Lares & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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15187
Local and Direct Operator All your money directly supports families and communities in Cusco.
Expert and Safe Guides Passionate, bilingual, and certified in Wilderness First Aid.
Small Groups We guarantee an intimate, personalized experience away from the crowds.
Flexible and Secure Booking 24/7 assistance from our team, easy payment options, and clear policies.
4 days
Mar - Dic
Min Age : 12+
Max People : 18
DescriptionItineraryDetailsFAQsPhotosVideo

Description

  • 🥾 Activities: Medicinal volcanic hot springs of Lares, high-mountain trek across Ipsaycocha Pass (4,430 m), authentic Quechua textile community immersion, Short Inca Trail hike (Km 104 & Wiñay Wayna) and guided tour of Machu Picchu (All Included).
  • 🏨 Accommodation: 2 Nights in Comfortable high-mountain camping tents at authentic Andean camps (Wacawasi & Yanahuara) + 1 Night in 3★ Hotel in Aguas Calientes (private bathroom, 24/7 hot water & Wi-Fi).
  • 🎒 Included Services: Official Short Inca Trail permit (SERNANP), Machu Picchu entrance ticket, certified bilingual guide, horsemen & pack horses (up to 7 kg duffel bag), camping gear, Lares hot springs entrance, round-trip trains & Consettur buses.
  • 🛡️ Guarantee & Safety: Cultural & alpine wilderness trek | WAFA / Wilderness First Aid certified guides | Emergency medical oxygen & backup horse | Official direct GERCETUR Cusco operator | ⭐ 4.9 / 5.0 (46 Reviews).

The 4-Day / 3-Night Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is the ultimate blend of living Andean culture, natural hot springs, and breathtaking mountain trekking. Unlike standard trails, this route takes you through remote Quechua-speaking villages where locals still wear traditional attire and practice ancient alpaca weaving arts. The expedition finishes with an exclusive connection to the Short Inca Trail from Km 104, entering Machu Picchu on foot through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

💡 Traveler Tip: If you wish to compare this cultural immersion with an adrenaline-packed multi-sport adventure in the jungle, check out our Inka Jungle Tour 4 Days.

FEATURE LARES TREK 4 DAYS CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4D SALKANTAY TREK 4D
Maximum Altitude 4,430 m / 14,534 ft (Ipsaycocha Pass) 4,215 m / 13,828 ft (Dead Woman’s Pass) 4,630 m / 15,190 ft (Salkantay Pass)
Main Highlights Living Quechua culture, Lares hot springs + Km 104 Historic stone steps and exclusive Inca ruins Alpine glaciers, Humantay lake & jungle valleys
Accommodation 2 Nights in Tents + 1 Night in 3★ Hotel 3 Nights in Tents (SERNANP campsites) 2 Nights in Tents + 1 Night in 3★ Hotel
Trail Crowds Peaceful & authentic route with zero crowds Strict daily permits (500 permits/day) Steady flow of international travelers

Itinerary

Cusco - Lares Hot Springs - Wacawasi

🥾 Hiking Distance: 8 km (5.0 miles)
⏱️ Estimated Time: 4 hours active trekking
⛰️ Highest Altitude: 3,750 m (12,303 ft) (Wacawasi Campsite)
🍽️ Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner

We depart early from Cusco (3,350 m / 10,990 ft) in private transport through the Sacred Valley toward the Andean village of Lares (3,100 m / 10,170 ft). Upon arrival, we enjoy a relaxing soak in the famous medicinal volcanic hot springs of Lares (36 °C – 44 °C). After lunch, we begin a gradual uphill trek through the scenic valley to the native Quechua community of Wacawasi (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), where we will meet local weaving families and camp for the night.

Wacawasi - Ipsaycocha Pass - Yanahuara

🥾 Hiking Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
⏱️ Estimated Time: 7 to 8 hours trekking
⛰️ Starting Altitude: 3,750 m (12,303 ft) | Highest Altitude: 4,430 m (14,534 ft) (Ipsaycocha Pass)
🍽️ Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the morning we visit traditional weaving workshops in Wacawasi to witness ancestral alpaca textile artistry. We then tackle the trail’s main challenge, climbing to the Ipsaycocha Pass or Condor Pass (4,430 m / 14,534 ft), featuring breathtaking vistas of Mount Veronica (5,750 m / 18,864 ft). We descend to the glacial Ipsaycocha Lake for lunch, continuing down into the fertile Yanahuara Valley (2,850 m / 9,350 ft) to set up camp.

Yanahuara - Ollantaytambo - Km 104 - Wiñay Wayna - Aguas Calientes

🥾 Hiking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
⏱️ Estimated Time: 6 to 7 hours trekking
⛰️ Starting Altitude: 2,850 m (9,350 ft) | Highest Altitude: 2,720 m (8,924 ft) (Inti Punku / Sun Gate)
🍽️ Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, a short drive brings us to Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Km 104 (start of the Short Inca Trail). We explore the archaeological site of Chachabamba and climb the stone Inca trail to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,692 ft). We continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu citadel, before taking the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,692 ft) to stay in a comfortable 3★ hotel.

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

🏛️ Main Activity: Official Guided Tour in Machu Picchu Citadel (2 to 2.5 hours)
⛰️ Citadel Altitude: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
🚆 Return Journey: Scenic tourist train to Ollantaytambo + Private transfer to Cusco
🍽️ Included Meals: Buffet breakfast at hotel

Early in the morning we take the shuttle bus up to the Machu Picchu Citadel (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) to witness the sunrise over the ruins. Our guide leads an in-depth 2 to 2.5 hour tour across temples, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial plazas. In the afternoon we take the train back to Ollantaytambo, connecting with our private transport back to Cusco (approx. 7:30 p.m. arrival).

Tour Details

Below are the details and characteristics of the 4-day Lares & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:

Start & Return

Cusco

Start Time

To coordinate

Included

  • Hotel pick-up in Cusco
  • Round-trip transport (tourist transport from Cusco and final transfer back)
  • Full board meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English)
  • Accommodation for 3 nights (2 nights in equipped campsites and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes)
  • Train tickets Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (return service)
  • Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
  • Official entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank
  • Entrance ticket to the Lares Thermal Baths
  • Horsemen and pack horses for group equipment and up to 7 kg of personal luggage

Not Included

  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag
  • First-day breakfast and last-day lunch
  • Additional entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
  • Personal expenses, extra drinks, and tips

Recommendations

  • Warm clothing, thermal jacket, and windbreaker for cold nights
  • Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip and waterproof rain poncho
  • Sun hat, high-protection sunscreen, and sunglasses with UV filter
  • Reusable water bottle or canteen
  • Portable power bank, headlamp, and charger adapters
  • Extra cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) for local expenses and tips
  • Original identification documents (valid Passport or ID)
  • Personal medication and basic toiletries

Frequently Asked Questions

⛰️ What is the maximum altitude on the Lares Trek and how to prevent altitude sickness?

The maximum altitude on the Lares Trek is 4,430 m (14,534 ft) at Ipsaycocha Pass on Day 2. To prevent altitude sickness, we recommend spending at least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco, drinking plenty of water, and having coca tea.

🥾 How difficult is the trek compared to the Classic Inca Trail?

The Lares Trek is moderately challenging with gentler alpine trails and none of the steep stone staircases found on the Classic Inca Trail. It provides an authentic, uncrowded cultural experience across high-mountain valleys and lakes.

♨️ When are the medicinal thermal baths of Lares visited?

The medicinal thermal baths of Lares are visited on the morning of Day 1 as the first relaxing activity before starting the trek. The volcanic thermo-mineral pools range between 36 °C and 44 °C (97 °F – 111 °F).

🎒 How is luggage transported during the trek?

Local horsemen and pack horses carry all collective camping equipment and your duffel bag up to 7 kg throughout the mountain route. You only carry a light daypack with water, layers, and personal essentials.

🚆 How is the return journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco arranged?

The return journey is operated by scenic tourist train (Expedition or Voyager) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by private road transfer to Cusco. Arrival in Cusco is around 7:30 p.m. on Day 4.

Tour Photos

  • Caminata por el valle de Lares
  • Lares Tour
  • Trekking Lares Tour
  • Trekking tour Lares y Machu Picchu
  • Tour de alpacas en Lares
  • Tour Lares y Machu Picchu Trekking
  • Trekking Lares & Machu Picchu
  • Valle de Lares Tour
  • Trekking Tour Lares & Machu Picchu

Tour Video

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