Want a full day that feels like a real local adventure, quiet Inca ruins, a beautiful waterfall walk, and a warm soak in mountain hot springs, without doing a long, exhausting trek? This full-day trip takes you off the usual tourist route into the Lares Valley for the perfect mix of history, nature, and relaxation.
You’ll start early from Cusco (or near Pisac in the Sacred Valley), visit the lively Calca market, explore the peaceful hilltop ruins of Ancashmarca, and stop to see the famous Puya Raimondi (the “Queen of the Andes”). Then you’ll enjoy an easy hike to the 7 Waterfalls of Quishuarani before finishing the day the best way possible: soaking in the Lares Hot Springs with stunning Andean views. With a small group, a professional guide, and chef-prepared meals, everything feels smooth, personal, and stress-free.
Tour Type
Small-Group Tour
Duration
Full Day
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Tour Language
English, Spanish
Meals
Box Breakfast & Picnic Lunch
Starts/Ends
Cusco / Cusco
Lares hot spring and 7 waterfalls Full Day Tour - Overview
This Lares Valley full-day tour is designed for travelers who want one day with a bit of everything: local culture, hidden archaeology, rare high-Andes plants, light hiking, waterfalls, and hot springs. You’ll travel with a small group, enjoy door-to-door pickup and drop-off, and have a guide with you throughout the day to keep things easy and enjoyable.
The walking is gentle and scenic (around 6–7 km total, usually 3–4 hours at an easy pace with plenty of photo stops). The highest point of the day is around 4,200 m (13,780 ft), so we keep a comfortable pace and carry basic altitude support (oxygen available when needed). This tour is available year-round, with April to October usually offering clearer skies.
Tour Highlights
- A real “off-the-beaten-path” day in the Lares Valley
- Visit Ancashmarca, a quiet Inca site with big views and almost no crowds
- See the famous Puya Raimondi, one of the most unusual plants in the Andes
- Easy, scenic hike to the 7 Waterfalls (Quishuarani / Canchispaccha)
- Relax in the Lares Hot Springs (natural warm mineral pools in the mountains)
- Box breakfast + chef-prepared picnic lunch included
- Support local families with a Calca market visit and an ADAL women’s weaving co-op stop
Lares Full Day Tour at a Glance
- 04:30 am: Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco or near Pisac. Scenic ride into the valley as the mountains light up.
- Calca town: Local market visit + quick breakfast stop; we also pick up fresh ingredients for lunch.
- Ancashmarca site: Guided visit to a quiet archaeological site with terraces, stone structures, and wide-open views.
- Puya Raimondi stop: Photo stop in the high-Andes landscape to look for the “Queen of the Andes” in its natural habitat.
- Quiswarani village: Start a gentle hike toward the 7 Waterfalls (Quishuarani / Canchispaccha).
- 7 Waterfalls: Time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
- Lares Hot Springs: Relax in naturally warm mineral pools, the perfect reward after the hike.
- Picnic lunch: Freshly prepared by our trekking chef (during or right after the hot springs).
- ADAL Weaving Co-op: Visit a women-run cooperative to see natural dyes and traditional weaving.
- Around 06:00 pm: Return to Cusco and drop-off at your hotel.
Included
- Pickup and drop-off in Cusco or near Pisac
- Transportation for the full day
- Professional guide (English & Spanish)
- Trekking chef
- Box breakfast
- Picnic lunch prepared with fresh ingredients
- Entrance tickets
- First aid kit and altitude support
- Support and assistance from your guide throughout the day
Not Included
- Extra snacks and drinks
- Towel, swimsuit, and sandals for the hot springs (bring your own)
- Personal purchases at the Calca market or weaving co-op
Tour - Full Itinerary
Cusco – Sacred Valley – Ancashmarca – Puyas de Raimondi – 7 Waterfalls – Lares Hot Springs – ADAL Weaving – Cusco
Early morning pickup & drive into the valley
We pick you up very early from your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb in Cusco (and we can also pick up near Pisac in the Sacred Valley). As the sun comes up, you’ll watch the mountains and valleys slowly light up, one of the best parts of starting early.
Calca market stop
Our first stop is the lively market in Calca. This is where you see real everyday life in the valley: fruit stands, local produce, and people shopping for the day. It’s also where we pick up fresh ingredients for your lunch later. You’ll enjoy a simple breakfast nearby before continuing.
Ancashmarca: quiet Inca ruins with wide-open views
Next, we drive uphill to Ancashmarca (also spelled Ancasmarca), a peaceful Inca archaeological site between Calca and Lares. It’s not crowded, which makes the visit feel special. You’ll walk through terraces and stone structures while your guide explains what this place was used for and why it mattered in this part of the Andes.
High plateau stop: Puya Raimondi (the “Queen of the Andes”)
After Ancashmarca, we continue into higher landscapes to look for the Puya Raimondi, a rare, giant Andean plant that grows at high altitude. Seeing it in its natural environment feels wild and unique, and it’s a great photo stop when the weather is clear.
Start the hike: Quiswarani / Kiwarani to the 7 Waterfalls
We then drive to Quiswarani / Kiwarani village, where you begin the gentle hike toward the 7 Waterfalls area (also known as Quishuarani / Canchispaccha). This walk is more about enjoying the scenery than pushing your limits. You’ll pass quiet fields, open mountain views, and you may see alpacas and llamas along the way. We go at a steady pace, with breaks whenever you need them.
Time at the waterfalls
Once you reach the waterfalls area, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful feeling of being far from the city. The sound of running water, the cool air, and the mountain backdrop make this spot feel like a hidden corner of the Andes.
Lares Hot Springs
After the hike, we drive down to Lares Hot Springs. This is the reward everyone remembers. The pools are naturally warm and filled with mineral water, surrounded by mountains and fresh air. Soak, relax, and let your body recover after the morning outside.
Picnic lunch prepared by our chef
While you’re enjoying the hot springs (or right after), our trekking chef prepares a fresh picnic lunch. It’s simple, tasty, and exactly what you want after a morning in the high Andes.
ADAL weaving co-op visit (support local women artisans)
After lunch, we visit ADAL, a women-run weaving cooperative. You’ll see how natural dyes are made and how traditional weaving is still practiced today. If you choose to buy textiles, it’s a direct way to support local families.
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon, we begin the drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel. Arrival is typically around 6:00 PM, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Lares Valley Day Trip - Price
We operate small-group tours to keep the day smooth, friendly, and easy to manage, especially at higher altitude. Prefer something exclusive? Ask about a private tour.
Price per person
- From US$ 555 - Adults
- From 4+ Travelers, contact us to get a special price: info@trexperienceperu.com
Booking and payment
- Deposit: US$ 555 per person (to reserve your spot). The remaining can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to see alternative payment options.
Lares Hot Spring Tour Packing List
Cusco mornings can feel very cold, and the high plateau is often windy, while Lares is warmer once you reach the hot springs. Dress in layers and keep essentials in a small daypack.
What to bring to the Lares hot spring and 7 waterfalls Full Day Tour?
Lares Valley Day Trip Travel Information
Location
This day trip blends culture and nature, starting in Cusco, dropping into the Sacred Valley in the town of Calca, and then climbing into the high Andes near Lares. Here you’ll find hot springs, Ancasmarca archaeological site and the Quishuarani waterfalls, surrounded by wide mountain views and high-altitude landscapes where you may spot vizcachas, vicuñas, and the rare Puya Raimondi.
Altitude
Altitude changes quickly on this route, lower in the Sacred Valley and higher in the Lares area, so it helps to move at a steady pace and stay hydrated, especially if you’re not fully acclimatized. The day begins in Cusco at 3,399 m / 11,152 ft, then drops into the Sacred Valley to Calca at 2,926 m / 9,600 ft.
From there, the route reaches over over 4,000 m / 13,123 ft near the Quishuarani waterfalls before descending to the Lares Hot Springs at ~3,200–3,250 m / 10,500–10,660 ft, and finally returning to Cusco.
Weather
Because the route moves between the Sacred Valley and the high Andes, weather can change quickly in a single day, expect cold early starts in Cusco, milder conditions in Calca, breezier stretches around Ancashmarca. It is colder near the Puya Raimondi and the Quishuarani waterfalls and a cool mountain climate in Lares and ADAL.
Difficulty
Overall, this is a moderate day trip because of altitude and hiking on natural terrain, but the pace is steady and the walk is more about scenery than pushing limits.
Full Day tips
- Bring your swimsuit, towel, and sandals. Many travelers also like having dry socks and a warm layer ready for after the soak.
- Calca market and small village areas are often cash-only. Small bills make shopping easier.
- Phone signal can be weak in parts of the valley. Download anything important before you leave Cusco.
Lares Hot Spring full day tour - Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this tour go?
This is a full-day trip into the Lares Valley, with stops at Calca, Ancashmarca ruins, the high plateau for Puya Raimondi, the 7 Waterfalls (Canchispaccha / Qanchis Paccha), Lares Hot Springs, and the ADAL weaving co-op.
What time is pickup and what time do we return?
Pickup is usually around 4:30 AM. Return to Cusco is typically around 6:00 PM, depending on traffic and road conditions.
How difficult is the hike to the waterfalls?
The trail is generally easy, but the altitude can make it feel harder. We walk at a steady pace with breaks.
What is the highest altitude on this tour?
The highest point is around the plateau section near the Puya stop, about 4,200 meters.
Do I need a swimsuit for Lares Hot Springs?
Yes. Bring a swimsuit, small towel, and sandals so you can enjoy the hot springs comfortably.
Are meals included?
Yes. This tour includes a box breakfast and a chef-prepared picnic lunch.
Can you pick me up in the Sacred Valley?
Yes, pickup is available in Cusco and in the Sacred Valley near Pisac.
Can you handle dietary restrictions?
Usually yes, with advance notice. Vegetarian options are typically possible. For allergies or strict diets, we plan ahead to avoid problems in remote areas.
Is this tour good if I don’t want a long hike?
Yes. The walking is short and easy, and the day focuses on scenery, culture, and relaxation—not long trekking.
What happens if weather or conditions change?
Safety comes first. If weather, road, or trail conditions are unsafe, your guide may adjust the order of stops, reduce time at some locations, or change the route.