Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - 4D/3N
Overview
Experience the authentic culture of the Andes on the Lares Trek, an immersive 4-day journey to Machu Picchu. Known as the 'Weaver's Route,'this trek takes you off the beaten path into remote valleys where traditional Quechua communities still wear colorful, hand-woven ponchos and herd llamas as they have for centuries. You will soak in natural medicinal hot springs, camp by pristine glacial lakes, and cross high mountain passes with sweeping views of the snow-capped Veronica and Pitusiray peaks. The adventure concludes with a train ride through the cloud forest and a magical guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Day by Day Itinerary
Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Huacahuasi
We pick you up early from your hotel and drive through the Sacred Valley, ascending over a pass before descending into the Lares Valley (3,100m). Upon arrival, we enjoy the natural, medicinal volcanic hot springs—a perfect start to the trek. After a relaxing soak and a delicious lunch prepared by our chef, we meet our horsemen and begin hiking. The trail gently ascends for about 3-4 hours along a river valley until we reach the traditional weaving village of Huacahuasi, where we set up our first camp. • Trekking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles • Estimated Time: 3-4 hours • Starting Altitude: 3,100m / 10,170ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,750m / 12,303ft
Huacahuasi – Ipsaycocha Pass – Patacancha
Today is the most challenging and spectacular day. We leave Huacahuasi and begin a steep 4-hour ascent. Along the way, we pass herds of alpacas and llamas and meet local Andean people in their vibrant traditional clothing. We reach the highest point of the trek, the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450m), offering breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers. We descend for an hour to the beautiful Ipsaycocha Lake for lunch. Afterwards, we continue downhill for another 2 hours to the village of Patacancha, our second campsite. • Trekking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,450m / 14,599ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,700m / 12,139ft
Patacancha – Willoq – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We start the day with a gentle hike down the valley, passing through the community of Willoq, famous for producing some of the finest textiles in the region. We continue to the lesser-known but impressive Incan ruins of Pumamarca, perched on a ridge. From here, we hike down old Incan terraces to the living Incan town of Ollantaytambo. After lunch in town, we board the afternoon Expedition train for a scenic 1.5-hour ride through the lush cloud forest to Aguas Calientes, where we check into our hotel and enjoy a group dinner. • Trekking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles • Estimated Time: 6 hours • Highest Altitude: 3,700m / 12,139ft • Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040m / 6,692ft
Machu Picchu Exploration – Return to Cusco
The climax of our journey! We wake up early to take one of the first buses up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, aiming to witness the sunrise over the ancient citadel. Your guide will provide a 2-hour walking tour, sharing the fascinating history and secrets of the Incas. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the ruins independently or hike Huayna Picchu (if booked). In the afternoon, we head back down to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco. • Trekking Distance: Exploration of Machu Picchu • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours guided tour • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400m / 7,874ft
What is Included
- Briefing before departure at your hotel
- Private transportation from Cusco to the Lares hot springs
- Professional bilingual trekking guide
- Chef and Assistant Cook
- Horsemen and mules to carry all camping equipment and food
- Personal allowance of 7kg carried by the mules
- High-Quality 4-season tents and comfortable foam sleeping mats
- All meals during the trek (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
- Entrance to the Lares Hot Springs
- Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- One night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Official entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or 3 depending on availability)
- Bus tickets (round trip) to Machu Picchu
- Return Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo and private transfer to Cusco
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Not Included
- Sleeping bags (Available for rent)
- Trekking poles (Available for rent)
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permits
- First day breakfast and last day lunch
- Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
- Tips for the trekking team
Book This Expedition
Direct operator permits • No intermediaries
Speak instantly with our Cusco concierge
ANDES MARATHON
Official licensed direct mountaineering operator based in Cusco, Peru. We design high-altitude private adventures and glamping tours while ensuring fair wages and dignity for our native porters through the Ayni Philosophy.
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