Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 4 Days/3 Nights
Group Size: 2-12 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Semi-challenging, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Hiking Distance: 32 km
OVERVIEW
Discover Peru through the eyes of the Incas, hiking one of Cuzco’s most picturesque natural wonders. For trekkers wanting to get off the well beaten tourist path and escape to a part of Peru that has changed little over the last 500 years then a trek through the spectacular scenery of the Lares Valley is a must. This remote and rarely visited region offers the trekker an insight into the real lives of the Andean farmer, dressed in their traditional brightly colored ponchos. This will offer you the opportunity to see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas and native weavers. Also, inside the houses you’ll see guinea pigs living freely.
The trek itself is rated moderate, similar to the Inca Trail. There is, however, one stunning mountain pass that reaches an elevation of 4450 m/ 14600 ft, so it is essential that you are well acclimatized to the altitude. Afterwards, make a thrilling journey to explore some traditional weaving villages, with different daily customs that have been in practice since the pre-colonial times as well as the hot springs in Lares. And finally to see Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”. If arriving from sea level then plan on spending at least 2 days in Cusco and the surroundings before undertaking the trek.
Would you like a remote experience in the Andes? If so, this is the trek for you!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco – Calca – Lares – Huacawasi
Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation at approx. 6:00 am in Cuzco or in Sacred Valley (7:00 am). Then you will begin the 3.5-hour drive to the trail head in Lares Hot Spring site. But before you arrive at Lares, you will have breakfast in the sacred valley (Calca town). After that, we continue ascending on winding Andean unpaved roads which will give us fabulous views of the majestic Peruvian highlands. This last stretch travels to the town of Lares to enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs. After bathing in the relaxing thermal pools (optional) you’ll enjoy your lunch. Following this, you will hike uphill on a winding path for approximately 4.5 hours until you reach the campground and enjoy the remarkable views.
Hiking Distance: 8 Km /4.9 miles (3 to 4 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 1: 3,700 m (12,139 ft)
Day 2: Huacawasi – Patacancha
After a hearty breakfast, continue your walk through the valley. The major challenge of today’s journey is climbing the high Ipsay pass mountain pass situated at 14,600 ft (4,450 meters). Along the way you will appreciate some unique and traditional weaving villages, with different daily customs.
You will descend downhill and reach the lagoon Ipsay cocha very soon where we will have lunch, after a nap we continue to the town of Patacancha where we spend the second night.
Hiking Distance: 11 km/ 6.8 miles (5-6 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 2: 3,700 m (12,139 ft)
Day 3: Patacancha – Pumarca- Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After a healthy breakfast, you will hike uphill to Pumamarca for 4 hours, then you will visit Pumamarka archaeological site. After that, you will carry on your walking toward Ollantaytambo for 2 hours or so, where you will have lunch nearby. After having your lunch, you will take a train to Aguas Calientes town for your overnight stay and enjoy a good night’s rest.
Hiking Distance: 13 km/ 8 miles (6-7.5 hours)
Campsites Altitude (Hotel): Night 3: 2,050 m (6,561 ft)
Day 4: Private Machu Picchu Tour. Return To Cuzco.
Day 4 will be one of the more remarkable and busy day, because you will visit one of the 7 new wonders in the world and thus, after enjoying your delish breakfast, you will need to wake up early and will walk to Aguas Calientes town in order to go up to Machu Picchu sanctuary with your guide by bus and you will have a memorable walking tour through the “lost city of the Incas” and let yourself be swept away by the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin. You will have 3 hours guided tour by your speaking English guide. Finish up with last photos and then return to Aguas Calientes town for the return trip to Cusco. Note: you will take your train at 14:55/15:20 for the return trip with the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00 pm.
Hiking Distance: Walking tour in MP for 3 hours
Upgrade Options:
Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for views over the ruins or add an extra day in Machu Picchu.
- The beauty of the mountains is matched by the generosity of the people you will meet on this marvelous cultural tour great for families (Day 1 and Day 2).
- You will see the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. Taking a dip in the hot springs of Lares, and taking advantage of its medicinal properties. Being surprised by the precious lakes and impressive waterfalls. Getting to know more of the Andean culture. ( Day 2)
- See the work of the Alpaca & Llama shepherds who live at high altitude. Learning more about ancient Inca agriculture. This trek is full of culture where the farmers and local communities still keep alive rich traditions from the past, like weaving Inca textiles.( Day 3)
- Explore the astonishing Lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu and enrich your understanding of the Inca heartland on a guided tour ( Day 4)
- Create your unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu via PeruRail or Inca Rail Train (Day 4).
Included
- Pre-Departure Briefing In Our Office Or Your Hotel. Time to be determined by the company.
- Private Accommodation: 2 nights camping on the Lares trek and 1 night of accommodation in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. The hotel you book will be listed on your invoice. Upgrading hotels are always possible at additional cost.
- Camping Equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, 4 man tents for 2 people, portable toilet tent, tables, chairs, and cooking gears (all carried by the horses).
- Inflatable Mattress:Thermarest air mattresses that are 3 inches thick, which add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Pillow, Rain Ponchos And Duffel Bag.
- Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 6:00 A.M., and brought to the trail head. The roundtrip bus ticket is included from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Inca City and return. The roundtrip train ticket from Ollantaytambo- Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo or Poroy will be on the Expedition Class Train and will be included in your trip (Day 3 and 4). You also have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4).
- Professional Guides: English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe, sound and happy so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- Trekking Chef: A chef and his assistant, specialized in cooking on the trail, will prepare all of your delicious meals to replenish your energy along the trail.
- Cargo Mules: On days 1, 2 and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). On days 3 and 4, your duffel bags will be carried by car or train to your destination.
- 1 Saddle-Horse Or Emergency Horse: This service will only be available the first 2 days of the trek, as those are the most challenging ones.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 4 Snacks, 3 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Products For Hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- Entry Ticket For Thermal Bath (Hot Spring) In Lares.
- Entry Ticket To Machu Picchu Archeological Site And Lares Trail.
- First-Aid Kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from Physicians and Doctors. Our guides will bring emergency oxygen bottles as well.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags:You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. (Cost: USD $20).
- Walking Sticks:You can rent a set from our company if you would like (Cost: USD $12/pair).
- Last Day: Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Ollantaytambo entrance fee. (Just for the big archeological site). For the small one it is free.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips For Our Staff:Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, horse men and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Additional Costsor delays out of control of the management (landslides, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concern, altitude sickness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
- Hayna Picchu Or Machu Picchu Mountain (Cost: USD $75): These hikes sell out fast and must be booked in advance. Please let us know at the time of booking if you wish to do one of these additional hikes.
Optional Service:
Huayna Picchu: $75 USD And Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD: Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Right now, to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain it will take 3 hours round trip and the cost is the same $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control
This Lares trek is available all year around since the geographic terrain of the route enable to do this tour/ expedition. On the other hand, Peru usually celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision will guarantee your departure dates if you book it in weeks or months in advance and right time. Book now! Only your confirmation is needed.
CLICK here to check your availability for Annual Festivities, Special Events, Lares trek & Machu Picchu.
Availability Dates: All year around.
January 1st.
February or March (Variable Sunday)
March or April 1st to 8th.
June 24th
July 28th and 29th.
October 31st.
November 1ST and 2nd.
December 24th and 25th.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (Very Important)
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- 2L Camelbaks or water bottles
- Water for the beginning of your hike. We will resupply you at lunch.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and sandals. (Very Important)
- 4 Wicking/Hiking T-Shirts & and 2 hiking pants
- Nice shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 4 pairs of socks
- Bathing suits & small towel for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes or Santa Teresa)
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (Very Important)
- Insect Repellent
- Camera/ cellphone with extra Power Bank
- iPhone/iPod for music
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (Very Important)
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
We require a deposit of 50% of the total price per person for any tours or treks. The deposit can be made via PayPal or Western Union. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For shared service (Group Tour)
- $ 650 USD per person (3 people minimum)
For private service (Private Tour) are based on group size:
- 2 People: $ 790 USD per person
- 3 People: $ 750 USD per person
- 4 People: $ 690 USD per person
- 5 People: $ 680 USD per person
- 6 People: $ 650 USD per person
Note.
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour.
- 17 years old or less, the discount is $25 USD
- If you book this tour as a private service, then it includes Vistadome /Panoramic Train 360° train on the way back to Cusco.
Pay with PayPal
Please note that PayPal charge a fee of 5.5 % (only for online deposits) which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of PayPal’s secure payment gateway. Please send your deposit to incavisiontours@gmail.com and notify us after payment has made through PayPal.
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$25 (Requires Studen Card to qualify (and be NO older than 25 Years Old)
Under 18’s Discount: US$25
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using an university student card to receive the discount, or booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to incavisiontours@gmail.com
Optional Extras Not Included (Need to book in Advance):
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Huayna Picchu: $75 per person
Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $70 per person
Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of Hotel desired(Need to book in advance).
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike up to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You should do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Right now, to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain it will take 3 hours round trip and the cost is the same $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
Hotel: If you are doing overnight tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu, you will be provided accommodation in a 3 star ★★★ hotel (Intipunku hotel or similar) in Aguas Calientes. For upgrades or cancellation, please enter your request in the special request box above. If you are booking a Peru Package Tour for 5 or more days, please contact our sales team.
Room Types: Matrimonial (1 bed for 2 people); Double (2 single beds), Single (1 bed for 1 person). If you wish to add extra beds, please specify in the special request box above.
Train: If you are doing tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu. Expedition train is included from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo/Poroy or vice versa. To upgrade to Vistadome Train, $70 pp or Vistadome Train round trip, $125 pp. Please enter in the special request box above.