Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
4 Days from $ USD 100.00
Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
43 Reviews | Min Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | Max Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | 5 Days from $ 1 900.00
Introduction
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is the best alternative trek after the Inca Trail if you are looking to explore off the beaten path. This incredible trek will take you to visit Andean villages, local schools and walk alongside llamas and alpacas while enjoying spectacular mountain views and glacial ice lakes. Tour departures every day all year round!
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu takes you off the beaten path, where you can meet and interact with members of traditional Andean communities and explore the Andes in solitude. You will learn all about life in these isolated villages, become familiar with their culture and traditions, walk alongside llamas and alpacas, and even visit a local school, spending an unforgettable day exploring Machu Picchu.
The Lares to Machupicchu trek is the best alternative trekking route if you do not have permits for the classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu; the trek does not require permits for now; it takes you off the beaten path to where you can meet and interact with members of traditional Andean communities. You will learn all about life in these remote villages, become familiar with their culture and traditions and even visit a local school.
Our 4-day trek from Lares to Machu Picchu is also exceptionally beautiful, combining majestic Andean mountains with spectacular ice glaciers, blue lakes and glaciers, impressive waterfalls and countless llamas and alpacas. Finish your trekking vacation by exploring the wonder of the world: Machupicchu. The 4-day trek to Lares is an exceptional and rewarding excursion in Peru. It is truly one of the most beautiful treks in the world, not only because of the nature, but also because of the culture and the diversity of ethnic groups living there.
Compared to trekking in other parts of the country, this route offers better service and makes trekking easy and comfortable for you. However, if you are not willing to stay long in the mountains and want a more remote experience, there are unlimited options for camping and remote trekking on your own in Peru.
The Lares route in Peru has been capturing the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 20 years. The lifestyle and habits of the inhabitants of the mountainous regions have not changed for generations. The locals offer great hospitality and a welcoming culture to hikers and climbers, and are often the people from whom hikers take their best memories. At Lares Trek we offer pleasant campsites with fascinating views.
To cap off an unforgettable trip, we will explore the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This trip will reward you with a fascinating combination of multi-layered mountains and history. This trail is a less traveled but just as rewarding and challenging alternative to the classic Inca Trail. One of the most important parts of your trekking experience is your guide. Your local guide will be everything to you along the route, and most people form lifelong friendships with their guides and their families. Peru is a country of friendly people belonging to many different ethnic groups, each with their own diversity of culture, religion, festivals, castes, etc.
The LARES TREK is an excellent alternative to the traditional Inca Trail to Machupicchu, with the added advantage of visiting remote Andean communities with a long weaving tradition.
- We offer the best service at a great price and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Explore the lost city of Machupicchu early in the morning at sunrise.
- Visit Andean communities and learn about their traditional behaviors.
- Learn a few words in Quechua, the official language of the Incas.
We want your trip to be more than just hiking, we want it to be an unforgettable experience. For this, we offer spiritual ceremonies by local shamans, meditation sessions and much more.
Trip Details
- Activities: Trekking adventure.
- Transfer to Capulioc: 3½ hours by bus from Cusco.
- Difficulty level: 3 out of 5
- Maximum altitude: 4350 masl / 14271 ft.
- Lodging: 1 day lodging, 2 days camping.
- Optional Activities: Horse Reading, Hotspring.
- Locations: Lares, Ollantaytambo, Machupicchu.
- Departure day: Daily departures.
- Starts: Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 4:00 AM.
- Ends: Drop off in Cusco around 18:15 PM
Highlights
The Thermal Baths of Lares, is located in the district of Lares, province of Calca and department of Cusco, 113 km. from the city of Cusco.
The temperature of the Thermal Baths in Lares varies between 36ª and 44ª C and is part of the outcrops of medicinal mineral waters, and is known for its healing properties and therapeutic relief.
The tour to the thermal baths of Lares is a place to live a relaxing and stress-free experience.
Itinerary
Cusco - Lares - Wacawasi.
At the appointed time, you will be picked up from your hotel then board a bus that will take us to the community of Lares. During this bus ride you will be able to see the sacred valley of the Incas as well as beautiful villages along the way.
The scenery on the route is truly spectacular, so it is highly recommended to bring along your camera as well as some snacks for the small Andean children you are sure to encounter along the way. This bus will take approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival in Lares (3,250 m / 10,662 ft), we will visit the hot springs located a few kilometers from the village. At the hot springs, it is possible to relax in its waters (30ºC-35ºC), and then we will have lunch.
Afterwards, we will start walking to Wacawasi, a small community located at 3600 m.a.s.l. (11,810 ft.). The hike to Wacawasi will take about 3 hours. Upon arrival we will take a good rest in our tents, and then we will join our guide for dinner and camp next to a local house. Finally we will go to rest in our tents, with the peace of the Ande.
Physical Level
1, Easy
Wacawasi - Pass Ipsay - Patacancha.
On this second day, we will wake up early for breakfast and then start climbing a steep trail for about 3 to 4 hours until we reach an altitude of 4350 m. (14,435 ft.).
On the way you will enjoy one of the most amazing Andean landscapes, we will walk along huge mountain slopes and small agricultural areas, where the natives still employ traditional forms of cultivation, a place where Spanish is their second language, and where Andean men still live in harmony with mother nature.
We will make a stop at an excellent place for lunch, and start descending towards Patacancha, passing by the Ipsaycocha lagoon where we will find local people with their animals and typical birds of the area, arriving at the small village located at 3800 m (1246 ft) we will rest.
Here we will set up the tents and then have dinner with the group in the local house. We will spend the night at the Patacancha campsite.
Physical Level
1, Easy
Patacancha - Willoq - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes.
After breakfast we will continue descending, passing through the community of Willoq, a colorful village that stands out for the preservation of a living culture, a natural area where Andean families still produce their own clothes, live by raising their own animals and believe in their own gods. After a walk of about 4 hours, we will arrive at the town of Ollantaytambo, located at 2850 m. (9350 ft.).
In the village of Ollantaytambo we will have lunch and then you will have free time to explore this great Inca settlement. In the afternoon we will take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). Aguas Calientes is a resting place for those who want to go up early in the morning to Machu Picchu, here we will rest in a hostel (private bathroom), where you can recharge your cell phones or cameras, in the afternoon you can go to relax in the hot springs located at the top of the village.
Aguas Calientes has developed very well in recent years, therefore, today you can find here, internet access, plenty of restaurants and bars, ATMs and souvenir stores totally everywhere. Overnight at the designated hostel in Aguas Calientes.
Physical Level
1, Easy
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco.
This day we will have the option to go up very early in the morning and be one of the first to visit the park besides having the option to see the sunrise
Once there, our guide will show us the most important sectors of this great Inca city, the guided tour will last approximately 2 hours, and then you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own, and if desired, you can climb the mountain of Wayna Picchu, the great mountain that appears in the background of every classic image of Machu Picchu.
It takes about an hour or so to reach the top, after some very steep stairs, although it is a bit difficult, at the top you will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views of your life. Later, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where we will have free time for lunch and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo (1 and 1/2 hours) and from there by bus to Cusco (1 ½ hours). Cusco at approximately 10 : 30 pm.
Physical Level
1, Easy
What to Bring
- Backpack
- Hiking shoes
- Warm Clothes
- Rain jacket or Poncho
- Flashlight
- Camera
- Water Bottle
- Hat against the sun
- High factor sun block
- Insect repellent
- Snacks (energy bars, chocolates etc.)
- Swimsuit
Recomendations
ESSENTIALS:
- Passport
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration card (given on the plane when entering Peru)
- Good backpack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: water tanks such as Camelbaks are recommended, but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (light with good soles).
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Remember you are packing for 2 nights camping and 1 night in a hotel. Porters will carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). From us, these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 2 absorbent T-shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 4 sets of underwear.
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- 1 fleece
- 1 warm jacket: this hike includes 2 cold nights of camping
- 1 raincoat and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, bring them)
- Comfortable shoes for camping.
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Quick drying towel. We offer small, you may enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water every day for cleaning; it might make you feel fresh if you had some soap.
- Battery charger: no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: recommend down bags for -10C at least.
TOILETRIES:
- unscreen
- Facial moisturizer
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Moist towelettes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
INSIDE YOUR BACKPACKS:
Backpacks can be of any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed inside. If they are larger, they should be stored outside the gates of the citadel.
Valid passport, STUDENT CARD Immigration card (issued on the plane when entering Peru) Good backpack (the smaller the better) Water storage: water reservoirs such as Camelbacks are recommended, but sufficient for at least 2-3 liters. light with good soles)
Water: we supply clean water at every meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only, as we will not have time to filter the water until your first lunch.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Wool
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste.
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips.
Pricing List
What to Bring
- Backpack
- Hiking shoes
- Warm Clothes
- Rain jacket or Poncho
- Flashlight
- Camera
- Water Bottle
- Hat against the sun
- High factor sun block
- Insect repellent
- Snacks (energy bars, chocolates etc.)
- Swimsuit
Faqs Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
How long is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days and how many hours do we hike per day?
The Lares Machu Picchu Trail is 33 kms (20.5 miles) long and depending on the campsites used, the approximate hours of walking per day are:
Day 1: 5 hours
Day 2: 8 hours
Day 3: 4 hours
How difficult is the Lares hike?
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is considered a moderate hike. It is not a technical hike, but the altitude may affect some people. We recommend purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru, as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you do not use a metal-tipped walking stick, as it can damage the fragile environment along the trail.
Is altitude sickness common and how high is the Lares Machu Picchu Trail?
It is impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your genetic ability to adapt to altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day in Cuzco (3249 m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is generally enough for most people.
The highest point you will reach while trekking Lares Trek is 4550 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.
When do we arrive at Machu Picchu and how long do we spend there?
You will arrive at Machu Picchu early in the morning on day 4. You will meet a local guide who will take you on a 2-hour informative tour of the ruins. After the tour, you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will take the train back to Cuzco.
Do porters carry our luggage while on Lares Trek?
No, llamas, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a daypack to carry all the essentials you want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, raincoat, etc.
How cold is it on the Lares to Machu Picchu trek (will I need to bring hats and gloves)?
The high altitude means that it can get quite cold, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year, so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can buy hand-knitted, warm, inexpensive, locally made hats and gloves in Cuzco.
What type of accommodation is used in Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days?
On the first night of the Lares Machu Picchu Trek, we stay in a community-owned camp established by the Planeterra Foundation that features composting toilets, solar showers, and a solid waste management system that is the first of its kind in the region. On the second night, we will spend the night in three-person tents designed to accommodate two same-sex travelers. Hikers will be served a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) in their tents during the morning hours. On the third night, we will stay in a simple hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Does it include sleeping bag and mat?
Sleeping bags are not included, so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. If you are traveling between May and October, a 4-season sleeping bag is recommended. These can be rented in Cuzco for approximately $15 for the duration of the trek. Some renters may choose to bring a sleeping bag or sheet. Foam mats are provided, however, some travelers also bring their own self-inflating mat (i.e. a Thermarest). These can also be rented in Cuzco for approximately $15 for the duration of the hike.
Is purified water available on the trek?
We recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle as boiled water will be provided in the morning at breakfast, lunch and every evening after dinner.
What kind of food do we offer on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days?
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu generally includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
Mario Ordoñes Quispe Salvida
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
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Why Choose South Winds Peru
WHY TRAVEL WITH US
THE BEST TREKKING EXPERIENCE IN PERU
OUR TREKKING TEAM
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SOCIAL PROJECTS
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YOU WILL ENJOY THE BEST ANDEAN NIGHTS
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