Tour Details
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (4 Days): Unlike the most crowded trails around Cusco, the Lares Valley takes you through remote Andean scenery and living communities that preserve ancestral traditions. Expect stunning alpine lakes, towering glaciers, and warm encounters with local weavers—finishing with a visit to the majestic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders.
What’s Included?
- ✅ Hotel pick-up and tourist bus Cusco → Lares.
- ✅ Train tickets: Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes → Cusco (Poroy/Ollantaytambo, per availability).
- ✅ Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- ✅ Bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
- ✅ Meals during the trek: 03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, 03 dinners.
- ✅ 01 night lodging in Aguas Calientes.
- ✅ Bus Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes (downhill).
Not Included
- ⛔ Bus Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu (uphill).
- ⛔ Sleeping bag.
Important Recommendations
Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize. Wear comfortable hiking clothes, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
- ➡️ Personal toiletries.
- ➡️ Trek shoes (already broken-in).
- ➡️ Personal meds and original passport.
- ➡️ Water bottle + purification tablets.
- ➡️ Rain gear (Oct–Mar).
- ➡️ Headlamp, camera, spare batteries.
- ➡️ Swimsuit (for hot springs).
- ➡️ Insect repellent & sunscreen.
- ➡️ Sun cap/hat.
- ➡️ TP and small towel.
- ➡️ Trail snacks.
- ➡️ Trekking poles (recommended).
Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel or a coordinated spot in Cusco’s historic center.
Route overview: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Wacahuasi – Sacsallaully Pass – Mantanay – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Important: A 3-day mountain trek through Andean communities and high lakes, finishing in Aguas Calientes, with the 4th day dedicated to Machu Picchu.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Wacahuasi
Depart 5:30 a.m. for the Sacred Valley, short lookout stop, then visit Calca’s local market. Continue to Lares (3,100 m)—trailhead and team meet-up. Relax in Lares hot springs (28–34 °C). Begin trekking: ~2 h on gentle terrain to Vilcabamba bridge for lunch, then ~3 h up to Wacahuasi (3,750 m). Tea time, dinner and camp.
Hiking: 4–5 h • Distance: 11 km • Camp: 3,750 m
Day 2: Wacahuasi – Sacsallaully Pass – Mantanay
Start 7:00 a.m. Climb ~3 h to Sacsallaully Pass (4,646 m) with sweeping views of valleys, glaciers and Aruraycocha Lake. Spot Andean geese, ducks, llamas, alpacas, and possibly vicuñas. Descend to Aruraycocha & Yuraccocha (queuña forests) for lunch. Continue ~2 h to Mantanay (3,850 m) to camp. Dinner and overnight.
Hiking: 6–7 h • Distance: 15 km • Camp: 3,850 m
Day 3: Mantanay – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Descend ~1 h to Yanahuara (2,850 m), an agricultural village in the Sacred Valley. 15-min transfer to Ollantaytambo; free time for craft market and Inca streets. Lunch on your own. Afternoon train to Aguas Calientes (2,000 m), hotel check-in, optional hot springs, and dinner briefing for Machu Picchu.
Hiking: ~1 h • Distance: ~3 km • Hotel: Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early bus or hike up to Machu Picchu. Guided tour (~2 h) of main temples and sectors. Free time to explore (optional Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain—advance request & extra fee). Bus down to town, board the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco. Arrival at night. End of services.
Photo Gallery
Explore the valley, high lakes and living Andean culture.
Practical Information
Tour Facts
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Trek distance: ~29 km total (Days 1–3)
- Max altitude: 4,646 m (Sacsallaully Pass)
- Difficulty: Moderate to High — long ascents and high passes; good fitness & acclimatization required
- Minimum age: 12+
- Group size: Up to 16 travelers
What to Bring
- Passport/ID
- Layered clothing: thermal, fleece, windproof/rain shell
- Hat/cap, sunglasses, buff/scarf
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Hydration (2–3 L) + purification tablets/filter
- Broken-in trekking boots + spare socks
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (recommended)
- Sleeping bag (~–5 °C) & headlamp with spare batteries
- Personal first-aid kit (incl. altitude meds as advised by your doctor)
- Cash (PEN) for local purchases
- Dry bags & trash bag
Health & Safety
- Arrive in Cusco 2–3 days early to acclimatize
- Hydrate and eat light during hiking days
- Use poles to protect knees on long ups/downs
- Set a steady pace; rest as needed
- Not advised for severe heart/respiratory conditions without medical clearance
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation 7+ days before: 50% of total cost
No show: No refund