Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

4.9 (104 reviews) Cusco, Peru
Duration4 days
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Embark on a breathtaking 4-day adventure through the Lares Valley, one of the most authentic and less-traveled routes to Machu Picchu. This trek combines stunning Andean landscapes, turquoise lagoons, and towering snow-capped peaks with genuine cultural encounters in remote mountain villages. Walk alongside llamas and alpacas, meet local Quechua families, and experience traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries. Perfect for travelers seeking a blend of adventure, nature, and culture, the Lares Trek offers a unique journey that ends with the unforgettable wonder of Machu Picchu.

What's included

  • Horsemen and mules to carry general equipment and up to 7 kg of your personal belongings
  • Tourist Transport
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • First aid kit with emergency oxygen tank
  • Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Breakfast
  • Ticket Train (Round-trip)
  • Professional cook and full kitchen equipment
  • Guided in Machu Picchu
  • Sleeping bag
  • Inflatable mattress
  • Professional trekking poles
  • Personal tent
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain hike
  • Upgrade to Vistadome train (return only)

What to expect

Day 1: Cusco – Huarán – Cancha Cancha
  1. Cusco
    3h
    Begin your connection with the Andes from the very first step

    We depart from Cusco early in the morning (5:00 a.m.) and head to the peaceful village of Huaran, where we enjoy a hearty breakfast and meet our muleteers and horses, who will accompany us throughout the trek. With boots laced and backpacks ready, we begin a gradual 3-hour hike to Cancha Cancha (3,900 m), one of the most authentic and remote communities in the region.

    Along the way, we stop by the riverside to savor a delicious lunch prepared by our trekking chef. Upon arrival in Cancha Cancha, we settle into our campsite and spend a meaningful afternoon with a local family, learning about their customs, weaving traditions, and daily life.

    As night falls and the sky fills with stars, our guide will share the stories behind the Inca constellations, which are still used today to guide agricultural cycles like planting and harvesting.
Day 2: Cancha Cancha - Pachacutec pass - Quiswarani
  1. 7h
    Push your limits among glaciers, lagoons, and breathtaking mountain scenery

    Wake up with a warm cup of Andean tea or coffee as the first sunlight illuminates the surrounding peaks. Today, we take on the most challenging — yet most awe-inspiring — stretch of the trek: a 7-hour hike to the majestic Pachacutec Pass (4,500 m / 14,763 ft), offering spectacular views of turquoise lagoons, sparkling glaciers, and herds of alpacas that look like they’ve come straight out of a postcard.

    As we begin our descent, we follow remote trails where locals still proudly wear their traditional clothing and speak Quechua, the language of the Incas. Our guide, acting as a cultural interpreter, will help you connect more deeply with this living heritage that remains faithful to its ancestral roots.

    We end the day at the tranquil community of Quiswarani (3,700 m / 12,139 ft), where our campsite and a well-deserved night of rest await.
Day 3: Quiswarani - Hot Springs - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes
  1. Lares Hot Springs
    7h · Admission ticket included
    Relax, savor, and explore the heart of the Sacred Valley

    After breakfast, we say farewell to our camping team and board our private transportation to the soothing hot springs of Lares, where we’ll spend around two hours relaxing body and mind in natural pools with breathtaking views of the Andes.

    We then continue to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, arriving in Urubamba to enjoy a delicious Andean buffet lunch, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional regional dishes.

    In the afternoon, we visit the impressive salt mines of Maras, a surreal landscape of more than 3,000 pre-Inca salt pools still harvested using traditional methods.

    Our final stop is the historic Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have free time to explore its charming cobblestone streets and living history. We’ll then gather for a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Machu Picchu
  1. Machu Picchu
    7h
    Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
    Discover Machu Picchu at sunrise: the highlight of this Andean adventure.

    Witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu — a moment you’ll never forget

    Early in the morning, we take one of the first buses up to the citadel of Machu Picchu, aiming to witness the sunrise over the sacred mountains — a truly unforgettable experience.

    Accompanied by our expert guide, we spend about two hours exploring the site, discovering the agricultural, residential, and religious sectors of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the way, you’ll learn about its fascinating history, spiritual significance, and ingenious architecture.

    After the guided tour, we return to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch, shop for souvenirs, or visit the local museum or hot springs. In the afternoon, we board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to Cusco.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Our staff will assist you at your hotel. They will be easy to recognize as they will be wearing the company uniform. If you have any questions or concerns, you can write to us by email or WhatsApp.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

4.9 (104)
From
$750.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Cusco
From
$750.00 per person
Check availability