This trek offers a unique perspective into the Andean way of life, trekkers walk through Andean villages and interact with local families, visit their home to get an intimate look into the customs and culture of the locals. Trekkers can also soak in the natural springs, walk past waterfalls and visit the Inca site of Pisac, perched high above the town of Pisac. Lastly visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Highlights: Glaciers, Natural hot springs, Pisac Inac ruins, remote local communities or villages, connection with locals, Lakes, tons of Llamas and Alpacas + Machu Picchu Inca city!
The Lares Trek route is one of the best and most unique paths, and is even better with the addition of the Pisac Inca ruins tour. The itinerary takes you through the Lares Valley known as the “Weavers Way,” as you are taken “OFF the beaten track”. Pass by remote indigenous communities like CANCHA CANCHA that only recently got eletricity connections and have no bus service.
Immerse yourself in their traditional day to day lives, as they keep their Inca culture alive. You’ll have the privilege to interact with these precious indigenous people, experience a bit of their culture and traditions, plus have fun with the children. On this incredibly picturesque trek, you will also enjoy the peaking ice glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. On the last day make your dreams a reality and enjoy a new day watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu and explore the amazing citadel with your professional guide. An amazing alternative to the Inca Trail and a slightly easier trek compared to the Salkantay trek, this 4 day trek does truly take you off the beaten track.
Live our experience on video!: Lares Trek video.
4700 m.s.n.m
Up to 12
Group or private
Trekking, cultural
Challenging
4 days / 3 nights
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am to start with our expedition on the Lares Trek. We pick you up from any hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to begin your trek. Drive for 1 hour to the Pisac Inca ruins, where we explore this amazing Inca City with your guide as he shares with you the history of the City and the Incas. After the guided tour, we enjoy breakfast with the amazing views of the Inca city & valleys.
Then we continue in our van for 40 more minutes to Huaran. Upon arrival, we meet our horsemen and horses and begin our 3 hour gradual hike up to Canchacancha, where we will have our fresh and delicious lunch prepared by our chef. After a siesta, we explore the most isolated community called Canchacancha and visit some local home.
Enjoy dinner and your first camping night in a comfortable camping tent!
After a delicious breakfast, we begin our hike to the elevated northeast part of the valley, it takes about 4 hours to get to the highest point of our trek called Pachacuted pass (4700 mt / 15420 ft). Once there, we’ll enjoy amazing views of glaciers, lakes, llamas, rugged valleys and farmlands. After a short break surrounded by 360º angle views of the scenic landscape, we begin our descent for about an hour to our lunch spot. It is located by a glacial lake, with amazing views of the Lares Valley with plenty of llamas and alpacas. After a little siesta we start to hike downhill for another 2 hours to our campsite located by the Kiswarani community (3700 mt/12,139ft).
On the way to Kiswarani, we meet with local people herding llamas and alpacas. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with them in Quechua (the indigenous language of Peru). Of course your guide will be there to translate what they say and teach you a few phrases in Quechua. Along the path pass a stunning waterfall. At the camp site, your tents will be ready, indulge in some afternoon tea and a dilactable dinner prepared by our talented chef and finally head to bed in our comfortable tents.
The most memorable day with new amazing adventures continues! We begin hiking for the next 3 hours until we reach the Hullkiccasa Pass (4200mt/13779ft). Once there, we enjoy fantastic views of glacial lakes which look like mirrors. Then we head downhill for the next two hours to the farmlands and the lakes of Cucani community, where we visit the local school and play with the highland children. Afterwards we take our van to the hot springs, where we relax in the natural volcanic hot spring for an hour or so, have lunch, and take a siesta. Finally we say goodbye to our amazing cook and horseman, and take our van for the next 2.5 hours to Ollantaytambo where we will have our dinner at a tourist restaurant. At 7pm, we take our train to Aguas Calientes town, where we spend the night in a hotel.
After an early breakfast, we will take one of the first bus (around 5:30am) for a scenic ride up to Machu Picchu to see sun rise over the amazing Inca City. You will explore Machu Picchu for the next 3 hours with your private guide learning about the fascinating history of this charming Inca city. After the tour you will have plenty of time for exploring more, taking photos and the option to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain before heading back to Aguas Calientes, for lunch. At 14:55 you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then a private van back to Cusco where you will be transferred to your hotel at around 8pm.
“The best Lares Trek Machu Picchu around is available on any date that is best suited for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers”
This price includes the extra personal porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos, guided tour in Sacred Valley (Pisac Inca ruins) are included in the price and we will provide you with a duffle bag.
“Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Machu Picchu”
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to trek´s start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board of INCA TRAIL HIKE at the arrival terminal.
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO.
Of course! During the Lares trek Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.
FIRST, to book your Lares trek Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Lares trek Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares trek Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com.
Unfortunately the answer is generally “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Lares Trail Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Lares Trek, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack. Thick about dressing in layers.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
The Lares trek Machu Picchu is a 39 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,700mt. On the second day of the trek we climb two mountains. The Trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, INCA TRAIL HIKE will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we wil pick you up there !
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore you we usually book the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu
For sure you may upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is US$57 per person which includes the transfer from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to Vistadome, all the way back to Poroy (Cusco), the trip lasts 3.5 hours, then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at the hotel by 8pm. If you plan to take the bus to Puno on the same night, that is totally possible.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCA TRAIL HIKE destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you feel it, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
1.- You get to enjoy the most cultural trek and history
The Lares Trek does not include as many Inca ruins as some of the other treks in the region, but it more than compensates with a look at local life and breathtaking scenery.
On this incredibly picturesque trek, you will also enjoy the peaking ice glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas.
2.- You will feel like you have the Andes to yourself
On a 3 day hike, I could count on just one hand how many other tourists were hiking the Lares trail. The remoteness added to the magical and spiritual vibe that you will start to feel the second you arrive in Cusco. Sometimes on the hike I would just stop and listen to nothing but silence while surrounded by mountain peaks more than five thousand metres high. If you want to be humbled by nature, then the Andes will happily oblige.
3.- The stars will blow your mind – The Milky Way
Being a city slicker, it’s easy to forget how incredible the night sky truly is. High in the Andean Mountains, the Lares Trek will treat you to some of the most impressive views of the Milky Way and constellations you will ever see.
4.- Great views from the top.. Don’t let Day 2 beat you.!
While this isn’t the most challenging hike in the world, it’s no walk in the park. The altitude, especially on Day 2, when you reach an altitude of 4,700 metres, the Lares Trek’s highest point, can affect even the healthiest and most acclimatized of people. Day 2 is the toughest day of the hike, so take it at your own pace, but soldier on. Once you reach the top, the views are truly incredible, trekking down through the Valley is a nice respite.
5.-This is confortable camping reimagined
Both of the Orange Nation Peru campsites on the Lares Trek have fitted toilets and shower blocks. If you aren’t a fan of freezing first thing in the morning, I’d recommend washing with the warm water bowls provided in the morning. Oh, and a word to the wise: on the Lares Trek, wet wipes are your best friend.
6.-One of the stand outs of the trek is the food: each meal was way way better than the last. Three courses of soups, fresh fish, egg dishes and delicious desserts somehow made it out of the kitchen each day. On the last, we were presented with a whole iced cake as congratulations for completing the trek.
7.-Machu Picchu Inca city will not disappoint you!
Ever worry that something isn’t going to be worth the hype? Well, Machu Picchu is not one of those places!
After completing the 36-kilometre hike, exploring these incredible ruins is the ultimate reward and they are as impressive in real life as they are in all those Instagram photos you’ve spent years drooling over.
Cusco
