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The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days over four days is truly an unforgettable adventure in Peru. It blends moderate hiking with authentic cultural experiences and stunning Andean landscapes. If you’re looking for a less crowded path to Machu Picchu, this alternative trek is just the ticket, allowing you to dive deep into the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Why choose Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days?
Often hailed as one of the best alternative treks in Peru, the Lares Trek gives you a unique chance to visit remote Andean villages where local families keep their age old traditions alive. As you trek, you’ll get to learn about ancient weaving techniques, traditional textile production, and the everyday lives of people living in these high altitude communities, making for a truly enriching cultural experience.
The route takes you through breathtaking mountain scenery, featuring snow capped peaks, alpine lagoons, crystal clear rivers, and expansive high altitude valleys perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The journey wraps up in the Patacancha Valley, renowned for its traditional Andean weaving, before you descend to Ollantaytambo to catch the scenic train to Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This four day trek strikes a perfect balance between adventure, cultural exploration, and stunning scenery right in the heart of the Andes lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days.
Your Lares Trek adventure begins with a hotel pick-up in Cusco at 5:30 AM (or the Sacred Valley at 8:00 AM). Travel by comfortable tourist bus for approximately 3 hours to the village of Lares. On the way, stop in Calca for breakfast, last-minute supplies, and restroom breaks. Continue to the Inca site of Ancasmarka (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) to explore ancient Inca storehouses before descending toward Lares.
Next, enjoy a relaxing soak in the Lares Hot Springs, where volcanic waters offer therapeutic benefits for muscles, stress, and fatigue. Temperatures range from 5°C to 42°C, providing pools for all preferences. While you unwind, your guide prepares a delicious lunch.
After lunch, begin your trek through the picturesque Andean valley, walking alongside the Ice Water River and passing potato, corn, quinoa, and bean farms. Trek approximately 4 hours to reach the community of Wacawasi (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). Settle in your camp, enjoy tea time, and later a hearty dinner under the stars.
Wake up with a cup of coca tea and prepare for breakfast. Today, explore the local school and visit a highland family to learn about traditional Andean life and culture. Then, begin trekking through farms and valleys where llamas and alpacas graze peacefully.
Ascend to Ipsay Pass (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), the highest point of the trek, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and serene highland lagoons. From the pass, descend approximately 2 hours to Ipsay Lake, where the second camp is set. Nights here are cold, so warm clothing is essential.
After breakfast, descend through fertile valleys, observing native crops like potatoes, quinoa, lima beans, and oxalis. Arrive at the Patacancha Valley, a hub for traditional Andean weaving. Visit the local school and witness how children learn in Quechua, the language of the Incas.
Continue trekking to Ollantaytambo, passing communities like Willoc and Pumamarka and seeing the Inca site of Pumamarka. Enjoy lunch in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town with original streets, storehouses, and aqueducts, before taking the train through the scenic Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes.
In Aguas Calientes, enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a comfortable hotel with hot water and Wi-Fi. Optional evening visit to the local hot springs is available.
Wake up early to beat the crowds at Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike to the Royal Citadel of the Incas (bus optional) and enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through this incredible site, marveling at its ingenious Inca engineering and mountain setting.
Optional hikes include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, each approximately 3 hours round trip. After descending, enjoy free time to relax, explore the artisan market, or soak in the Aguas Calientes hot springs.
Return by train to Ollantaytambo and then private bus to Cusco. Reflect on an unforgettable Lares Trek adventure, filled with Andean culture, highland scenery, and Machu Picchu magic.
Airport transfer to your hotel (Cusco only)
Transfer from the airport to your hotel (Cusco only)
Tourist transport Cusco – Calca – Lares.
Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (subject to availability)
Transportation Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
Roundtrip bus tickets to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Transfer to the hotel.
Entrance to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Professional tourist guides (English / Spanish). 02 guides for groups over 9 people.
Camping equipment: tents, inflatable mattresses, dining tent, kitchen; tables, chairs, tablecloths.
First-aid kit and oxygen.
Horsemen and porters (support team) also mules to transport food, camping equipment and personal luggage of passengers.
Luggage 6 kilos per person.
Meals 03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, 03 dinners.
One night accommodation in Aguas Caliemntes.
brakfast on the firsth day
Lunch on the fourth day in Aguas Calientes
Entrance to huayna Picchu Mountain $60.00.
Entrance to Machu Picchu mountain $60.00.
Sleeping bag(can be rented in our office for US$ 20 for the entire trek)
walking sticks
Tips
Extra Drinks
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
Small towel
Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Cash in soles and/or US$
Original passport
Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
Optional: walking sticks or poles
