Machu Picchu

LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

Hiking

What you'll do

Embark on a 4-day trip through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu. Experience cultural immersion in remote Andean villages, relax in natural hot springs and explore traditional salt mines. This family-friendly trek offers a slower pace, perfect for all ages, leading to the sacred ruins of Machu Picchu. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and genuine connections with local communities year-round.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Begin Your Lares Trek Adventure

Start your 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu with a pickup from Cusco, heading towards the famous Lares hot springs. You will be picked up from your hotel at 4.30 AM. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley before relaxing in volcanic water pools renowned for their health benefits. Trek to Kiswarani Waterfall Campsite 3,850 meters (12,631 ft), engaging with local communities and learning about traditional potato farming and medicinal plants. Engage in a llama ceremony, showcasing the cultural significance of these animals in Inca traditions. Length: 10 km (6.21 miles)

Day 2 - Summit Condor Pass and Discover Cancha Cancha Village

Awaken to hot drinks and breathtaking views at Kiswarani. Today’s trek ascends to the Condor Pass, offering panoramic views of Pitusiray Mountain and the surrounding landscapes. Experience the thrill of being above the clouds at Condor Pass. Descend to Cancha Cancha 3,750 meters (12,303 ft), an authentic Andean village preserving Inca traditions with no modern technology. Interact with the community, learn about hand-woven textiles, and contribute to local educational initiatives. Length: 14 km (8 miles) Elevation Gain: 830 meters (2,723 ft)

Day 3 - Explore Maras Salt Mines

Descend through the Sacred Valley, passing traditional farms and experiencing diverse micro-climates. Visit the historic Maras Salt Mines, where ancient evaporation chambers produce mineral-rich salt. Travel to Ollantaytambo, the best-preserved Inca village, before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. Prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day. Lenght: 9 km (6.2 miles)

Day 4 - Machu Picchu Exploration and Return to Cusco

Rise early for the bus ride to Machu Picchu, witnessing an unforgettable sunrise over the ruins. Enjoy a guided tour and free time to explore or hike Huayna Picchu. Return to Cusco by train and bus in the afternoon, reflecting on a journey that has blended breathtaking natural beauty with deep cultural immersion. We recommend departing the next day just to have a nice, good sleep.

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

Hiking Guide

Accommodation

Lunch

Dinner

Personal chef

Breakfast

Porter service to carry duffle bags, accessible only at evening campsites

Pre-tour briefing held at our office at 6:30 pm the day before your Lares trek

Emergency Horse in case you need a break from the trekking

2 nights of camping

1 night close to local village

1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes

All transfer

Equipment

A morning snack

Water

First Aid

Satellite Phones

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Insurance over 4.500mt, mandatory for this trek

Extra accommodation

Snacks and drinks

Park entrance fee

Extra transfer

Tourist tax

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Sleeping bag: rent for US$25.

Walking poles: rent for US$15.

Tips

Single Room supplement

Lunch on the last day

Inflatable Air Mattress: rent for US$15

Accomodations

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Tent camping

We spend the first two nights under the stars, tent camping at the campsite. The team ensures our tents and duffel bags are ready upon our arrival. Warm water is provided for us to freshen up and slip into warm clothes for the evening. A happy hour featuring hot chocolate or coffee, followed by a hearty cooked meal, awaits us. As night falls, we gaze up at the clear sky adorned with visible Inca constellations.

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Aguas Calientes Hotel

This marks our final rest stop before visiting Machu Picchu. Our exceptional hotel is equipped with Wi-Fi, hot showers, and offers a cozy spot to relax after our day's hike. Nearby, we find local hot springs available for an entry fee of ten soles. In the evening, our local partner treats us to our last dinner, preparing us for the next day's adventure.

Guides

Raul & Alpaca Expeditions

Raul is the owner and director of Alpaca Expeditions. They have tour guides 100% local. They mastered the craft of leading groups through the most beautiful places and over the highest elevations without losing any bit of information and any tip to make the hiking more enjoyable. All the guides have graduated in Tourism and passed tests to be able to guide along the treks.