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Trek · 4 days

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

A four-day trek through the Lares Valley: hot springs, Andean communities, the Ipsaycocha pass at 4,450 m and a finish at Machu Picchu. Two nights of camping and one night in a hotel. For hikers in good physical condition.

4 days / 3 nightsModerate to demandingLares hot springsIncludes Machu Picchu
Duration4 days / 3 nights
GuideBilingual (Spanish / English)
PickupHotel in Cusco
Machu PicchuEntrance and guided visit included

Highlights

What you’ll experience

  • Lares Hot SpringsYou relax in thermal waters with mountains in the background before you start walking.
  • Ipsaycocha PassThe highest point of the trek, at 4,450 m above sea level, before descending to camp by the lagoon.
  • Andean CommunitiesYou cross Huacahuasi, Patacancha and Willoq, villages that keep their traditional way of life.
  • Machu PicchuGuided visit early in the morning, between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Itinerary

Day by day

Days 2 and 3 are the hardest: 14 and 18 km with altitudes of up to 4,450 m above sea level.

Day1

Cusco – Lares – Huacahuasi

LunchDinner

We pick you up in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. and you cross the Sacred Valley to the town of Calca, arriving around 7:15 a.m. to stretch your legs and have a snack. Around 9:30 a.m. you continue to the Lares Hot Springs, arriving near 11:00 a.m. to relax in the waters; lunch is at 1:00 p.m.

Then the walk to Huacahuasi begins, crossing local communities with the Andes all around you. You arrive around 5:00 p.m., set up camp, and have dinner and rest. Day data: 12 km; maximum altitude 3,800 m and minimum 2,800 m; moderate difficulty.

Overnight: Camp in Huacahuasi

Day2

Huacahuasi – Ipsaycocha Pass

BreakfastDinner

Breakfast is at 6:00 a.m., and around 7:30 a.m. you set off toward Ipsaycocha. This is the most demanding stretch: you climb to the highest point of the journey and around midday reach the pass, with open views of the mountains.

Afterward you descend on a gentler trail to Ipsaycocha Lagoon, where you arrive around 4:00 p.m. and camp by the water. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Day data: 14 km; maximum altitude 4,450 m and minimum 3,800 m; demanding difficulty.

Overnight: Camp at Ipsaycocha

Day3

Ipsaycocha – Pumamarka – Aguas Calientes

BreakfastLunch

Breakfast is at 6:00 a.m., and at 7:00 a.m. you set off toward Patacancha and Willoq, communities you reach around 11:00 a.m. After a break you continue to Pumamarka, where you have lunch among its ancient terraces around 1:00 p.m.

In the afternoon you descend to Ollantaytambo (4:00 p.m.), and at 5:30 p.m. you take the train to Aguas Calientes, arriving around 7:00 p.m. to spend the night in a hotel. Day data: 18 km; maximum altitude 4,200 m and minimum 2,792 m; moderate to demanding difficulty.

Overnight: Aguas Calientes

Day4

Machu Picchu – Cusco

BreakfastLunch

At 5:00 a.m. you have a light breakfast, and around 5:30 a.m. you climb to Machu Picchu. Between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m. you tour the citadel with your guide, who explains its history and architecture.

Around 11:00 a.m. you go down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and last-minute shopping. At 2:30 p.m. you take the train to Ollantaytambo, and from there a bus takes you to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m. Day data: 8 km; maximum altitude 2,430 m and minimum 2,040 m; moderate difficulty.

✓Included

  • Transportation from Cusco to the start of the trek and back.
  • Professional bilingual guide throughout the trek.
  • Machu Picchu entrance.
  • Camping equipment (tents and sleeping pads).
  • 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners.

✕Not included

  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance (optional).
  • Tips for the guide and support crew.
  • Snacks and additional drinks.
About Machu Picchu tickets

Machu Picchu tickets and Inca Trail permits are issued through the Peruvian government in each traveler’s name (full name and ID or passport number) and must be paid in advance. Once issued, they are non-refundable and non-transferable. See cancellation terms

Frequently asked questions

About Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

What does the Lares Trek include?+

It includes transportation from Cusco to the start of the trek and back, a bilingual guide, Machu Picchu entrance, camping equipment (tents and sleeping pads), 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, and 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners.

How difficult is it?+

It is moderate to demanding. You walk 8 to 18 km per day, and the highest point is the Ipsaycocha pass, at 4,450 m above sea level. It is not recommended for pregnant women, people with limited mobility or people in poor physical condition.

Where do I sleep during the trek?+

The first two nights you camp at Huacahuasi and by the Ipsaycocha lagoon; the third night you sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Does it include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?+

No. Those entrances are optional and not included; the included entrance is to the Machu Picchu citadel.

What language is the guide?+

The guide is bilingual, in Spanish and English.

What is the cancellation policy?+

With 45 days or more notice, 70% is refunded; between 30 and 44 days, 50%; with fewer than 30 days or if you do not show up, no refund. Machu Picchu tickets and Inca Trail permits are non-refundable once issued.

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