Lares to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Lares to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
The Lares Trek 4 days and 3 nights is an ideal adventure for those seeking an authentic, cultural experience surrounded by spectacular landscapes. This route combines traditional Andean communities, high-altitude lagoons, snow-capped mountains, and finally a visit to the majestic Machu Picchu.
It is a less crowded alternative than the Inca Trail, but just as astonishing, known for its connection with local people, traditional weaving, and unique natural scenery. It is perfect for travelers who want to combine hiking, human connection, and one of Peru’s most iconic destinations in a single experience.
What makes this tour so special?
⭐ Authentic visit to Andean communities
⭐ Lares hot springs
⭐ Hike through mountains, lagoons, and remote valleys
⭐ Cultural connection with local families
⭐ Finish at Machu Picchu with a guided tour
General information
Days: 4-day / 3-night activity
📍 Location: Sacred Valley – Lares – Machu Picchu
🕒 Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Places you will visit on this tour
- Sacred Valley
- Lares Hot Springs
- Wacawasi Community
- Ipsay Pass
- Patacancha
- Ollantaytambo
- Machu Picchu
What makes this tour special?
- ⭐ Less crowded than other routes
- ⭐ Cultural exchange with Quechua communities
- ⭐ Scenic hike through mountains and lagoons
- ⭐ Ideal experience to connect with nature and the living culture of the Andes
Itinerary – Lares to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
🕒 Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Lares Hot Springs – Wacawasi
Departure to Lares
Early pickup from your hotel to travel toward the Sacred Valley. Along the way, you will admire agricultural landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and traditional villages.
Lares Hot Springs
We arrive at the famous hot springs, where you will enjoy a moment of relaxation in natural pools with different temperatures.
Start of the hike
After lunch, we begin the hike toward the community of Wacawasi, known for its textile artisans and ancestral traditions.
Cultural exchange
You will have the opportunity to closely experience the customs of local families, their way of life, and the making of traditional textiles.
Day 1 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 4–5 km
🛌 Accommodation: Camp in Wacawasi
🍽 Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Wacawasi – Ipsay Pass – Patacancha
Ascent to Ipsay
After breakfast, we begin the ascent to the highest point of the route, Ipsay Pass (4,450 m). Along the way, you will see herds of alpacas and llamas in their natural environment.
High-Andean landscapes
We will hike surrounded by turquoise lagoons, imposing mountains, and wide valleys full of Andean life.
Descent to Patacancha
After crossing the pass, we begin a gentle descent toward the community of Patacancha, where you will be welcomed by local families who preserve ancestral traditions.
Day 2 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 10–12 km
🛌 Accommodation: Camp in Patacancha
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
🏔 Maximum altitude: 4,450 m (Ipsay Pass)
Day 3: Patacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Descent toward Ollantaytambo
We descend through the Patacancha Valley, observing farmlands, Inca terraces, and local people who still preserve their traditional customs.
Arrival in Ollantaytambo
We arrive at the charming living Inca town and enjoy a short break before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
Train journey
The train ride offers spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the high jungle, marking the beginning of the final adventure to Machu Picchu.
Day 3 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 6 km
🚆 Transportation: Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
🍽 Meals: Breakfast and lunch
🛌 Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Visit to Machu Picchu
We take the bus to the Inca citadel to begin the approximately 2-hour guided tour, where you will learn about the temples, plazas, and main sectors of the sanctuary.
Free time
You will be able to explore, take photos, or optionally hike an additional mountain such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, with prior reservation.
Return to Cusco
Bus descent to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, and final transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 4 Details
🕒 Guided tour: Approx. 2 hours
🚐 Return to Cusco: Train + transport
🕒 Approximate arrival: 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Includes and Not Included – Lares to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
What’s included
Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Wacawasi
- Pickup: From your hotel in Cusco.
- Transportation: Cusco – Lares.
- Hot springs: Visit to the Lares hot springs.
- Professional Guide: Assistance throughout the entire hike.
- Camp: Night in Wacawasi.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Wacawasi – Ipsay Pass – Patacancha
- Guided route: Hike through lagoons and high-Andean landscapes.
- Camp: Night in Patacancha.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Assistance: First aid kit during the trek.
Day 3: Patacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Guided descent: From Patacancha to Ollantaytambo.
- Tourist Train: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Entrance: Official admission to Machu Picchu.
- Professional Guide: Guided tour inside the citadel.
- Bus: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation: Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
General services included
- Personal tents: 2 people per tent.
- Camping equipment: Basic gear for the nights at camp.
- Sleeping pads: Included for greater comfort.
- Pack horses: For trekking equipment.
- Meals: Full meals during the hike.
Not included
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking poles.
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips.
- Personal expenses.
Nights in high-Andean areas can drop between 0°C and -5°C. It is recommended to bring proper warm clothing, thermal wear, and acclimatize in Cusco for at least 1 or 2 days before the trek.
Additional Details
Recommendations
- Warm clothing for high-Andean areas.
- Waterproof gear and a change of clothes.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Extra money for local purchases.
- Snacks for the hike.
- It is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco 1 or 2 days before the tour.
What to bring
- Sturdy footwear
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- Thermal clothing and warm layers for the night
- Optional trekking poles
- Camera
- Water bottle
Useful information
- Maximum altitude: Ipsay Pass at 4,450 m.
- Physical condition: You do not need to be an athlete, but basic endurance is required.
- Weather: In some areas, nighttime temperatures can drop between 0°C and -5°C.
- Accommodation: Equipped camps during the hike and a hotel in Aguas Calientes on the last night.
- Optional: You can add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for an additional cost with prior reservation.
- Rental: Sleeping bag and trekking poles available for an additional cost.
- Meals: Full meals are served, and vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations made 30 days in advance: 50% refund.
- Cancellations 5 days before: no refund.
- Tickets are non-refundable once issued.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Do I need to be in excellent physical condition to do the Lares Trek?
It is not necessary to be an athlete, but you should have basic endurance. There are ascents and high-altitude hikes, so it is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco 1 or 2 days in advance.
What is the highest altitude on the route?
The highest altitude is Ipsay Pass at 4,450 m. It is important to walk at a suitable pace and stay well hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
What type of accommodation is included during the hike?
You will stay overnight in equipped camps with personal tents and sleeping pads. The last night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Is admission to Machu Picchu included?
Yes. The tour includes official admission to Machu Picchu on a regular circuit, as well as a professional guide inside the archaeological site.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, they can be added for an additional cost. These entrance tickets must be booked in advance due to high demand.
How cold is the weather during the Lares Trek?
Nights can drop between 0°C and -5°C in some high-Andean areas, so it is recommended to bring thermal clothing and proper warm gear.
Is there an option to rent a sleeping bag or trekking poles?
Yes. Sleeping bags and trekking poles can be rented for an additional cost. This must be requested at the time of booking.
What kind of meals are served during the hike?
Full meals are served, including soups, hot dishes, and vegetarian options if requested. Everything is prepared by the tour cook.
What happens if I do not want to participate in all the hikes?
Since this is a continuous trek, it is necessary to complete the daily hikes, although the pace can be adapted to the group. If someone needs help, it can be coordinated with the guides.
Does the weather affect the Lares Trek route?
The hike takes place even during the rainy season, although there may be itinerary changes if weather conditions require them for the safety of the group.
From: $650.00
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