Inca Trail Lares Valley Machu Picchu

Welcome to the incredible Lares trek to Machu Picchu! Embark on a unique adventure that will take you through the ancestral paths of the Incas, exploring majestic landscapes and immersing yourself in the cultural richness of the region. This Lares trek is an enriching experience that will allow you to discover the hidden treasures of the Lares Valley and reach the iconic Machu Picchu citadel in an authentic and exciting way.

Throughout this Lares Valley trek to Machu Picchu, you will witness the incomparable beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit indigenous communities full of history and tradition, and walk the same paths once traveled by the ancient inhabitants of this magical land. From the rejuvenating thermal baths in Lares to the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu. Get ready for a journey full of discoveries, adventures, and unforgettable moments as you follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas on the Inca Trail Lares Valley Machu Picchu Tour. Let's start an unforgettable experience together!

Highlights

Hike through the Lares Valley: walk through Andean landscapes, high-mountain areas, and traditional communities on a multi-day route toward Machu Picchu.
Lares hot springs: enjoy a stop at the thermal baths of Lares before continuing the hike toward Huacawasi.
Andean communities of Huacawasi and Patacancha: get a closer look at communities that preserve traditional activities related to agriculture, textiles, and life in the Andes.
Ipsay Pass at 14,436 feet (4,400 meters): reach one of the highest points of the route, surrounded by mountains and expansive views of the Lares Valley.
Pumamarca and Ollantaytambo: visit the archaeological site of Pumamarca and continue to Ollantaytambo before taking the train to Aguas Calientes.
Visit to Machu Picchu: complete the experience with a guided tour of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco - Huaca Casi Pass - Lares Hot Springs - Huacawasi

Pick-up in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. - hike through Lares - rest in Huacawasi

We will leave Cusco and head to Lares at 5:00 am by bus. During this trip we will pass several archaeological sites and handicraft markets in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will arrive in the province of Calca (2940m/9646f) first, and then we head to the Huaca Casi pass (4400m/14436f) to descend later to the thermal baths of Lares (3200m / 10499f). Here we will have some time to relax in the pools between 28 and 36 degrees Cº / 82 and 97 degrees F. After lunch we will continue our trek to Huacawasi (3600m/11811f), where our campsite will be located.

Weather: cold.
Duration of transport: 4 hours.
Walking time: 3-4 hours.

Day 2

Huacawasi - Ipsay Pass - Patacancha

Departure from Huacawasi - 4-hour hike to Ipsay Pass - rest in Patacancha

The second day is possibly the most beautiful. After breakfast we will start a 4 hour hike to the Ipsay pass (4400m/14436f). There we will visit some families who live from agriculture and textile design, inspired by the Andean gods. Afterwards we will head towards the village of Patacancha (3650m/11975f), where we will find our campsite.

Weather: cold.
Walking time: 6-7 hours.

Day 3

Patacancha - Willoq - Pumamarca - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Hike through Andean communities - visit to Willoq and Pumamarca - trip to Aguas Calientes

The third day is also spectacular: we will visit several communities and indigenous villages, such as Willoq (3400m/11156f), Pumamarca (3200m/10499f) and Ollantaytambo (2850m/9350f) which is considered the last stronghold of the Incas. From there we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m/6726f), where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Weather: moderately warm.
Walking time: aprox. 6 horas.

Day 4

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Departure from Aguas Calientes - guided tour in Machu Picchu - transfer to your hotel in Cusco

We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head to Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour of the archaeological site, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train at either 2:55 pm or 6:10 pm. Until then you will have time for lunch at one of the restaurants. You will also enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, concluding our 4 day Lares trek to Machu Picchu.

Weather: moderately warm.
Walking time: 2 hours.

What's included?

What is included in the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu tour?

Transportation to the Lares Valley: hotel pickup and transportation to the starting point of the experience.
Tourist train: round-trip train travel between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
Bus to Machu Picchu: bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Admission to the Lares hot springs: entrance included during the journey through the Lares Valley.
Admission to Machu Picchu: entrance to the sanctuary according to the circuit confirmed for your visit.
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes: one hotel night before visiting Machu Picchu.
Professional bilingual guide: guiding services in Spanish and English throughout the experience.
Camping equipment: professional tents, sleeping mats, restroom tent, and dining tent equipped with tables and chairs.
Meals during the trek: breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks according to the itinerary, with a vegetarian option available.
Cook and cooking equipment: staff responsible for preparing meals during the trek.
Muleteers and mules: assistance transporting up to 15.4 lb (7 kg) of luggage per passenger during the trek.
First-aid equipment: first-aid kit and oxygen tank available along the route.
Return transportation: transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco at the end of the journey.

What is not included in the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu tour?

Meals not specified: breakfast on the first day and lunch on the final day in Aguas Calientes.
Sleeping bag: not included, but one can be rented if you do not have your own.

What recommendations should you keep in mind for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu tour?

Backpack with rain cover: bring a comfortable daypack with protection against rain.
Sleeping bag: bring an appropriate sleeping bag for cold mountain conditions.
Warm and waterproof clothing: pack layers suitable for both warm and cold weather, including a waterproof jacket and sweater.
Trekking pants: bring lightweight pants as well as rain pants for wet conditions.
Appropriate footwear: wear trekking shoes and bring sneakers or sandals for showers and hot springs.
Socks: pack wool or synthetic socks suitable for trekking.
Rain protection: bring a rain poncho and a hat for changing weather conditions.
Swimwear: bring a bathing suit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
Sun and insect protection: pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
Personal hygiene items: bring hand sanitizer, toiletries, and toilet paper.
Water supplies: carry a reusable water bottle and water purification tablets.
Camera: keep your camera protected inside a waterproof or plastic bag.
Flashlight: bring a flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries.
Snacks: carry a few energy snacks such as chocolate bars and dried fruit.
Travel documents: bring your original passport and any valid student identification required for your booking.
Extra cash: carry some additional Peruvian soles for personal expenses along the route.
Extra clothing: because conditions can be cold and wet and clothes may not dry overnight, bring an extra set of dry clothes to change into.

Notes

From the first to the third day (from Lares hot springs to Ollantaytambo) we will be accompanied by muleteers and mules, who will carry all the camping equipment and private luggage of the passenger (up to 7 kg). From the village of Ollantaytambo all luggage will be transferred on the train with you.
Visit to Huayna Picchu: For Huayna Picchu requires to be booked well in advance, however we charge additional $ 15.00 and we guarantee your entrance to Huayna Picchu (This new state law started since July 18, 2011).
Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters will also be very grateful for a small donation, e.g. clothes or school supplies for your children.

Route map

MAPA TOUR VALLE DE LARES Y MACHUPICCHU 4D-3N

The route is referential and may include small variations

Lares trek 4 days Prices

Choose the travel option that best suits you. Prices are shown per person and may vary depending on the type of service, accommodation, and availability of the services included along the route.

Inca Trail Lares Valley Machu Picchu

Transfers and professional guide

US$ 950

Trains: The service includes Expedition or Voyager train for the round trip. The upgrade to Vistadome applies to the return, and the Vistadome Observatory can be requested per segment; both are subject to availability.

Upgrade to Vistadome Train

Return Train

+ US$ 40

Upgrade a Tren Vistadome Observatory

Available per segment

+ US$ 60

The circuits and schedules of your visit are subject to availability at the time of booking. See reservation and cancellation policies →

Are 4 or more people traveling?

We can offer a special rate for your group.

Ask about group rates

Our Passengers’ Experiences on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Samuel and four days between Lares, andean trails, and Machu Picchu

I did the four-day Inca Trail through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu, and it was an incredible experience. From the very beginning, the team showed great responsibility and organization, which allowed me to enjoy each day of the journey. The guides and the entire staff were always attentive, accompanying us throughout the trek with experience and a great attitude.

Finally arriving at Machu Picchu after several days of hiking gave the entire journey a very special meaning. I took home wonderful memories of the trek and, above all, of the team that made sure everything went smoothly. It was a highly recommended adventure for anyone looking to combine hiking and culture in one trip.

Samuel C.

March 2018

More reviews from our passengers

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Gabriela Z 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent service from CuscoPeru.
Excellent experience with Cuscoperu.com. The hotels were very well located and had a good price/quality ratio. The service and organization were excellent.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alejandra C 
 
 
 
 Verified CuscoMachuPichu
CuscoPeru Agency, everything was excellent from the transfers, hotels, and tours and excursions, highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mariana 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent service at all times, always willing to help. The guides were spectacular, with a very good attitude
The altitude affected us upon arriving in Cusco since we live at sea level, I would recommend one more day of acclimatization
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ada A 
 
 
 
 Verified EXCELLENT
It was a sensational experience. Highly recommended for those who wish to visit Cusco; you will always have the assistance of the entire Cuscoperú team.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Celso Augusto S 
 
 
 
 Verified Private tour very with
It was an incredible experience
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Efrain C 
 
 
 
 Verified Reliable and safe tours.
Pleasant experience, without any setbacks from the operator, I took 3 tours with them in Cusco and all 3 were very professional.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Darryl B 
 
 
 
 Verified Machu Picchu experience
It was a great weekend. The Cusco tour and Machu Picchu tours were amazing. All the guides and drivers were very friendly. The schedule had enough time so we did not miss anything. Good communication from the company as well.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Bere F 
 
 
 
 Verified The best experience in Peru
Excellent service, attentive to our itineraries the whole time. Very trustworthy if you are planning a trip for women or by yourself!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Judith Z 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonder of the world
It was a very nice experience; EFRAIN organized our entire tour, he cared about and organized every detail, always concerned from the moment they picked us up at the hotel until we arrived back. Very good service from the people who transported us and the guide at Machu Picchu was excellent. Recommended 1000%... thank you for making our anniversary an unforgettable day.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tomás A 
 
 
 
 Verified Unbeatable service
Everything excellent. 100% recommended

Moments from the Lares to Machu Picchu Tour

Explore images from the Lares Trail Machu Picchu route through the Lares Valley: Andean communities, high-mountain passes, landscapes around Huacawasi and Patacancha, the archaeological site of Pumamarca, Ollantaytambo, and the final visit to Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Find answers to the main questions about duration, difficulty, altitude, luggage, campsites, meals, included services, and recommendations for completing the Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 days itinerary.

How difficult is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

The route is of moderate difficulty and requires a reasonable level of physical fitness, as it includes several hours of hiking each day and mountain passes reaching approximately 14,436 feet (4,400 meters) above sea level. You do not need to be an experienced hiker, but you should be comfortable walking and prepared for uneven terrain and changes in elevation.

How many days should I acclimatize in Cusco before starting the tour?

We recommend spending at least a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before beginning the trek. This helps your body gradually adapt to the altitude, especially because the route reaches elevations above 13,123 feet (4,000 meters).

Where do we sleep during the four-day tour?

The first nights are spent at campsites along the route through the Lares Valley and Patacancha. The final night before visiting Machu Picchu is spent at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, allowing you to rest before the following day’s visit.

How much luggage can I bring during the trek?

Muleteers and mules transport up to 15.4 lb (7 kg) of personal luggage per passenger. During the hikes, we recommend carrying a small daypack with water, documents, sunscreen, warm clothing, rain gear, and any other items you may need during the day.

What kind of weather can I expect during the trek?

The weather changes considerably along the route. Higher-altitude areas can be cold, especially in the morning and at night, while closer to Machu Picchu the weather is generally warmer and more humid. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing protection from both rain and sun.

Are meals included, and are vegetarian options available?

Yes. During the trek, the meals specified in the program are provided, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. A vegetarian option can also be requested. Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the final day in Aguas Calientes are not included.