Are you ready to take the journey of a lifetime through the heart of the Andes? Join us on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu! This alternative trek is a great way to leave the crowds behind and explore isolated local villages, hike along with llamas and alpacas, camp near Andean lakes, and enjoy awe-inspiring landscapes.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu takes you far off the beaten path to where you can meet and interact with members of traditional Andean communities and explore the Andes in solitude. You will learn all about life in these isolated villages, become familiar with their culture and traditions, hike along with llamas and alpacas, and even visit a local school. We finish your TreXperience, spending an unforgettable day exploring Machu Picchu.
Why Choose the Lares Trek?
- Authentic Cultural Immersion: You'll visit remote Andean villages, participate in daily rituals, and learn about the rich heritage of the Quechua people.
- Stunning Natural Beauty: Spot native wildlife like llamas and alpacas on the way through majestic valleys, serene lakes, and towering mountains.
- Exclusive Experiences: Marvel panoramic views on the Vistadome train, explore the Salineras of Maras, and relax in natural hot springs.
- Socially Responsible Travel: When you join us, you support local communities through our social projects and sustainable tourism practices.
Lares Trek 4 Days at a Glance:
Day 1: Cusco – Lares Thermal Baths – Blue Lagoon (10 km, 4 hrs)
First, we soak in the therapeutic Lares hot springs, which is a great way to relax. Then, we hike to our campsite at the Blue Lagoon, which has waterfalls all around and herds of llamas and alpacas. What a magical start to our trek!
Day 2: Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Canchacancha Community (16 km, 7hrs)
Prepare for the Condor Pass at 4,750 meters! It’s an arduous climb, but the panoramic views of the mountain at the top are completely worth it. We will also visit turquoise lakes and spend time with the children in the village of Canchacancha.
Day 3: Canchacancha – Huaran– Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (12km, 4 hrs)
Scenic hike with amazing views as we descend into the Sacred Valley. Before we visit the Salineras of Maras and Ollantaytambo, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch. We’ll travel on the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a 3-star hotel.
Day 4: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) – 4 hrs
On our last day, we’ll watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu, an unforgettable experience. After a guided tour of the citadel's most iconic sites, you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for more stunning views and, later in the afternoon, return on the Vistadome Panoramic Trains.
Included
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Pick up from your hotel for the tour
- All transportation during the trek
- Duffle bag up to 8 kilos for your stuff
- Free luggage storage in Cusco
- Professional tour guides
- Experienced chefs, porters
- Horses and muleteers to carry food & equipment
- 2 nights camping with comfortable equipment
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- All meals during the trek
- Entrance ticket to Lares Hot Springs
- Entrance ticket to Salineras of Maras
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Buses up and down to Machu Picchu
- Panoramic Vistadome train to return
Not Included
- Sleeping bags, air mattresses, or trekking poles
- Last day Lunch
- Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets
- Montaña Machu Picchu tickets
Extra hikes after the Machu Picchu guided tour:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $68 per person (2 hours round-trip).
- Montaña Machu Picchu – $68 per person (3 hours round-trip).
Tickets must be booked in advance.
Full itinerary of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Lares Thermal Baths – Blue Lagoon
We’ll start the day early, picking you up around 4:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, Pisac, or anywhere in the Sacred Valley. Whether you're staying at a hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or another spot, we’ll pick you up right where you are. From Cusco, it’s about an hour’s drive to the town of Calca, where we’ll visit the local market and pick up fresh ingredients for the trek.
Then we’ll continue the drive for two more hours until we reach the Lares Hot Springs. With temperatures ranging from warm to hot, these natural pools are perfect for relaxing your muscles and easing into the day while enjoying beautiful mountain views. After soaking in the thermal waters, your trekking chef will serve a delicious breakfast to get you energized.
Once we’re ready, a short drive will take us to Pampacorral, the starting point of our hike. We’ll walk for about two hours to reach the village of Kiswarani, passing through quiet valleys and farmland. In the village, we’ll stop for lunch prepared by our chef, using local ingredients.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue hiking for another two hours until we reach our first campsite, located next to a peaceful Andean lake near the Blue Lagoon at 3,900 m (12,795 ft). On the way, we’ll pass potato fields, the famous Kiswarani waterfall, and scenic paths where llamas and alpacas roam freely. Once at camp, your tent will be ready and waiting, along with a hot cup of coca tea or coffee to help you unwind and enjoy the evening.
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
- Duration: 4 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
- Highest Altitude: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping under million stars
- 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 begin getting ready for the most challenging part of the Lares Trek. After breakfast, we’ll grab some snacks from the chef and begin a 4-hour hike to the highest point of the trail: Condor Pass, located at 4,750 m (15,583 ft). Beautiful lakes teeming with Wallatas, often known as Andean geese or "lovebirds," mountain caracaras, llamas, alpacas, and unobstructed views of the Andes await you along the journey.
Once we arrive at the summit, you’ll enjoy a 360° view of the surrounding mountains and lakes while your guide leads a spiritual offering ceremony to the sacred peaks above Condor Pass. We’ll serve you a warm cup of coca tea to celebrate your effort. From there, we'll continue a two-hour descent to Acopata, where a well-deserved lunch will be waiting for us.
After lunch, we'll continue downhill for another two hours through breathtaking landscapes until we reach the village of Canchacancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft). Once there, you’ll have time to relax, sip on a drink, and rest in your tents, all while you take in the mountain scenery around you.
You'll also have the chance to meet the local community, walk through the village, chase after llamas and alpacas, play soccer with the children, share a few English words, or learn some Quechua.
- 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 – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After crossing the highest mountain passes, we’ll start packing for the day and enjoy a healthy breakfast with breathtaking views of the mountains. You’ll have a bit of extra time to relax and explore the village before starting a 4-hour descent into the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we’ll visit the local homes and the community’s elementary school, where you’re welcome to donate school supplies like notebooks, pens, or toys. Canchacancha is one of the last villages without electricity or road access, so Quechua is still the main language spoken.
From there, the trail is mostly downhill, transitioning from the high, chilly mountains, where potatoes and beans are grown, to the warmer and greener Sacred Valley, where locals farm corn and avocados. The Lares Trail ends in Huaran (2,700 m / 8,856 ft), where we’ll enjoy a scenic picnic lunch and say goodbye to our chef and team of muleteers.
After lunch, a private van will take us to the Salineras of Maras to explore the stunning salt ponds, still harvested by local families using traditional Inca techniques. Our final stop before the train is Ollantaytambo, known as the “Last Living Incan Town” and recently recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO. We’ll explore the archaeological site and its ancient streets, along with the original canals and narrow passageways from Inca times, many of which remain in use.
We’ll have dinner at a local restaurant and finally board the 7:00 pm Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, where a comfortable 3-star hotel will be waiting for you.
- 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 - Cusco
The day starts early with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu. We aim to arrive with the first light, and if the weather allows, catch the morning mist lifting over the citadel, an atmosphere that makes the place feel even more timeless.
Before the guided tour, we’ll take a moment at the classic viewpoints to appreciate the scale and setting of the site. Then, during a 2 to 3-hour tour, your guide will walk you through the main areas of Machu Picchu, sharing its history, architectural details, and the stories behind some of its most iconic spots.
After the tour, and if you have time, you can take on one of the additional hikes like Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu (Needs extra tickets US$ 68). The hike takes about 2 to 3 hours round-trip for each. Once back in Aguas Calientes, you can grab lunch at your own pace before boarding the panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo.
From there, our private transport will take you back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.
- Tour Duration: 3 hours in Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Site Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Packing List
During the Lares trek, your main luggage will remind in your hotel in Cusco, or you can leave with us. To the Trek, you will take your daypack plus a duffle bag that TreXperience will provide during the briefing held the day before your tour in our office in Cusco.
During the briefing at 6.00 pm, your tour guide will provide the final details of your trip and give you the duffle bags to put up to 8 kilos of your stuff. Our porter will carry this bag together with the food and camping equipment.
Essentials for the Lares Trek
For 3 days, you will be out in the mountain with no route, electricity, or cellphone signal. Having all the necessary equipment for this hike with you is essential; still, pack very light.
- Small comfortable backpack
- Original passport
- Hiking boots
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Warm jackets
- Gloves
- Bennie
- Sunscreen
- Good camera
- Emergency money is soles
What to put in the backpack?
The backpack will always be with you; you are responsible for carrying it while hiking during the day, and it must be as light as possible. Remember that duffle bags you will find only at the campsite and all you need during the day must be in your daypack.
- Passport.- Passports must always be with you in a safe and dry place; we recommend placing them inside Ziploc bags with money and other documents.
- Student Card.- if you have booked as a student, you must bring your student ID with you, especially when we enter Machu Picchu.
- Water bottle or camelback.- You must bring reusable water containers; they must be easy to handle and have a capacity of at least 2 liters.
- Rain Ponchos, rain jackets. – Plastic rain ponchos will be provided to you with the duffle bags; you still need to bring a waterproof or windproof jacket.
- Sunscreen, hat, and long-sleeved shirts.- You will be hiking over an open space without shelter and must always be protected.
- Warm jacket.- Early in the morning, the weather is chilly. You will start hiking with all your layers and remove them slowly as you begin warming up; always keep a warm jacket with you, even on the hottest day. The temperature in the Andes might vary in a matter of minutes.
- Mini First Aid Kit.- You must always have your medication and band-aids, altitude medicine, pain killers, Cipro, a pill for allergies, insect repellent, and others.
- Headlamp, camera, cell phone, sunglasses
- Toilet paper.- Must be in your day pack always with you
- Extra Cash.- It’s important to always have travel money with you; we recommend around 600 soles (200. USD) in Cash; it is better to have in small coins, about 20 Soles at least for anything to buy along the train, like water or souvenirs. The travel is not to spend; this is just for emergencies.
What to put in the duffle bag?
The duffle bag will be provided during the briefing held the day before in our office. You can out up to 8 kilos, including your sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Sleeping bag:A 4-season (-10°) sleeping bag is required for this Trek; you can bring your own or rent from us. If you rent from us, you will be provided with a liner, so you don’t need to get this. All our sleeping bags are suitable for the Lares weather and are cleaned and sanitized after every Trek.
- Inflatable mattress: We will provide a foam mattress; however, if you prefer extra comfort at night, we recommend bringing or hiring an inflatable mattress.
- Pillows: We will provide you with small camping pillows during this Trek.
- Shoes: For this Trek, we strongly recommend wearing hiking boots
- Socks: You will need about 5 pairs of thick wool hiking socks plus 3 pairs of light socks for the nights or to walk around after the Trek.
- 3 pairs of long trousers, hiking pants, or leggings work for ladies.
- Thermal Underwear.- this is very important for the nighttime.
- Swimsuit.- We will visit the Lares Thermal baths; we strongly recommend bringing a swimsuit for the first day.
- Sandals.- To change after the Trek and in the hotel.
- Toiletries.- Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lip balm, moisturizer
- Towel.- Small and light towel
- Hand sanitizer and toilet paper
Price of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Price per person:
- From US$ 570 - Adults
- From US$ 530 - Children and students
To book the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, you need to make an initial payment of 200.USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or Cusco with any credit card or PayPal with no booking fees at all.
Student Discount:
- 40$ off per person
All travelers under 17 will have a $40 discount.
If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get a 40$ discount with your student ID. Please advise by email to give you a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for Machu Picchu
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student Id without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
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Lares Trek 4 Days - Frequently Asked Questions
There are many trekking routes to Machu Picchu, like the Salkantay Trek, Classic Inca Trail, and the Short Inca Trail, and also we have lesser-known tours like the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This beautiful route takes you off the beaten path to explore remote villages in the Peruvian Andes, visit pristine glacier lakes, and hike along with llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.
Below are the most popular questions a traveler must know before going on the Lares Trek.
What is the Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek is an alternative trek to Machu Picchu that takes you on 4 to 5 days of adventure. This trek is perfect for those travelers who prefer a more cultural interaction, visit non-crowded routes, and explore remote mountains where llamas and alpacas are the locals.
How many days is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Lares Trek can be done in 4 days and 5 days:
- The Lares Trek 4 days tour starts in the district of Lares. First, we visit the hot springs, hike through the mountains, visit the remote villages, visit the Salineras of Maras, and finish the Machu Picchu tour.
- The Lares Trek 5 days itinerary follows the same route as the 4 days Lares Trek and includes the Short Inca Trail 2-day hike at the end instead of just traveling to Machu Picchu by train.
Where is this tour located?
It is located on the Andes’ eastern side, near the District of Lares, approximately 150 km – 93 miles from Cusco. The trek starts in Lares’ hot springs (3250 m / 10662 ft), 3 hours drive from Cusco. Lares district belongs to Calca province in Cusco.
What is the average height?
- This tour’s pick-up is from your hotel in Cusco City at 3399m / 11151ft.
- Lares district, where the hot springs are located, is 3250 m / 10662 ft.
- The first campsite is located at 3750 m / 12303 ft.
- The highest point is Condor’s pass at 4700 m / 15354 ft.
- The second campsite is located at 2700m / 8856 ft.
- The final destination is Machu Picchu at 2430m / 7972ft
When is the best time to visit Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Lares Trek weather is similar to Cusco, the Inca trail, or the Salkantay Trek. The average temperature during the day is from 10°C to 21° (50°F – 70°C). The nights are cold and could reach below 0°C (30°F).
All the region of Cusco has 2 seasons only; we don’t have summer, winter, fall, or spring in the Andes; we only have rainy and dry seasons:
- Lares Trek weather January: January usually starts with rain, when we expect rainier days and an average of 16 to 17 days of rain in the whole month. The positive part is that nights are not so cold, we have fewer travelers, and everything is green, perfect for spending a beautiful time away from the crowds.
- Lares Trek weather February: This month is known as the crazy February. Although we have lesser rain than in January, we expect more substantial rainfall. Like January, Lares Trek is the route to hiking during the rainy season.
- Lares Trek weather March: March is still inside the rainy season; however, we expect less rain than January or February. Temperature is warm during the day, and at night is not so close; it is the beginning of the harvesting season for farmers, and children are back to school.
- Lares Trek weather April: Just finishing the rainy season, there are still occasional rains; during a sunny day, temperatures are sweltering, and nights start to get cold.
- Lares Trek weather May: This month is one of the best of the year to hike any trek to Machu Picchu; it is the beginning of the dry season. However, there could be occasional rains, even in the driest months.
- Lares Trek weather June: The weather in June in the Lares Trek during the days is around 21°C (70°C), and at night could reach below 0°C (30°F). Morning is frigid due to the frost, and we see occasional snow in the Mountains.
- Lares Trek weather July: The weather in June in the Lares Trek during the days is around 21°C (70°C), and at night could reach below 0°C (30°F). Morning is frigid due to the frost, and we see occasional snow in the mountains. Despite being the driest months of the year, sometimes we have rain, and you must be prepared.
- Lares Trek weather August: August is the month of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) and is celebrated with great devotion by the villagers offering presents. This month is expected to have the rains back vital for farming; the locals believe that the first days of August represent each month of the year; this way, if we have rain during the 1st of August, it will be a good January for farming.
- Lares Trek weather September: With the rains back after the long dry season, the landscape becomes green, ponds are back, and birds are. The day temperature is warm, and the night temperature is not so cold anymore.
- Lares Trek weather October: The beginning of the wet or rainy season; however, in some years dry season could extend longer, like this 2022, the rains were back almost December. The days are warm, and the night temperature is not very cold.
- Lares Trek weather November: The beginning of the wet or rainy season; however, in some years dry season could extend longer, like this 2022, when rains were back almost December. The days are warm, and the night temperature is not very cold.
- Lares Trek weather December: The weather in the Andes is unpredictable; we could go weeks during October, November, and December and not see rain at all, or it could be the opposite. Rains are expected during this month; however, we can have one day raining in a week and the rest.
What are the best attractions in the Lares Area?
- Hot springs of Lares: The highlight of the trek, the natural hot springs are a compound of different pools with different temperatures from cold to very hot (36°C – 44°C or 96°F – 112°F). Pure volcanic water contains many minerals locals consider suitable for your bones, stress, muscles, and headaches.
- Kiswarani Waterfalls: Visit the beautiful 7 waterfalls near the Kisawarani village on the first day.
- Blue Lagoon: Locally known as K’oyalay, this beautiful Andean lake is located at 3750 m / 12303 ft.
- Llamas and Alpacas: Staring on the first day, you will see herds of llamas and alpacas grazing high in the mountain.
- Condor pass: With 4700 m / 15354 ft, the highest mountain pass in the Lares trek gets this name since we can sometimes see the Andean Condor and other birds. The view of the highest mountain in this place is spectacular.
- Canchacancha Village: Located at 2700m / 8856 ft, this remote village is located 4 hours from the closed route; locals travel on foot to get supplies and use llamas to transport goods.
- Salineras de Maras: Located in the Sacred Valley area, there are more than 3000 saltpans where locals harvest salt using ancient techniques.
- Ollantaytambo: Ollantaytambo town is considered the “Last Living Inca Citadel” since locals still use the original Inca streets, doorways, and even water channels running since the Inca times.
- Machu Picchu: The Final destination; after a long 3 days tour, we arrive on the morning of the last day in the great city of Machu Picchu.
What is the best Itinerary?
All trekking trails lead to Machu Picchu; the best Itinerary with different experiences is:
- Day 1: Cusco – Lares Thermal Baths – Kiswarani Village
- Day 2: Quiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Community
- Day 3: CanchaCancha – Huaran– Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Day 4: Machu Picchu (The Lost City Of The Incas)
This Itinerary will allow hiking from Lares to Machu Picchu rather than going back and forth.
How to book the tour?
- Book your trip to Machu Picchu with a trekking tour operator rather than an online travel agent. This way, the money you pay will benefit locals directly. Ensure the company you hire is a locally licensed tour operator and verify reviews and pictures.
- Verify the hotel category offered in the tour, the inclusions, the buses to Machu Picchu, and the train category included.
- Book your tour as early as possible to get the best shifts in Machu Picchu, the best hotels, and the best train schedule.
How much is the cost of a group tour?
There are many tours and itineraries for Lares Trek; for a group tour of about 8 people, the regular prices are between 500.USD to 600.USD per person.
TreXperience charges 590.USD per person for an almost all-inclusive tour with 3-star hotels and Panoramic Vistadome Trains.
How challenging is the Lares Trek?
When comparing the best trekking tours to Machu Picchu, the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, and Lares Trek are considered less intense; however, they reach the highest altitude. This trekking is considered in the medium to moderate range, with a daily hike of an average of 6 hours. Travelers must be physically capable of hiking for several hours on an average of 3500 meters high.
How to prevent altitude problems in the Lares Trek?
We cannot avoid altitude sickness; it doesn’t matter the age, fitness level, or experience; it can affect anyone, even experienced hikers. The best way to prevent this is by arriving at least 2 days before your trek departure, resting in Cusco before the tour, eating light, and drinking a lot of water; you must also bring altitude medicine.
When is the best time to hike the Lares Trek and visit Machu Picchu?
Unlike the Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail, the Lares Trek is available all year round due to the heavy rains.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, which is the dry season. April and November are the Shoulder months, and a weather increase is expected.