- Moderate
- 4 Days
- Up to 12
- All weather
Lares Trek 4 Days
The Lares Trek is a 4-day cultural and high-altitude trek to Machu Picchu starting in Calca (Lares Valley), covering 33 km (20.5 mi) with a maximum altitude of 4,450 m (14,600 ft) at Ipsaycocha Pass, and rated as moderate-to-challenging difficulty. Designed for travelers seeking cultural immersion with Quechua weavers and local communities, it includes hot springs, mountain camping, and guides.
The Lares Trek is the journey the algorithms will never recommend to you, and that is precisely why it matters. While the world queues for the classic Inca Trail, you will be walking through communities where Quechua women still weave textiles using techniques older than the Roman Empire. You will soak in ancestral hot springs, cross the Condor Pass at 4,100 meters, and then — in a stroke of genius itinerary design — board a train to KM 104 to walk the final stretch of the original Inca Trail through the Sun Gate. This is culture and conquest, combined.
Trip Itinerary
After breakfast, we take a bus to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour through its most fascinating sectors. You’ll then have free time to explore before heading back to Aguas Calientes to catch the return train to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco.
Note: To climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book at least 3 months in advance ($70).
Included:
- Pre-tour briefing
- Hotel pickup
- Tent (2 people)
- Sleeping mats
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
- Experienced official guide
- Chef and assistants
- 2 nights camping
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes town
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Round trip transportation (Train – Bus)
- First aid kit
Not Included:
- Water, snacks, anything else
- Sleeping bag
- Walking poles
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Travel insurance
- Hot springs at Aguas Calientes
- Porter for carrying personal equipment (US$ 160 x 20kg)
- Breakfast on the first day lunch on the last day
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Old Mountain (US$ 70)
1. Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the mountain behind Machu Picchu, climbable in 1 hour aprox. While optional, our guide will take you to the entry point. A ticket is required, which we can secure if booked in advance.
Tickets are aligned with your Inca Trail dates. The ticket for Huayna Picchu costs US$ 70.00 per person.
2. Montaña Vieja
Montaña Vieja offers stunning views, even more so than Huayna Picchu, but takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. A ticket is required, which we can secure if booked in advance.
The ticket for Montaña Vieja costs US$ 70.00 per person.
3. Rental Equipment for Inca Trail
A sleeping bag is essential for camping. Our bags are mummy-style, with liners, and protect down to -18ºC (0ºF). Inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended.
- Sleeping bag US$ 20
- Walking poles (pair) US$ 15
- inflatable mattress US$ 15
- Valid passport
- Trekking clothes (pants, socks, short, t-shirt, jacket)
- Hiking boots or shoes (waterproof)
- Waterproof Jacket and raincoat.
- Hat, sunblock, sunglasses, insect repellent
- Flashlight, camera, batteries, chargers, power bank
- Extra money (soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle or CamelBak
- Sleeping bag (-20°C) and Trekking poles
- Medium trekking backpack (25 liter)
- Bathing suit and towel
Briefing (Informative Meeting)
Join us for a 30-45 minute briefing the evening before your tour at our Cusco office or your hotel. If you can’t make it, please coordinate a different time via email, phone, or in person.
Payment Balance
Please settle any outstanding balance 1 day before your trek to confirm your reservation. Cash payments in USD or Soles are preferred and can be made at our office or during the briefing. ATMs are available nearby. Credit/debit cards or PayPal are accepted with a 5% service fee. Unfortunately, we don’t accept checks.
Can I store my luggage with you?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel free of charge. For items you won’t need on the trek, check with your hotel—they usually offer storage. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and get a receipt for insurance purposes. For extra security, put valuables in a sealed, signed envelope.
How long should I acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
To avoid altitude sickness, we suggest arriving in Cusco 2-3 days before your trek. Even if you’ve been at high altitude elsewhere in Peru, it’s best to spend a full day in Cusco to rest and explore before your trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the specific altitude profile of the Lares Trek challenge cardiovascular endurance?
The Lares Trek features high passes, reaching its peak at the Pachacutec Pass (4,460 m / 14,632 ft). The climb up the stone trails demands strong cardiovascular stamina and proper acclimatization to ensure you can enjoy the stunning views of glacial lakes and jagged peaks without distress.
What is your ethical commitment to the local communities compared to standard industry regulations?
The Lares valley is home to traditional Quechua-speaking weaving communities. We practice community-based tourism, ensuring that our visits directly support local artisans and families. We employ local horsemen and guides from the valley, pay fair wages, and reinvest a portion of our tour proceeds into community projects.
Why is acclimatization in Cusco mandatory, and how does it prevent the collapse of your itinerary?
Cusco sits at 11,152 ft (3,399 m). Attempting the Lares Trek without spending at least 48 to 72 hours acclimating is a recipe for severe altitude sickness. Your body needs time to generate more red blood cells. Skipping this crucial step doesn’t just risk your health—it risks ruining the entire profound experience we have carefully engineered for you.
Can the mystical experience of the Andes be disrupted by mass tourism during the high season?
The Lares Trek is one of the most isolated paths in Cusco. You will walk past pristine lakes and remote herding settlements, seeing very few other tourists until you connect with the train to Machu Picchu. It is the perfect choice for hikers seeking a quiet, authentic Andean pilgrimage.
