Lares Valley – Machupicchu 4D/3N

Why Choose the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

  • Experience an off-the-beaten-path adventure with fewer crowds
  • Interact with local Quechua communities and learn about their traditions
  • Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, from high-altitude lakes to snow-capped peaks
  • Visit Machu Picchu after an unforgettable 4-day trek through the Andes
Tour Data
Lares Valley – Machupicchu 4D/3N
Group size
2-16
Activity Level
Relaxing

Trip Details

  • Hightlights
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions

Highlights

  1. Highlights

    Experience the Lares Trek: A Cultural Path to Machu Picchu

    The Lares Trek</strong> offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes. This alternative route to Machu Picchu leads you through traditional Quechua communities, where ancient customs and textile arts thrive amidst breathtaking mountain vistas. Ideal for those seeking a less-traveled path, the Lares Trek combines moderate hiking challenges with profound cultural encounters, culminating in the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu.

  2. Itinerary Overview

    • DAY 01: CUSCO – CALCA – LARES – HUACAWASI
    • DAY 02: HUACAWASI – IPSAYCOCHA
    • DAY 03: IPSAYCOCHA – PATACANCHA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUASCALIENTES
    • DAY 04: MACHU PICCHU TOWN – MACHU PICCHU CITADEL – CUSCO.
    • &lt;/ul>

Itinerary

  1. DAY 01: CUSCO - CALCA - LARES – HUACAWASI

    We depart from Cusco early in the morning and head towards the province of Calca (2,900 m / 9,514 ft). We make a stop to visit the Calca market, where you can experience the local population’s real market and enjoy a typical breakfast or natural juices. Continuing our journey through Machacancha, we observe the local flora and fauna, followed by the Ancasmarca Archaeological Group. We then pass the highest point of the day and proceed to the Lares Valley and the main city, Lares. Our transportation will take us to the thermal baths, where we can enjoy a 1.5-hour soak before indulging in a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will hike for about 3 hours to the village of Huacahuasi. Camping in the town of Huacawasi. (Lunch, dinner). Overnight stay.

  2. DAY 02: HUACAWASI – IPSAYCOCHA

    After breakfast, we begin our ascent to the highest point of our journey, the Ipsaycocha pass (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours of hiking. Along the way, we will see beautiful snow-capped mountains and observe herds of llamas and alpacas. After reaching the pass, we descend for 30 minutes to reach the campsite near the Niza lagoon. During the journey, you will witness the natural beauty of the Andes and have the opportunity to interact with the Andean locals. Dinner and overnight stay.

  3. DAY 03: IPSAYCOCHA - PATACANCHA - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES

    On this day, we will descend to the Patacancha Valley, which takes approximately 4 hours of hiking. This community is known for its textile production. From the village of Patacancha, we will take local transportation to the town of Ollantaytambo. Along the way, we can visit the Purmamarca ruins, believed to have been built to protect the Sacred Valley. Lunch in Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon or evening, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes. Accommodation in Aguas Calientes. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner). Overnight stay.

  4. DAY 04: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

    This is the big day to visit the lost city of the Incas. We will wake up very early to have breakfast and depart for the Machu Picchu citadel at around 5:30 am. In Machu Picchu, the guide will accompany you for approximately 2 hours, and then you will have free time to take photos and explore on your own. Later, you will descend to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Cusco. End of our services.

What's included?

  1. Included

    • Transportation Cusco – Lares.
    • Train Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo.&lt;/li>
    • Buses Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes.
    • Bus Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
    • Horses and horseman for agency equipment and supplies.
    • Camping equipment (kitchen tent, din
    • ing tent, sleeping bags, mats, tables, benches, etc.).
    • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
    • Meals as per the itinerary.
    • Hostel in Aguas Calientes.
    • Professional guide.</li>
    • Cook
    • </ul>
  2. Not Included

    • Sleeping bag
    • First breakfast and last lunch
    • Tips
    • Extra horse

Book your Lares Valley – Machupicchu 4D/3N

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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: An Unforgettable Journey Through the Andes

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is an incredible alternative to the Inca Trail, offering a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and an off-the-beaten-path adventure. This trek takes you through the remote Andean highlands, where you'll encounter traditional Quechua villages, stunning mountain passes, and hot springs before arriving at the majestic Machu Picchu. If you're looking for an authentic trekking experience with fewer crowds and rich cultural encounters, the Lares Trek 4 Days is the perfect choice.


Lares Trek vs. Inca Trail: Which One is Right for You?

Both treks lead to Machu Picchu, but they offer different experiences. The Inca Trail is known for its archaeological ruins and follows an ancient path built by the Incas, while the Lares Trek provides a more immersive cultural experience, passing through remote villages where you can witness Andean traditions still alive today. The Lares Trek Difficulty is moderate, making it accessible to most hikers, whereas the Inca Trail is more physically demanding due to its steep ascents and descents.


Lares Trek Difficulty & Elevation

The Lares Trek Elevation reaches up to 4,450 meters (14,600 feet) at its highest point. While this makes it a high-altitude trek, the gradual ascent helps with acclimatization. The overall difficulty is considered moderate, with some challenging sections, but it is generally more accessible than the Inca Trail 4 Days. Proper acclimatization is recommended to avoid altitude sickness, and spending a couple of days in Cusco before starting the trek is highly advised.

Lares Trek to Macchpicchu Packing List: What to Bring?

Packing smart is essential for an enjoyable trek. Here’s a brief Lares Trek Packing List to ensure you’re well-prepared:

  • Essential Gear: Hiking boots, trekking poles, backpack, sleeping bag
  • Clothing: Layers for cold weather, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat
  • Accessories: Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, headlamp
  • Other: Snacks, reusable water bottle, personal medications, extra cash for villages

Unlike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which is a 2-day trek, the Lares Trek requires more preparation due to its higher elevation and remote nature.


Lares Trek Weather: Best Time to Go

The best time to do the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from May to September, when the skies are clear, and the trails are in the best condition. However, this is also the busiest season, so booking in advance is recommended. The wet season, from November to March, brings rain and muddy paths but offers lush green landscapes.


Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Reviews: Why Travelers Love It

Many trekkers describe the Lares Trek as a life-changing experience due to its cultural authenticity and breathtaking views. Unlike the crowded Classic Inca Trail 4 Days, this trek provides solitude and a deep connection with nature and local Andean communities.

Book your Lares Valley – Machupicchu 4D/3N

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