 03: Patacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
An early morning start today to get to a viewpoint giving us an amazing view of the valley. A small break, then we will continue for, on average, two hours to reach Pumamarka and explore its Inca terraces. We will finish the route in Ollantaytambo, catch the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night there.
We will begin the day very early by walking up to Machu Picchu citadel for about an hour. After registering at the checkpoint, we will begin our 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore this amazing Inca city at your leisure. You can also visit Huayna PicchuMountain (optional – additional cost and reservation required), Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), or the Inca Bridge. Finally, we will end the day, returning by train to Ollantaytambo and then taking a bus to your hotel in Cusco.
Extra money but in Nuevos Soles (Peruvian national currency)
Hiking poles
Group Service
U$D. 509.00 per person
Private Service
2 – 3 pax
4 – 5 pax
6 – 7 pax
8 – + pax
U$D. 579.00 p/p
U$D. 549.00 p/p
U$D. 529.00 p/p
U$D. 509.00 p/p
How difficult is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is considered a moderate hike. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend to buy or rent walking poles in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees, also our guide will have a walking pace according to his rhythm so that you can have fun with the landscape and mountains.
Is altitude sickness common?
It’s difficult to predict who will be affected by altitude. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day or 2 days spent in Cuzco (3249m), drinking plenty of water,coca tea, along the tour our guide have a first aid kit with oxigen for any case.
We will carry all our luggage while on the Lares Trek?
No, mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry your personal stuff you might want or need, such as water, sweater, camera,rain jacket, snacks , etc.
Is a sleeping bag and mat included?
The Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. If you do not have the sleeping bag we can be rented it for 50 soles( $15 ), self-inflating mats are provided.
What type of meal will we get on the Lares Trek?
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek in the andes. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
What is the weather like in Lares Trek?
The climate in Lares is temperate during the day but cold during the nights. The average temperature is between 8ºC to 18ºC. During the day, the heat can reach 21ºC. At night, temperatures can drop to 1ºC some times below 0ºC, on the months of December to March is the rain season and on the months of April to November is the dry season.
