The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days is the perfect mix of living Andean culture, high-mountain scenery, natural hot springs, and a world-class finale at Machu Picchu. You will soak in the Lares hot springs, hike through remote Quechua villages, walk beside llamas and alpacas, camp near beautiful lakes, cross Condor Pass, and descend into the Sacred Valley before reaching Machu Picchu.
This trek is ideal for travelers who want an authentic route away from the crowds, without giving up comfort, fresh food, expert guiding, and well-planned logistics. It is cultural, scenic, human, and deeply memorable.
Tour Type Group / Private
Activities Hiking, Culture, Adventure
Average Group Size 8 - 10 persons
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation Camping, Hotel
Tour Language English, Spanish
Hiking Distance 38 km / 23.6 miles
Starts/Ends Cusco - Cusco
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days Overview
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days is one of the most authentic cultural treks in Peru. This route takes you far from the busy trails and into the heart of the Andes, where Quechua communities, high-altitude lakes, llamas, alpacas, waterfalls, and mountain passes are part of everyday life.
Over 4 days, you will enjoy the Lares hot springs, visit local Andean villages, hike across Condor Pass, camp near the Blue Lagoon, descend into the Sacred Valley, visit the Salineras of Maras, travel by train to Aguas Calientes, and finish with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Travel in a premium small group with TreXperience, a 100% Peruvian local tour operator based in Cusco. Our team takes care of the details that matter most: hotel pickup, comfortable transportation, expert local guides, quality camping equipment, fresh meals prepared by trekking chefs, muleteers and horses for logistics, Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets, hotel in Aguas Calientes, and personal service from start to finish.
Tour Highlights
- Living Andean culture: Visit remote Quechua villages, learn about local traditions, and experience the human side of the Andes.
- High-mountain scenery: Hike through valleys, waterfalls, lakes, and open landscapes filled with llamas, alpacas, and native wildlife.
- Condor Pass: Cross one of the highest points of the route, with wide views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
- Lares hot springs: Start the adventure with a relaxing soak in natural hot springs before the trek begins.
- Machu Picchu included: Finish with a guided visit to Peru’s most iconic Inca citadel.
- Premium small-group service: Enjoy a more personal experience with expert guides, fresh meals, comfortable camping, hotel, and train logistics included.
- Responsible local travel: Travel with a Cusco-based team committed to sustainable tourism, cultural respect, and fair treatment of guides, chefs, muleteers, drivers, and support staff.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Puyas de Raimondi – Lares Hot Springs – Blue Lagoon
Cusco — Calca — Ancashmarca — Lares Hot Springs — Quiswarani — Blue Lagoon: Start with early pickup, visit a local market and ancient Inca site, see the impressive Puyas de Raimondi, relax in the Lares hot springs, meet local weavers, and hike to the Blue Lagoon campsite.
Day 2: Blue Lagoon – Condor Pass – Canchacancha Community
Blue Lagoon — Condor Pass — Acopata — Canchacancha: Hike to Condor Pass, the highest point of the trek, enjoy mountain views and high-Andean lakes, then descend to Canchacancha, one of the most authentic communities on the route.
Day 3: Canchacancha – Huaran – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Canchacancha — Huaran — Maras — Ollantaytambo — Aguas Calientes: Descend into the Sacred Valley, enjoy a fresh picnic lunch, visit the Salineras of Maras, explore Ollantaytambo, and travel by train to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Cusco: Visit Machu Picchu with your expert guide, explore the assigned circuit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, and travel back to Cusco on the panoramic Vistadome train and private transportation.
- The assigned Machu Picchu circuit depends on availability at the time of booking. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. We strongly recommend booking early because the best circuits and schedules can sell out in advance.
Included
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley near Pisac
- All transportation during the trek
- Duffle bag for up to 7 kg / 15 lb of your personal belongings
- Free luggage storage in Cusco
- Professional bilingual tour guide in English and Spanish
- Experienced trekking chefs to prepare fresh meals on the route
- Horses and muleteers to carry food, camping equipment, and duffle bags
- 2 nights of camping with comfortable equipment
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- 4 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available with advance notice
- Snacks during the trekking days
- High-quality tents, sleeping pad, and camping equipment
- Entrance ticket to Lares Hot Springs
- Entrance ticket to the Salineras of Maras
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Bus tickets up and down to Machu Picchu
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Panoramic Vistadome train for the return journey
- First-aid kit
Not Included
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, and trekking poles (available to rent from us)
- Lunch and dinner on the last day
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (optional)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Machu Picchu Circuit Included
- Circuit 2: Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available because it offers one of the most complete Machu Picchu experiences, with important viewpoints and key sectors of the citadel.
If Circuit 2 is sold out for your date, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, depending on official availability. We strongly recommend booking early because Machu Picchu tickets and the best circuits can sell out in advance. For more details, visit our Machu Picchu Tickets and Circuits guide.
Extra Upgrades and Private Service
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$68 per person (2-hour round trip).
- Machu Picchu Mountain – US$68 per person (3-hour round trip).
You can only hike one of these mountains, and it is done after the guided tour in Machu Picchu. Advance booking is required because availability is very limited.
Why Book with TreXperience?
- 100% Peruvian local operator: Book directly with a Cusco-based team that knows Lares, Machu Picchu, and the Andes from the inside.
- Expert local guides: Our guides are professional, experienced, and fluent in English and Spanish.
- Responsible team welfare: We care for our guides, chefs, muleteers, drivers, and support staff with respect and fair treatment.
- Fresh food on the trail: Enjoy warm, varied meals prepared by trekking chefs using fresh ingredients whenever possible.
- High-quality equipment: Sleep in comfortable tents and enjoy a better-organized camping experience.
- Panoramic train included: Return through the Sacred Valley on the Vistadome train for a more scenic finish.
- Want a more complete arrival to Machu Picchu? We also offer the Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 5 Days.
Full Itinerary of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Day 1: Cusco – Puyas de Raimondi – Lares Hot Springs – Blue Lagoon
We’ll start early, picking you up around 4:30 a.m. from your hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or private address in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley near Pisac. After a scenic drive, we arrive in Calca, where we visit the local market to select fresh ingredients for the trek and enjoy a first look at daily life in the Sacred Valley.
From Calca, we continue uphill to the rarely visited Inca site of Ancashmarca. You’ll enjoy a short guided walk among ancient storehouses and terraces while your guide explains how this hilltop complex once helped control trade routes through the valley. We then continue to a high-altitude area where you can see the impressive Puyas de Raimondi, giant native plants that bloom only once in their lifetime.
Descending toward Lares, we reach the famous Lares Hot Springs. You’ll have time to relax in the warm mineral pools while your trekking chef prepares a fresh breakfast. After the hot springs, we visit a local weaving project, where Andean artisans share traditional techniques, natural dyes, and textile knowledge passed down through generations.
A short drive takes us to Pampacorral, the trailhead. The afternoon hike begins gently, following quiet valleys, potato fields, waterfalls, and herds of alpacas and llamas. After about 2 hours, we stop in Quiswarani for lunch prepared with fresh ingredients. Then we continue uphill beside the beautiful Quiswarani waterfall toward our first campsite by the Blue Lagoon, at 3,900 m / 12,795 ft. Your tent, hot drinks, and a peaceful mountain setting will be waiting.
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
- Duration: 4 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Blue Lagoon – Condor Pass – Canchacancha Community
Start your day with a warm cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent, then get ready for the most challenging and rewarding section of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. After breakfast, we take snacks from the chef and begin the steady hike toward Condor Pass, the highest point of the route.
The climb takes around 4 hours and passes high-Andean lakes, open valleys, grazing llamas and alpacas, and wide mountain views. At the pass, located around 4,700 m / 15,354 ft, we will stop to rest, enjoy the landscape, and share a special moment with the mountains. Your guide may lead a traditional offering to the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits, before we begin the descent.
From Condor Pass, we descend for about 2 hours to Acopata, where a fresh lunch will be waiting. After lunch, we continue downhill through beautiful scenery until we reach Canchacancha, one of the most traditional communities on the route. Here, life is still closely connected to the land, animals, and ancient Andean customs.
In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax at camp and connect respectfully with the community. Depending on timing and local availability, you may walk through the village, meet local families, see llamas and alpacas, play with children, share a few English words, or learn some Quechua. This is one of the most human and memorable parts of the Lares route.
- Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
- Hiking Duration: 7 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,700 m / 15,354 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Day 3: Canchacancha – Huaran – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After crossing the highest mountain pass, we enjoy breakfast with beautiful views and prepare for the descent into the Sacred Valley. Before leaving Canchacancha, there may be time to walk through the village and learn more about local life, farming, weaving, and the traditional rhythm of this remote community.
The trail descends gradually from cold highland landscapes into warmer and greener valleys. Along the way, you will see how the scenery changes from potato fields and mountain pastures to corn and avocado-growing areas. This natural transition is one of the most beautiful parts of the Lares Trek.
The trekking route ends in Huaran, at around 2,700 m / 8,856 ft, where we enjoy a scenic picnic lunch and say goodbye to our chef and muleteer team. After lunch, private transportation takes us to the Salineras of Maras, where thousands of salt pools are still harvested by local families using traditional methods.
Our final stop before the train is Ollantaytambo, known as one of the best-preserved living Inca towns in the Sacred Valley. We’ll walk through its ancient streets and original water channels before dinner at a local restaurant. In the evening, we board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, where a comfortable 3-star hotel will be waiting.
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi
- Duration: 4 hours
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
The final day starts early with breakfast at the hotel before taking the bus up to Machu Picchu. After several days of walking through living Andean culture, mountain landscapes, and quiet villages, this is the unforgettable finale of the journey.
Your guide will lead you through the assigned Machu Picchu circuit, sharing the history, architecture, sacred spaces, and meaning of this extraordinary Inca city. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available because it offers one of the most complete visits. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
After the guided tour, and if you booked the extra ticket in advance, you may hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These optional hikes take about 2 to 3 hours round trip, depending on the mountain. Once back in Aguas Calientes, you can have lunch at your own pace before boarding the panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo.
From Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The expected arrival time in Cusco is around 7:30 p.m.
- Guided Tour Duration: 2 to 3 hours in Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Site Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Important: Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. We strongly recommend booking early because Machu Picchu tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and the best circuits and schedules can sell out in advance.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days Price and Booking
Join one of our premium small-group departures for a more personal Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days experience, or choose a private Lares Trek if you prefer extra flexibility and a more exclusive service. This tour includes expert guiding, transportation, camping equipment, fresh meals on the trail, Lares Hot Springs, Maras Salt Mines, hotel in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu ticket, Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, and Vistadome train return.
Small-Group Tour:
| Traveler Type | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Adults | From US$ 680 |
| Children and students | From US$ 650 |
Private Tour:
| Number of Participants | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | US$ 1,840 |
| 2 travelers | US$ 1150 |
| 3 travelers | US$ 990 |
| 4 travelers | US$ 870 |
| 5 travelers | US$ 790 |
| 6 travelers | US$ 760 |
| 7 travelers | US$ 720 |
| 8 travelers | US$ 690 |
| 9+ travelers | Contact us! |
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$ 200 per person to secure your booking. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco by credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us if you need an alternative payment option.
- For each traveler, we require the full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
Student and Child Discount
- US$ 40 off
This discount applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the ID must include:
- The student’s name, photo, and university name
- A valid expiration date. Expired IDs will not be accepted
- ISIC cards are not accepted
The child discount is applied automatically. Students must send a copy of their university ID when booking. If the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
How to Book
- Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select your preferred tour option.
- Fill in all required details with your passport information. If you need to rent a sleeping bag, air mattress, or trekking poles, you can add them during the booking process.
- Enter your payment details and complete the deposit payment to secure your spot.
- Our team will contact you to reconfirm your booking and provide the next steps before your trip.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days Packing List
During the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days, your main luggage can stay safely at your hotel in Cusco or in the TreXperience storerooms. For the trek, you will carry a daypack, and TreXperience will provide a duffle bag for the items you do not need while hiking.
The route moves through different environments: hot springs, high mountain camps, cold nights, sunny valleys, the Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu. Packing light and smart will make the journey more comfortable.
TreXperience Includes
During the safety briefing the day before the trek, your guide will provide the final details and give you a duffle bag for up to 7 kg / 15 lb of personal belongings. Horses and muleteers will carry this bag together with food and camping equipment. You will not have access to the duffle bag during the day, so anything you need while hiking must go in your daypack.
Essentials
For several days, you will be in the mountains with limited phone signal and no nearby stores. Bringing the right gear will make the experience smoother, safer, and more comfortable.
What to Wear?
For the Lares Trek and other routes to Machu Picchu, wearing layers is the smartest choice. Weather can change quickly as you move from cold high passes to warmer valleys and humid areas near Machu Picchu. Choose light, breathable layers that are easy to add or remove.
Here’s what we suggest you wear:
What to Put in the Daypack?
Your daypack will always be with you while hiking. Keep it light, comfortable, and organized. We recommend a backpack of around 30 to 40 liters with a rain cover.
Carry water, snacks, rain gear, warm layers, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medication, camera, passport, and anything you may need during the day.
What to Put in the Duffle Bag?
The duffle bag will be provided during the briefing at our office the day before the trek. You can pack up to 7 kg / 15 lb, including your sleeping bag and air mattress if you bring or rent them.
What We Provide
TreXperience provides the following items for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu to help you enjoy a safer, more comfortable, and better-organized trekking experience.
What Can You Rent with TreXperience?
If you prefer to travel lighter or need a few extra items, you can rent the following camping equipment from us for an additional cost.
See our complete guide on the blog: Peru Packing List.
Travel Information for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
This section gives you the practical information you need before, during, and after the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days: route conditions, altitude, weather, hot springs, cultural interaction, camping, food, safety, Machu Picchu tickets, train logistics, packing, and how to choose the right Lares experience.
What makes the Lares Trek different?
The Lares Trek is one of the best cultural routes to Machu Picchu. Unlike treks focused mainly on ruins or high mountain scenery, Lares brings together living Quechua culture, traditional villages, llamas, alpacas, natural hot springs, high-altitude lakes, and a final guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Choose Lares if you want a quieter, more human, and more cultural route. If you are comparing options, read our Lares Trek vs Inca Trail guide or our Salkantay Trek vs Lares Trek comparison.
Lares route and hiking profile
This 4-day itinerary starts with a cultural and scenic drive through the Sacred Valley before reaching the Lares area. The trekking section includes Lares Hot Springs, Quiswarani, the Blue Lagoon, Condor Pass, Acopata, Canchacancha, Huaran, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu.
The route includes high-altitude hiking, mountain lakes, cold campsites, steep sections, cultural visits, and a train connection to Machu Picchu. It is not a technical trek, but you should be comfortable walking several hours per day at altitude.
Lares Hot Springs
The Lares Hot Springs are one of the best ways to start the trek. You can relax in warm mineral pools before beginning the hiking section, which helps set the tone for a more comfortable and enjoyable first day.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sandals, and a change of clothes. The official MINCETUR inventory describes the Lares Hot Springs as a natural thermo-mineral water resource in the district of Lares, Cusco. For official information, visit the MINCETUR Lares Hot Springs resource.
Altitude and acclimatization
The Lares Trek reaches high elevations, with Condor Pass around 4,700 m / 15,354 ft. The first campsite near the Blue Lagoon is also high, so proper acclimatization is important before the trek.
We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek. During your first days, drink water, eat light, avoid excess alcohol, and keep activities gentle. A Cusco City Tour or a Sacred Valley VIP Tour can be a good way to acclimatize before the trek.
For general health guidance, review the official CDC Travel to High Altitudes information.
Weather and best months to hike Lares
The best overall months for the Lares Trek are usually from May to September, when skies are often clearer and trails are drier. Nights can be very cold at high camps, especially from June to August.
April and October are good shoulder months with greener landscapes and some rain. From November to March, the rainy season brings wetter trails, cloudier views, and more unpredictable conditions. Lares can be hiked year-round, but good rain gear and warm layers are important in every season.
Community visits and responsible cultural interaction
Lares is a living cultural route. You may visit Quechua communities, see traditional weaving, walk through farming villages, and meet families who still maintain a strong connection with the land, animals, and ancestral traditions.
Responsible travel matters here. Always ask before taking photos of people, support local artisans when possible, stay on marked trails, and follow your guide’s advice when visiting communities. TreXperience works to create respectful experiences that benefit local people and protect the dignity of the communities visited.
You can also read about our local work in Lares in this article: TreXperience and the Municipality of Lares Agreement.
Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included in this tour. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available because it gives one of the most complete visits to the citadel. If Circuit 2 is sold out for your date, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
Machu Picchu tickets are limited and assigned by date, time, and circuit. Early booking is strongly recommended, especially during high season. You can read our Machu Picchu Tickets guide or check the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.
Train travel and hotel in Aguas Calientes
After finishing the trekking section and visiting Maras and Ollantaytambo, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. A 3-star hotel is included so you can rest before the Machu Picchu visit.
The return journey includes the panoramic Vistadome train, which makes the final part of the tour more scenic and comfortable after several days of hiking and cultural exploration.
Camping, bathrooms, and comfort
The Lares Trek includes 2 nights of camping in the mountains and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. TreXperience provides comfortable tents, sleeping pads, dining equipment, fresh meals, and camp support from the trekking team.
Camping is comfortable but simple. Bathroom facilities on the route can be basic, especially in remote areas. Bring toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a small personal hygiene kit.
Food, water, and dietary needs
Meals are one of the highlights of trekking with TreXperience. Our chefs prepare fresh, warm, and varied meals on the trail using local ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are included during the trekking days.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets can be arranged with advance notice. Please inform us when booking so the trekking team can prepare properly.
Physical preparation before the trek
The Lares Trek is moderate to challenging, mainly because of altitude and the climb to Condor Pass. You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you should be comfortable walking several hours per day on mountain trails.
The best preparation includes regular hiking, stairs, long walks, hill training, and walking with a daypack. Trekking poles are strongly recommended. You can read our guide on how to use trekking poles in the Andes.
Choosing between Lares, Inca Trail, and Salkantay
Choose Lares if you want culture, communities, hot springs, lakes, llamas, alpacas, and a quieter route to Machu Picchu. Choose the Classic Inca Trail if your priority is hiking original Inca paths and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Choose Salkantay if you want a more intense mountain trek with dramatic glacier scenery.
For a deeper comparison, read our Lares Trek vs Inca Trail guide and our Salkantay Trek vs Lares Trek guide.
Other Lares tour options
If you want the classic cultural trek to Machu Picchu, this 4-day Lares Trek is the best choice. If you want to combine Lares with the Short Inca Trail and the Sun Gate arrival, consider the Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 5 Days.
If you want a more exclusive service, consider the Luxury Lares Trek 4 Days. If you have less time, you may prefer the Lares Hot Springs + Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions travelers usually ask before hiking the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days, including details about difficulty, altitude, cultural visits, camping, hot springs, Machu Picchu tickets, trains, and how this route compares with other treks.
What is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a cultural trekking route in the Andes of Peru. It combines remote Quechua villages, natural hot springs, high-altitude lakes, llamas, alpacas, mountain passes, the Sacred Valley, and a final guided visit to Machu Picchu.
It is one of the best options for travelers who want a quieter and more human route to Machu Picchu, with more cultural interaction than many other treks.
How many days is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
This tour takes 4 days and 3 nights. It includes 2 nights of camping during the trekking section and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
If you want a longer experience that includes the Short Inca Trail and arrival to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, consider the Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 5 Days.
Where is the Lares Trek located?
The Lares Trek is located in the Cusco region, near the district of Lares in the province of Calca. The route begins in the Lares area, crosses high-Andean landscapes, and descends toward the Sacred Valley before continuing by train to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
How difficult is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days?
The Lares Trek is moderate to challenging. The main challenge is altitude, especially on Day 2 when you cross Condor Pass. You should be comfortable walking several hours per day on mountain trails.
With proper acclimatization, a steady pace, and support from your guide and trekking team, it is a very rewarding trek for active travelers.
What is the highest point of the Lares Trek?
The highest point of this route is Condor Pass, at around 4,700 m / 15,354 ft. The first campsite near the Blue Lagoon is also high, at approximately 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
Because of the altitude, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to acclimatize.
Do I need a permit for the Lares Trek?
No special trekking permit is required for the Lares Trek, unlike the Classic Inca Trail. However, you do need tickets for Machu Picchu, Lares Hot Springs, and Maras Salt Mines. These entrance tickets are included in this TreXperience tour.
Does this tour include Machu Picchu tickets?
Yes. Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available because it offers one of the most complete visits to the citadel.
If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. For more details, read our Machu Picchu Tickets guide.
Is the Lares Trek more cultural than the Inca Trail?
Yes. The Inca Trail is more focused on archaeology and original Inca paths, while Lares is more focused on living Andean culture, traditional villages, weaving, local farming, llamas, alpacas, and daily life in remote communities.
If you are deciding between both routes, read our Lares Trek vs Inca Trail comparison.
Is Lares Trek better than Salkantay Trek?
It depends on what you want. Lares is better if you want culture, communities, hot springs, lakes, and a quieter experience. Salkantay is better if you want a more intense mountain trek with dramatic glacier scenery.
For a full comparison, read our Salkantay Trek vs Lares Trek guide.
Are the Lares hot springs included?
Yes. The entrance ticket to the Lares Hot Springs is included. You will have time to relax in the hot springs before the hiking section begins.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sandals, and a change of clothes so you can enjoy this part of the experience comfortably.
Where do we sleep during the Lares Trek?
You sleep 2 nights in comfortable tents during the trekking section and 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
TreXperience provides camping equipment, meals, and logistics during the trek so you can focus on enjoying the route.
What kind of food is included?
Fresh meals are prepared by our trekking chefs during the camping days. The tour includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks during the trek, plus breakfast at the hotel before visiting Machu Picchu.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be arranged with advance notice.
What should I pack for the Lares Trek?
Bring hiking boots, warm layers, rain protection, sun protection, insect repellent, personal medication, a headlamp, a reusable water bottle, and a comfortable daypack. You should also bring a swimsuit and towel for the hot springs.
For more packing advice, read our Peru Packing List and our guide on how to use trekking poles in the Andes.
Can solo travelers join the Lares Trek?
Yes. Solo travelers can join our small-group departures. Lares is a great route if you want to meet other travelers while still enjoying a personal, well-supported trekking experience with a local team.
What if I walk slower than the rest of the group?
That is completely normal. Hikers naturally walk at different speeds, especially at altitude. The most important thing is to keep a steady and safe pace.
Our guides manage the group pace, set regrouping points, and support travelers throughout the route. You should still arrive physically prepared because this is a real mountain trek.
Is there phone signal or electricity on the route?
Phone signal is limited or unavailable in several parts of the trekking route. Electricity is also limited during the camping nights, so bring a fully charged power bank for your phone or camera.
You will have better services again in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes. You can add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if tickets are available. These hikes take place after the guided Machu Picchu tour and must be booked in advance.
You can only hike one of these mountains. Read more about Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Should I book a flight out of Cusco the same night I return?
We do not recommend it. The return day includes Machu Picchu, bus, train, and private transportation back to Cusco. Weather, train schedules, road conditions, or group timing can cause delays.
It is better to spend one more night in Cusco and continue your journey the following day.
Why choose TreXperience for the Lares Trek?
TreXperience is a 100% Peruvian local tour operator based in Cusco. We organize premium small-group treks with expert local guides, fresh meals, comfortable camping equipment, train and hotel logistics, Machu Picchu planning, and responsible travel practices.
We do not just organize treks. We create meaningful, safe, and memorable experiences in the Andes of Peru, where the route, the people, the food, the culture, and the team all matter.