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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 4D/3N

Lares Trek to Machu PicchuThis remote and rarely visited region offers the trekker an insider´s view into traditional Andean life – a timeless world where farmers plant their crops on the lands their ancestors tended and watch over herds of llama and alpaca beneath the sacred snow-covered peaks they worshipped as gods.

The Lares Hike to Machu Picchu is one of the Inca trails from the time of the Inca Empire. Today, the trail is still in use by farmers, who are Inca descendants.

The Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 days connects the communities of Cancha Cancha, Quisuarani, Cuncani and Lares with life in the Sacred Valley. On the third day, we’ll take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, having a full day to explore the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and climb Huayna Picchu mountain the last day.

We offer this alternative Lares trek route to the classic Lares hike to Machu Picchu. We visit the hot springs on day 3 instead of day 1, a much deserved reward for completing the hiking portion of the Lares route.

Additionally our standard package includes a very nice bed and breakfast in Aguas Calientes as well as your private Machu Picchu tour.


ITINERARY

Pre-trek briefing (required): We provide a full pre-trek briefing at our office or at your hotel in Cusco. This gives you the chance to ask questions about the trek itinerary. Briefings are scheduled for the day before your trek starts.

Please take this into consideration when booking your travel plans to Cusco, to ensure you arrive in time for the briefing.

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Fondo Huaran – Cancha Cancha – Acopata

We will pick you up from your hotel to take you to Huaran (3,000 m/9,840 ft) in the Sacred Valley; it is 1.5 hours by private bus. We will pack the horses and start to walk northward.

The trail climbs gently following the Cancha Cancha river towards the community of the same name.

Along the river we will see cultivated fields and pass through old Polylepis forests. This type of vegetation is very interesting for a wide assortment of bird life, and the valley itself is very impressive. We will have lunch half way through the hike.

We will pass by the village of Cancha Cancha (3,956 m/12,976 ft). on the way to our camp. After a total hike today of around 6 hours we will reach our campsite for the night at Acopata.

  • Meals: Lunch/Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping
  • Maximum altitude.: 3,956 m/12,976 ft
  • Minimum Altitude: 3,000 m/9,840 ft
  • Distance to walk: 12 km
  • Approximate walking time: 6 hours

Day 2: Acopata – Pachacutec Pass – Quishuarani

After an early breakfast we will continue up hill. After 2 ½ hours we will reach the highest point of the trek: Pachacutec Pass is at 4,780 m/15,678 ft.

The view from here is overwhelming. The Pitusiray and Sahuasiray snowcapped mountains will be right in front of us.

Now we will hike downhill for 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot, next to a captivating lake.

After lunch we will descend for another 1 ½ hours into the valley. We will pass by several glacial lakes along the way. Also we can see herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep.

It is also possible to see Gray Brocket Deer, Viscachas, Andean Geese, the rare Giant Coot, Puna Hawks and the impressive Andean Condor. Tonight we camp at 3,870 m/12,694 ft close to Quishuarani village, which has typical stone houses

  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping
  • Maximum altitude.: 4,780 m/15,678 ft
  • Minimum Altitude: 3,870 m/12,694 ft
  • Distance to walk: 12 km/ 7.5 miles
  • Approximate walking time: 7 hours

Day 3: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares Hot Spring – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today we follow another valley and climb up to the second pass at Willcaccasa mountain (4,458 m/14,622 ft) , for 2 to 3 hours. Again the view of the Andes, turquoise lakes and its beautiful valleys are impressive.

After the pass we walk downhill for 1 ½ to 2 hours, passing many gourgeous lakes. This takes us to Cuncani village (3,900 m/12,792 ft).

We then continue downhill for 2 to 3 hours towards the Lares Valley and its hot springs, where we can have a well deserved soak. This is also our lunch spot.

Now that we are fully relaxed, we will get in our private van, which will be waiting for us, for the 3 hour drive to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft).

We will have dinner in Ollantaytambo. After dinner, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival you will check in to your room at the bed and breakfast.

  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Accommodations: Hotel
  • Maximum altitude: 4,458 m/14,622 ft
  • Minimum Altitude: 2,792 m/9,158 ft
  • Distance to walk: 13 km
  • Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours

DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

You will have breakfast at your hotel before we take the bus along the winding road to Machu Picchu, the Inca city that was lost to the jungle but rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop the citadel is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba River.

Once there you will be given at 2 hour walking tour of the site.

After you have concluded your Machu Picchu guided tour with our expert tour guide, you will have some time to be at Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to either Ollantaytambo or to Poroy.

From the train station you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket.

  •  Meals: Breakfast
  • Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
  • Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft

INCLUDED

  • Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
  • Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your Lares hike to Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance ticket to Lares hot springs
  • Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Huaran
  • Four-person tent for every 2 people
  • Mattress
  • Pillow
  • Kitchen tent
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • Toilet tent.
  • Chef
  • Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
  • Horse to transport 8 kg of your personal gear
  • Duffle bag for your personal gear
  • Emergency horse in case we need it
  • Three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners
  • Hot water for washing
  • Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
  • Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
  • Expedition train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
  • Return Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or to Poroy
  • One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Private tour of Machu Picchu
  • Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

NOT included

  • Sleeping bag – you can rent one from us
  • Trekking poles – you can rent from us
  • Huayna Picchu mountain ticket (this is an extra USD $75 per person and this hike will be done without the guide)
  • Day 4 Lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • Tips for the crew (guide, chef, wranglers)
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)

What to bring for the Lares Trek:

    • Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
    • Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
    • Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, tops, a few T-shirts, socks, sun hat, thermal underwear, light long pants, gloves, poncho, rain jacket)
    • Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
    • Sun block, factor 35+ recommended
    • Head lamp, batteries*
    • Sunglasses and sun hat
    • Camera with spare batteries*
    • Binoculars
    • Book to read (you will have some time at every camp to read your favorite book)
    • Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
    • Bug repellent

NOTE: *batteries run down faster at high altitudes


PRICES & ADD-ONS

Group: USD $690 per person
Private: USD $750 per person

Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?

  • Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
  • If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
  • Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Action Peru Treks is able to join that person with additional groups.

Discounts

  • Under 18 years Discount: USD $20
  • Under 7 years Discount: USD $35

Rentals

  • Hiking Poles – USD $25 (pair)
  • Sleeping Bag – USD $30 per person
  • Private Tent – USD $40 per person

Upgrades

  • Return Vistadome Train – USD $60 per person
  • Return Hiram Bingham Train– USD $420 per person
  • Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $255 per person per night (double occupancy)
  • Inkaterra El Pueblo Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $250 per person per night (double occupancy)
  • El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra (4-star hotel) – USD $115 per person per night (double occupancy)
  • Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $50 per person per night (double occupancy)
  • Private Tent – USD $40 tent.

Lares Hike 2024 FAQs.

What is the Lares hike to Machu Picchu?

This trek traverses highland communities, renowned for their handwoven textiles, in the Lares Valley.

This trek is off the beaten path and the interaction with local villages and their vibrant cultures is superb. You will see abundant llamas and alpacas.

The Lares trek is also referred to as the Weaver´s Trek. This is because you pass through many villages where the best textiles in the area are made. You will see the women weaving and get some tips!

You also get to visit the magnificent Lares hot springs. It ends at the town of Ollantaytambo, and from there the train trip to Machu Picchu is only 1 ½ hours.

How far in advance should I reserve my permit for the Lares hike?

Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, where there is a limit of 500 hikers per day and so permits can be sold out up to six months in advance, there are no limits for the Lares trek.

This makes it an excellent alternative if you’d been hoping to hike the Inca Trail but have found that there isn’t any space. 

The only restriction you’ll face is on the availability of entry tickets to Machu Picchu, so it’s still worth booking at least a few weeks in advance, particularly if you’re travelling between May and September.

Is a permit required to hike the Lares hike to Machu Picchu?

No permits are currently required to hike the Lares trek. However, you will need a ticket to enter Machu Picchu at the end of the trek.

Also, if you plan on hiking any of the three mountain trails within Machu Picchu, you will also need to buy these tickets in advance too.

Again, be mindful, that tickets for Huayna Picchu sell out months in advance (not included in this package), as there is a limit of just 200 people per day. So, you may need to be a little more organized than usual if you plan to hike this trek. 

Does the Lares hike include your Machu Picchu entrance ticket?

Yep, the cost of entry is included in the trip price and it’s the responsibility of Action Peru Treks to take care of all that and provide you with the ticket on the day you’re entering the site.

Is there a waiting list for sold out Machu Picchu permits?

No, there is no waiting list for permits. Permits are only available for purchase through the Peruvian government.

Once a permit is purchased for one person, the permit cannot be refundable or transferred to another individual.

Is it possible to enter Machu Picchu with a different name?

No, you need to carry your valid passport to enter the city.

What is the terrain like? And how difficult is the Lares hike?

The difficulty of the Lares trek is “Challenging”.

The Lares hike is around 37 km (23 miles) long. For travelers interested, you must be physically capable for a trek like this.

Altitude effects aside, it is multiple days of 7+ hours of hiking through rough terrain and often up or down hill. But anyone who exercises regularly will manage just fine! It is exhausting but it’s certainly not unbearable.

All guides carry oxygen canisters, so if you start to feel altitude sickness you can rest and get some much-needed O2. If you’re an avid hiker or used to the altitude you won’t have a problem.

For everyone else, make sure you feel confident in your hiking abilities and you’ll do amazing.

Which campsites do you use along the Lares hike?

Campsites may change depending on booking time and availability, weather conditions or on restrictions undertaken for safety reasons by our trekking team.

We generally camp in less trafficked areas so that trekkers can enjoy the natural beauty of the trek and minimize environmental impacts.

Our regular campsite is Acopata and Quishuarani.

What do I need to carry on the Lares trek?

We recommend that travelers carry the items that they will need each day while hiking such as water, snacks, camera and film.

Our horses will carry 8 kg of each of your personal gear including the camping equipment during the trek. We will give you a duffel bag for those belongings at the time of your pre trek briefing.

We generally ask trekkers to bring only the necessary items that they will need for the trail and leave any unneeded luggage at the hotel in Cusco or at our office.

Where do I store my luggage during the Lares Trek?

Your Cusco hotel will store your luggage for free while you will be on the trek. We can also store your extra luggage at our office in Cusco.

How big are the groups?

Our groups are usually small. Average is 3 to 5 people and maximum 16 people plus the trekking team.

When Is the Best Time to Hike the Lares trek?

The end of the rainy season (April) and the beginning of the dry season (May) are generally considered the best times to hike the Lares trek. The surrounding landscape is still green and lush from months of downpour and the chances of being caught out in the rain are significantly lower.

Is the Lares hike to Machu Picchu always open?

It’s possible to trek the Lares hike all year round, but for the best conditions (and to get those iconic views at Machu Picchu on the final day), try to avoid the rainy season, which is between November and March.

Are there toilets and showers at the campsites?

We provide you with a pop-up tent and eco-friendly portable toilet at each camp and lunch spot that is clean and sanitary.

Shower is not available during the hike portion and your first opportunity to take a hot shower would be at the host springs on day 3 and at the hotel once you arrive in Aguas Calientes in the evening of the day 3.

Altitude and acclimatization

We recommend travelers spend a few days in Cusco before doing the trek to help adjust to the high altitude.

It’s better to acclimatize in Cusco, not the Sacred Valley, because the higher elevation of the city at 11,120 ft (3,400 m) is more akin to those at the start of the Lares trek.

Altitude sickness is caused by a rapid change in elevation without the necessary time for acclimatization.

Mild symptoms are common and include lingering headache, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Every person responds differently to the change in altitude and unfortunately there is no way to prevent it or predict how seriously it may affect you.

What is the food like on the Lares hike?

A cook accompanies each group on the trek and prepares breakfast, three course lunches and dinners.

The meals are quite exquisite considering that all of the ingredients and cooking supplies are carried from Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Each trekker is also provided with snacks to take with them on the trek.

Vegetarian and vegan meals are also available upon request.

Other special dietary requests can usually be accommodated as well with sufficient notice.

Is drinking water supplied?

Yes, our trekking team will provide drinking water every morning and at each meal (except for the first day until the lunch spot).

Each evening, water is collected from nearby streams, boiled, and left to cool overnight.

A reusable water bottle or hydration pack works well for this. We recommend that travelers bring their own refillable bottles to limit plastic waste along the trek.

What equipment is supplied by us along the trek?

We supply the sleeping tents (4 person tents for two travelers), dining tents, tables, chairs, toilet tents, cooking equipment, water purifiers, sleeping pads, and other camping equipment.

Our outfitter purchases the highest quality equipment in Peru and older equipment is evaluated and replaced on a regular basis.

What are the guides like?

Our team are among the very best and most experienced guides anywhere.

They are from the surrounding Cusco and the Sacred Valley areas and speak fluent English, in addition to Spanish and the Inca indigenous language of Quechua. Most have 8-10 years of experience leading hikes to Machu Picchu and all have training in the history, spirituality, culture, and ecology of the area.

How can I prepare for the Lares hike?

The more training you do beforehand, the more you will enjoy your trek.

We recommend 30 minutes of cardio activities 3-4 times a week in the 2-3 months leading up to your departure.

Take every opportunity to walk up and down stairs or hills for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness.

Are there any ATMs?

There are no ATMs along the trek. You should bring enough money with you from Cusco for tipping and lunch in Aguas Calientes.

There are also some ATMs in Aguas Calientes if you need to withdraw additional cash.

What if I have a medical emergency while hiking the Lares hike?

Guides carry a first aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts/scrapes, etc.).

They receive Red Cross First Aid and other emergency training every year.

Our guides lead over 1000 travelers along the trek each year and we have rarely had a traveler unable to complete the hike. In these rare instances when someone has not felt well enough to finish the hike, the client has been escorted back to Cusco or the Sacred Valley and generally felt well enough to re-join the group in Ollantaytambo before taking the train down to Aguas Calientes on day three of the trek.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley have the nearest modern medical facilities so travelers with a serious medical emergency would need to be evacuated there.

Guides and porters have pre-established evacuation strategies in place should this need occur.

Is there internet access on the Lares hike?

Nope, and this is one of the best things about it.

Instead, you and your group will spend evening conversing over metal cups of hot tea or coffee, playing card games, or lazing in nature together.

Your last chance to use the internet or have a reliable phone signal will be in Huaran (the nearest town to the start of the hike), and your first opportunity will be at Ollantaytambo before taking the train down to Aguas Calientes town.

How much money should you bring on the Lares hike?

The vast majority of costs will be covered in the up-front price of your trip, but there are a few costs along the way for which you’ll need to bring cash:

  • Snacks and drinks from stallholders
  • Toilet entry fees (usually 2 soles at Machu Picchu)
  • Tips for porters and guides
  • Lunch on day 4 at Aguas Calientes.

It’s sensible to take this money in the form of smaller notes and coins.

We’d say at least 350 soles per person for the trek-specific section.

Will I get altitude sickness on the Lares trek?

Many of the most popular places in Peru, such as Cusco and Huaraz, are at high altitude; this means that for anyone planning a trip to Peru understanding altitude sickness (and how to avoid it) is incredibly important.

In fact, not approaching altitude correctly is one of the biggest mistakes of travelers in South America.

The best way to minimize the likelihood and impact of altitude sickness is factoring in enough time into your Peru itinerary to acclimatize to the conditions.

This means that it is incredibly foolish to arrive in Cusco, which is at 3,399m (11,152 feet) above sea-level, and leave the next day to do a strenuous hike or even start the Lares trek. Your body needs the time to adjust to the altitude!

A good rule of thumb is to give yourself and your body two easy days at altitude to acclimatize to the change, and to keep yourself well hydrated throughout.

How high is the Lares trek?

At its highest point, the Lares hike ascends to 4,780 meters (15,682 ft.) which is high enough for most people to be affected by altitude sickness and/or a lack of energy due to the lower oxygen levels. So with that in mind, the worst thing you can do is to fly straight into Cusco and start hiking the same day.

What about medication?

Obviously, medical attention and facilities along the trek are pretty much non-existent so you need to bring any of your own required medication with you and keep it on your own person or in the daypack.

What climates can I expect on the Lares hike?

Variance in latitude, elevation and local winds all factor into the wide range of climates experienced in the central Sierra Mountain region.

Average temperatures in the Sierra vary little between seasons, but there is dramatic daily variance. 

While the average daily temperature may only vary a few degrees Celsius between January and July, the diurnal (daily) temperature range is often huge.

You can expect daytime temperatures in the highlands to be in the range of 10-25°C (50-77 °F), falling as low as -10 °C (14°F) at night especially at the first camp site.

Lares trek vs Salkantay trek

The Lares trek is equivalent in difficulty to the 5 day Salkantay trek. It is sometimes called the Weaver’s trek because you will see so many textiles and Lares is an area known for weaving.

It is fairly remote (especially when compared to the Salkantay trek and Inca Trail). One advantage for it is that it is designed to be done in 4 days (while Salkantay is designed to be 5 days).

This would allow you to shave a day off of your itinerary that you could add for acclimatization or anything else of your choice.

How much time can I spend at the Machu Picchu sanctuary?

There are three time slots in which patrons can enter Machu Picchu for a maximum of four hours and must follow one of three predetermined routes.

Admission is not allowed after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must always be accompanied by a guide.

The early morning is one of the best times to savor the views and atmosphere of Machu Picchu.

The mystical morning light over the enigmatic site is spectacular. Try and catch the sunrise at the sanctuary, you won’t regret the early wakeup call!

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:
Group: $690
Private: $750
DURATION:
4 Days / 3 Nights

AVAILABLE ADD-ONS

  • Hiking Poles – USD $25 (pair)
  • Sleeping Bag – USD $30 per person
  • Huayna Picchu Permit – USD $75 per person
  • Return Vistadome Train – USD $60 per person
  • Return Hiram Bingham Train– USD $420 per person
  • Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $255 per person per night (double occupancy)
  • Inkaterra El Pueblo Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $250 per person per night (double occupancy)
  • El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra (4-star hotel) – USD $115 per person per night (double occupancy)
  • Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $50 per person per night (double occupancy)
  • Private Tent – USD $40 per person

OVERVIEW

  • Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Fondo Huaran – Cancha Cancha – Acopata
  • Day 2: Acopata – Pachacutec Pass – Quishuarani
  • Day 3: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares – Aguas Calientes
  • Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
  • Beginning altitude: 3,000 m / 9,840 ft
  • Maximum altitude:4,780 m / 15,682 ft
  • Hike Total Distance: 37 km / 23miles
  • Overall trek difficulty: Challenging

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