Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N
General description
The road to the Lares valley, also known as the “weavers circuit”, takes us on a journey through the high Andean landscape, visiting many Andean towns where life continues as it does shekels. The descendants of the Incas, They continue and live in a very traditional way and maintain the ancestral customs, agriculture and the way of dressing. They continue to practice the old Inca cloth technique and are known for producing high-quality traditional textile colors. This hike combines varied Andean landscapes, with lush forests, mountains and lakes, with an ancient culture and the opportunity to meet and make friends with the locals. The highest point that is passed is 4450 masl. (IPSAYCOCHA).
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival to the Trail & First Steps Through Lares Valley
We will pick you up at 6:00 am from your hotel in cusco and take a three – hour drive through the sacred valley and will stop in the small town of Calca where we can visit the local market. Then we will continue driving until we reach the start of the trail located in the town of Lares which is at 3,260 meters (10,695 feet). Here you can take a dip in the local medicinal hot springs to warm up your muscles for the hike. After enjoying the pools, we will have lunch right beside the hot springs.
Then we will begin hiking and will trek for about 4 hours. We will first ascend for about 30 minutes before arriving to an area that is relatively flat. We will cross a small stream and continue through the valley until we reach the town of Wacawasi. We will see locals wearing traditional clothing that includes colorful ponchos and hats. After passing through the town we will ascend for about 40 minutes up the side of the mountain before reaching our first campsite which is located at 3,880 meters or 12,730 feet.
Day 02: Climbing to the High Passes and Exploring Inca Ruins
The next morning after having breakfast, we will continue to hike uphill for about 3 hours through the highlands until we reach the highest pass of the trail called Ipsaykassa at 4,450 meters (14,600 feet). As we hike to this pass, we will see llamas, alpacas and sheep grazing close by as well as traditional stone houses. At the pass, we will rest and have time to take in the incredible view before descending for about half an hour to the beautiful Ipsaycocha lake where we will have lunch. From there, we will continue hiking to our campsite for about 2 and a half hours.
Our trail will have gradual ascents and descents as we make our way to the village of Patacancha. We will descend down to our next campsite passing by picturesque farmyards and houses. Our campsite sits at 3,700 meters or 12,140 feet, and here we will be able to meet a local family and perhaps even have the chance to try guinea pig if you choose!
Day 03: Descending Through the Cloud Forest to Wiñaywayna
The next day after eating we will take a local car for 40 minutes to Pallata, where we will hike about halfway up the mountain for about 30 minutes to the Inca ruins of Pumamarca. This site was used as administrative center for the area, and after touring the ruins and having time to explore we will continue hiking for about 3 hours around the mountain on a part that is relatively flat. Our trail will take us through a valley and then we will follow an old Inca Trail until we reach Inca terraces.
We will then descend until we reach the bottom of the valley where we will follow a path along the river until we reach the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will have lunch. We will have some time to rest and then will say goodbye to our crew. Then in the afternoon we can visit the main plaza in the town and do a short hike to the Inca Colcas (storehouses) Hike which takes 1 hour in total. Then we will have dinner at a local restaurant and in the evening we will take the train to Aguas Calientes which takes about 2 hours. At Aguas Calientes we will take you to your hotel where you can check in and rest for the night.
Day 04: Machu Picchu – The Final Destination and Iconic Views
After having an early breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your guide and take the 25-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu You will have a 3-hour tour with your guide where you will see and learn about important sites that include temples, plazas, terraces, and canals. Please note that certain temples are open only at specific times. After your tour, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, and in the afternoon you will take the train back to Cusco where we will pick you up from the train station and drop you off at your hotel.
Included
- Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the hike and back to your hotel at the end.
- Entrance to the Lares hot springs.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Round trip train tickets in the Expedition service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back to Cusco.
- Round trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu and back to Aguas Calientes.
- B&B Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Panorama B&B or other similar hotel depending on availability).
- The North Face Mountain 25 tents (2-person, 4 season tents).
- Therm-a-Rest mattress and pillow provided for free.
- Duffle bag that you can fill with up to 8kg (18lb) of your personal gear that the horses will carry.
- Other camping equipment: kitchen tent, dining tent (with table and chairs), and bathroom tent.
- Experienced tour guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua.
- Guides trained in First-Aid, equipped with oxygen, and capable of radio communication.
- Complete meals and snacks during the trip starting with lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the fourth day at your hotel (the last lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included).
- Professional chef experienced in preparing meals in the mountains.
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Sleeping bag or trekking poles (can be rented from us)
- Tips for guide, chef, and horseman (optional)
Recommendations
- Original passport
- Sleeping bag (or you can rent one from us)
- A small day backpack to carry your personal belongings (horses will carry items not needed during the day)
- Trekking poles (or you can rent a pair from us)
- Bathing suit (if you would like to enjoy the hot springs in Lares and/or Aguas Calientes)
- Good sneakers or light hiking boots, and one pair of flip-flops or light sandals
- Camera and extra batteries
- Flashlight
- Rain jacket and plastic poncho (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March)
- Comfortable hiking clothes
- Bug repellent
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Cap for the sun
- Warm clothes for nighttime including thermals, warm hat, and gloves
- Travel towel
- Toilet paper
- Water bottle and about 1 liter of water for the first day until lunch (after that, we will supply boiled water for the rest of the hike)
Prices
GROUP SERVICE:
599 USD PER PERSON
PRIVATE SERVICE:
2 PERSONS 699 USD PER PERSON
3 PERSONS 689 USD PER PERSON
4 PERSONS 679 USD PER PERSON
5 PERSONS 669 USD PER PERSON
6 PERSONS 659 USD PER PERSON
Frequently Asked Questions:
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTION
How to book the Lares Trek tours with Cach Life Peru
To reserve your Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N service, please find the “book now” button on our website. once you click the button, you will be redirected to a booking platform where you can choose your desired departure date and provide essential personal information about each participant. the payment process can be completed using either a credit card or a debit card.
If you are interested in additional options like the Huayna Picchu mountain hike, we recommend booking them simultaneously with your Lares Trek reservation. this approach ensures that you don’t miss out on any possible opportunities due to the limited Huayna Picchu permits. You can rent walking sticks in Cusco 1 day before your trip.
We will send you a confirmation email once your Lares Trek booking has been secured to ensure a meticulously organized and successful trip. we guarantee that it will proceed as planned once the start date is confirmed.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Certainly! During the 4-day Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N, we provide a luggage storage facility at our office. we kindly request that you only bring the essentials necessary for the duration of your hike to Machu Picchu.
What about the outstanding balance?
We would like to inform you that settling your outstanding balance can be done efficiently and securely with our various payment options. you may choose to pay in cash, either in USD or soles, one day prior to your trip. for your convenience, credit card payments can also be made with a 5% service fee. please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.
Please note that cash payments must be made one day prior to your trip without exception. we appreciate your prompt attention in settling your outstanding balance and look forward to providing you with the best service possible.
How about the student discount?
Please note that individuals who are 18 years or older must present a valid student card in order to be eligible for discounts on the tour. for students aged 11-17 years, a discount of $30 USD applies, while children aged 2-11 years can avail of a discount of $40 USD. in order to obtain the student discount, please ensure that a copy of your passport and student card are sent to our team at the time of booking via email to info@cachilifeperu.com
May I change the departure date after booking?
We regret to inform you that once train tickets or Machu Picchu entrances have been issued for the Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N, they are non-transferable and non-refundable according to regulations set forth by the government. passport numbers can be modified if needed. please let us know if there are any other questions we can help answer or concerns we can address. thank you for your understanding.
Do I need to bring my original passport on the Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days?
We kindly remind you that it is imperative to bring your original passport for your upcoming Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N. it is highly important that the passport you bring is the same one you provided to us during the reservation process. your passport will be checked at Machu Picchu and when boarding the train.
Updating passport numbers
If you are in the process of renewing your passport and planning to book the Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N, we kindly request that you email us a copy of your old passport for verification purposes. in case you do not possess your old passport anymore, any valid government-issued identity card can be presented as long as it bears the same name.
Furthermore, once you receive your new passport, we sincerely ask that you immediately email us a copy of it to modify the information on your permit. it is essential to ensure that all details match exactly to avoid any inconvenience during your Lares Trek experience.
What is the schedule of my train ticket?
Typically, return train tickets are reserved for departure at 14:55 pm or 15:20 on day 4, allowing arrivals in Cusco at 07:00 pm. This itinerary allows for sufficient rest and the opportunity to participate in tours such as Rainbow Mountain on the subsequent day.
Can I stay in the Sacred Valley for my Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days?
We recommend that you consider staying in either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo during your visit to the sacred valley. by opting for accommodation in this area, your pick-up time will be scheduled an hour and a half after the usual pick-up time in Cusco, which will allow you some more time to rest.
If I cancel my Lares Trek tour. do I get any refund?
If you are unable to join us for any reason such as illness, missing your flight, or a natural disaster, we regret to inform you that non-refundable expenses such as Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets will be lost automatically. this is because the Ministry of Culture of Peru and Peru Rail do not provide refunds.
We understand that unexpected changes can occur, and we want to assure you that we will always do our best to be reasonable and only charge you for any expenses that have already been incurred.
What time will we get to Machu Picchu?
arrival time to Machu Picchu varies based on the group’s trekking pace and the schedule from Aguas Calientes, but most groups enter Machu Picchu early in the morning on day 4.
Will water be provided?
We recommend that you purchase 2 liters of water for the first day of your trek for adequate hydration. From the second day onwards, we will supply you with boiled water three times a day — after breakfast, during lunchtime, and at dinner. this measure has been implemented for your health and safety, ensuring that you have access to safe drinking water throughout your trekking journey.
What kinds of reusable water bottles should we bring?
From march 2022, the use of single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste will be strictly prohibited while trekking on the Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N. to comply with this policy, we kindly ask that all guests bring their own personal reusable water bottles to be filled with the water we provide. we suggest opting for a bladder, hard shell bottle, or pouch that is most convenient for your needs.
Is there an age limit for the Lares Trek tour 4 Days?
It is important to note that there is no age limit for the Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N. however, for safety purposes, a minimum age of 6 years old is recommended due to steep or high-altitude sections. our team prioritizes the safety and well-being of our customers.
How many kilos is it allowed to carry on the Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek does not use porters like the Inca Trail; horses or mules may support the route depending on your service. guests may carry their own personal belongings, and there is no specific weight limit. we saw some people carrying up to 30 kg.
Is there any location where I can plug and charge my electronic devices?
Please note that there is currently no electricity available at the campsites on the Lares Trek. to ensure a comfortable stay, we highly recommend that all visitors bring along extra portable battery packs or power banks to keep their devices charged.
What is the temperature rating of Cachi life Peru sleeping bags?
We offer top-quality mummy-style sleeping bags that are designed for use in temperatures as low as -15°c / 5°f.
Which campsites do you usually book for your groups?
During the booking process, you will be presented with the campsites used along the Lares Trek route. the final night is spent in Aguas Calientes, which allows you to reach Machu Picchu early in the morning, ensuring you have ample time to explore and fully enjoy the site.
Starting from
Duration
4 Days
Destination
Cusco
Type of activity
Alternative Treks to Machupicchu, Trekking in Cusco
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