Embark on an incredible 4-day, 3-night Lares Trek, an authentic journey through the heart of the Andes, culminating in the breathtaking ancient city of Machu Picchu. This trek offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and challenging yet rewarding hiking. You’ll begin by soaking in the therapeutic Lares Hot Springs, followed by treks through picturesque valleys, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside snow-capped peaks, encountering alpacas, llamas, and possibly even condors. Engage with local Quechua-speaking communities, gaining insight into their traditional way of life at high altitudes. The trek features an ascent to the challenging Condor Pass, offering panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and Lares Valley. Concluding the hiking portion at Pumahuanca, you’ll travel by car to Ollantaytambo, then take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The grand finale is an unforgettable early morning visit to Machu Picchu, where you’ll witness the sunrise over the magnificent Inca citadel and explore its mysteries with your expert guide, with an option to hike Huayna Picchu.
Lares Hot Springs and Cuncani Village
1
Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 AM. A comfortable 3-hour drive will take you to the trailhead at Lares, situated at 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before indulging in a relaxing soak in the medicinal waters of the Lares Hot Springs for approximately two hours. Afterward, the trekking commences with a gradual uphill hike for about 2.5 hours to our lunch spot, where a fresh, buffet-style meal awaits. After a short siesta, you’ll continue another 3-hour gradual ascent to our campsite in a local village. This day offers spectacular views of the Lares Valley, including streams, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. At camp, your guide will help you settle into your tents. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with local Quechua-speaking children, sharing hot chocolate and cake. Later, your guide will facilitate a visit to a local family home, providing insight into their high-altitude lifestyle. The day concludes with a satisfying dinner and, for those not too tired, a chance to enjoy stargazing and discover ancient Inca constellations with your guide.
Walking distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 meters
Camp Elevation: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet)
Condor Pass and Andean Landscapes
1
Wake up around 5:30 AM to a warm cup of coca tea. After packing your duffel bag, enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by your professional chef, who will also provide snacks and water for the day. Around 7:30 AM, you’ll depart from camp, beginning the ascent towards the trek’s highest point, the Condor Pass. This challenging uphill section lasts approximately 4 hours, rewarding you with incredible views of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, alpacas, llamas, picturesque lagoons, and, if you’re fortunate, sightings of majestic Andean Condors. Upon reaching the pass, you’ll savor coca tea while taking in the charming vistas of both the Sacred Valley and Lares Valley. The journey continues with a 1.5-hour descent to our lunch spot, where your chef will serve delicious family-style food, accommodating any dietary restrictions. After lunch, a short siesta might be possible, depending on the weather. The afternoon involves another 2-hour downhill trek to our campsite nestled amidst trees and streams. After settling into your tents, enjoy a small happy hour with hot drinks, followed by dinner and a well-deserved rest after conquering the ‘big mountain.’
Walking distance: 15 km / 8 miles
Camp Elevation: 3,600 meters (11,811 feet)
Train to Aguas Calientes
1
Today’s wake-up is at 6:30 AM with a comforting glass of coca tea or hot chocolate. After packing, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast. Around 8:00 AM, you’ll begin the final walking segment of the trail, a 4-hour downhill trek. This path takes you through beautiful landscapes featuring impressive waterfalls, giant rocky mountains, and an Inca ruin where your guide will share its fascinating history. Upon completing the trek, you’ll bid farewell to your cook, horsemen, and porters. From there, you’ll continue with just your guide by car to Ollantaytambo, a charming town in the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Train times (3:36 PM, 4:36 PM, or 7:00 PM) depend on availability. Dinner will also be scheduled based on your train arrival. You’ll check into a comfortable **-star hotel with private rooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. Upgrades are available upon request.
Walking distance: 10 km / 4.5 miles
Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 meters (6,562 feet)
Sunrise at Machu Picchu
1
Day four is the most magical day of your journey: exploring Machu Picchu! You’ll wake up very early to catch one of the first buses ascending to the citadel, aiming to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the ancient ruins. Your guide will lead you on an insightful 2-hour guided tour, uncovering the history and mysteries of this magnificent Inca site. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore on your own, soak in the panoramic views, or embark on an optional hike up Huayna Picchu (please note this requires a separate entrance ticket and costs an additional $25 USD per person, needing advance booking). Later, you’ll take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes, then board a train back to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, a bus will transfer you back to Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, concluding your incredible Lares Trek.
Walking distance: Approximately one hour uphill within Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Elevation: 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level.
Area: High Cloud Forest (known for warm and very humid weather).
A valid, original passport is required for all international travelers. Huayna Picchu tickets are limited and must be booked well in advance with your tour operator.
The best time to undertake the Lares Trek is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, you can expect sunnier days and less rainfall, making for more comfortable hiking conditions and clearer views. June, July, and August are typically the busiest but also the driest months. The wet season (November to March) can bring heavy rains, making some trails muddy and challenging, though the landscape is often greener.
For the Lares Trek, you will carry a daypack with your essentials for daily hiking, such as water, snacks, camera, and rain gear. Your main luggage, containing sleeping bags, extra clothing, and personal items, will be carried by horses or porters. There is typically a weight limit for the duffel bags carried by the horses, usually around 5-7 kg (11-15 lbs) per person, to ensure animal welfare. Details on precise limits will be provided upon booking.
Yes, altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) can be a concern as the trek reaches high elevations, including Condor Pass (approximately 4,750 m.a.s.l.). To prepare, it is highly recommended to arrive in Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l.) at least 2-3 days prior to your trek to allow for acclimatization. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and consider consulting your doctor about altitude medication like Diamox. Your guide will also carry emergency oxygen and be trained to assist.
Absolutely! The professional chefs on the Lares Trek are highly experienced in catering to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other restrictions or allergies. It is crucial to inform your tour operator about any dietary needs well in advance, preferably at the time of booking, so they can adequately prepare and ensure delicious and safe meals throughout your journey.
While there isn’t a strict minimum age, participants should ideally be at least 10-12 years old and have prior hiking experience. The Lares Trek is considered moderate difficulty, involving several hours of hiking daily, significant ascents, and descents at high altitudes. Participants should have a good level of physical fitness, be able to walk for extended periods, and be comfortable with uneven terrain. Consulting with your doctor before booking is recommended, especially for children or seniors.
Traveler Experiences
Recent comments
A very enriching experience, full of history and good coordination even with changing weather during the route.
See moreYou may also like
Related trips you may be interested in
Suggested packages
Adventure
3 days
Embark on an exciting 3-day adventure that combines the best archaeological attractions of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a condensed version of the renowned Inca Trail, culminating at the breathtaking…
