Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Details of the experience

Duration:

3 days / 2 nights

Difficulty:

Moderate to high

Maximum Altitude:

5,243 ft

Max Group:

16 people

Transport:

Included (land transport and tourist train)

Tickets:

Incluye entradas.

Itinerary

Departure at 5:30 am from the hotel toward the Sacred Valley. Stop at a lookout point to enjoy panoramic views and a briefing from the guide. Visit to the local market in Calca before continuing to Lares (10,170 ft / 3,100 m), the starting point of the trek and meeting point with the support team. Relaxation at the Lares hot springs (82–93 °F / 28–34 °C). Begin the trek with 2 hours of flat terrain to the Vilcabamba bridge for lunch. Afterwards, a 3-hour hike to Wacahuasi (12,303 ft / 3,750 m), interacting with local residents and enjoying views of the Lares Valley. Settling into the campsite, tea time, and dinner. Estimated hiking time: 4 to 5 hours.

Distance: 6.8 miles (11 km)
Campsite altitude: 12,303 ft (3,750 masl)

Begin the trek at 7:00 am. A 3-hour ascent to the Sacsallaully pass (15,243 ft / 4,646 m) with views of valleys, snow-capped peaks, and the Aruray Cocha lagoon. Observation of local wildlife such as Andean geese, ducks, llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. Descent toward the Aruraycocha and Yuraccoha lagoons, surrounded by polylepis forests, where lunch will be served. A 2-hour hike to the campsite in Mantanay (12,631 ft / 3,850 m), crossing through a valley of polylepis trees. Dinner and rest at the campsite. Estimated hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.

Distance: 9.3 miles (15 km)
Campsite altitude: 12,631 ft (3,850 masl)

Descent of approximately 1 hour to Yanahuara (9,350 ft / 2,850 m), a farming community in the Sacred Valley. 15-minute transfer to Ollantaytambo, with free time to explore the artisan market and Inca streets. Lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, train journey to Aguas Calientes (6,561 ft / 2,000 m). Check-in at the hotel, option to visit the hot springs, and briefing regarding the Machu Picchu visit. Dinner.

Early departure by bus or hike toward Machu Picchu. Guided tour of approximately 2 hours through the main temples and sectors. Free time to explore (optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to availability, advanced booking, and additional cost).
Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, train journey to Ollantaytambo, and land transfer back to Cusco. Arrival in the evening.
End of services.

Includes

Bus transfer from your hotel in Cusco – Lares.
Train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) – Cusco (Poroy).
Entry ticket to the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
Bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
Meals (03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, and 03 dinners).
01 night at a hostel in Aguas Calientes.
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

Does not include

Not Included

Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Sleeping bag.

Recommendations

It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance to acclimate to the altitude. Bring comfortable hiking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
Personal toiletries.
Use comfortable shoes, preferably trekking sneakers or hiking boots.
Carry personal medications and your original passport.
Water bottle and water purification tablets.
Raincoat or poncho during the rainy season (October to March).
Flashlight, camera, and batteries.
Swimsuit.
Insect repellent.
Sunblock or sunscreen.
Sun hats.
Toilet paper, small towel.
Snacks: Cookies, chocolates, etc.
Horses (to carry the tent, food, and kitchen equipment).
Trekking poles.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a moderate to high difficulty route, with steep climbs and high-altitude passes (up to 15,243 ft / 4,646 masl). Good physical condition and prior acclimation in Cusco or the surrounding areas are recommended before starting the trek.

You will camp in Wacahuasi (12,303 ft / 3,750 m) and Mantanay (12,631 ft / 3,850 m) in tents provided by the agency, with meals included. In Aguas Calientes, you will stay at a selected hotel, where you can enjoy optional activities such as the hot springs.

The entire trek covers approximately 18 miles (29 km). On the first day you will hike 7 miles (11 km), the second day 9.3 miles (15 km), and the third day 1.8 miles (3 km) (just a short walk before transferring to Aguas Calientes).

Layered clothing is recommended (thermal, fleece, and windbreaker), comfortable and broken-in trekking boots, trekking poles, a sleeping bag (approx. 23°F / –5°C), a headlamp, sunscreen, a hat, a 2–3 L water bottle, insect repellent, and cash for personal purchases.

Yes, all meals during the trekking days are included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). It is also recommended to bring energy snacks for the more demanding sections or to eat between meals.