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 – Arrival in Cusco

As soon as you arrive in Cusco, you’ll have a briefing with your guide at 6:00 PM, and you set into your hotel to rest after the journey. If you arrive earlier, enjoy a stroll through the city’s cobblestone streets, its mix of Inca and colonial architecture, and lively plazas. Have an early dinner and a good night’s sleep—your adventure begins the next morning.

Day 2 – Soak in Hot Springs and Reach Your Campsite Under The Falls

Your adventure starts with an early morning pick-up at 5 a.m. from your hotel, followed by a scenic three-hour drive through the Sacred Valley to the famous Lares Hot Springs. After soaking in the volcanic, medicinal waters, you’ll set out on the Lares Trek. The first part of the hike takes you on a gentle uphill walk to the village of Kiswarani, where you’ll stop for a delicious lunch. Continuing through potato fields and past traditional homes, you’ll reach your first campsite, located under the Kiswarani Waterfall. Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi) | Elevation gain: +580 m (+1,902 ft) / –90 m (–295 ft) | Time: 3–4 hours

Day 3 – Summit Condor Pass and Explore a Traditional Andean Village

Today, we rise early at 5 a.m. and embark on a challenging day, starting with a three to four-hour climb to Condor Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft). The views are absolutely breathtaking, with mountains, lakes, and waterfalls surrounding you as you ascend. After a well-deserved rest, we’ll descend into the El Mirador Valley for lunch before continuing on a three-hour downhill hike to Cancha Cancha, a remote Andean village where the locals still practice ancient Inca traditions. Enjoy the hospitality of the villagers before settling into your campsite for the night. Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) | Elevation gain: +540 m (+1,772 ft) / –720 m (–2,362 ft) | Time: 3–4 hours

Day 4 – Visit The Maras Salt Mines And Reach Aguas Calientes

After a peaceful night in Cancha Cancha, we’ll explore the village and visit the local school, where Quechua is still spoken. Then, we begin the last leg of the trek with a three-hour descent to Huaran. From here, we’ll drive to the Maras Salt Mines, where over 3,000 evaporation chambers have been used since Inca times to harvest salt. After exploring this fascinating site, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll check into your hotel and have time to relax before the big day at Machu Picchu. Distance: 9 km (5.6 mi) | Elevation gain: +580 m (+1,902 ft) / –90 m (–295 ft) | Time: 3–4 hours

Day 5 - Machu Picchu Exploration and Return to Cusco

Rise early for the bus ride to Machu Picchu AT 5.30 AM, witnessing an unforgettable sunrise over the ruins. Enjoy a guided tour and free time to explore or hike Huayna Picchu (this is a separate entrance ticket not included). Return to Cusco by train and bus, reflecting on a journey that has blended breathtaking natural beauty with deep cultural immersion. You arrive late (around 8 Pm in Cusco) so we recommend departing the next day and taking your time to have a nice, good sleep.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

Hiking Guide

3 Dinners

Pre-trip briefing in Cusco

Water after first 4 hours (bring your own initially)

Tent with tables and chairs for meals

Emergency oxygen and first aid kit

Guidance by an experienced, English-speaking tour guide

Personal duffle bag provided for trek belongings (up to 7 kilos)

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

Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco on the Expedition class

Safety gear including a first aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phone for the trek

1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes

Accomodation in tents

1 night in Cusco (3-star hotel)

Machu Picchu entrance

4 Breakfasts

3 Lunches

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Extra accommodation

Transport from airport

Transport to airport

Snacks and drinks

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Tips

Optional Huayna Picchu Mountain climb available for $75 per person, must be booked in advance

Single Room supplement

Dinner on Day 1

All the meals not mentioned in the what's included section

Lunch and dinner on the last day

Sleeping Bag rental: $30

Inflatable Air Mattress rental: $25

Walking Sticks (Pair) rental: $22

Accomodations

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3-start hotel in Cusco - Day 1

Your classic 3-star hotel in Cusco offers comfort and charm double rooms. You can enjoy friendly services, and warm décor with local touches. Perfect for resting before setting off on the adventure.

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Tent camping - Day 2-3

You spend the first two nights under the stars, tent camping at the campsite. The team ensures your tents and duffel bags are ready upon our arrival. Warm water is provided for you 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 you. As night falls, you gaze up at the clear sky adorned with visible Inca constellations.

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Aguas Calientes Hotel - Day 4

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