Lares To Machu Picchu 4 Days

Introduction

The Lares trek gives a direct look at high Andean life and finishes at Machu Picchu. You leave Cusco City early and we drive into the Lares Valley, trek to high passes and camp near small local communities that still weave and raise llamas and alpacas. The trek is shorter than some other multi-day treks, but the climbs can be steep and the nights are cold.

You will go over one major pass around 4,450 meters approximately, then descend through farming valleys and end the route by rail to Aguas Calientes and the Inca City.

This is practical. Prepare for altitude and for simpler camping nights. On day 4-day you reach Machu Picchu lost inca city after a train and a short bus. Tickets for Machu Picchu must be bought in advance through the official platform; availability changes with new circuits and visitor limits, so plan ahead. Train options vary from basic to panoramic Vistadome or higher classes; prices depend on service and season. Expect a mix of long walking days, cultural stops at weaving communities, and a final day at the Inca City

Trip Details

Trip facts (as requested)
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Activities: Hiking, Culture, Adventure
Average Group Size: Up to 16
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Camping, Hotel
Tour Language: English, Spanish
Hiking Distance: approximately 54 km / 34 mi (route variations exist).
Starts/Ends: Cusco / Cusco
Minimum Altitude: 3,000 m ≈ 9,843 ft (approximately)
Maximum Altitude: ~4,450 m ≈ 14,600 ft approximately.
Age Recommended: Minimum 12 years old (depends on fitness)
Is Necessary Acclimatization: Yes — recommended before starting

Trip Summary

Day 1 — Cusco to Lares to camp near Wakawasi

05:00 leave Cusco (bus)
10:00 short stop; stretch, snack
12:00 Lares hot springs stop (30–60 min) — quick bath if wanted
14:00 short drive to trail start, begin walking (2–3 hours)
17:30 set camp, dinner, brief talk about next day

Day 2 — High pass day (hardest)

06:00 breakfast, pack up
07:00 start ascent to Ipsaycocha / Ipsayjasa pass
11:30 reach pass (slow pace), short rest
13:00 descend to lake camp area
16:30 arrive camp, hot drink, relax

Day 3 — Descend to Patacancha / Ollantaytambo; train to Aguas Calientes

06:00 breakfast, pack
07:00 long descent through communities, stops for photos and textiles
11:00 meet road, drive to Ollantaytambo (lunch)
14:30 train to Aguas Calientes (travel time depends on service)
18:00 hotel in Aguas Calientes, dinner

Day 4 — Early Visit to Machu Picchu, return to Cusco

04:30 wake up, quick breakfast
05:30 bus to Machu Picchu entrance, guided Visit 2–3 hours
09:30 free time to walk selected circuits or short hikes
13:00 return by train to Ollantaytambo, bus to Cusco — arrive late evening

Why you'll love this tour

You meet local weavers and farmers — real people who still work with natural dyes and alpaca wool. Time in communities is not staged. You might try a quick weaving demo, see children heading to school, buy a textile directly. Those moments show daily life, not just tourist photo stops.
Less crowded than the Inca Trail. The trail has smaller groups, fewer passing trekkers and quieter campsites. If you want more space, fewer lines, and time to talk with locals, this trip works. It’s slower. Better for people who like a mix of hiking and culture.
You cross a high pass and feel the climb. It is hard. Short breaks, coca tea, and slow steps help. The view is honest; no fancy words — just open space and llamas. That push up the pass makes the following downhill feel earned.
Finish at Machu Picchu with a train transfer. After camping, you take the valley road down to Ollantaytambo, then the train to Aguas Calientes and the next day the bus to the Inca City for your guided Visit. You get both: remote trails and the final famous site.

Itinerary

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DAY 1 CUSCO – LARES – CUNCANI (with lunch and dinner).

Early in the morning, your guide will collect you from your Cusco hotel to head into the Sacred Valley. We will head to the town of Calca and visit the market, which will be our final stop before we head into the mountains. You will have the opportunity to buy any final items for the trek here. The trek will take us through Andean countryside, crossing the Amparares pass, found at 4,470 m, to the town of Lares, enjoying impressive mountain views along the way. The final destination for the day are the natural Lares hot springs where you can relax and loosen up the muscles for the hike. We will climb for a few hours to our lunch stop, after which we will continue our first days´ adventure by hiking to the community of Cuncani, where we will camp for the evening.

DAY 2 CUNCANI – PUMAHUANCA PASS – PACCHA (with breakfast, lunch and dinner).

If the weather permits, we can enjoy impressive views of the Colque Cross, a snow-capped mountain, who´s glacier provides the fresh water for the community. We will ascend along a rocky trail that pass by stunning, high-altitude lakes. As we reach the top of the mountain pass, the Trail will become steeper and rockier. At the Summit, the Anta Pampa will offer breath-taking views. Our descent is steep but beautiful, passing through a “Polylepis” forest, whose endemic trees are in danger of extinction in this part of the high Andes, until we arrive at our campsite, in a beautiful remote spot surrounded by trees and a small river.

DAY 3 PACCHA – TROUT FARM – OLLANTAYTAMBO (with breakfast, lunch and dinner).

After breakfast, we will begin or final days trekking, and where we will take our group photo with our porters and community members. We will then trek to the trout farm, for a relaxed days trekking. After a few hours hiking, we will arrive at our private transport stop, which will take us to the Ollantaytambo train station where we will take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu town. The hotel staff will be waiting at the train station to assist you with your backpacks and take you to the hotel. After a welcoming hot shower, we will enjoy a delicious dinner.

DAY 4 MACHU PICCHU GUIDED TOUR AND BACK TO CUSCO. (Breakfast)

We will wake up early to enjoy this special day, with a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of The Modern World – “Machu Picchu”. We will take a 25-minute bus ride up to the entrance gate of The Machu Picchu Sanctuary found at an elevation of 2400m / 7874ft. This guided tour will last approximately 2 hours, after which, we will have some time to explore this magical archaeological site.

You will have the option to climb the famous Huayna Picchu mountain, an uphill adventure if you wish to do some more hiking, itis important to mention that you need a special permit to climb the mountain, so you must check about availability beforehand and reserve this option at the time of booking your trek. There are two turns to climb the mountain, 7 am or 10 am. This hike consists a steep ascent with many steep steps and is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo. The mountain is found at an altitude of 2700 m / 8858 ft and involves a climb of 300 m.

After the Machu Picchu visit, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have the time to eat lunch, before taking the train back to the town of Ollantaytambo, where your private car will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

Note (Students require an ISIC card to apply a discount). Prices are per person and stated in American Dollars.

Reviews

5.0 4.9 - 462 TripAdvisor Reviews

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Oswaldo Luiz C

5.0

A Agencia primou pela qualidade. Tanto nas programações, excelentes guias, qualidade dos transportes, horários e pontualidade.

Ruan N

5.0

A agência Yacana foi perfeita! Organizou nossos passeios no Peru da melhor forma possível, nos deu todo suporte que precisamos, independentemente do horário, nos deu dicas valiosas para os passeios, sugestões, além do acompanhamento de tudo ao longo dos dias....

Sunshine60374635165

5.0

Experiência indescritível! Fomos em 2 casais para o Peru e contratamos absolutamente todos os passeios com a Yacana. Vale Sagrado, Machu Picchu, 7 lagunas, montanha colorida, city tour cusco e islas ballestas e oasis em Lima. Segurança impecável, pontualidade perfeita...

Diego R

5.0

Experiência incrível, passeios todos bem feitos com a Yacana. Guias muitos preparados e prestativos, em especial a Rosa. Recomendo!

Daniele P

5.0

A agência tem um excelente atendimento, faz adaptações e oferece os melhores passeios, além de todo o pós venda que captura os feedbacks de forma atenta e cuidadosa. Recomendo para todos que posso os serviços da Yacana.

Flávia F

5.0

Tivemos ótima experiência com nossos tour! Equipe pontual, muito organizada, guias bem preparados e simpáticos . Empresa de confiança!

Tamara F

5.0

Tivemos uma experiencia maravilhosa com o guia Robert e motorista Hernan no passeio a Wanacancha + Pisac! O Robert é uma simpatia e cheio de cultura - um professor!!! Recomendamos muito!!

Miliani Greco

5.0

Desde o início do atendimento até a execução do que contratamos, foram extremamente atenciosos e pontuais. Não precisávamos nos preocupar com nada, apenas em curtir o Peru e suas belezas.

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Included

Pre-trek briefing.
Inflatable Mattress.
Hotel pick-up in the morning and transfer in private car to the trail head.
Personal Tent: 2 people sharing a 4-person tent for extra comfort and safe storage of your backpacks.
Professional trekking guide (English speaking) with 2 guides for groups of more than 8 people.
Chef and cooking equipment.
Porter to carry tents, cooking equipment and food for the 4 days.
Emergency horse (the horse will be with you at all times).
1 duffle bag to carry a maximum of 6 kilos per person. (Including Sleeping Bag) day 1 – 2 this Will be carried by the horses.
Food (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners) daily snacks and tea service, except for the final day). Vegetarian menus or any special menus available at no extra cost.
A recycled cloth bag to avoid use of plastic on the trek and to help protect the environment
Train to Aguas Calientes (Expedition Service).
01 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (please ask us for superior hotel categories).
Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes – to the Machu Picchu entrance (return trip).
Others: Hot water each day in the morning and evening to wash / and boiled water to fill your water bottle for the days trekking. (Please ask in advance to boil enough water.
Emergency first aid kit with an oxygen tank.
Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition Service).
Transfer from Ollantaytambo to your Cusco hotel.
Personal assistance 24 hours per day in Spanish and English.

Not Included

Lunch after the guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Optional extra night in Aguas Calientes.
Alcoholic drinks.
Sleeping bag.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (Ask for availability).
Tips/ Gratuities.
Extra Services.

What to Bring

Good hiking boots — sturdy, waterproof option with ankle support. Break them in weeks before the trip. Make sure sole tread still grips wet rocks.
Warm sleeping bag — nights can drop below freezing; choose a sleeping bag rated to at least -5°C to -10°C if you prefer more comfort. Rentals exist but quality varies.
Waterproof jacket and pants — lightweight shell that fits over layers. Weather can change fast. Rain or sleet possible even in dry season.
Thermal layers — base layers and a warm mid layer (fleece or light down). Layers make dressing during climbs easy.
Gloves, warm hat, buff — high passes are windy and cold. Small items save a lot of discomfort.
Walking poles — reduce knee strain on long descents. If you don’t have them, rental is cheap in Cusco.
Daypack (30L) — carry water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, passport copy and a light first-aid kit.
Reusable water bottle + purification tablets — guides may provide boiled water but carry your own.
Headlamp and spare batteries — camps have no power for personal use at night.
Cash in soles — for tips, souvenirs, simple snacks, or extra bus/train upgrades. Cards not widely accepted in small communities.
Toiletries and biodegradable soap — keep personal items minimal and pack out what you bring in.
Passport (original) — required to buy and pick up some train/ticket items and to Visit Machu Picchu.

Is this trip right for you?

You must tolerate altitude and slow pace. The trek reaches about 4,450 meters; acclimatization in Cusco is strongly advised. If you get headaches, shortness of breath, or are not used to thin air, this could be uncomfortable. Plan at least two nights in Cusco before the hike.
You should be OK with daily walking of 6–8 hours. Expect uneven ground, rocky steps and some steep climbs. If long days on foot are not your thing, this will feel tough. Bring poles. Bring patience.
Camping is basic. Tents, mattresses and cook staff are typical, but no daily hotel comfort on the trail. Two nights of real camping, then one hotel night in Aguas Calientes. If you need nightly hot showers and private rooms each night, consider a different option.
You handle simple logistics and minor surprises. Weather changes. Routes can shift. Schedules sometimes adjust by vehicle or train. You should be flexible. Also, bring cash; small communities usually don’t take cards.

Pricing

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

To guarantee your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, the government regulations require your complete passport information for all passengers. The permits are not transferable and may sell out. We recommend that you reserve with 4 months anticipation.

The Huayna Picchu climb, is an excellent option on a trip to Machu Picchu. The climb offers spectacular views of Machu Picchu but is a steep climb, lasting 3 hours approximately.

Entrance permits to Huayna Picchu are limited and have a programmed entrance time; visitors should reserve permits con anticipation if you would like to climb a mountain. While it is considered an easier climb than the 4-day Inca Trail, hikers should still be in decent physical condition.

Additional Information.

During the trip, you can store your main luggage in our office or in your hotel at no extra cost.
If you are vegetarian, or have special dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of booking.
The service INCLUDES a duffle bag and porter to carry a total of 6 kg of personal items for each trekker. (Sleeping bag 2 kg and mattress + 4 kg of personal items).
It is the trekkers responsibility to provide us with Passports and other Immigration documents required by the authorities of the countries, destinations or transit countries such as visas, health documents, special permissions for travelling with children etc. Your Passport should have a minimum of 6 months validity from your date of travel. (If the passenger has renewed their Passport since the booking process, you must advise us immediately to make the necessary changes as we will make all of your ticket reservations with the passport information provided
The original valid ISIC card needs to be produced if you are a student and have applied for a student discount.
Travel Insurance.
Spare money in small denominations in Nuevos Soles.
A day pack.
Rain clothing (waterproof jacket and trousers are recommended).
We recommend comfortable, waterproof walking shoes.
Sandals (to let your feet rest at the campsite).
Warm clothing, a fleece and thermal under garments for the cold weather at the campsites.
Sunhat/ rain hat and beanie
Sun block /protection.

Insect Repellent: the minimum recommended is 20% de DEET (be aware that there have been reported cases of malaria on this trip.

Camera and charger / batteries (be aware that batteries run down much quicker in cold weather and at altitude).
Torch/ flash light + batteries.
A small hand towel.
Swim suit to visit the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes and Lares.
Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, dried fruit, etc.).

Bear in mind that we offer a daily snack allowance as well as an extensive breakfast lunch and dinner. The recommendation to take snacks is only for those who have specific snack preferences that may not be included in the food we provide.

Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle/ container to refill along the route.

Special Instructions:

Please confirm your hotel details at least 1 week before your tour.
Pick-up time: 6:00-6:15am from your hotel (every day including bank holidays).

The transport will do a number of pick-ups from different hotels in Cusco which is why there is not an exact time. Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby.

Departure place: Your Cusco hotel.
Drop of at: Plaza San Francisco in the centre of Cusco.

Upgrades / Rentals

Vistadome Train (One Way) – US$55.00 pp.
Entrance permit to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (ask for availability) – US$70.00 pp.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu o Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability) – US$70.00
Walking sticks– US$20.00 pp.
Sleeping bag – US$20.00 pp.
Luxury camping package (Sleeping bag + pillows and pillow cases) – US$30.00 pp.
Private tent – US$30.00

Note: Prices are quotes in US Dollars.

Details

Diamond pointed walking sticks.
Special Sleeping bags for all temperatures.
If you are a lover of the countryside and nature then the Vistadome train is an excellent option. The panoramic Windows in the roof of the train allow you to connect to the outside in a unique way.

Updgrades

Sleeping bag rental — approx $20–30 USD. Useful if you do not want to carry a heavy bag. Quality varies; check for clean, insulated four-season bags.
Walking pole rental — approx $10–15 USD for the trek. Good for knee support on steep descents.
Train upgrade to Vistadome (panoramic) — approx $40–$120 USD extra depending on route and season. Offers bigger windows and a more comfortable ride; recommended if you want views and a calmer ride.
Private guide for Machu Picchu (longer tour) — approx $80–120 USD additional. Useful if you want an in-depth interpretation beyond the standard Visit.
Extra night in Aguas Calientes — approx $60–120 USD depending on hotel standard. Buy this if you prefer a relaxed schedule and more time at the Inca City.

Travel Guide

Recommendations: Spend two nights in Cusco before the trek to adjust. Drink water slowly, avoid heavy meals first 24 hours, try coca tea if needed. Carry small cash for local purchases.
Climate: Dry season (May–September) has clearer skies, colder nights. Rainy season (Nov–Mar) sees more showers and mud. Paths can get slippery in rainy months.
Best season: June–August for stable weather,
How to dress: Layering is essential. Use a thin base layer, insulating mid layer, and waterproof outer. Comfortable socks, gaiters if you expect mud. Hat that covers ears.
Physical prep: Walk 2–3 hours in local hills for 4–6 weeks prior.
Local people: Many speak Quechua and Spanish. They are generally reserved and polite. Markets show textiles and basic goods. Be respectful with photos; ask.
Who is recommended: Walkers who want culture plus hiking, people open to camping, and travelers who accept simple logistics and altitude stress.
Food on the route: Meals are filling and practical. Expect soup starters, rice or pasta, local vegetables, occasional chicken or trout. Portions are sized for hikers — carbs and protein for energy. Snacks like fruit, biscuits, or chocolate are common. Cooks are used to catering for groups with varied diets; tell the operator of allergies ahead of time.

Faqs

How high is the Ipsaycocha pass?

You climb to approximately 4 400 m which is the highest point on this four-day route.

Can I ride a horse for part of the Lares trek?

Yes horses are available for hire on day one and day two to ease the ascent for about USD 40 per day.

How cold do nights get on this trek?

Temperatures can drop to minus two °C near camps at three thousand meters so a warm bag is essential.

Are meals suitable for vegetarians?

Yes vegetarian options include eggs cheese rice quinoa and vegetable stew but advise agency ahead.

Do porters carry personal gear?

Porters carry up to 7 kg per person of personal gear so pack light and carry daypack essentials only.

What permits are needed for Machu Picchu?

You need a Machu Picchu ticket and an early entry permit if you choose pre-dawn access bought in advance.

Can I extend the trek with extra nights?

Some operators offer additional nights in Lares communities or a Pachamanca lunch experience on day 4.

How do I prevent altitude sickness?

Acclimatize two nights in Cusco hydrate constantly avoid alcohol and consider coca tea before and during trek.

Are bathrooms available at camp sites?

Yes basic toilet tents are set up at each camp site bring your own paper and hand sanitizer.

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