Description
Step into the wild beauty of the Peruvian Andes on the Lares Trek to the 7 Waterfalls. This remarkable route combines adventure and tranquility, guiding you through rugged mountain paths, dazzling waterfalls, and remote villages where ancient traditions are still alive. Each day reveals a new landscape—snow-capped peaks, emerald valleys, and the soothing sound of water echoing through the canyons.
This 4-day, 3-night journey takes you across scenic valleys, high mountain passes, and crystal-clear lagoons, while offering the unique opportunity to witness the cascading beauty of seven spectacular waterfalls hidden in the Andes. Along the way, you will visit traditional Andean communities, where locals still preserve their ancestral customs, colorful textiles, and warm hospitality.
Perfect for those seeking both adventure and cultural immersion, the Lares Trek is a less crowded alternative to the classic Inca Trail, allowing you to experience the majesty of the Peruvian Andes in a more intimate and authentic way. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and starry night skies, this trek is an enriching journey that connects you with nature and the living traditions of the Andes.
Itinerary
Día
1
Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Kiswarani
- We leave Cusco at 6:00 a.m. to begin your 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. We will travel for about 2 hours to the Calca Valley, where we will have breakfast, and then continue in our private van to the highest point of this road, at 4,275 meters (13,891 feet). From there, we will enjoy wonderful views of the snow-capped mountains.
- After taking in these incredible sights, we continue to the Lares hot springs, where we will meet our horsemen and have lunch before starting the hike. While our professional chef prepares a delicious meal, we can relax in the hot springs, which is optional.
- Afterwards, we will walk to the Kiswarani waterfall, where our team will set up the first campsite at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet).
- We will hike approximately 7 kilometers during this first part of the trek (3.72 miles). Along the way, we will see Andean farmers dressed in their traditional clothing, as well as animals such as alpacas and llamas.
Día
2
Day 2: Kiswarani - Condor Pass - Cancha Cancha
- After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we start hiking at 6:30 a.m. We will ascend to Condor Pass, at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), the highest point of the trek, where we will take in unparalleled landscapes and the impressive glacier.
- The wallatas (Andean geese) swim in the crystal-clear blue waters. Upon reaching the top of Condor Pass, our guide will serve you a well-deserved cup of coca tea, and you will have time to rest while he performs a spiritual offering ceremony to the sacred mountains of Sawasiray.
- We will then descend towards the lagoons. We will have lunch near these beautiful lakes, observing Andean ducks and queullas.
- This second day is spectacular, hiking through the Huaran mountain range. We will have many opportunities to see various species of Andean birds, including condors, hawks, and swallows. We will hike 15 kilometers this day (9 miles).
Día
3
Day 3: Cancha Cancha - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
- We will descend through the Cancha Cancha valley for about 3 hours. This village has a pleasantly warm climate. Along the way, we will see corn and potato crops irrigated by water from the glaciers of the impressive snow-capped peaks that dominate the valley and feed the Urubamba River, which locals revere and call Wilkamayu or Sacred River.
- After lunch, we will take a 20-minute bus ride to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train to Machu Picchu. There, we will spend the night in a hotel.
Día
4
Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
- This is the day you have been waiting for. We will wake up early to take the bus to Machu Picchu. The ride takes 30 minutes. Upon arriving at the checkpoint, we will show our passports and tickets.
- Then, our private guide will take you to the Guardian’s House, where you will take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. After capturing this iconic shot, you will continue along Circuit 2.
- The guide will spend about 2 hours explaining the most important points of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own and to climb Huayna Picchu if you reserved this option (this ticket has an additional cost of $65 per person).
- Finally, you will return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then the bus to Cusco. Once in Cusco, we will take you back to your hotel.
Includes
- 7 kilograms of your personal belongings.
- Horses to carry all camping equipment.
- Meal service at campsites (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks). Options available for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose intolerance, and any food allergies.
- Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Entrance ticket to the Lares hot springs.
- Satellite phone for the entire Lares trek.
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
- Private tourist transport Cusco – Kiswarani (the starting point of the hike).
- Private van from Huaran to Ollantaytambo.
- Native Spanish-speaking guide with radio communication during the 4 days of the Lares trek.
- Foam sleeping mats.
- Professional chef.
- Large dining tent with chairs and tables, all utensils.
- Kitchen tent.
- Biodegradable portable ecological toilet (The Pett).
- 4-season tents for two people (tent with capacity for 3 people used as a double – Eureka Timberland).
- Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
- Pre-trek briefing before the Lares trek, presented by the tour guides at 6:00 p.m. in the office, one day before departure.
- Wake-up tea. Hot herbal tea brought to your tent every morning before breakfast.
- A duffel bag, where you will place your 7 kg / 14 lbs of personal items per person (toiletries, personal items, and sleeping bag are included within these 7 kg / 14 lbs).
- We provide hot water every day to help our clients wash up and feel comfortable at night.
- Rain poncho to protect you from the rain.
- Two-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu.
- Boiled water to fill your water bottles or Camelback (your cook will provide clean water after each meal).
- Waterproof backpack covers to keep your belongings dry.
Does not Include
- Last lunch on the fourth day in Aguas Calientes.
- Trekking poles: $15
- Sleeping bag: $20
- Tips for guides, cooks, and horsemen.
What to bring
- Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 1–2 days before the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
- Carry a small backpack with essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, and a hat.
- Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes suitable for rocky and uneven terrain.
- Carry personal medications and consult your doctor before the trip if needed.
- Bring a bathing suit and towel if you plan to enjoy the hot springs.
- Carry extra cash in soles for entrance fees or personal expenses.
- Protect your electronic devices and documents with waterproof covers.
- Respect local communities and their traditions during the tour.
Book Now
Booking in advance is recommended.
Lares Trek – 7 Waterfalls 4D/3N
4D/3N
