Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 4 Days/3 Nights
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Description
Embark on the exciting 4-day, 3-night Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This unique experience takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, traditional communities, and natural hot springs while exploring the authentic rural life of Peru. End the trek with an unforgettable visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, accompanied by an expert guide. It’s the perfect option for those seeking a cultural hike, less crowded than the classic Inca Trail.
We leave the city of Cusco very early at 5:00 a.m. We will pick you up from your hotel and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, arriving at the Lares hot springs. Here, we will have some free time to relax and enjoy a rejuvenating bath. After lunch, we will begin our trek, hiking for approximately 4 hours until we reach Huaca Wasi, our first campsite.
After breakfast, we will continue walking through the valley until we reach the Condorpasa Pass at 4,100 meters above sea level. From here, we will enjoy an incredible view of Mount Veronica (5,750 meters). We then continue on to Ipsaycocha, where we will stop for lunch.
Finally, we will arrive at the community of Patacancha, where local people produce fine weavings. You will have the opportunity to observe their impressive skills and techniques in creating ponchos and traditional garments. This is where we will set up our campsite for the night.
After breakfast, we will descend through the valley until we reach the Wylloc community, where we will have lunch. From there, we will walk for approximately one hour to reach the Pumamarka community, where we will see Inca terraces. We then continue to Ollantaytambo, located in a fertile valley surrounded by towering mountains.
Here, we will enjoy a beautiful view of the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex before heading to the train station, where we will board a train to the town of Aguas Calientes. We will spend the night there.
We will wake up very early for breakfast and then take the bus up to the Machu Picchu sanctuary (about 20 minutes) to witness the magnificent sunrise over the Inca city. We will have a guided tour lasting about 2.5 hours with the same professional guide who accompanied us throughout the trek.
After the tour, you will have free time to take photos, hike to Huayna Picchu or the stunning Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to the city of Cusco, where you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Transportation by bus from Cusco – Calca – Lares
- Professional guide
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Meals: 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners
- Mules and muleteers (to carry camping equipment and food)
- Camping equipment (sleeping tent, dining tent, sleeping mats, tables, chairs)
- Round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo)
- 1 night in a basic hostel in Aguas Calientes
- First breakfast
- Last lunch
- Bus up and down to/from Machu Picchu
- Sleeping bag
- Hot springs entrance
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu
NOTE:
Entrance to Huayna Picchu must be confirmed at the time of booking and is subject to availability (maximum 400 spots per day).
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING:
- Rain gear
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hiking shoes
- Swimsuit, towel, and sandals
- Personal medications
- Plastic rain poncho
- Water bottle
- Original passport
- Student ID (ISIC), if applicable
- Extra cash in soles and U.S. dollars
- Trekking poles
The tour includes transportation by bus from Cusco to Lares, a professional guide, entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, all meals during the trek (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners), mules and muleteers to carry equipment, camping equipment, round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo), and one night in a basic hostel in Aguas Calientes.
No, the entrance to Huayna Picchu is not included in the tour. It must be confirmed at the time of booking and is subject to availability, with a maximum of 400 spots per day.
It is recommended to bring rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking shoes, swimsuit, towel, sandals, personal medications, a plastic rain poncho, water bottle, original passport, student ID (if applicable), extra cash in soles and dollars, and trekking poles.
