4 Days - 3 Night

4-DAY LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

ALTERNATIVE TREKS - LARES TREK

4 Days - 3 Night Duration

Maximum 15 paxs Group size

Hike - Cultural Tipo de servicio

Bus - Walk Transporte

Cusco Altitude: 3400 masl | Altitude Machu Picchu: 2430 masl Maximum altitude

Lugares a visitar: Lares Trek

The 4-Day Lares Trek is an adventure that allows us to discover the landscapes of the Andes in a different way, combining mountain hikes, traditional communities, hot springs, and a final visit to Machu Picchu. Over four days, we’ll explore different areas of the Lares Valley, traveling through high-altitude regions and enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains.

The experience begins in Cusco and continues toward Calca and Ancasmarka before reaching the Lares hot springs. From there, we’ll begin our hike toward Wacawasi, where we’ll spend our first night. The following day, we’ll take on one of the route’s greatest challenges: the ascent to Ipsaycocha Pass, located at 4,400 m.a.s.l.

The journey continues through Andean communities and Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes. Finally, we’ll visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco after completing this experience filled with nature, Andean culture, and adventure.

Horario de partida: 04:00 AM

Dificultad: Moderate / Hard

Horario de retorno: 6:30 PM

4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: An Adventure Through Mountains and Andean Communities

This route is an excellent alternative for travelers who want to enjoy a trekking experience before visiting Machu Picchu. The trail takes us through mountain landscapes, high-altitude passes, and Andean communities that are part of the journey.

One of the highlights will be reaching the Lares hot springs, where we’ll have time to relax before beginning our hike. We’ll then cross high-Andean areas until reaching Ipsaycocha Pass, at 4,400 m.a.s.l., before descending toward the Ipsay River.

The final part of the journey will take us toward Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, preparing us for the great highlight of the adventure: visiting the Machu Picchu citadel.

Tour Highlights

Explore the natural landscapes of the Lares Valley.
Visit the Lares hot springs.
Ascend to Ipsaycocha Pass at 4,400 m.a.s.l.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Andes during the trek.
Visit Andean communities such as Willoc and Purmamarca.
Travel through Ollantaytambo before continuing to Aguas Calientes.
Visit the Machu Picchu citadel.
Return to Cusco after completing the experience.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Ancasmarka – Lares – Wacawasi

We’ll depart early from Cusco toward Calca, where we’ll have the opportunity to purchase some items needed for the journey. We’ll continue to Ancasmarka, located at 3,850 m.a.s.l., and then make our way to Lares. After lunch, we’ll visit the hot springs before beginning our hike toward Wacawasi, where we’ll set up our campsite.

Day 2: Wacawasi – Ipsaycocha Pass – Ipsay River

After breakfast, we’ll resume our uphill hike until reaching Ipsaycocha Pass, at 4,400 m.a.s.l. From this point, we’ll enjoy views of the Andes before beginning our descent toward the Ipsay River, where our second campsite will be located.

Day 3: Ipsay River – Patacancha – Andean Communities – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We’ll continue our journey toward Patacancha and pass through Andean communities such as Willoc and Purmamarca. We’ll then continue to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at our hotel and rest before visiting Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

In the morning, we’ll take the bus to Machu Picchu to begin our visit to the citadel. We’ll explore some of its main areas, including the Guardhouse, Main Plaza, Sundial, Royal Quarters, Intihuatana, and Temple of the Three Windows, among others. We’ll then return to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and continue by tourist transportation to Cusco.

Why Book with Us Peru Top Experience?

At Peru Top Experience, we focus on providing an organized experience with support throughout every stage of the journey. Our team is prepared to guide you during the trek and help you enjoy the different landscapes and attractions along the route.

With the 4-Day Lares Trek, you’ll be able to combine adventure, nature, and Andean culture in a single journey, ending the experience with a visit to Machu Picchu and a return to Cusco.

4-DAY LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHUEXPERIENCE

Day 01: Cusco (3.300 m) – Calca (2.925 m) – Lares (3.100m) – Cuncani (3.700 m)

Very early in the morning we will leave the city of Cusco towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas until we reach the thermal baths of Lares (3,250 m / 10,662,730 ft). Where we will have free time to enjoy and relax in the thermal baths (from 28 ° C to 34 ° C). After lunch we will start with a walk for approximately 2 hours until we reach our campsite in Cuncani (3,700 m / 12,139,108 ft), during the tour we can observe the characteristic flora and fauna of the area and we can also see the native people of the place with Your typical dress.

Day 02: Cuncani – Wacahuasi (3.600 m) – Ipsaycocha (4.400 m)

After breakfast we will continue our lares trek machu picchu through the Lares Valley until we reach the community of Wacahuasi (3,600 m / 11,811,024 ft). In this place the villagers produce the finest fabrics and we can also observe their great skills and brilliant techniques in the manufacture of ponchos and clothing. Passing through the village we will begin to ascend to the second pass the Abra de Condorpasa (4,100 m / 13,451,444 ft).

From this place we will have an amazing view towards the Snowy La Verónica (5,750 m / 18,864,830 ft). We will descend for an approximate time of 1 hour until we reach the beautiful lagoon of Ipsaycocha (4,400 m / 14,435,696 ft), where our camp will be.

Day 03: Ipsaycocha – Willoc (3.600 m) – Ollantaytambo (2,850 m) – Aguas Calientes (2,160 m)

After breakfast we will descend through the valley until we reach the community of Willoc (3,600 m / 11,811,024 ft), where we will have lunch. From here we will walk approximately 2 hours until we reach the community of Puma Marca (3,400 m / 11,154,856 ft), from where we can appreciate Inca terraces. Finally we will arrive at Ollantaytambo (2,850 m / 9,350,394 ft), located in a fertile valley and protected by huge mountains. Then we will go to Ollantaytambo station, where we will board a train which will take us to Aguas Calientes. There we can visit the thermal baths (the entrance of 10 Soles is not included in the tour). We spend the night in a lodging.

Day 04: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (2.490 m) – Cusco

This day will only be dedicated to visit the wonder of Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169,292 ft), where we will have a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, after the tour we will have time to explore Machu Picchu on our own or visit Huayna Picchu (not included in the tour). Then we will go down to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,087,614 ft). Finally we will take a train to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will wait for us to take us back to our hotel in Cusco. End of our 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.

A professional guide who knows the way, which will help you get in touch with the environment and its culture.
Food as mentioned in the tour.
Meeting before the walk.
Pick up from your hotel on the morning of the trip departure in our private transport to the starting point of the trek.
Chef and kitchen assistant.
Food as described in the itinerary: (D) breakfast (A) lunch (C) dinner, our chef will prepare traditional Peruvian food with selected and quality food, typical of our region and great care in preparing it. If you have any preferences let us know in advance.
Tents
Dining tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, utensils.
Biodegradable bathroom tent.
Personal bag
Riders who will lead the horses and transfer of equipment.
Horses and / or mules: they will carry camping equipment, kitchen and dining equipment, backpacks, sleeping bags and mattresses.
1 Emergency horse, which can be used, in case you feel sick or tired.
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Entrance to Machupicchu
Round trip bus to Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu and vice versa.
Entrance to the Citadel of Machupicchu.
4th day lunch.
Train back to Cusco.
Private transportation back to Cusco.
First aid kit and oxygen.
Second Guide (depending on the number of passengers).

First day breakfast.
Dinner on the third day.
Tips for Arrieros, cook and guide.
An additional horse if you need to carry more things.
Sleeping bag.

HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN: Spaces are just as special and limited ($80.00 dollars).
PAIR OF POLES: Will help during the hike for support points ($15.00 dollars)
SLEEPING BAG: Lighten the weight in our luggage from home ($25.00 dollars)
ADDITIONAL CARRIER: Can carry the personal luggage we designate ($150.00 dollars – 7kg)
VISTADOME SERVICE: In case we are looking for a more complete experience, this is the ideal option. The Vistadome service has a panoramic view on the train ride section that is a fact that we will enjoy 200%.
Additional price:
– Return only: $40.00 dollars per participant.
LUNCH SERVICE: We can also add this service and schedule it for after the guided tour in Machupicchu. It has a price of $10.00 dollars per person (Tourist Menu).

Tickets issued by the agency (Entrance ticket, buses, trains and others).
Identity document (ID card or passport).
Daypack and personal equipment:
Hat and sunglasses.
Mosquito repellent.
Light clothing during the day
Warm clothes for the night.
Water in canteen
Cash for personal purchases.
Camera
Rain poncho (Recommended for rainy season).

Are trekking poles necessary?

We recommend the use of trekking poles, especially for those passengers with known knee problems. There are many times during the peru lares trek that trekking poles are useful, whether climbing a mountain or walking on difficult trails.

How difficult is the 4-Day lares trek peru?

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is considered a moderate hike. It is not a technical walk, but altitude can affect some individuals. We recommend buying a wooden cane while in Peru as it will help you with your balance and reduce the load on the knees. We ask that you do not use a metal with a cane tip, as it can damage the fragile environment along the way.

¿ls altitude sickness common? And how high is lares trek machu picchu?

It is impossible to predict that they will be affected by altitude. Its ability to adapt at high altitude is determined by its genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problem, as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day in Cusco (3249m), taking a lot easy and drinking from the water, is usually enough for most people.

The highest point is reached during an excursion the Lares Trek is 4550 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.

¿ls the road still good during the rainy season?

Some people actually like to go during the rainy season because there are fewer tourists, but we suggest them to get prepared with wet weather and right clothes and equipment.