Escape the busy streets of Cusco and discover a quieter, more beautiful side of the Andes. The Lares Hot Springs and 7 Waterfalls Full Day Tour brings together mountain views, local culture, easy hiking, and natural hot springs in one refreshing day.
Visit the colorful Calca market, explore the ancient ruins of Ancashmarca, see the rare Puya Raimondi, walk to the 7 Waterfalls of Quishuarani, and relax in the warm mineral waters of Lares Hot Springs. It’s the perfect escape for travelers who want nature, culture, and peace away from the crowds.
Tour Type Group / Private
Duration Full Day
Difficulty Moderate
Tour Language English, Spanish
Meals Lunch
Starts/Ends Cusco / CuscoLares Hot Springs and 7 Waterfalls Full Day Tour - Overview
This Lares Valley full-day tour is designed for travelers who want one meaningful day outside the classic tourist route. You will experience local culture, hidden Inca history, rare high-Andes plants, a gentle waterfall hike, fresh mountain air, a local restaurant lunch, and the relaxing Lares Hot Springs in a smooth, well-organized small-group experience.
Travel with TreXperience, a 100% Peruvian local tour operator based in Cusco. We take care of the important details: pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 a.m., comfortable transportation, a professional local guide, entrance tickets, altitude support, local lunch, and a thoughtful itinerary that gives you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Breakfast is not included, so we recommend having breakfast at your hotel before departure or bringing your own box breakfast or snacks for the road. The walking is scenic and manageable, usually around 6 to 7 km / 3.7 to 4.3 miles in total, with a relaxed pace and photo stops. The route reaches high elevation near the Puya Raimondi and waterfall area, so we move steadily, stay hydrated, and keep the experience comfortable.
Tour Highlights
- Off-the-beaten-path Lares experience: Explore a quieter side of the Andes, away from the most crowded Cusco routes.
- Ancashmarca Inca site: Visit peaceful hilltop ruins with terraces, stone structures, and wide mountain views.
- Puya Raimondi: See one of the most unusual and impressive plants in the Andes, known as the “Queen of the Andes.”
- 7 Waterfalls hike: Enjoy an easy and beautiful walk to the Quishuarani / Canchispaccha waterfalls.
- Lares Hot Springs: Relax in warm natural mineral pools surrounded by mountain scenery.
- Lunch at a local restaurant: Enjoy a warm local meal after exploring the high-Andean route.
- Support local culture: Visit Calca market and a women’s weaving cooperative that helps preserve Andean textile traditions.
- Premium small-group service: Travel with a local team that values safety, comfort, culture, and responsible tourism.
Lares Full Day Tour at a Glance
- 5:30 a.m. pickup: Start from your hotel in Cusco. Breakfast is not included, so please eat before departure or bring your own box breakfast.
- Calca market: Visit a local market and enjoy a first look at daily life in the Sacred Valley.
- Ancashmarca: Explore a quiet Inca archaeological site between Calca and Lares.
- Puya Raimondi stop: See this rare high-Andean plant in its natural landscape.
- Quiswarani village: Begin the gentle hike toward the 7 Waterfalls.
- 7 Waterfalls: Walk, explore, take photos, and enjoy the fresh mountain setting.
- Lares Hot Springs: Soak in natural warm mineral pools after the hike.
- Lunch at a local restaurant: Enjoy a warm and satisfying meal in the Lares area.
- ADAL weaving cooperative: Learn about natural dyes, traditional weaving, and local women’s artisan work.
- Return: Travel back to Cusco and drop off at your hotel in the evening.
Included
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco
- Comfortable transportation for the full day
- Professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Entrance tickets for scheduled visits
- First-aid kit and altitude support
- Support and assistance from your guide throughout the day
Not Included
- Breakfast. Please have breakfast at your hotel before pickup or bring your own box breakfast.
- Extra snacks and drinks
- Towel, swimsuit, and sandals for the hot springs
- Personal purchases at the Calca market or weaving cooperative
Why Book with TreXperience?
- 100% Peruvian local operator: Travel with a Cusco-based team that knows Lares, local culture, and Andean logistics from the inside.
- Well-planned itinerary: Enjoy history, nature, waterfalls, hot springs, and local culture in one smooth day.
- Local restaurant lunch: Enjoy a warm meal in the Lares area after exploring the high-Andean route.
- Responsible travel: We support local markets, artisan projects, and respectful visits that benefit local families.
- Small-group experience: Enjoy a more personal, flexible, and relaxed day with your guide.
- Want more time in Lares? You can also choose our Lares Hot Springs + 7 Waterfalls Camping 2 Day Tour.
Lares Hot Springs, Ancashmarca and 7 Waterfalls Tour - Full Itinerary
Cusco – Sacred Valley – Ancashmarca – Puya Raimondi – 7 Waterfalls – Lares Hot Springs – ADAL Weaving – Cusco
5:30 a.m. pickup and scenic drive
We pick you up from your hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or private address in Cusco at around 5:30 a.m. Breakfast is not included, so we recommend eating at your hotel before departure or bringing your own box breakfast or snacks for the road. As the day begins, you will drive through beautiful mountain scenery while the Sacred Valley slowly wakes up.
Calca market visit
Our first stop is the local market in Calca. This is a great place to see daily life in the Sacred Valley: fresh fruit, vegetables, local products, and people shopping for the day. It is a simple, colorful, and authentic stop before continuing deeper into the Andes.
Ancashmarca: quiet Inca ruins with big views
Next, we drive uphill to Ancashmarca, also spelled Ancasmarca, a peaceful Inca archaeological site located between Calca and Lares. Unlike the more famous sites near Cusco, Ancashmarca receives fewer visitors, which makes the experience feel calm and personal. Your guide will walk you through terraces, stone structures, and old storage areas while explaining why this place mattered on the routes between the valley and the highlands.
High-Andes stop: Puya Raimondi
After Ancashmarca, we continue into higher landscapes to look for the impressive Puya Raimondi, known as the “Queen of the Andes.” This rare plant grows in high-altitude areas and is one of the most striking sights on the route. When the weather is clear, this stop offers beautiful photos and wide views of the surrounding mountains.
Quiswarani village and 7 Waterfalls hike
We then continue to the village of Quiswarani, also written as Quishuarani or Kiswarani, where the gentle hike toward the 7 Waterfalls begins. This is not a difficult trek. It is a scenic walk through open mountain landscapes, quiet fields, fresh air, and beautiful views. You may also see llamas, alpacas, and local people working in the area.
Time at the waterfalls
Once we reach the waterfall area, you will have time to explore, take photos, enjoy the sound of the water, and feel the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden Andean place. The route is simple, beautiful, and perfect for travelers who want nature without a long or exhausting hike.
Lares Hot Springs
After the hike, we drive down to the Lares Hot Springs. This is the perfect reward after a morning in the high Andes. The pools are naturally warm, rich in minerals, and surrounded by mountain scenery. Bring your swimsuit, towel, and sandals so you can relax and enjoy the experience fully.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Lunch is served at a local restaurant in the Lares area. This gives you time to relax, enjoy a warm meal, and experience the local side of the valley in a more authentic and comfortable way.
ADAL weaving cooperative
After lunch, we visit ADAL, a women-run weaving cooperative in the Lares area. You will see traditional weaving techniques, natural dyes, and handmade textiles created by local artisans. If you choose to buy something, it is a direct way to support local families and help preserve Andean textile traditions.
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon, we begin the drive back to Cusco. We drop you off at your hotel in the evening, usually around 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
- Tour Duration: Full day
- Walking Distance: Approximately 6 to 7 km / 3.7 to 4.3 miles
- Walking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours at a relaxed pace
- Highest Altitude: Around 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- Meals: Lunch at a local restaurant
- Breakfast: Not included
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Lares Hot Springs and 7 Waterfalls Full Day Tour Price
Join one of our premium small-group departures for a relaxed, local, and well-organized Lares Hot Springs and 7 Waterfalls Full Day Tour. This experience includes transportation, professional guiding, lunch at a local restaurant, scheduled entrance tickets, and a carefully planned route through Ancashmarca, Puya Raimondi, the 7 Waterfalls, Lares Hot Springs, and a local weaving cooperative.
Breakfast is not included. Please have breakfast at your hotel before pickup or bring your own box breakfast or snacks for the road.
Group Tour:
| Service | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Group tour | From US$ 90 |
Private Tour:
| Number of Participants | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | US$ 340 |
| 2 travelers | US$ 195 |
| 3 travelers | US$ 155 |
| 4 travelers | US$ 130 |
| 5 travelers | US$ 115 |
| 6 travelers | US$ 105 |
| 7 travelers | US$ 99 |
| 8 travelers | US$ 96 |
| 9+ travelers | Contact us for a special price |
Booking and Payment
- You can pay through our booking system or at our office in Cusco using credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us if you need an alternative payment option.
- For each traveler, we require full name, passport number, nationality, contact information, and any dietary restrictions.
Cancellation Policy
This full-day Lares tour is fully refundable up to 72 hours before departure. After that time, cancellation conditions may apply because transport, guide, lunch, entrance tickets, and local logistics are already confirmed.
How to Book
- Click the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select group or private service.
- Fill in your personal information, passport details, pickup location, contact information, and dietary needs.
- Complete the payment using your preferred option.
- Our team will contact you to reconfirm pickup time, final details, and what to bring.
Lares Hot Springs and 7 Waterfalls Tour Packing List
This is a full-day experience through different elevations. Cusco mornings can be cold, the high plateau can be windy, and Lares feels warmer once you reach the hot springs. Dress in layers and keep everything simple in a small daypack.
Breakfast is not included, so we recommend having breakfast before pickup or bringing a small box breakfast or snacks for the drive.
What to Bring to the Lares Hot Springs and 7 Waterfalls Full Day Tour?
Lares Valley Day Trip Travel Information
This section gives you the essential information before joining the Lares Hot Springs and 7 Waterfalls Full Day Tour: route, altitude, weather, difficulty, food, hot springs, local culture, and how to prepare for a smooth day.
Route and location
This full-day tour travels from Cusco into the Sacred Valley and then toward the Lares Valley, in the province of Calca. The route includes Calca market, Ancashmarca, the high-Andean area where Puya Raimondi grows, Quiswarani and the 7 Waterfalls, Lares Hot Springs, and a local weaving cooperative.
Lares is known for high-Andean landscapes, traditional communities, lakes, valleys, and natural hot springs. For general destination background, you can visit the official Lares Valley page from Peru Travel.
Departure time and meals
Pickup is around 5:30 a.m. from Cusco. Because the route is long and includes several stops, starting early helps us enjoy the day at a better pace.
Breakfast is not included. Please have breakfast at your hotel before pickup or bring your own packed breakfast or snacks for the road. Lunch is included and served at a local restaurant in the Lares area. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, please tell us when booking.
Altitude and acclimatization
Altitude changes quickly during the day. Cusco sits at around 3,399 m / 11,152 ft, while Calca is lower in the Sacred Valley. The route then climbs into high-Andean landscapes near Ancashmarca, Puya Raimondi, and the waterfall area, with sections reaching around 4,000 m to 4,200 m / 13,123 ft to 13,780 ft.
The Lares Hot Springs are around 3,250 m / 10,662 ft. Because this tour reaches high elevation, we recommend drinking water, eating light the night before, walking at a steady pace, and telling your guide if you feel dizzy, tired, or short of breath. For general health guidance, review the official CDC Travel to High Altitudes information.
Difficulty and hiking conditions
This is an easy to moderate full-day tour. The walk to the waterfalls is scenic and not technical, but the altitude can make it feel more demanding than a normal lowland walk.
The trail is natural and may be uneven, wet, or muddy during the rainy season. Comfortable walking shoes or trail shoes with good grip are recommended.
Ancashmarca, Puya Raimondi, and the 7 Waterfalls
Ancashmarca, also spelled Ancasmarca, is a peaceful archaeological site between Calca and Lares, known for terraces, stone structures, and old storage areas. It is much less visited than many Sacred Valley sites, which makes the experience feel calm and personal.
The Puya Raimondi is a rare high-Andean plant often called the “Queen of the Andes.” Near Quiswarani, the 7 Waterfalls area, also known locally as Canchispaccha or Qanchis Paccha, offers fresh air, mountain views, and a beautiful nature stop without a long trek.
Lares Hot Springs
The Lares Hot Springs are one of the highlights of the day. The warm mineral pools are located in a mountain setting and are a perfect way to relax after the waterfall walk.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sandals, and a change of clothes. MINCETUR lists the Lares Hot Springs as a thermo-mineral water resource in the district of Lares, Cusco. You can review the official resource here: Lares Hot Springs - MINCETUR.
Weather and best months to visit
This tour crosses different elevations, so weather can change in a single day. Mornings in Cusco can be cold, Calca is usually milder, and the high plateau near Puya Raimondi and the waterfalls can be windy and cool.
The clearest conditions are usually from April to October. From November to March, rain is more frequent and the trail can be wetter, but the landscapes are greener. Bring layers and rain protection year-round.
Local culture and responsible travel
Lares is a place of living Andean culture. The visit to the ADAL weaving cooperative gives you the chance to see traditional textile work, natural dyes, and the skill of local women artisans.
Buying directly from local artisans is optional, but it is one of the best ways to support families and preserve textile traditions. Please ask before taking photos of people and follow your guide’s advice during cultural visits. You can also read about TreXperience’s local work here: TreXperience and Lares Municipality Agreement.
What to bring, cash, and connectivity
Bring a small daypack, water bottle, warm layers, rain jacket or poncho, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, cash in Peruvian soles, swimsuit, towel, sandals, and a change of clothes for after the hot springs.
Phone signal can be weak in parts of the route, so download anything important before leaving Cusco. Many local stops are cash-only, so small bills are useful. For general packing advice, see our Peru Packing List.
Other Lares experiences
If you enjoy this day tour and want to go deeper into the region, consider our Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days or the Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 5 Days.
If you prefer a short trip with hot springs and Machu Picchu, the Lares Hot Springs + Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour may be a better fit.
Lares Hot Springs Full Day Tour - Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most useful questions travelers ask before joining the Lares Hot Springs and 7 Waterfalls Full Day Tour, including pickup, meals, altitude, hiking, hot springs, weather, packing, and how this experience compares with other Lares tours.
Where does this tour go?
This full-day tour goes into the Lares Valley and includes Calca market, Ancashmarca Inca ruins, a high-Andes Puya Raimondi stop, Quiswarani village, the 7 Waterfalls, Lares Hot Springs, and the ADAL weaving cooperative.
What time is pickup and what time do we return?
Pickup is usually around 5:30 a.m. from Cusco, depending on your hotel location. Return to Cusco is usually around 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic, weather, road conditions, and group pace.
Is breakfast included?
No. Breakfast is not included. Please have breakfast at your hotel before pickup or bring your own packed breakfast or snacks for the road.
Are meals included?
Lunch is included and served at a local restaurant in the Lares area. Breakfast, extra snacks, and extra drinks are not included.
If you have dietary restrictions, please tell us when booking so we can coordinate properly.
How difficult is the hike to the 7 Waterfalls?
The hike is easy to moderate. The trail is not long or technical, but the altitude can make it feel harder than a normal walk. We walk at a relaxed pace with time for breaks, photos, and enjoying the scenery.
What is the highest altitude on this tour?
The highest areas are around the Puya Raimondi and waterfall route, approximately 4,000 m to 4,200 m / 13,123 ft to 13,780 ft. The Lares Hot Springs are lower, at around 3,250 m / 10,662 ft.
Do I need to be acclimatized?
It helps. This is not a long trek, but the altitude is real. We recommend spending at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the tour, especially if you are arriving from sea level.
What should I bring for the hot springs?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sandals, and a change of clothes. A small plastic bag for wet clothes is also useful after the hot springs.
Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
This tour can be suitable for active children and older travelers who are comfortable walking on natural terrain and spending a full day at altitude. Families should consider the early start, mountain roads, altitude, and walking sections before booking.
Travelers with heart, respiratory, knee, balance, or mobility concerns should consult a doctor before joining.
Can I combine this tour with Machu Picchu?
Not on the same day. If you want Lares Hot Springs and Machu Picchu in a short itinerary, consider our Lares Hot Springs + Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour.