Immerse yourself in the heart of Andean culture on this extraordinary 4-day trek through the remote Lares Valley to the legendary Machu Picchu. Unlike the famous Inca Trail, the Lares Trek offers an authentic cultural experience, passing through isolated indigenous communities where traditional weaving and farming practices have remained unchanged for centuries. Begin your adventure at the famous Lares Hot Springs, trek over the breathtaking Pachacutec Pass at 4,700 meters, and witness stunning turquoise lakes, grazing alpaca herds, and snow-capped peaks. Visit the ancient Maras Salt Mines before boarding the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Your journey culminates with a sunrise visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This trek is perfect for adventurers seeking a deeper connection with Andean heritage while challenging themselves on spectacular high-altitude trails.
Exploring Highland Culture & Sacred Summits
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights offers an extraordinary blend of cultural immersion and high-altitude adventure. This journey takes you through remote Andean communities where traditional weaving and farming practices remain unchanged, over the stunning Pachacutec Pass at 4,700m, past turquoise glacial lakes, and through lush cloud forests.
Experience authentic interactions with indigenous families, relax in natural hot springs, visit the ancient Maras Salt Mines, and culminate your adventure with a sunrise visit to the legendary Machu Picchu one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup at 5:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco. We whisk you away into the Sacred Valley, beginning an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian highlands.
Stop at the vibrant Calca local market to experience authentic Andean commerce. Browse colorful produce, traditional textiles, and local goods while absorbing the lively atmosphere of this traditional market town.
Arrive at the famous Lares Hot Springs, where you will enjoy a relaxing soak in medicinal thermal waters. These natural pools are known for their healing properties and will prepare your muscles for the trek ahead.
Enjoy a nutritious lunch to fuel the start of your hike. The afternoon trek involves a steady ascent toward the Pacchayoc Waterfall and eventually the Willkikasa Pass at 4,400m, offering spectacular views of the Andes.
Trek through stunning high-altitude landscapes where alpaca herds graze freely, immersing you immediately in the raw beauty of the region. The panoramic views of snow-capped peaks are breathtaking.
We descend into our first campsite at the community of Quiswarani, surrounded by native peaks and silence found only in the mountains. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner by our chef and settle in for your first night under the brilliant Andean stars.
Today marks the most challenging and rewarding section of the trek. After an energizing breakfast, we begin with a steep ascent past the stunning turquoise waters of Qoyalay Lake.
Pass by the mesmerizing turquoise glacial lake of Qoyalay, a perfect spot for photos and a short rest. The stunning colors contrast beautifully with the surrounding rocky terrain and snow-capped peaks.
We reach the highest point of the entire route at the Pachacutec Pass. You are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of imposing glaciers and rugged mountain terrain. Take time to celebrate this incredible achievement!
After celebrating the summit, we begin our descent into the isolated valley of Cancha Cancha. This descent offers a change in scenery, moving from rocky high-altitude terrain to softer, greener valleys dotted with thatched-roof stone houses.
Arrive at the unique community of Cancha Cancha, which lives without modern technology. This is an opportunity to interact with local families and learn about their ancestral weaving traditions. Witness a sustainable lifestyle unchanged for centuries.
We will camp in Cancha Cancha, allowing time to immerse yourself in the authentic Andean culture. Enjoy a hearty dinner prepared by our chef and rest before the next day's adventure.
The final leg of hiking takes us downhill from the highlands into the lush greenery of the Sacred Valley. Trek through native Polylepis forests and fertile farmlands as the landscape transforms around you.
We reach the village of Huaran in the Sacred Valley, where our private transport awaits. Say farewell to our trekking team of horsemen and porters who supported your journey.
Enjoy a fascinating cultural detour to the ancient Maras Salt Mines. See the thousands of salt pools that have been harvested by local families since Inca times, creating a stunning white landscape on the mountainside.
We drive to Ollantaytambo station to board the scenic tourist train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride offers a relaxing transition from the rugged trek to the tropical cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, you will check into a comfortable hotel with a private bathroom and hot water a welcome luxury after days of camping! The evening is yours to relax, explore the charming town, and prepare for the grand finale at Machu Picchu.
We rise before dawn to board one of the first buses up to the citadel, aiming to catch the magical sunrise over Machu Picchu. The early morning light creates an ethereal atmosphere over the ancient ruins.
Your expert guide will lead you on a comprehensive 2-hour tour of the temples, terraces, and sacred sectors, explaining the history and engineering marvels of the Incas that make this site a World Wonder.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to soak in the magical atmosphere and take your final photos of the Lost City. Explore hidden corners and find your perfect viewpoint of this incredible wonder.
We descend back to Aguas Calientes by bus for lunch (not included) and some free time to browse the local markets and artisan shops before our departure.
Board the return train to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the scenic journey through the Urubamba River valley. Our private transport will be waiting at the station for the final leg of your journey.
We drive you back to Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel door with a heart full of memories and the satisfaction of having completed a remarkable journey through the Andes to Machu Picchu.
The Lares Trek is classified as Challenging. Day 2 is particularly demanding, reaching the Pachacutec Pass at 4,700m (15,420ft). You'll trek 5-7 hours daily over varied terrain. Good physical fitness is recommended. The altitude is the main challenge, so prior acclimatization in Cusco is essential.
The Lares Trek offers a unique cultural immersion experience. Unlike other treks, you pass through isolated Andean communities where traditional weaving, farming, and ancient customs remain unchanged. You'll interact with local families, see authentic textile arts, and witness sustainable lifestyles that have existed for centuries. Plus, you start with a relaxing soak in the famous Lares Hot Springs!
The Lares Trek covers approximately 33 kilometers (20 miles) over 3 days of trekking. The highest point is the Pachacutec Pass at 4,700m, with significant elevation changes as you descend into the Sacred Valley. The trek ends in Huaran, from where you take transport to Ollantaytambo for the train to Machu Picchu.
The Lares Hot Springs are natural thermal baths at 3,200m elevation, known for their medicinal and healing properties. The mineral-rich waters are believed to help with muscle relaxation, joint pain, and overall wellness. We visit them on Day 1 before starting the trek - a perfect way to prepare your body for the adventure ahead!
The trek includes 2 nights camping in high-quality 4-season tents at Quiswarani and Cancha Cancha communities, plus 1 night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and hot water. We provide sleeping mats for camping. Sleeping bags can be rented ($20) or you can bring your own.
The trek includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners. Our cook prepares fresh, nutritious meals to fuel your trek. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes are not included. We provide snacks, hot drinks, and purified water throughout.
After the trek ends in Huaran, we drive to Ollantaytambo where you board a scenic tourist train to Aguas Calientes. The following morning, you take a bus up to Machu Picchu for your guided tour. All train tickets and bus tickets are included in your tour price. The train journey through the Urubamba Valley is a beautiful experience in itself!
Yes! On Day 3, after completing the trek, we visit the ancient Maras Salt Mines before heading to the train station. These thousands of salt pools have been harvested by local families since Inca times. The cascading white terraces create a stunning visual contrast against the mountainside - a perfect photo opportunity!
You only need to carry a daypack (25-35 liters) with your daily essentials: water, snacks, camera, rain gear, warm layers, and personal items. Our team of horses and horsemen transport all camping gear, cooking equipment, and your main luggage. Each participant receives a duffel bag allowance of up to 7kg for the horses to carry.
Yes, absolutely essential! This trek reaches 4,700m on Day 2, which is very high altitude. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2-3 days before your trek to properly acclimatize. Consider visiting the Sacred Valley, doing light walks, staying hydrated, and drinking coca tea. Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness level.
Yes! On Day 1, we visit the Lares Hot Springs before starting the trek. Bring a swimsuit and a small towel to enjoy these natural thermal baths. It's a wonderful way to relax and prepare your muscles for the adventure ahead. The hot springs are at the beginning of the trek, so you can easily access your main luggage.
Our guides carry comprehensive first aid kits, emergency oxygen, and satellite communication devices. In case of serious emergency, evacuation by horse to the nearest road or helicopter evacuation can be arranged (costs covered by your mandatory travel insurance). Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and altitude sickness management. Daily health checks are conducted.
Our shared group departures have a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a quality experience and meaningful cultural interactions. Small groups allow for better connections with local communities, more flexibility on the trail, and a more intimate experience. Private tours can be arranged for any group size with customized services.
This is a summary of our key terms. For complete details and full legal terms, please review our complete Terms and Conditions document.
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