4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: Adventure Through Mountains, Hot Springs, and the Inca Trail
The 4-Day Lares Trek is an excellent alternative for travelers who want to combine a hike through high-Andean landscapes with an experience along the Inca Trail before visiting Machu Picchu. The route allows us to enjoy different natural and cultural landscapes on a journey that combines adventure and heritage.
One of the most challenging moments will be the ascent to Ipsaycocha Pass, at 4,400 m.a.s.l., where we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Andes. We’ll then descend toward Mantanay and Yanahuara before continuing our journey toward Ollantaytambo and Kilometer 104.
During the second part of the journey, we’ll hike toward Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Intipunku, enjoying the ancient Inca trails and our first view of Machu Picchu. The journey will culminate with a visit to the citadel and our return to Cusco.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the natural landscapes of the Lares Valley.
- Visit the Lares hot springs.
- Visit the Ankasmarka archaeological site.
- Ascend to Ipsaycocha Pass, located at 4,400 m.a.s.l.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Andes during the hike.
- Travel through Mantanay and Yanahuara.
- Experience the Inca Trail from Kilometer 104.
- Visit the Chachabamba archaeological site.
- Visit the Wiñaywayna archaeological site.
- Reach Intipunku, or the Sun Gate.
- Enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
- Visit the Machu Picchu citadel.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Ankasmarka – Lares – Wacawasi – Sondorpampa
We’ll depart early from Cusco toward Calca, where we can purchase any necessary items for the journey. We’ll continue to the Ankasmarka archaeological site, located at 3,850 m.a.s.l., and then head to the town of Lares and its hot springs. After lunch, we’ll begin our hike toward Wacawasi and continue to Sondorpampa, located at 3,820 m.a.s.l., where we’ll set up our first campsite.
Day 2: Sondorpampa – Ipsaycocha Pass – Mantanay – Yanahuara
After breakfast, we’ll resume our uphill hike until reaching Ipsaycocha Pass, located at 4,400 m.a.s.l. From this point, we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and have some time to take in the scenery. We’ll then begin our descent toward Mantanay, at 3,500 m.a.s.l., and continue to the town of Yanahuara, where our team will be waiting with the campsite prepared for the night.
Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – Wiñaywayna – Intipunku – Aguas Calientes
In the morning, we’ll head toward Ollantaytambo and its train station to continue to Kilometer 104, where our hike will begin. We’ll visit Chachabamba and ascend toward Wiñaywayna, where we’ll have some time to rest and enjoy our box lunch. We’ll then continue to Intipunku, at 2,745 m.a.s.l., where we’ll have our first view of Machu Picchu. Finally, we’ll descend to the checkpoint and take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
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 ascend to the Guardhouse, where we can take the classic photograph, and then explore important areas such as the Main Plaza, Sundial, Royal Quarters, Intihuatana, and the Temples of the Three Windows and the Condor. Afterward, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch on our own and board the train to Ollantaytambo, continuing by tourist transportation to Cusco.
Why Book with Us?
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 hikes and help you enjoy the different landscapes, cultural attractions, and historic trails that are part of this experience.
The 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu allows you to combine the adventure of high-Andean landscapes with the experience of hiking along part of the Inca Trail, enjoying hot springs, archaeological sites, and unique views before reaching Machu Picchu.
With Peru Top Experience, you can enjoy a complete experience that brings together nature, adventure, Andean culture, and history, culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu and your return to Cusco.
