Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

From $550 per person

The 4-day/3-night Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers an enchanting and less-traveled path to the renowned Inca citadel. Winding through the Lares Valley, trekkers will be immersed in the authentic charm of Andean culture. Along the way, you’ll have the privilege of visiting remote mountain villages, encountering friendly Quechua-speaking communities, and even relaxing in natural thermal baths. The trek culminates with a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes, from where you’ll explore the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. With its balance of breathtaking landscapes and cultural immersion, the Lares Trek provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking a more intimate and unique way to reach this archaeological wonder.

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Duration: 4 Days - 3 Nights
Type Service: Group or Private Service
Max Altitude: 3,150 m.s.n.m
Activity Level: Challenging

Itynerary

Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha

Distance: 9km / 5.4 miles

Walking time: 4 hours

We leave Cusco early in the morning and take a bus through the Sacred Valley for approximately 1.5 hours to Huaran (2900m). Our hike begins here and follows a small river up through the mountain corridor. After walking for roughly 4.5 hours, we begin to see the glacial peaks of Cancha Cancha (4984m.) and Chicon (5530m). We’ll know that we have reached camp, when we see the thatched-roof, stone houses of the Cancha Cancha village (3900m).

Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani

Distance: 13.5km / 8 miles

Walking time: 8 hours

Shortly after beginning our trek in the morning, we reach two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here, we can see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and geese. From the lakes, the trail climbs steeply for about 2.5 hours to the first pass, Pachacutec (4700m). Nearing the top, we enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750m) and Chicon (5530m). An original Inka stone path will lead us along the ridge and down the opposite corridor. We will then follow a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quiswarani, where we will camp for the night.

Day 3: Quisuarani – Lares Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Distance: 9km / 5.4 miles

Walking time: 4 hours

After a hearty breakfast with the community, we will begin our hike upward through the high puna (high sierra) to the Huillquicasa pass (4400m). From this high mountain pass, we’ll see the extensive Vilcanota range and the pastoral farmland and lagoons below. The well-marked trail zig-zags us down to greener pastures where llamas, alpacas, and sheep graze alongside flocks of Andean water birds. The rare Peruvian Viscacha, a medium-sized rodent related to the Chinchilla, can be seen bounding in and out of the rocky mountain crags. Continuing down even further, we reach the picturesque village of Cuncani (3700m) where our private transport will be waiting to take us to our lunch spot and hot, medicinal baths of Lares (3100m.) A relaxing soak in these thermal pools is an excellent way for trekkers to rest their tired bodies after such a challenging and exhilarating trek. From the village of Lares, our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Ollantaytambo where we will catch a train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, a representative will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

After spending the previous night in a comfortable hotel, we will take the earliest bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving at the entrance around 6:00 a.m. We’ll have an interesting 2-hour guided tour of the ruins and then you will have some extra time to explore the ruins at your own pace. Afterwards, we’ll head back down to Aguas Calientes where you will board a late afternoon train and then a bus to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

Inclusion

Included

  • Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to the trailhead
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
  • Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, vegetarian options are available)
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Coca tea is served every morning in your tent
  • Boiled water after breakfast, to refill your water bottles (1 liter per person)
  • Snacks each morning
  • Hot drinks such as coca tea, black tea and coffee in the afternoon Round trip train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Poroy
  • Round trip bus ticket: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance fee to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu
  • 2 hour professionally guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Entrance fee to Lares hot springs
  • Hotel transfer from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco
  • High quality camping equipment for 2 people. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)
  • Horseman and mules, for all camping equipment and customer’s luggage (Up to 10kg)
  • Emergency horse for riding in case of illness or injury
  • Duffle bag
  • First-aid kit and oxygen bottle

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch and Dinner on Day 4
  • Extra night in Aguas Calientes
  • Travel Insurance – we strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip
  • Tips

What you should bring

What you should bring

  • Original Passport and migration card
  • ISIC card (isic.org) if applicable (must be submitted at the time of booking)
  • Backpack and daypack with rain cover
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
  • Clothing for warm and cold climates e.g. lightweight pants, thermal layers
  • Rain gear: jacket, poncho, pants
  • Trekking shoes/boots
  • Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs)
  • Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater
  • Long and short-sleeved polos/T-Shirts
  • Woolen hat
  • Bathing suit for the hot springs
  • Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, insect repellent
  • Personal medical kit and medication
  • Toiletries and hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper
  • Small towel
  • Water bottle (recommended 1 liter)
  • Trekking poles (can be rented from us)
  • Headlamp with spare batteries (very important)
  • Some snacks such as chocolate bars and dried fruit
  • Camera and extra batteries
  • Extra money for drinks, souvenirs, tips etc. (soles or dollars)

Prices

Group Service Price

  • US $ 550.00 per person (two people minimum)

Private service price

    • 2 people    USD$ 680.00 per person
    • 3 people    USD$ 640.00 per person
    • 4 people    USD$ 600.00 per person
    • 5 + people USD$ 560.00 per person

Discounts

  • Student Discount: USD $20.00 (requires green ISIC Card)
  • Under 18’s Discount: USD $20.00

Optional extras NOT included (need to book in advance)

  • Sleeping Bag USD $20.00
  • Pair of trekking poles USD $15.00
  • Inflatable Mattress USD $20.00
  • One-person tent USD $25.00
  • Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain: USD $70.00
  • Climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain: USD $70.00
  • Vistadome Train: Aguas Calientes – Cusco: USD $50.00

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

We are focused on the environment.
You will enjoy evironmental activities that are part of the COCA LIFE ADVENTURE

Why Choose Coca Life Adventure?

All of our English speaking local guides are passionate about their country and will accompany you from the moment you arrive in your destination, throughout your escorted tour and right until your departing flight home.

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Hello! I’m Brissy Luz, thanks for visiting our website. Ever since i was a little girl i was interested spreading the Inca culture and history. I studied tourist administration and worked in different fields of tourism due to which i know very well the needs of our tourists. I decided to create COCA LIFE ADVENTURE with the aim of offering unforgetable experiences to those who visit us.

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