Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days

Tour Highlights

Trip Details

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Hiking distance: ~45 km / 27 miles
• Depart from: Cusco
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Season: All year round
• Destination: Machu Picchu
• Type: Adventure • Camping • Hotel

Why You’ll Love the Lares Trek

• 
  Book with Confidence & Flexibility
  
  – Low deposit, flexible balance payments, and no hidden booking fees.
• Lares Hot Springs –
  Relax in natural thermo-medicinal pools with different temperatures, perfect for your
  muscles and stress before you start hiking.
• Cultural Immersion –
  Meet families in remote Andean communities, visit a local school, and see a lifestyle
  that still follows many Inca traditions.
• Scenic Mountain Trails –
  Hike with llamas and alpacas past glacier lakes, waterfalls, and Andean peaks, far
  from crowded routes.
• Pachamanca Experience –
  Take part in a traditional
  Pachamanca underground
  hot-stone barbecue in the Sacred Valley.
• Maras Salineras & Ollantaytambo –
  Visit the salt pans of Maras and explore the “Last Living Inca Town” before boarding
  the train to Aguas Calientes.
• Panoramic Train Back –
  Return to Cusco on an exclusive panoramic train
  (Vistadome or 360°) with big windows and river
  views.
• Travel with Purpose –
  Support social projects in the villages we visit just by joining this trek.

Go off the beaten path, sleep in the high Andes, then arrive at Machu Picchu by train
for a magical final day.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Cusco – Lares Thermal Baths – Kiswarani / Blue Lagoon (17 km, ~7 h)

Depart Cusco at around 04:30 by private van and drive through the Sacred Valley to the
famous Lares thermo-medicinal baths, arriving around 08:00. You’ll
have time to jump into the different hot pools, which are rich in minerals and known to
help bones, muscles, stress, and headaches. After relaxing with mountain views, enjoy
an energizing breakfast prepared by your trekking chef.

Your adventure begins with a 4-hour hike to
Cuncani village, where you’ll stop for a fresh lunch made from local
ingredients. In the afternoon, continue for about 3 more hours through
beautiful Andean lakes, waterfalls, and stunning mountain scenery until you reach
Kiswarani village (Blue Lagoon area), your first campsite. As you
arrive, your tents and a hot cup of tea will be waiting.

• Campsite altitude: 3,880 m / 12,730 ft
• Distance: 17 km / 10 mi
• Duration: ~7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping under a million stars
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2 | Blue Lagoon – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Community (16 km, ~7–8 h)

Wake up to a hot cup of coffee or coca tea and breakfast with views of mountains and
lakes. Today is the longest and most challenging day of the trek. Begin a
4-hour climb up to Condor Pass, the highest point of
the trek at 4,700 m / 15,354 ft. Along the way, you’ll pass crystal-clear lakes where
Wallatas (Andean geese or “lovebirds”) swim and see the impressive snowcapped peaks of
the region.

At the summit, enjoy a well-deserved cup of coca tea while your guide performs a
spiritual offering ceremony to the sacred mountains. Then descend for about
2 hours to your lunch spot in the valley.

After lunch, continue downhill for about 2 more hours to
Cancha Cancha village (3,750 m / 12,303 ft). On arrival, your tents
and a hot drink will be ready. You’ll have time to walk around the village, meet local
families, visit the school, and interact with children—teaching a bit of English and
learning some Quechua in return.

• Campsite altitude: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
• Highest altitude: 4,700 m / 15,354 ft
• Distance: 16 km / 9.9 mi
• Duration: ~8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Day 3 | Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Salineras – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (12 km, ~4 h)

Start the day with a beautiful mountain sunrise and a hearty breakfast. Today you’ll
descend from the highlands into the Sacred Valley. Say goodbye to the
community of Cancha Cancha, one of the last villages still practicing many Inca
traditions and largely isolated from modern technology.

Hike downhill for about 4 hours, passing through different ecosystems:
from the cold highlands where potatoes grow to the fertile valley where maize is the
main crop. Your Lares trail section ends in the small town of
Huaran (2,700 m / 8,856 ft).

From Huaran, a private bus will take you to the Salineras de Maras,
where over 3,000 salt pans have been worked since pre-Inca times. Continue to
Ollantaytambo, the “Last Living Inca Citadel,” where you can explore
original Inca streets and water channels still in use. Enjoy dinner in a local
restaurant before boarding the evening train (around 19:00) to
Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in a 3-star hotel.

• Ending altitude (Huaran): 2,700 m / 8,856 ft
• Highest altitude: ~3,750 m / 12,303 ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi
• Duration: ~4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 4 | Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas) – Return to Cusco

Wake up early, enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and take one of the first buses up to
Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise over the citadel. On clear days, the
first light over the ruins and surrounding mountains is truly unforgettable.

Your guide will lead an extra short hike (for example to the Inca Bridge)
before starting a 2–3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, visiting the
most important temples, plazas, and viewpoints and explaining the history, engineering,
and mysteries of the site.

After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or, if you’ve booked in
advance, hike Huayna Picchu
or Montaña Machu Picchu.
When you’re ready, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included),
then board the exclusive panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo and continue by private
van to Cusco. You’ll be dropped at your hotel around 19:30.

• Highest altitude during day: ~2,700 m / 8,858 ft
• Walking distance in citadel: ~6 km / 3 mi
• Duration at Machu Picchu: 3–4 hours (approx.)
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy (optional extra hikes are strenuous)

Everything That’s Covered

• Safety briefing the day before the tour at 18:00 in our Cusco office
• Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco on the morning of the trek
• All transportation during the 4 days (door-to-door service)
• Duffle bag (up to 7 kg) for personal belongings carried by horses
• Professional, highly trained mountain tour guides
• Experienced chefs, porters, and horsemen
• Pachamanca underground hot-stone cooking demonstration
• 2 nights camping in the mountains with comfortable equipment
• 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
• All meals during the trek prepared with local organic ingredients
• Entrance tickets to Lares hot springs, Salineras, and Machu Picchu
• Bus tickets up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
• 
  Panoramic exclusive train
  
  (Vistadome or similar) on the last day back toward Cusco

Price & Discounts

Group Tour Price

Price per person: USD $590
[payment_system_code]

To book the Lares Trek 4 Days, you need to make an initial payment
of USD $200 per person. The remaining balance can be paid online, in
installments, or in Cusco with any credit card—no booking fees.

Student Discount

• All travelers under 17 receive a USD $40 discount.
• Travelers 25 or under can also receive a USD $40 discount with a
  valid student ID.
  Please email us in advance so we can provide a discount code.

Optional Add-Ons

• Huayna Picchu Mountain: +$75 per person – tickets must be booked in
  advance.
• Montaña Machu Picchu: +$75 per person – tickets must be booked in
  advance.

Deposit: $200 pp secures your trek •
Balance: pay online in installments or in Cusco •
Booking Fees: 0% when paying through our secure system.

Lares Trek Smart Packing Guide

During the Lares Trek, your main luggage stays in your Cusco hotel or in our storage.
You’ll hike with a daypack and a 7 kg duffel bag (provided at the briefing) carried by
horses along with food and camping gear.

What to Pack in Your Daypack

Your daypack is with you at all times while hiking, so keep it light. You’ll only have
access to your duffel at the campsite or hotel.

• Passport:
  Keep your original passport in a safe, dry place (e.g., Ziploc bag), along with cash and important documents.
• Student card:
  If booked as a student, bring your valid student ID, especially for Machu Picchu.
• Water bottle or hydration bladder:
  Reusable containers with capacity of at least 2 L.
• Rain gear:
  Plastic poncho (provided) plus your own waterproof/windproof jacket.
• Sun protection:
  Sunscreen, hat, and long-sleeve shirt—most of the trek is exposed with little shade.
• Warm layer:
  A warm jacket or fleece for early mornings and evenings; Andean weather can change fast.
• Mini first-aid kit:
  Personal medications, band-aids, altitude pills, painkillers, Cipro, allergy pills,
  insect repellent, etc.
• Electronics:
  Headlamp, camera, cellphone, sunglasses, and a small power bank if desired.
• Toilet paper:
  Always keep a small roll in your pack.
• Extra cash:
  Around 600 soles (approx. USD $200) in small bills for snacks, tips, and emergencies.

What to Pack in Your Duffel Bag (up to 7 kg)

• Sleeping bag:
  4-season (-10°C) sleeping bag (bring your own or rent from us; liners provided with rentals).
• Inflatable mattress:
  Foam mattresses provided; bring or rent an inflatable mat for extra comfort.
• Pillow:
  Small camping pillows are provided, but you can bring your own if you prefer.
• Shoes:
  Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are strongly recommended.
• Socks:
  ~5 pairs of thick wool hiking socks plus 3 pairs of light socks for evenings and hotel use.
• Pants:
  About 3 pairs of long trekking trousers or leggings.
• Thermal underwear:
  Essential for cold nights in the high Andes.
• Swimsuit:
  For Lares thermal baths on Day 1.
• Sandals:
  For hot springs, showers, and relaxing after hiking.
• Toiletries:
  Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lip balm, moisturizer, etc.
• Towel:
  Small, quick-dry travel towel.
• Extra hygiene items:
  Hand sanitizer and additional toilet paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek is an alternative route to Machu Picchu lasting 4–5 days. It’s perfect
for travelers who want more cultural interaction, quieter trails, and remote mountain
scenery where llamas and alpacas are part of daily life.

How many days is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

The Lares Trek can be done as:

• Lares Trek 4 days:
  Starts at Lares hot springs, visits remote villages, passes through the mountains,
  visits Maras Salineras and Ollantaytambo, and finishes with a Machu Picchu tour.
• Lares Trek 5 days:
  Follows the same Lares route but adds the
  Short Inca Trail at the
  end instead of going directly to Machu Picchu by train.

Where is the Lares Trek located?

The trek is on the eastern side of the Andes near the district of Lares, about
150 km / 93 mi from Cusco. The trek starts at Lares hot springs
(3,250 m / 10,662 ft), about 3 hours’ drive from Cusco, in the Calca province.

What is the altitude on the Lares Trek?

• Cusco city: 3,399 m / 11,151 ft (pick-up point)
• Lares hot springs: 3,250 m / 10,662 ft
• First campsite: ~3,750–3,880 m / 12,303–12,730 ft
• Highest point (Condor Pass): 4,700 m / 15,354 ft
• Second campsite (Huaran / Cancha Cancha area): ~2,700–3,750 m / 8,856–12,303 ft
• Machu Picchu: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft

When is the best time to hike the Lares Trek and visit Machu Picchu?

Lares weather is similar to Cusco, the Inca Trail, and Salkantay. Daytime temperatures
are usually 10–21°C (50–70°F), while nights can drop below 0°C (32°F). Cusco has only
two seasons: dry season (roughly April–November) and
rainy season (December–March).

Lares can be hiked year-round, even during the rainy season, but the

best time to visit Machu Picchu

and hike is generally April–November, with May–September being the driest. Shoulder
months (April and November) offer fewer crowds and greener landscapes.

How challenging is the Lares Trek?

Compared with the Classic Inca Trail and Salkantay, the Lares Trek is considered
slightly less intense in terms of steepness and long steps, but it reaches a higher
maximum altitude (4,700 m / 15,354 ft). Daily hikes average around 6 hours, and you
should be in moderate physical condition and comfortable walking for several hours at
altitude.

How can I prevent altitude problems?

Altitude can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. The best prevention is to:
arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek, rest and acclimatize, eat light
meals, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy alcohol, and consider altitude medication if
recommended by your doctor. Always tell your guide if you feel unwell.

What are the main attractions of the Lares Trek?

• Hot Springs of Lares:
  Multiple natural pools with temperatures from cool to very hot (36–44°C / 96–112°F),
  with mineral-rich water believed to help bones, muscles, and stress.
• Kiswarani Waterfalls:
  A series of seven beautiful waterfalls near Kiswarani village.
• Blue Lagoon (K’oyalay):
  A stunning Andean lake located around 3,750 m / 12,303 ft.
• Llamas & Alpacas:
  You’ll see herds grazing freely from the first day onward.
• Condor Pass:
  At 4,700 m / 15,354 ft, the highest point of the trek, with spectacular views and
  occasional condor sightings.
• Cancha Cancha Village:
  A remote community where people still travel on foot and use llamas to transport
  goods.
• Salineras de Maras:
  Over 3,000 salt pans used for traditional salt harvesting since ancient times.
• Ollantaytambo:
  The “Last Living Inca Citadel,” with original Inca streets and water channels still
  in use.
• Machu Picchu:
  The final destination on Day 4—after three days of trekking you’ll explore the Lost
  City of the Incas.

What is the best 4-day itinerary for the Lares Trek?

The classic and most efficient itinerary is:

• Day 1: Cusco – Lares Thermal Baths – Kiswarani Village
• Day 2: Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Community
• Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
• Day 4: Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas)

This route allows you to hike from Lares to Machu Picchu rather than returning to
Cusco and back.

How much does a group tour usually cost?

For a group of around 8 people, typical prices range from USD $500–$600
per person. TreXperience charges around USD $580–$590 for a nearly all-inclusive tour
with 3-star hotels and panoramic Vistadome trains, depending on promotions and season.

How to Book Your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

1. Choose a licensed local operator:
   Book directly with a trekking company based in Cusco (rather than a generic online
   agent) so more of your money goes straight to local staff and communities.
2. Check inclusions:
   Confirm what’s included—hotel category, trains, bus tickets to Machu Picchu, entrances,
   meals, and gear—so you can compare tours fairly.
3. Book early:
   Reserve your dates as early as possible to secure the best Machu Picchu entry times,
   train schedules, and hotel availability.
4. Pay your deposit:
   For TreXperience, pay a USD $200 deposit per person through the
   secure online payment system. The balance can be paid in installments online or in
   Cusco.
5. Share your details:
   Send your passport information, student ID details (if applicable), dietary needs, and
   emergency contacts so permits and tickets can be issued correctly.
6. Prepare & arrive:
   Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to acclimatize. Attend the pre-trek
   briefing at 18:00, pick up your duffel bag, and get ready for four unforgettable days
   hiking the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu.

Reserve your Lares Trek today with a small deposit and let us handle the logistics—so
you can focus on the mountains, the culture, and the moment you first see Machu Picchu.