Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 4-Day Adventure
Location
Cusco – Lares – Machu Picchu, Peru
Trip Style
4 Days and 3 Nights Trekking
Daily Departure
Yes
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, a journey that takes you off the beaten path into the heart of the Andean mountains. Immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, discover remote Andean villages, and witness an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including majestic condors, playful llamas, elusive pumas, and charming chinchillas. This trek blends adventure, culture, and history, culminating in a visit to the awe-inspiring Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins early, as we pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 AM and journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas towards the town of Calca. From there, we ascend to an altitude of 4,600 MASL, reaching a breathtaking viewpoint before descending into Lares town, where you’ll have the chance to soak in the therapeutic hot springs (optional).
We then embark on our first hike, traversing a scenic valley adorned with cascading waterfalls and vibrant flora, leading us to Huacahuasi (3,600 MASL), a remote Andean village where we will set up camp for the night.
Highlights: Thermal baths, stunning mountain views, authentic Andean culture.
After an energizing breakfast, we set off on a challenging yet rewarding trek through one of the most remote and untouched regions of the Andes. Along the way, we will witness snow-capped peaks, deep canyons, and serene turquoise lagoons. Keep an eye out for Andean condors soaring above, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot pumas, foxes, deer, and wild chinchillas.
Our journey will lead us to a picturesque spot where we will enjoy lunch before continuing towards Quelcanca, our next campsite, where we will rest under a canopy of stars in the Andean sky.
Highlights: Breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, Andean culture, and high-altitude adventure.
The trek continues as we descend into a lush valley filled with Inca agricultural terraces. Arriving at Pumamarca, an ancient Inca fortress, we take time to explore this impressive archaeological site, once a vital shelter and farming center for the Incas.
After the hike, a vehicle will take us to Ollantaytambo, where we will enjoy lunch before boarding a scenic train journey through the Vilcabamba mountain range, arriving at Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) in the evening.
Highlights: Inca ruins, stunning valley views, train ride to Machu Picchu town.
Rise early to make the most of your visit to the legendary Machu Picchu. At 6:00 AM, we take the bus along the Hiram Bingham road, reaching the entrance of this Wonder of the World. A professional guide will lead you through the citadel, unveiling the mysteries of its temples, palaces, agricultural terraces, ceremonial platforms, and hidden passageways.
After soaking in the magic of Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes to catch your train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
Highlights: Machu Picchu, guided exploration, unforgettable final views of the Inca Empire.
Include
- Hotel pick-up & transfer to Lares town
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- Round trip train ticket Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu town
- 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- Professional mountain guide
- Emergency communication equipment
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Hotel Hatun inti classic)
- Bus tickets (round-trip) to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Private transportation: Ollantaytambo – Cusco hotel
- 1-night hotel stay at Xima hotel or similar
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (rental available)
- Walking sticks (rental available)
- Extra meals & personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities
Suggestion
Packing List & Recommendations
Here’s our comprehensive and well-organized packing list to enhance your luxury 3-day Lares Trail experience:
Essential Documents
Original passport (mandatory for entry)
Copy of passport (stored separately)
Travel insurance details (recommended)
Credit/debit card & a small amount of emergency cash
Clothing & Footwear
Comfortable, well-worn hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
Lightweight camp shoes (for evenings at camp)
4 pairs of moisture-wicking hiking socks
2–3 pairs of quick-dry trekking pants
3–4 breathable, moisture-wicking shirts (long & short sleeve)
1–2 thermal base layers (for cold nights)
Insulated jacket (for early mornings and high altitudes)
Waterproof & windproof jacket or poncho
Gloves, hat, and buff/scarf for warmth and sun protection
Sunglasses with UV protection
Backpacks & Bags
Daypack (20-30L) for essentials (carried by you)
Duffle bag (provided by tour operator for porters)
Dry bags or Ziplocs for electronics & documents
Sleeping & Camping Gear
Sleeping bag (4-season, available for rent if needed)
Sleeping pad (luxury camping may include this)
Travel pillow for extra comfort
Personal Care & Toiletries
Biodegradable soap & shampoo
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Quick-dry towel
Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & lip balm with SPF
Insect repellent (DEET-based or natural alternative)
Small personal first aid kit (pain relievers, blister care, altitude sickness meds, etc.)
Hydration & Nutrition
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (2-3L capacity)
Electrolyte tablets or powder
Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit for extra fuel
Electronics & Accessories
- Camera or smartphone (with extra memory & power bank)
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Portable charger/power bank
- Earplugs & eye mask for restful sleep
Extras & Optional Items
- Trekking poles (recommended for stability)
- Lightweight book or journal
- Small padlock for bags
Frequently Asked Questions
The trek is moderately challenging, with high-altitude hiking and varied terrain. Proper acclimatization and a reasonable fitness level are recommended.
No special permit is required for the Lares Trek, but you will need an entrance ticket for Machu Picchu, which is included in the tour.
The highest point on the trek is approximately 4,600 MASL (15,091 ft), so acclimatization in Cusco before the trek is advised.
The trek includes two nights of camping in Andean villages and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
Essential items include warm layers, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a sleeping bag (available for rent).
