Day 1: Cusco – Hot Springs – Kiswarani Waterfall Camp

We will pick you up from your hotel at 5 am to begin our exciting Lares to Machu Picchu hike. We pick up from any indicated point such as hotel, condo or apartment in Cusco, Urubamba, Huaran or Pisaq.

We will enjoy a three-hour drive through the stunning landscape of the Sacred Valley and the Andes. Upon arrival at the hot springs of Lares, you will have your first breakfast with stunning views of the Andes Mountains.

After enjoying the hot springs, we will continue our journey with a short ride by transport to the start of the trek, located at 3,300 meters above sea level. Here you will meet our muleteers and pack animals, who will carry our belongings to the camp.

We will begin the gradual uphill hike to our first destination, the village of Kiswarani, where we will have lunch. During this part of the trek, we will explore the Potato Valley and learn about the indigenous medicinal plants that grow in the region.

After lunch, our llama-makers will perform a llama ceremony, highlighting the cultural importance of these animals to the Incas. You will have time to explore the village, visit local homes, and, if you wish, contribute school supplies to the local school where Quechua, the ancestral language of the region, is taught.

Finally, we ascend for two more hours to our campsite, where our team will set up the tents. We will enjoy hot drinks while admiring the starry sky and then have dinner together.

Hiking distance: 10 km Camp elevation: 3,850 meters Climate: cold

Day 2: Quiswarani – Pachacute Pass – Cancha Cancha Village

Today you will wake up around 5am with a hot drink and spectacular views of the colorful Kiswarani Lake and Valley. After breakfast, we will begin our three to four hour climb towards Pachacute Pass or Condor Pass. We will zigzag up the steep slope to enjoy stunning views of lakes, waterfalls, llamas and alpacas.

Upon reaching Paso Condor, you will be above the clouds and mountain peaks, with a breathtaking 360-degree view. Here we will enjoy a hot drinks service provided by our porters, taking the opportunity to take incredible photos before beginning our descent.

We will descend for approximately one hour until we reach El Mirador, where we will enjoy lunch. We will then continue descending for another three hours, passing by magnificent lakes, llamas and alpacas, until we reach the campsite in the village of Cancha Cancha, which preserves the original Inca traditions and is devoid of modern technology.

Here, in addition to enjoying the natural surroundings, our porters will set up our tents and you will have the opportunity to interact with local children, supporting them with food and school supplies. You will also be able to learn about daily life and traditional textile crafts made from llama and alpaca wool.

In the evening, we will share more hot drinks and enjoy dinner together.

Distancia de caminata: 14 km Ganancia de elevación: 830 metros Elevación del campamento: 3,750 metros Clima: frío

Día 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Salinas de Maras – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Nuestros porteadores te despertarán con una bebida caliente y tendrás tiempo para preparar tus cosas y disfrutar del desayuno. Después del desayuno, explorarás el pueblo y visitarás la escuela primaria local, donde se enseña el idioma incaico, el quechua.

Luego iniciaremos la última etapa del trekking de Lares. Caminaremos cuatro horas cuesta abajo por un hermoso sendero, pasando por más llamas y alpacas, así como por granjas que cultivan papas, habas y otros cultivos tradicionales incas.

Descenderemos hacia el área más cálida del Valle Sagrado, notando el cambio en el microclima y observando cultivos como maíz, quinua, kiwi, duraznos, aguacates y otras frutas locales. Terminaremos nuestra caminata en el pueblo de Huaran, ubicado a 2,700 metros sobre el nivel del mar, donde nos despediremos de nuestros caballos, jinetes, chef y porteadores.

Desde Huaran, abordaremos una camioneta de Sacred Expeditions Peru para un corto viaje hacia el Valle Sagrado y visitaremos las Salinas de Maras. Aquí, a 3,300 metros sobre el nivel del mar, una fuente de agua salada fluye por el costado de la montaña. Más de 3,000 pequeñas piscinas de evaporación se han creado, pareciendo que caen por la ladera de la montaña. Estas salinas están en uso desde tiempos preincaicos y se dice que la sal tiene propiedades curativas debido a sus minerales naturales, incluso algunos depósitos tienen un color rosado. Cada familia local posee una de estas piscinas y subsiste proporcionando sal a las comunidades cercanas. Hay una pequeña tienda en el lugar si deseas llevar un poco de sal contigo.

Después de visitar las Salinas de Maras, tomaremos el tren de las 7 p.m. hacia Aguas Calientes, el pueblo ubicado al pie de Machu Picchu (los horarios del tren pueden variar según la disponibilidad). Al llegar a Aguas Calientes, te registraremos en tu hotel para que puedas relajarte.

Distancia de caminata: 9 km Elevación de Aguas Calientes: 2,000 metros Clima: frío por la mañana, cálido por la tarde. Ten cuidado con los mosquitos este día.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The most magical day has finally arrived – you will experience Machu Picchu! You will wake up early to take one of the first buses (around 5:30am) that will take you on a 30-minute ride up to Machu Picchu, where you will watch the stunning sunrise over the ruins. Your guide will take you on an informative two-hour tour. Afterwards, you will have time to explore on your own and take the hike to Huayna Picchu if you wish (this requires a separate entrance ticket and costs $75 per person). In the afternoon, you will take a two-hour train back to Ollantaytambo and then a bus back to Cusco, where we will drop you off back at your hotel.

Climate: hot and humid Note:

If you wish to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, please let us know in advance. We can adjust your train tickets and arrange a hotel if you wish. Park rangers do not allow large backpacks inside Machu Picchu. Only small backpacks are allowed. Trekking poles are not allowed in Machu Picchu. Snacks and water are allowed, but they must be inside your backpack.

Includes:

• Professional Guides : All of our guides are graduates of universities and institutes in Cusco and are natives of the region. They are committed to sharing their cultural heritage in a fun yet professional way, ensuring your safety and satisfaction.
• Briefing : The night before you start your trek from Lares to Machu Picchu, you will be met at our office at 6:30 PM for a briefing with your trekking guide. You will receive a duffel bag for your personal items, including a sleeping bag and air mattress (provided by us). The muleteers will be in charge of transporting these bags to the camps, both in the morning and in the afternoon. All the items you will need during the day should be carried in your backpack.
• Porters and muleteers : We include a support team (porter) who will carry your duffel bag with your personal belongings. This service has no additional cost and you will receive the bag at the briefing the night before the trek. You will not have access to this bag until you reach the night camp.
• Emergency Horse : Each trek includes an additional horse available for those who need it due to fatigue or other circumstances during the trek.
• Accommodation : During the trek, you will spend two nights in campsites near local villages and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town located below Machu Picchu. Standard accommodation is in 3-star hotels, usually at the Inti Punku (or similar), included in the final cost of your trip. Upgrades may be considered based on availability.
• Transportation: Transportation is included from your hotel at 4:30am (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo earlier), taking you to the starting point of the trek. At the end of the hike, you will be transferred to Ollantaytambo. From there, you will take the train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel. The round-trip train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes will be in the Expedition Class. If you wish to upgrade to the Vistadome Class from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, you can do so for $75 per person. Once at the train station, we will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
• Bus ticket: Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is included.
• Equipment : Sacred Expeditions Peru uses Eureka 4 tents shared between two people. In addition, a spacious dining tent is provided to enjoy meals.
• Food : Our chefs prepare a variety of delicious meals that have satisfied many previous hikers. We respect all dietary restrictions; be sure to specify them when making your reservation and mention them during the pre-trip briefing. Food is served family style and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, plus hot infusions (tea, coffee, chocolate and snacks). A morning snack is also provided to enjoy during the hike. The last meal with the chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch on the final day is not included.
• Water : From the first lunch to the last breakfast, Sacred Expeditions Peru provides all the necessary water, boiled, purified and cooled before being distributed. You must bring your own water bottle or camelback; we recommend bringing at least 3 liters and you can refill during meals.
• First Aid : All of our guides are trained in first aid by doctors and mandatory annual training is completed. Each guide carries a first aid kit for basic medical situations (such as traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. If any unexpected problems arise and you are unable to complete the trek, our guides will accompany you to a safe clinic. If you prefer, you can visit Machu Picchu and meet up with your group by train for a comfortable end to your trip.
• Extras : Each hiker receives a small sleeping pillow, a foam mattress for insulation, a backpack cover for protection, and a rain poncho. We strive to take care of every detail to provide you with an unforgettable vacation.
• Satellite Phones: Safety is our priority. Each guide carries a fully charged satellite phone for medical or other emergencies, ensuring constant communication anywhere on the mountain. These phones are also available for non-emergency use by clients, although their use incurs an additional cost due to their nature.

Not Included:

• Rentals: Not included in the package. If you need to rent a sleeping bag, air mattress or walking sticks, they are available for an additional cost:
  • Sleeping bag: $20
  • Inflatable air mattress: $15
  • Walking sticks (pair): $15
• Huayna Picchu: The hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain, adjacent to Machu Picchu, is not included in the package. It is a 45-minute hike to the top, with a steep descent. The cost is $75 per person and must be arranged at least 3 to 4 months in advance due to its popularity and weather restrictions beyond our control.

• Artículos adicionales:

  • Opciones de upgrade:
    • Huayna Picchu: $75 por persona
    • Montaña: $75 por persona
    • Tren Vistadome (solo ida): $75 por persona

During the Lares trek, your main luggage will be remembered at your hotel in Cusco, or you can leave with us. For the hike, you will carry your backpack plus a duffel bag that Sacred Expeditions Peru will provide you during the briefing held the day before your tour at our office in Cusco.

During the briefing that takes place at 6:00 pm, your tour guide will give you the final details of your trip and give you the canvas bags to store up to 7 kilos of your personal things. This suitcase will be carried by our porter along with food and camping equipment.

What to put in the backpack.

The backpack will be with you at all times; you are responsible for wearing it during the daytime walks, and it should be as light as possible. Remember that you will find the canvas bags only in the camp and everything you need during the day should be in your backpack.

• Passport.- Passports must be with you at all times in a safe and dry place; We recommend placing them inside Ziploc bags along with money and other documents.
• Student card.- If you have booked as a student, you must also bring your student ID, especially when we enter Machu Picchu.
• Water bottle.- You must bring reusable water containers; they must be easy to handle and have a capacity of at least 2 liters.
• Rain ponchos, rain jackets. – You will be provided with plastic rain ponchos along with the canvas bags; you still need to bring a waterproof jacket or windbreaker.
• Sunscreen, cap and long-sleeved shirts.- You will walk through an open space without shelter and you must always be protected.
• Warm jacket.- Early in the morning, the weather is cold. You will begin to walk in the cold and warm up as you go; Always carry a warm jacket with you, even on the hottest day. The temperature in the Andes can vary in a matter of minutes.
• Mini First Aid Kit.- You must always carry with you your personal medication as well as band-aids, medicine for altitude, analgesics, Cipro, an allergy pill, insect repellent, among others.
• Headlamp, camera, mobile phone, sunglasses
• Toilet paper.- It must be in your backpack always with you.
• Extra money.- It is important to always carry travel money with you, we recommend around 600 soles (200.USD) in cash, it is better to have in small coins about 20 soles at least for anything you can buy on the train like toilet. The trip is not to spend; this is for emergencies only.

What to put in the canvas bag?

• Sleeping bag. – A 4-season sleeping bag (-10°) is required for this hike; you can bring your own or rent it with us. If you rent with us, you will be provided with a lining, so you don’t need to bring it as well. All our sleeping bags are suitable for the climate of Lares and are cleaned and disinfected after each walk.
• Inflatable mattress. – We will provide a foam mattress; However, if you prefer to have greater comfort at night, we recommend bringing or renting an inflatable mattress.
• Pillows – We will provide you with small pillows for camping during this hike.
• Shoes: For this hike, we strongly recommend wearing hiking boots.
• Socks: You will need about 5 pairs of thick wool socks to walk plus 3 pairs of light socks for the evenings or to walk after the walk.
• 3 pairs of long pants, hiking pants or leggings also work for women.
• Thermal underwear.- this is very important for the night.
• Bathing suit.- We will visit the thermal baths of Lares, we recommend bringing a swimsuit for the first day.
• Sandals.- Change after the walk and at the hotel.
• Toiletries.- Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lip balm, moisturizer
• Towel.- Small and light towel
• Hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

Everything you need to know about Lares Trek 4 days to Machu Picchu

There are many trekking routes to Machu Picchu such as the Salkantay Trek, the Classic Inca Trail, the Jungle Trek, and we also have lesser-known tours such as the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This beautiful route takes you off the beaten track to explore remote villages in the Peruvian Andes, visit lakes, glaciers, virgins, and hike along with llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.

What is the Lares Trek?

Lares Trek is an alternative trek to Machu Picchu that takes you 4 to 5 days of adventure. This hike is perfect for those travelers who prefer more cultural interaction, visiting uncrowded routes, and exploring remote mountains where llamas and alpacas are the locals.

How many days does the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu last?

The Lares Trek can be done in itinerary of 4 days and 5 days as well:

The 4-day Lares Trek tour starts in the Lares district. First, we visit the hot springs, hike through the mountains visiting the remote villages, visit the Salineras de Maras and finish the Machu Picchu tour.

The 5-day Lares Trek itinerary follows the same route as the 4-day Lares Trek and includes the Short Inca Trail trek at the end rather than just traveling to Machu Picchu by train.

Where is this tour located?

It is located on the eastern side of the Andes, near the Lares District, approximately 150 km – 93 miles from Cusco. The hike starts at the hot springs of Lares (3250 m / 10662 ft), a 3-hour drive from Cusco. The district of Lares belongs to the province of Calca in Cusco.

What is the average height?

• Pickup from this tour is from your hotel in Cusco city at 3399m/11151ft.
• The district of Lares, where the hot springs are located, is at 3250 m / 10662 ft.
• The first camp is located at 3750 m / 12303 ft.
• The highest point is the Condor Pass at 4700 m / 15354 ft.
• The second campground is located at 2700 m / 8856 ft.
• The final destination is Machu Picchu at 2430 m / 7972 ft

When is the best time to visit Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

The climate of Lares Trek is very similar to that of Cusco, the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek. The average temperature during the day is 10°C to 21°C (50°F – 70°C). During the nights they are cold and can reach temperatures below 0 °C (30 °F).

The entire Cusco region has only 2 seasons; we have no summer, winter, autumn or spring in the Andes, we only have rainy and dry season:

• Lares Trek Weather in January: January usually starts with rain; this is the month we expect rainiest days and an average of 16 to 17 rainy days throughout the month. The positive thing is that the nights are not so cold, we have fewer travelers and everything is green, perfect for having a nice time away from the crowds.
• Lares Trek Weather in February: This month is known as crazy February. Although we have less rain than in January, we expect heavier rains. As in January, Lares Trek is the route for hiking during the rainy season.
• Lares Trek weather in March: March is still within the rainy season; however, we expect less rain than in January or February. The temperature is warm during the day and the night is not so close; it is the beginning of the harvest season for farmers and children return to school.
• Lares Trek Weather in April: Just ending the rainy season, there are still occasional rains; during a sunny day, temperatures are stifling and nights start to get cold.
• Weather in Lares Trek in May: This month is one of the best of the year to make any trek to Machu Picchu; it is the beginning of the dry season. However, there could be occasional showers, even in the driest months.
• Lares Trek Weather in June: The weather in June on Lares Trek during the days is around 21°C (70°C) and at night it could reach less than 0°C (30°F). The morning is frigid due to frost, and occasionally we see snow in the Mountains.
• Weather in Lares Trek July: The weather in June in Lares Trek during the days is around 21 °C (70 °C) and at night it can get below 0 °C (30 °F). The morning is frigid due to frost, and occasionally we see snowfall in the mountains. Despite being the driest months of the year, sometimes it rains and you have to be prepared.
• Lares Trek weather August: August is the month of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and is celebrated with great devotion by the locals offering gifts. This month the rains are expected to be vital for agriculture; Locals believe that the first days of August represent every month of the year; in this way, if it rains during August 1, it will be a good January for agriculture.
• Lares Trek weather in September: With the rains back after the long dry season, the landscape turns green, the ponds are back and the birds. The day temperature is warm and the night temperature is no longer so cold.
• Lares Trek Climate October: The beginning of the wet or rainy season; However, some year the dry season could extend more like this 2020 that the rains returned almost in December. The days are warm and the night temperature is not very cold.
• Lares Trek Climate November: The beginning of the wet or rainy season; However, some year the dry season could extend more like this 2020 that the rains returned almost in December. The days are warm and the night temperature is not very cold.
• Weather Lares Trek December: The weather in the Andes is unpredictable; we could spend weeks during October, November, December and see no rain at all, or it could be quite the opposite. Rains are expected during this month; However, we may have one raining day a week and the rest.

What are the top attractions in the Lares area?

• Lares Hot Springs: The highlight of the hike, the natural hot springs are composed of different water wells with different temperatures from cold to very hot (36°C – 44°C or 96°F – 112°F). Pure volcanic water contains many minerals that locals consider good for bones, stress, muscles, and headaches.
• Kiswarani Waterfalls: Visit the 7 beautiful waterfalls near Kisawarani village on the first day.
• Blue Lagoon: Known locally as K’oyalay, this beautiful Andean lake sits at 3750 m/12303 ft.
• Llamas and Alpacas: Looking at the first day, you will see herds of llamas and alpacas grazing high up the mountain.
• Condor Pass: With 4700 m / 15354 ft it is the highest mountain pass in the Lares trek and receives this name since sometimes we can see the Andean Condor and other birds. The view of the highest mountain of this place is spectacular.
• Canchacancha Village: Located at 2700m/8856ft, this remote village is 4 hours from the closed route, travel locally on foot to get supplies and use llamas to transport goods.
• Salineras de Maras: Located in the Sacred Valley area, there are more than 3000 salt mines where locals are collecting salt using ancient techniques.
• Ollantaytambo: The city of Ollanataytambo is considered the “Inca Citadel of the Last Living” as the locals still use the original Inca streets, gates and even water channels that run since the time of the Incas.
• Machu Picchu: The final destination, after a long journey of 3 days, we arrived on the morning of the last day to the great city of Machu Picchu.