Caminata Lares a Machu Picchu 4 Días
Hike one of the most authentic routes to Machu Picchu, where mountains, high-Andean lakes, and local communities of the Sacred Valley reveal a quieter and more genuine side of the Andes. Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 4 Days is an ideal experience for travelers who want to combine trekking, nature, living culture, and a final visit to Machu Picchu, away from the most crowded routes.
On the first day, we will travel from Cusco to the Lares area, where you may enjoy the Lares hot springs before starting the hike to the first campsite. Over the following days, you will walk through high-Andean valleys, traditional communities, farmland, lakes, and mountain passes, while observing llamas, alpacas, and scenes of daily life in the Andes. Then, we will continue to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu with your guide and returning to Cusco.
This tour is operated with regular camping tents, a simple, comfortable, and nature-connected option. It does not include lodges, but it does include organized logistics with a guide, transportation, meals during the route, camping equipment, and assistance throughout the hike.
It is a perfect experience for active travelers looking for hiking, Andean landscapes, photography, local culture, and a different way to reach Machu Picchu without following the most crowded routes.
Important Information
Tour Type: Trekking, nature, Andean culture, local communities, camping, and Machu Picchu.
Ideal For: Active travelers, couples, friends, families with older children, photographers, and people looking for an authentic experience in the Andes.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights.
Start and End Point: Cusco / Cusco.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
Total Hiking Distance: Approximately 33 km (20.5 mi), depending on the route and service organization.
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 4,450 m (14,600 ft) at the mountain pass, depending on the confirmed route.
Accommodation: Regular tent campsites and 1 night in Aguas Calientes, according to the confirmed program.
Languages: English and Spanish.
Meals Included: According to the confirmed program.
Season: Available year-round, subject to weather conditions and local operation.
Machu Picchu: Entrance and guided tour according to availability and the confirmed circuit.
Tour Highlights
- Hike a less crowded route to Machu Picchu.
- Visit traditional Andean communities in the Lares area.
- Enjoy mountain landscapes, lakes, valleys, and high-Andean farmland.
- See llamas, alpacas, and scenes of local life during the hike.
- Enjoy an authentic camping experience with regular tents.
- Cross a mountain pass with impressive views of the Andes.
- Relax in the Lares hot springs, according to the confirmed program.
- Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide.
- Ideal for travelers looking for nature, culture, and a different route.
Why Travelers Enjoy This Tour
This tour is a great option if you want to experience an Andean hike with more cultural connection. Lares is not only a mountain route; it is also an opportunity to meet communities that still preserve traditions, clothing, language, and ways of life deeply connected to the land.
During the hike, you will see highland landscapes, lakes, mountains, herds of llamas and alpacas, local families, farmland, and small villages where life moves at a peaceful rhythm. It is a very special experience for travelers who want to see the more human side of the Andes.
In addition, the Lares Trek is less crowded than other routes to Machu Picchu. This allows you to hike more calmly, enjoy the silence of the mountains, and experience a closer connection with nature. At the end, the journey is completed with the train to Aguas Calientes and the guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the most anticipated moments of the trip.
What Makes This Experience Special
What makes the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu special is the combination of hiking, high-Andean landscapes, and local culture. In just a few days, you will pass through mountain areas, traditional communities, high-altitude lakes, and nature-filled trails before reaching Machu Picchu. Unlike more famous routes, Lares feels quieter and more authentic.
Here, the experience is not only about reaching Machu Picchu, but also about the journey itself: the people who live in the area, the landscapes that change along the route, and the connection with a less touristy side of Cusco.
This version with regular camping tents keeps the classic spirit of trekking: simple campsites, meals along the route, long hikes, and direct contact with nature. It is perfect for travelers who want a well-organized adventure without unnecessary luxury, but with a real and memorable experience.
Best Time to Travel
The best season to do the Lares Trek is usually from April to October, during the dry season. During these months, there is a better chance of clear skies, better mountain views, and more stable hiking conditions.
From November to March, rain is more frequent and the trails may be wet or muddy. However, the landscapes are often greener and more vibrant. During this season, it is very important to bring a good waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
At any time of year, mornings and nights can be cold, especially at high-altitude campsites. For this reason, we recommend dressing in layers and being prepared for cold, sun, wind, and possible rain.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This tour is ideal for active travelers who want a trekking experience with more cultural connection. It is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, taking photos, visiting local communities, and experiencing an authentic adventure in the Andes.
You do not need to be an expert trekker, but you should have good physical condition. The route includes several hours of hiking, uphill and downhill sections, high mountain passes, and weather changes throughout the day.
It is also a good option for couples, friends, young travelers, families with older children, and people looking for an alternative to the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, with fewer crowds and more connection with Andean life.
What's Included
- Professional bilingual trekking guide.
- Tourist transportation (Cusco – trailhead – Ollantaytambo – Cusco).
- Shared camping tent and complete camping equipment.
- Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the trek.
- Vegetarian and special dietary options (upon request).
- Horsemen and pack horses for camping equipment and supplies.
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Return train ticket to Ollantaytambo.
- Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day, unless otherwise specified.
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Sleeping bag, unless listed as included.
- Trekking poles, unless listed as included.
- Entrance to the Lares hot springs, if paid directly in the area.
- Personal horse for riding during the hike.
- Additional drinks and snacks.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide, cook, horsemen, and support staff.
- Travel insurance.
- Services not mentioned in the program.
Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Lares Hot Springs – Andean Community – Campsite
Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will travel through the Sacred Valley to the Lares region, passing Andean villages, farmland, and beautiful mountain scenery.
Before starting the trek, you may have time to relax in the Lares Hot Springs, depending on the confirmed itinerary. Afterward, we begin our hike through peaceful mountain trails, traditional communities, and spectacular Andean landscapes, where you'll experience local life, native animals, and agricultural terraces.
In the afternoon, we arrive at our campsite, where you'll enjoy dinner and rest before the next day's adventure.
- Hiking Distance: Approximately 8 km (5 mi)
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Starting Elevation: 3,200 m (10,499 ft)
- Campsite Elevation: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Weather: Cool during the day, cold at night
- Highlights: Sacred Valley, Lares, Hot Springs, Andean Communities
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite (Regular Tents)
Day 2: Campsite – Mountain Pass – High-Andean Lakes – Second Campsite
After breakfast, we begin the most challenging day of the Lares Trek. We hike steadily toward the highest mountain pass, surrounded by spectacular high-Andean scenery, lakes, alpacas, llamas, and trails used by local communities. We take regular breaks to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the views.
At approximately 4,450 m (14,600 ft), we reach the highest point of the trek, where you'll have time to admire the scenery and take photos before descending through beautiful valleys and lakes toward our second campsite.
Although this is the most demanding day, it is also one of the most rewarding thanks to its incredible mountain landscapes and close connection with nature.
- Hiking Distance: Approximately 14 km (8.7 mi)
- Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
- Starting Elevation: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
- Maximum Elevation: 4,450 m (14,600 ft)
- Campsite Elevation: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Weather: Cold, especially at the mountain pass
- Highlights: Mountain Pass, High-Andean Lakes, Alpine Landscapes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite (Regular Tents)
Day 3: Second Campsite – Andean Communities – Ollantaytambo – Train to Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we begin the final day of hiking with a gradual descent through peaceful mountain trails, traditional Andean communities, farmland, and beautiful valley landscapes.
At the end of the trek, our transportation will take us to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in the Sacred Valley. Depending on the schedule, you may have free time before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes, where you'll spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
- Hiking Distance: Approximately 11 km (6.8 mi)
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Starting Elevation: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
- Ending Elevation: 2,040 m (6,693 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Weather: Cool in the morning, warmer during the descent
- Highlights: Andean Communities, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Early in the morning, you'll take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the citadel following your confirmed entrance circuit. Your guide will share the history, architecture, and significance of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
After the visit, you'll return to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have free time for lunch or to explore the town before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our transportation will take you back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon or evening depending on your train schedule.
- Walking Distance: Light walking inside Machu Picchu
- Elevation: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Weather: Mild and Humid
- Highlights: Machu Picchu
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Not Included (Return to Cusco)
Packing List
Prepare for changing mountain weather by packing light and dressing in layers. Here's everything we recommend bringing for your Lares Trek.
Essentials
- Original passport.
- Comfortable daypack.
- Broken-in trekking boots.
- Hiking clothing (layered).
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm jacket, gloves, and wool hat.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Personal medication.
- Cash (Peruvian soles) for personal expenses.
Main Duffel Bag
- Sleeping bag (or rental).
- Extra hiking clothes.
- Thermal sleepwear.
- Extra socks and underwear.
- Sandals or camp shoes.
- Quick-dry towel.
- Swimsuit (for Lares hot springs).
- Waterproof bag for wet clothes.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Toilet paper and wet wipes.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Deodorant.
- Biodegradable soap.
- Feminine hygiene products (if needed).
- Small trash bag.
Keep in Your Daypack
- Passport.
- At least 2 liters of water.
- Snacks or energy bars.
- Rain jacket.
- Light fleece or warm layer.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- Camera or phone.
- Portable charger.
- Trekking poles (optional).
- Backpack rain cover.
Price
From USD 540 per person.
Prices may vary depending on travel date, availability, group size, train category, accommodation in Aguas Calientes, and optional services.
Private Tours: Available upon request. Pricing depends on group size and the level of customization.
Optional Services
- Sleeping Bag Rental: Available upon request.
- Trekking Poles Rental: Available upon request.
- Emergency or Personal Horse: Available on selected sections of the trek (additional cost).
- Lares Hot Springs: Optional visit depending on the itinerary. Entrance fee may be paid on-site.
- Train Upgrade: Upgrade to a higher train category, subject to availability.
- Hotel Upgrade: Upgrade your accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
It is a moderate to challenging hike. It is not a technical route, but it requires good physical condition, as you will hike through high-altitude areas, uphill and downhill sections, and mountain trails.
No. This program uses regular camping tents at campsites. It is a simple, authentic experience connected with nature.
You do not need to be an expert, but you should be used to walking for several hours and have good general health.
The highest point is usually around 4,450 m / 14,600 ft, depending on the confirmed route.
Yes, it is normally included according to availability and the confirmed circuit at the time of booking.
Yes. One of the most special parts of the Lares Trek is the connection with traditional Andean communities during the hike.
Yes, it is usually possible at the beginning of the tour, according to the confirmed program. The entrance may be included or paid directly at the location, depending on the booked service.
The tour can operate with light or moderate rain. That is why it is important to bring waterproof clothing. In case of strong weather conditions, the guide and operator will evaluate the route for safety.
