Description
The Lares Trek is a perfect combination of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion, culminating with a visit to the world wonder, Machu Picchu. This 3-day, 2-night journey takes you through the remote valleys of Lares, where you will witness spectacular mountain scenery, crystal-clear lagoons, and snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you will also encounter traditional Andean communities, giving you a unique opportunity to learn about their customs, daily life, and centuries-old traditions.
The trek blends physical challenge with rewarding experiences, offering moments of tranquility surrounded by nature the adventure culminates with a guided visit to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After days of trekking through remote valleys and high mountain passes, the experience of arriving at Machu Picchu becomes even more meaningful and unforgettable.
This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking both cultural enrichment and natural beauty. The Lares Trek is less crowded than other routes, allowing you to enjoy a more authentic and intimate experience with the Andes. You will camp under the stars, walk alongside herds of llamas and alpacas, and enjoy delicious meals prepared by our trekking team.
In just three days, you will discover the charm of Andean villages, the serenity of turquoise lagoons, and the grandeur of ancient Inca engineering. The combination of nature, culture, and history makes this tour a truly unique journey that will remain in your heart forever.
Itinerary
Día
1
Day 01: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Wacahuasi
- Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel at 5:30 a.m. and travel for about one hour towards the Sacred Valley. We will make a stop at a viewpoint to take panoramic photos of the valley, while the guide provides a brief explanation of the place. The journey continues until reaching the town of Calca, where we will have a short stop to visit the local market and observe the typical products sold by the residents. From there, we will continue for about 2 more hours until we reach the town of Lares (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), the starting point of our trekking adventure. Here, you will meet the team that will accompany us on the journey (chef and muleteer).
- Before beginning the hike, we will visit the Lares hot springs and enjoy a relaxing bath, with water temperatures ranging between 28 °C and 34 °C. After this pleasant experience, we will start our trek with a 2-hour walk on flat terrain to help us acclimatize to the altitude, until we arrive at the Vilcabamba Bridge, where our team will be waiting with a delicious lunch. After lunch and a short rest, we will continue hiking for another 3 hours to reach the village of Wacahuasi (3,750 m / 12,303 ft).
- During the trek, you will meet children from nearby communities dressed in their traditional outfits, who will warmly welcome you to the Lares Valley. This is a wonderful opportunity to share special moments with them and support the local culture. Wacahuasi will be our campsite for the night. The temperature here can drop to -5 °C, so we recommend bringing warm clothing.
- Once settled in at the campsite and after exploring the village, we will enjoy tea time, a perfect moment to share experiences. Our guide will also explain the customs and traditions of this small Andean village. Later, we will have dinner before heading to rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Día
2
Day 02: Wacahuasi – Sacsallaully Pass – Yanahuara – Aguas Calientes
- Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will begin our hike at 6:00 a.m., enjoying some of the best views of the stunning Andean mountains. The trek starts with an uphill climb of about 3 hours until we reach Sacsallaully Pass (4,646 m / 15,242 ft). From this point, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valleys, snow-capped peaks, and the Aruraycocha Lake. Along the way, we may also spot native bird species such as Andean geese (cara cara), ducks, and other typical wildlife of the area, including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
- From the pass, we descend towards two beautiful lakes, Aruraycocha and Yuraccoha, surrounded by native queuña forests (sacred trees of the Incas). Beside one of these lakes, we will enjoy our traditional Andean lunch while admiring the stunning landscape.
- During the next two hours of hiking, before reaching Matanay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), you will notice a great change in scenery. The rest of the trail descends through a picturesque valley filled with queuña trees, offering excellent opportunities for photography of Andean flora.
- Finally, we arrive at Yanahuara (2,780 m / 9,120 ft), a warm and welcoming town with a pleasant climate, located near the Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley of the Incas). Here, our vehicle will be waiting to transfer us to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo (train ride lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes).
- Upon arrival, we will have dinner and spend the night in a cozy hotel equipped with a private bathroom, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
Día
3
Day 03: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Early in the morning, after breakfast (around 5:00 a.m.), we will begin the ascent with a one-hour hike up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Arriving early allows us to be among the first groups inside, giving us the chance to witness the majesty of the sunrise over this Wonder of the World.
- Once inside, we will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours through the most important sectors of the citadel, including temples, ceremonial centers, and royal palaces, while learning about the fascinating history of the Incas. Afterward, you will have free time to explore the mysterious city on your own. (Optional: climb Huayna Picchu Mountain for an additional cost of USD 35 per person.)
- At the scheduled time, we will descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transportation will take us to Cusco, with an expected arrival around 8:00 p.m., followed by transfer to your hotel.
Includes
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transportation from Cusco to Lares (starting point of the trek).
- Professional guide (English and Spanish).
- Meals: 2 breakfasts / 2 lunches / 2 dinners.
- Cooking equipment and chef.
- Muleteer and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment, and passengers’ luggage).
- Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Double tents with capacity for 3 people.
- Camping equipment (mattresses, chairs), dining tent, and kitchen tent.
- Oxygen bottle.
- First aid kit.
Does not Include
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from our office for USD 15.00 for the entire trip).
- Trekking poles (can be rented from our office for USD 15.00 per pair for the entire trip).
- Lunch on the third day and breakfast on the first day.
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain (must be requested in advance).
What to bring
- Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 1–2 days before the trek to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- Carry a small daypack with essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, and personal items.
- Wear comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support, as the terrain can be steep and rocky.
- Bring warm clothing, including thermal layers, gloves, a hat, and a scarf, since temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
- Pack rain gear (poncho or waterproof jacket), especially during the rainy season (November–March).
- Use trekking poles (recommended) to help with balance and reduce pressure on knees during ascents and descents.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek and consider bringing water purification tablets.
- Protect yourself from the strong Andean sun with sunglasses, a hat, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Carry extra cash in soles for personal expenses or tips for the trekking team.
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries for use at the campsites.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes, lagoons, and local communities.
- Respect local culture and traditions—ask permission before photographing people and always follow your guide’s instructions.
- Pack personal medications and inform your guide of any medical conditions.
Book Now
Booking in advance is recommended.
Lares trek and Machu Picchu 3D/2N
3D/2N
