Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
4 Days
Cusco
Every day
Moderate
4,750 m.a.s.l.
General Description
¡Welcome to the incredible Inca Trail Lares Valley to Machu Picchu Tour! Embark on a unique adventure that will take you along the ancient Inca trails, exploring majestic landscapes and immersing you in the region’s rich culture. It’s an enriching experience that will allow you to discover the hidden treasures of the Lares Valley and reach the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu in an authentic and exciting way.
Throughout this journey, you will witness the unparalleled beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit indigenous communities steeped in history and tradition, and walk the same paths once trod by the ancient inhabitants of this magical land. From the rejuvenating hot springs of Lares to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu, prepare for a journey filled with discovery, adventure, and unforgettable moments as you follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas on the Inca Trail Lares Valley to Machu Picchu Tour. Let’s embark on an unforgettable experience together!
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO - HUACA CASI PASS - AGUAS TERMALES DE LARES - HUACAWASI
Our exciting tour begins early in the morning, at 5:00 am, when we depart from the historic city of Cusco in a comfortable bus, which will take us to the magical destination of Lares. During this journey, we will encounter various treasures in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, from fascinating archaeological sites to colorful artisan markets that will immerse us in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Our first stop is the province of Calca, located at an altitude of 2,940 meters (9,646 feet) above sea level. From here, we’ll head towards the Abra de Huaca Casi pass, an imposing elevation of 4,400 meters (14,436 feet) above sea level, where we can marvel at the panoramic views of the majestic landscapes that surround us. We’ll then descend to the relaxing Lares hot springs, located at 3,200 meters (10,499 feet) above sea level. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rejuvenating waters, whose temperatures range between 28 and 36 degrees Celsius (82 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit), providing us with a well-deserved rest and relaxation after our adventures.
After enjoying a delicious lunch, we will continue our journey to Huacawasi, located at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level. This picturesque village will be our temporary home, where we will set up camp and prepare for unforgettable experiences amidst nature. We will rest here.
DAY 2: HUACAWASI - ABRA DE IPSAY - PATACANCHA
The second day of our adventure is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and enriching moments of the trip. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we embark on an exciting four-hour hike that will take us through breathtaking landscapes and towering mountains until we reach the Ipsay Pass, located at an altitude of 4,400 meters (14,436 feet) above sea level.
On our journey to the Abra de Ipsay pass, we will have the unique opportunity to visit some local families who have developed impressive skills in agriculture and textile design. These communities, inspired by the beliefs and traditions of the Andean gods, will welcome us with open arms and allow us to delve into their way of life, sharing their wisdom with us.
After this enriching cultural experience, we will continue our journey to the charming village of Patacancha, located at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level. In this picturesque spot, we will establish our base camp, surrounded by the Andean mountains and the serenity of the natural environment.
DAY 3: PATACANCHA - WILLOQ - PUMAMARCA - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
The third day of our journey promises to be just as spectacular as the previous ones, filled with fascinating explorations and discoveries. We embark on an exciting excursion that will take us through diverse indigenous communities and villages, each with its own rich culture and natural beauty.
Our first stop will be the picturesque village of Willoq, located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,156 feet) above sea level. We will continue our journey to Pumamarca, situated at 3,200 meters (10,499 feet) above sea level, another charming spot where we can appreciate the traditional architecture and living history of the Andean people. From there, we will head to Ollantaytambo, a historical site considered the last stronghold of the Incas. Here, we will explore the impressive Inca ruins, marveling at the architectural skill of this ancient civilization and the beauty of its surroundings.
After our visit to Ollantaytambo, we’ll head to the mysterious town of Aguas Calientes, located at an altitude of 2,050 meters (6,726 feet) above sea level. To get there, we’ll take a train that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. In Aguas Calientes, we’ll spend the night in a hotel, where we can rest and recharge for the exciting adventures that await us at the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu the following day.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Early in the morning, our guide will be waiting for you at the hotel to accompany you to the bus station, where we will board the vehicle that will take us to the Archaeological Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The bus ride lasts approximately 25 minutes and is the conventional route to reach the Inca citadel.
Once at the historic sanctuary, we will begin our tour. We will explore the ancient ruins, Inca architecture, and engineering. The tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel lasts between 2 and 3 hours, allowing you to delve deeper into the richness of this unique place. It is important to note that visit time is currently limited, so we will make the most of every moment.
Concluido el recorrido, retornaremos en bus a Aguas Calientes, donde tendrán tiempo para almorzar y explorar el encantador pueblo, repleto de restaurantes y tiendas de artesanía. Posteriormente, abordaremos el tren de regreso a Ollantaytambo, donde nuestro transporte los conducirá de vuelta a su hotel en Cusco, marcando así el final de nuestro inolvidable trekking de 4 días desde Lares hasta Machu Picchu.
Includes
✅ Transfer from the hotel to the Lares Valley.
✅ Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
✅ Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
✅ Tourist train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (round trip).
✅ Entrance to the thermal baths in the Lares Valley.
✅ Entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary (circuit 1 or 2).
✅ Hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
✅ Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English).
✅ High-quality camping equipment (professional tents, sleeping mats, toilet tent, dining tent with table and chairs).
✅ Meals during the trip (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks; vegetarian option available).
✅ Cook and kitchen team.
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✅ First aid kit and oxygen tank.
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Does not include
❌ Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes.
❌ Sleeping bag (available for rent if you do not have one).
Recommendations
🧳 Bring trekking clothes, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
🥾 Hiking and water footwear.
💵 Extra money for additional expenses.
Reviews from travelers who experienced it