Lares Trek (EA23)

Cusco – Lares Valley – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu

Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Tour Details

A rewarding alternative to the classic Inca Trail, this trek crosses the spectacular Lares Valley through high mountain passes, remote Quechua communities, scenic lakes and snowcapped peaks before concluding with a guided visit to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Included / Not Included

Cost Includes

Transfer to Lares
Camping equipment
Train tickets Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
Professional guide
Cook
Horses for equipment transport
6 kg porter service for personal belongings
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (3-star hotel)
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Breakfast (3)
Lunch (3)
Dinner (3)

Cost Does Not Include

Sleeping bag
Huayna Picchu entrance fee
Energy bars and snacks
Hot springs entrance fee in Aguas Calientes
Walking sticks

Trip Information

Season

Available throughout the year

Destination

Lares Valley - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

Experience

Andean Communities, Trekking and Culture

Difficulty

Moderate to Challenging Trek

Itinerary

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Cusco - Lares

We leave Cusco at 6:00 a.m. by private vehicle and drive about 4 hours through the Sacred Valley to Lares (3,100 m / 10,168 ft), a small village known for its hot springs. On arrival, we continue to Choquecancha, an impressive archaeological complex with wide valley views. After a guided visit, we hike back to Lares, where we can enjoy the hot springs before or after dinner. Our campsite is next to the thermal baths, with access available all night. (L, D)

Trail Information

Maximum altitude: 3,950 m / 12,959 ft. Minimum altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft. Distance: about 14 km Walking time: about 7 hours

Lares - Ipsayqocha

After breakfast, we meet the horsemen and leave camp around 9:00 a.m. We hike uphill to Huacahuasi (3,600 m / 11,808 ft), a remote Andean community where we observe traditional Quechua life and visit a local family before lunch. In the afternoon, we continue for about 3 hours to Ipsay Pass (4,450 m / 14,596 ft), crossing small communities and open pampas often dotted with llamas and alpacas. From the pass, we enjoy impressive views of Mount Veronica and surrounding peaks. We then walk about 30 minutes to beautiful Ipsayqocha Lake, where we camp for the night. (B, L, D)

Trail Information

Maximum altitude: 4,740 m / 15,551 ft. Minimum altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft. Distance: about 16 km Walking time: about 7–8 hours

Ipsayqocha - Patacancha - Huilloq

We leave camp around 7:30 a.m. and hike downhill for 1.5 to 2 hours to Patacancha, a traditional textile community that still preserves ancient Quechua customs and dress. After a visit, we continue about 1.5 hours along a gorge with increasingly lush vegetation to Huilloq, another well-preserved Andean community.

Aguas Calientes

There, our private transport takes us to Ollantaytambo in time for the late afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. On arrival, we settle into our hotel or hostel for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

Trail Information

Maximum altitude: 3,200 m / 10,498 ft. Minimum Altitude: 2,700 m/8,858 ft. Distance: about 12 km Walking time: about 4 hours

Machu Picchu

After breakfast, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu, a 20-minute ride. During the guided tour, we learn about the history and myths of this extraordinary site beside Huayna Picchu, surrounded by steep, misty hills.

Return to Cusco

Later, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where lunch is on your own, then continue by train to Ollantaytambo and by car to Cusco. (B)

Trail Information

Maximum altitude: 3,400 m / 11,186 ft. Minimum altitude: 2,100 m / 6,909 ft. Distance: about 9 km Walking time: about 4–5 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Lares Trek focuses more on traditional Andean communities, mountain scenery and cultural interaction, while still ending with a visit to Machu Picchu.

The trek visits the Lares hot springs, but entrance fees may apply separately depending on local regulations.

Yes, one night of accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes is included.