This four-day trek from Lares to Machu Picchu offers a magical and breathtaking experience that you will never forget. For travelers who want to escape to a part of Peru that has changed little in recent years, the Lares Trek is perfect. In this beautiful region, you can meet Andean peasants dressed in brightly colored ponchos. You will pass through local communities and see houses with thatched roofs made of stones and surrounded by llamas and alpacas. In the kitchens you can see guinea pigs running around the floor, ready to be caught and cooked. Although the people here only speak Quechua, they are very friendly and through the guide’s translations you can learn about their culture and way of life.
SEE HOW IT IS
HIGHLIGHTS:
QUICK VIEW
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 06:00 am and we will go by car to Lares for three hours where we will pass through the Sacred Valley and make a stop in the town of Calca where we can visit the local market, here you will enjoy a fantastic andean cultural experience and you can buy some last minute things. Then we will continue by car until we reach Lares, which is the beginning of the walk and is at 3,260 meters above sea level (10,695 feet). Here, you can enjoy hot spring baths to warm up your muscles before the trek. After enjoying the hot springs, we will have lunch in this place. Then, we will begin to walk for an average of 4 hours toward the first camp. First, we will ascend gradually for 30 minutes, and after that, the path is relatively flat. We will cross a small stream and continue through the valley until we reach the town of Wacawasi. On the walk, we will see local people with traditional clothing, wearing colorful ponchos and hats. After passing the town, we will ascend for an average of 40 minutes up the mountain and arrive at our first campsite which is at (3,880 m / 12,730) feet.
After breakfast, we will start to climb for an average of 3 hours through the puna area where there are no trees to the highest pass called Ipsaykassa which is located at (4,450 m / 14,600 ft). Going up to the pass, we will see alpacas, llamas, and sheep grazing and we can also see traditional stone houses with grass roofs. At the pass, we will rest for a moment and enjoy the incredible view before starting to descend for half an hour to the beautiful lagoon of Ipsaycocha where we will have lunch. Afterward, we will continue walking to our campsite for an average of 2 and a half hours. This trail is relatively flat with some ups and downs for an hour. Then, we will begin to gradually descend for an hour and a half until we reach the traditional town of Patacancha. Our camp is in this town at 3,700m or 12,140ft, and here we will be able to meet a local family and have the opportunity to taste guinea pig only if you wish! Later, you will enjoy hot drinks and another delicious dinner before retiring to your tent.
After having had the nutritious breakfast, we will walk 4 hours downhill on a beautiful trail where you will see herds of sheep, llamas, and alpacas again. It is beautiful to see them grazing in their natural habitat. We will pass through fields of potatoes, beans, and other Andean products. Take the opportunity to learn more about the Andean agricultural techniques that play such an important role in the life of these villages.
Afterward, we will begin to descend into a warmer region known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will feel the change between microclimates and notice different crops than those seen at higher altitudes. We will arrive at the town of Huaran (2,920 m / 9,580 ft), where you will say goodbye to the trekking team and enjoy a delicious and nutritious lunch made with local products. Our transport will be waiting for us to drive through the Sacred Valley to the salt mines of Maras.
You will be able to observe more than 3,000 small evaporation ponds that have been used since pre-Inca times to harvest salt. Thanks to the minerals in the salt, it has healing properties and takes on a beautiful pink color. Each pool is owned by a local family that sustains itself by supplying salt to the towns in this area. There is a little shop in the mine where you can buy some pink salt if you are interested. It is ideal for an excellent gift for friends and family back home.
Then, our transport will take us to the town of Ollantaytambo, we will get to the train station located in this same town and we will board the Voyager class Inca Rail train that will take us to Aguas Calientes (town of Machupicchu). This trip will allow you to see beautiful glaciers and snow-capped peaks, as well as fertile green valleys and Inca agricultural terraces on both sides of the valley. At the end of the train journey in Aguas Calientes at the exit door of the train station, we will be waiting to take you to your hotel where you will spend the night. Get settled in your hotel, After check-in, you will have free time to relax this afternoon.
We will get you up very early so that you can enjoy your breakfast without rushing at 6:00 am. In this way, we can board one of the first buses that leave for Machu. It means that you will beat the big crowds and be able to enjoy the complex in peace as the sun rises and casts a stunning orange glow on the huge stones.
Together with your guide, board the bus for a 30-minute tour before arriving at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. Feel the powerful energy of this fantastic archaeological site as soon as you enter. You will feel the happiness of observing how the golden light of the sun gradually covers all the corners of Machu Picchu. Discover all its secrets and mysteries during a guided tour where you will also learn a lot about its history and the local flora and fauna. Our guide will take you for 2 hours through the most significant areas and then you will have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.
When you are ready to leave, it will be time to take the bus that will take you down to Aguas Calientes. You will have time to select a restaurant of your choice to eat at before boarding the return train. At the time indicated on your ticket, you will board the train that will take you back to Ollantaytambo. Here your driver will be there to pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Quality and safety service
Accommodation
Foods
Transportation
Permits and tickets
Why should you do the Lares trek 4 days with us?
How to book the excursion to Lares Trek 4 days with FLY CUSCO PERU?
In order to book the Lares Trek with us, we will need a deposit of $200 per person. Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trip and the reservation form to complete. Here you have all the information that has to be filled in the form.
What do I need to bring to the Lares Trek?
Equipment Rental for Lares Trek
All our travelers need a sleeping bag for camping. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable in protecting from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). Also, walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but highly recommended. If you don’t have them, don’t worry, you can rent them with us in Cusco.
What is the best time to do the excursion?
Peru is a very large country with many different climates, for that reason it would be very difficult to define a good time to visit different places. However, we consider that the best season is from April to November. For the Lares Trek, the hottest season is from December to March, but it is also the rainy season. That is why we think that it is more pleasant to do a sunny but cold excursion than a warm but rainy excursion. For this reason, we recommend doing it preferably between May and October. It should be noted that the Lares Trek is open every day of the year except in February due to heavy rains.
How many days of acclimatization do I need before starting the Lares Trek?
If you come from a country that is less than 500 meters above sea level. We recommend that you spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the Lares Trek.
How long in advance should I make my Lares Trek reservation?
You must make the reservation at least 1 month in advance. Since the spaces to Machu Picchu are quickly exhausted. If the number of spaces is exhausted, you will have to choose another alternative date. For this reason we recommend you book in advance.
Do I need to make a deposit to guarantee my Lares Trek reservation?
Yes, no reservation will be guaranteed unless you have made a payment of a deposit of 200 per person through our 2 payment methods mentioned in our Book Now form. Important: None of the requested deposits include transaction fees.
What about the outstanding balance?
The outstanding balance can be given in cash the day before your trip in Cusco, it can be in dollars or soles, and if you prefer to use PayPal (a service fee of 6% applies). Also, you can pay us only by Visa credit card at our office (5% service fee applies). Let us know which of the payment methods is your preference.
NOTE: Payment must be made 1 day before your trip.
The tour must be paid in full no later than 7:00 pm one day before your departure (usually after the briefing).
Where will the information session take place?
This meeting will be held the night before the departure of the Lares Trek 4 days 3 nights at 6:00 pm in our office located on Calle Portal de panes, office 201 (second floor). Plaza de armas de cusco. We can also coordinate that you carry out this informative talk in the lobby of your hotel, apartment, hostel or family home in Cusco.
How old do I have to be to do the Lares Trek?
People of all ages (from children, teenagers to retirees) are suitable to complete this trek as age is not a barrier if you have a positive mindset and an active lifestyle.
However, for all people over 60 to 70 years of age, we recommend that you visit your doctor before doing the Inca Trail. You must also bring us the signed authorization from your doctor indicating that you are fit to travel the Lares trek, Salkantay trek or the Inca Trail
Canvas bag or canvas case?
You will receive a duffel bag or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will carry them along the way and deliver them when you arrive at each camp. They measure 2 ft x 1 ft (64 cm long x 36 cm wide).
A maximum of 7 kg / 15 lbs is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothing and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course! During the trip, you can leave or store the things that you will not take to the Inca Trail in your hotel where you are staying. Most of these establishments have warehouses where they will store your things (at no extra cost). If you do not trust the place where you are staying, we will gladly store your belongings in our office.
PRICE: US$ 600 per person
PRE-PAYMENT: US$ 200 per person
BALANCE: US$ 400 (commonly paid in Cusco after the informative talk)
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the customer to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is for online deposits only.
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with only two guests.
We like to think that we trek a little differently than our competitors. We stand by our clients and guarantee that we comply 100% with our prices and our departure dates on all our trips.
Huayna Picchu Mountain:
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute hike to the top. Note that going back down is quite steep. So if you have a fear of heights, this may not be a hike you enjoy. You would do this after your Machu Picchu tour and there is an additional fee. Arrangements must be made at least a month or two in advance due to popularity.
You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 60.00 per person.
Vistadome 360° train (panoramic train):
The Vistadome 360° train offers a different way of traveling to the citadel. The cars have panoramic windows located on the walls and ceilings of the cars, which allow you to have a connection with the outside. Also, on the return trip you can enjoy a fashion show on board that will show you an exclusive collection of baby alpaca garments with the latest trends which you can purchase if you wish. The Vistadome 360° train brings the landscapes of the route to Machu Picchu closer in a unique way, making passengers feel part of the nature that surrounds them.
You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 45.00 per person.
Sleeping bag: $45.00
Poles (pair): $45.00
$25.00 discount
Student discounts apply to anyone under the age of 17.
SEE HOW IT IS
HIGHLIGHTS:
QUICK VIEW
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 06:00 am and we will go by car to Lares for three hours where we will pass through the Sacred Valley and make a stop in the town of Calca where we can visit the local market, here you will enjoy a fantastic andean cultural experience and you can buy some last minute things. Then we will continue by car until we reach Lares, which is the beginning of the walk and is at 3,260 meters above sea level (10,695 feet). Here, you can enjoy hot spring baths to warm up your muscles before the trek. After enjoying the hot springs, we will have lunch in this place. Then, we will begin to walk for an average of 4 hours toward the first camp. First, we will ascend gradually for 30 minutes, and after that, the path is relatively flat. We will cross a small stream and continue through the valley until we reach the town of Wacawasi. On the walk, we will see local people with traditional clothing, wearing colorful ponchos and hats. After passing the town, we will ascend for an average of 40 minutes up the mountain and arrive at our first campsite which is at (3,880 m / 12,730) feet.
After breakfast, we will start to climb for an average of 3 hours through the puna area where there are no trees to the highest pass called Ipsaykassa which is located at (4,450 m / 14,600 ft). Going up to the pass, we will see alpacas, llamas, and sheep grazing and we can also see traditional stone houses with grass roofs. At the pass, we will rest for a moment and enjoy the incredible view before starting to descend for half an hour to the beautiful lagoon of Ipsaycocha where we will have lunch. Afterward, we will continue walking to our campsite for an average of 2 and a half hours. This trail is relatively flat with some ups and downs for an hour. Then, we will begin to gradually descend for an hour and a half until we reach the traditional town of Patacancha. Our camp is in this town at 3,700m or 12,140ft, and here we will be able to meet a local family and have the opportunity to taste guinea pig only if you wish! Later, you will enjoy hot drinks and another delicious dinner before retiring to your tent.
After having had the nutritious breakfast, we will walk 4 hours downhill on a beautiful trail where you will see herds of sheep, llamas, and alpacas again. It is beautiful to see them grazing in their natural habitat. We will pass through fields of potatoes, beans, and other Andean products. Take the opportunity to learn more about the Andean agricultural techniques that play such an important role in the life of these villages.
Afterward, we will begin to descend into a warmer region known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will feel the change between microclimates and notice different crops than those seen at higher altitudes. We will arrive at the town of Huaran (2,920 m / 9,580 ft), where you will say goodbye to the trekking team and enjoy a delicious and nutritious lunch made with local products. Our transport will be waiting for us to drive through the Sacred Valley to the salt mines of Maras.
You will be able to observe more than 3,000 small evaporation ponds that have been used since pre-Inca times to harvest salt. Thanks to the minerals in the salt, it has healing properties and takes on a beautiful pink color. Each pool is owned by a local family that sustains itself by supplying salt to the towns in this area. There is a little shop in the mine where you can buy some pink salt if you are interested. It is ideal for an excellent gift for friends and family back home.
Then, our transport will take us to the town of Ollantaytambo, we will get to the train station located in this same town and we will board the Voyager class Inca Rail train that will take us to Aguas Calientes (town of Machupicchu). This trip will allow you to see beautiful glaciers and snow-capped peaks, as well as fertile green valleys and Inca agricultural terraces on both sides of the valley. At the end of the train journey in Aguas Calientes at the exit door of the train station, we will be waiting to take you to your hotel where you will spend the night. Get settled in your hotel, After check-in, you will have free time to relax this afternoon.
We will get you up very early so that you can enjoy your breakfast without rushing at 6:00 am. In this way, we can board one of the first buses that leave for Machu. It means that you will beat the big crowds and be able to enjoy the complex in peace as the sun rises and casts a stunning orange glow on the huge stones.
Together with your guide, board the bus for a 30-minute tour before arriving at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. Feel the powerful energy of this fantastic archaeological site as soon as you enter. You will feel the happiness of observing how the golden light of the sun gradually covers all the corners of Machu Picchu. Discover all its secrets and mysteries during a guided tour where you will also learn a lot about its history and the local flora and fauna. Our guide will take you for 2 hours through the most significant areas and then you will have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.
When you are ready to leave, it will be time to take the bus that will take you down to Aguas Calientes. You will have time to select a restaurant of your choice to eat at before boarding the return train. At the time indicated on your ticket, you will board the train that will take you back to Ollantaytambo. Here your driver will be there to pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Quality and safety service
Accommodation
Foods
Transportation
Permits and tickets
Why should you do the Lares trek 4 days with us?
How to book the excursion to Lares Trek 4 days with FLY CUSCO PERU?
In order to book the Lares Trek with us, we will need a deposit of $200 per person. Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trip and the reservation form to complete. Here you have all the information that has to be filled in the form.
What do I need to bring to the Lares Trek?
Equipment Rental for Lares Trek
All our travelers need a sleeping bag for camping. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable in protecting from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). Also, walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but highly recommended. If you don’t have them, don’t worry, you can rent them with us in Cusco.
What is the best time to do the excursion?
Peru is a very large country with many different climates, for that reason it would be very difficult to define a good time to visit different places. However, we consider that the best season is from April to November. For the Lares Trek, the hottest season is from December to March, but it is also the rainy season. That is why we think that it is more pleasant to do a sunny but cold excursion than a warm but rainy excursion. For this reason, we recommend doing it preferably between May and October. It should be noted that the Lares Trek is open every day of the year except in February due to heavy rains.
How many days of acclimatization do I need before starting the Lares Trek?
If you come from a country that is less than 500 meters above sea level. We recommend that you spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the Lares Trek.
How long in advance should I make my Lares Trek reservation?
You must make the reservation at least 1 month in advance. Since the spaces to Machu Picchu are quickly exhausted. If the number of spaces is exhausted, you will have to choose another alternative date. For this reason we recommend you book in advance.
Do I need to make a deposit to guarantee my Lares Trek reservation?
Yes, no reservation will be guaranteed unless you have made a payment of a deposit of 200 per person through our 2 payment methods mentioned in our Book Now form. Important: None of the requested deposits include transaction fees.
What about the outstanding balance?
The outstanding balance can be given in cash the day before your trip in Cusco, it can be in dollars or soles, and if you prefer to use PayPal (a service fee of 6% applies). Also, you can pay us only by Visa credit card at our office (5% service fee applies). Let us know which of the payment methods is your preference.
NOTE: Payment must be made 1 day before your trip.
The tour must be paid in full no later than 7:00 pm one day before your departure (usually after the briefing).
Where will the information session take place?
This meeting will be held the night before the departure of the Lares Trek 4 days 3 nights at 6:00 pm in our office located on Calle Portal de panes, office 201 (second floor). Plaza de armas de cusco. We can also coordinate that you carry out this informative talk in the lobby of your hotel, apartment, hostel or family home in Cusco.
How old do I have to be to do the Lares Trek?
People of all ages (from children, teenagers to retirees) are suitable to complete this trek as age is not a barrier if you have a positive mindset and an active lifestyle.
However, for all people over 60 to 70 years of age, we recommend that you visit your doctor before doing the Inca Trail. You must also bring us the signed authorization from your doctor indicating that you are fit to travel the Lares trek, Salkantay trek or the Inca Trail
Canvas bag or canvas case?
You will receive a duffel bag or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will carry them along the way and deliver them when you arrive at each camp. They measure 2 ft x 1 ft (64 cm long x 36 cm wide).
A maximum of 7 kg / 15 lbs is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothing and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course! During the trip, you can leave or store the things that you will not take to the Inca Trail in your hotel where you are staying. Most of these establishments have warehouses where they will store your things (at no extra cost). If you do not trust the place where you are staying, we will gladly store your belongings in our office.
PRICE: US$ 600 per person
PRE-PAYMENT: US$ 200 per person
BALANCE: US$ 400 (commonly paid in Cusco after the informative talk)
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the customer to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is for online deposits only.
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with only two guests.
We like to think that we trek a little differently than our competitors. We stand by our clients and guarantee that we comply 100% with our prices and our departure dates on all our trips.
Huayna Picchu Mountain:
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute hike to the top. Note that going back down is quite steep. So if you have a fear of heights, this may not be a hike you enjoy. You would do this after your Machu Picchu tour and there is an additional fee. Arrangements must be made at least a month or two in advance due to popularity.
You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 60.00 per person.
Vistadome 360° train (panoramic train):
The Vistadome 360° train offers a different way of traveling to the citadel. The cars have panoramic windows located on the walls and ceilings of the cars, which allow you to have a connection with the outside. Also, on the return trip you can enjoy a fashion show on board that will show you an exclusive collection of baby alpaca garments with the latest trends which you can purchase if you wish. The Vistadome 360° train brings the landscapes of the route to Machu Picchu closer in a unique way, making passengers feel part of the nature that surrounds them.
You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 45.00 per person.
Sleeping bag: $45.00
Poles (pair): $45.00
$25.00 discount
Student discounts apply to anyone under the age of 17.
From: USD 600