4 Days from $ .00

Lares Trek 4 Days

Short Hike

Lares Trek 4 Days

4 Days Short Hike

Trip Style:

Cultural

Physical Level:

Group Size:

Hiking Distance:

45 KM

Departures:

Daily Departures

Max Altitude:

3300 msnm

Meals:

3 B, 3 D, 3 B

Sites to Visit:

Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Km 82, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu

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Lares Trek 4 Days Overview

Lares is a very special circuit. Exactly for people who want to know part of the real Peru. Because in this place we will be able to appreciate the real Inca descendants, purely Andean populations, indigenous people that still conserve the ancestral customs. Their way of life, their rituals, their payments to the Pacha Mama. Their belief in the AUQUIS or APUS, the spirits of the mountains, the herding of llamas and alpacas, their stone houses with thatched roofs, their traditional clothing, their food. All this combined with a beautiful landscape surrounded by mountains, glaciers, lagoons, thermal-medicinal baths, etc. and culminating in one of the 7 new wonders of the modern world. Machupicchu.

Lares Trek is a trek in Cusco, which begins near the town of Lares, approximately 64 kilometers north of Cusco and 56 kilometers east of the citadel of Machu Picchu. It is located in the Urubamba mountain range (to the east) crossing part of the Sacred Valley. The Lares Trek route crosses typical areas of the Peruvian mountains. This trek combines the best of Andean traditions and the original indigenous peoples. The Lares Valley truly takes you to remote places and unknown destinations. This trip takes you into the heart of the Andes where few tourists have ventured, mountain forests and dense fog, ancient stone steps and all the while enjoying majestic views. This guided tour is a unique experience that will be engraved in your heart forever.

Embark on an incredible Andean exploration of Cusco through the Lares trek with a taste of the iconic Inca culture. Take a guided tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping at a women’s textile site in Calca, before beginning your trek. The Lares Trek may not be as touristy, but it is no less impressive with panoramic views of the lagoons, the snow-capped mountains of Chicon, Sawasiray, Pitusiray, Andean flora and opportunities to meet the local Quechua along the way.

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu includes Inca ruins, such as Ancashmarca, Unu Urqo, Ollantaytambo and, of course, the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. The incredible agricultural terraces and Inca fortresses above the town of Pisac and in the village of Ollantaytambo provide a fascinating look at how agriculture was maximized in the Inca empire. You will have the time to truly appreciate and understand the history of the Inca Empire.

Lares Trek is relatively undiscovered and offers incredible experiences. If you want to escape into nature, experience local life in Peru and even challenge yourself on a trek, Lares Trek may be more suited for you. In our carefully designed itinerary we have included a visit to one of Peru’s most reputable ethnohistoric museums, the Inkarry museum which is located on the Lares Trek route, and you will also visit the most sacred Inca religious shrine that ever existed during the Inca empire. Unu urco is undoubtedly the greatest proof of the Inca’s worship of mountains and totems.

A guided tour of Machu Picchu at sunrise, the best time to see the Lost City of the Incas, is a suitably impressive way to conclude your adventure. With the Lares Trek, there is the option of taking a train to Machu Picchu. Not only is this one of the most impressive train journeys in the world, but it gives you the opportunity to enjoy all the magnificent Andean landscapes of Cusco.

Trip Highlights

Take the ultimate cultural vacation to the ancient and mystical sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.
Gain an intimate understanding of centuries-old customs and traditions with expert local tour guides.
Visit historic sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Discover the rich art of weaving in the Lares region.
Explore Peru’s best interpretive museum of pre-Inca cultures, the Inkarry Museum.
Visit rural communities preserved in the rich Inca culture.
Learn more about the religion and ceremonies of the Incas with coca leaves.
Enjoy a train ride, with rapid changes of scenery from the sacred valley to the cloud forest.

Trip Details:

Duration: 4 days.
Includes: Camping, lodging, food, porters, transportation, guide, entrance fees and more.
Payment: easy with any credit or debit card.
Confirmation: immediate.
Safety: complies with all sanitary protocols.
Entrance fee: Machu Picchu Solo.
Group: from 4 to 16 people maximum.

4 Days from FROM $

Trip Style:

Cultural

Physical Level:

Group Size:

Hiking Distance:

45 KM

Departures:

Daily Departures

Max Altitude:

3300 msnm

Meals:

3 B, 3 D, 3 B

Sites to Visit:

Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Km 82, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu

Itinerary Lares Trek 4 Days

Day 1: Cusco-Lares-Huaca Wasi

This first day we will leave very early from the city of Cusco towards the Sacred Valley of the Inkas to the Inca town of Calca, where we will stop to have breakfast and buy some things in the traditional market. As fruit for the children who will be waiting for us on the road. We will continue our ascent to the pass of Cruzqasa (4150masl) without not before visiting the community of Ancasmarca where we will have the opportunity to see the Andean Condor because in this community they keep it in protection and care, to teach people the importance of this bird is to maintain the environment in balance then we will arrive at the community of Quiswarani (3850masl) to start our hike. Climbing through a beautiful valley for about 2 to 3 hours to Pasa Huchuyqasa (4150masl). From there, we will be able to appreciate a group of lagoons, as well as the snowy Qolque cruz and then descend to our first camping site Cuncani. (3850masl) FOOD: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Huaca Wasi- Huaca Punku- Mantanay- Yanahuara

This second day we will continue climbing the second pass of Cruz Qocha (4100masl). For about an hour and a half, and then descend to the indigenous village of Huacawasi (3850masl). On the way, as on the first day, we will see another set of lakes. As well as many children who are grazing their Llamas, Alpacas, in the Andes who approach the tourists to give them bread or fruit. Adult women offering their different handicraft weavings. Continuing with our tour we will go up to the third pass of Huacawasi (4300masl). From there we will be able to appreciate our campsite Epsaqocha (38000masl). Where we will have the opportunity to be much more in contact with the children of the area. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Yanahuara-Yanahuara Viewpoint- Ollantaytambo

This third day we will try to visit the school of Yanahuara according to the time, to see how the children study then continue down for a little more than two hours by a lush forest of native trees in the area that were appreciated by the Incas known as Qewña (polilipis racimoso).

We will arrive to the area known as punta carretera, where our transportation will be waiting for us to take us to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Where we will spend the night in a clean lodge with private bathroom and hot shower.

Day 4: Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo-Cusco

This day we will leave very early, to try to take the bus according to the schedule of entrance to the Llaqta of Machupicchu, which leaves every 5 to 10 minutes, if possible we will try to make the reservation for the first schedule to be early in the citadel, and to see the sunrise, in this place we will have a comprehensive explanation of the Inca construction, as well as give us time to see it with the least amount of people because later, more people arrive from the city of Cusco. And to be able to obtain our quota of entrance to the traditional mountain of the postcards or for the classic photo, to be able to appreciate it to Machupicchu from another sense. In the afternoon we will descend again to the town of Aguas Calientes to take our train back to the city of Cusco. We will leave you at the hotel again. End of our service. MEALS: Breakfast at the hotel.

Photo Showcase

Prices in Private Service

Number of persons	Price per person

Huayna Picchu: If you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain from where you have a wonderful view of Machu Picchu, there is an additional cost of $70 USD per person to purchase your entrance ticket. Spaces are limited, so please let us know if you would like to climb Huayna Picchu when you book your hike and depending on availability we can reserve your ticket. For more information on this hike, please visit our Huayna Picchu page.

Hotel Change: We include in this tour one night in a B&B Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Panorama B&B or similar depending on availability). However, if you wish to upgrade your hotel to 3, 4, or 5 stars, we offer these prices and options:

3 Stars: $40 USD total for a double/twin or single room (Hotel Ferre or La Cabaña).
4 Stars: $220 USD total for a double/queen room or $200 USD for a single room (Casa del Sol – includes dinner at the hotel’s restaurant)
5 Stars: $440 USD total for a double/queen room or $340 USD for a single room (Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or Hotel Sumaq – includes dinner at the hotels’ restaurants)
*Please note that all prices are for standard rooms and prices are different for superior rooms. Also, all hotels and room types are subject to availability, and prices go up during holidays. We work with many hotels in Aguas Calientes, so if you prefer another hotel not mentioned, please let us know and we can provide you with the price.

Sleeping Bags: If you would like to rent a sleeping bag from us, the price is $20 USD per person total for this trek.

Walking Sticks: We recommend using walking poles on the trail especially when you have to descend. If you wish to rent a pair of poles for the entire hike, the price is $15 USD per person.

Private Tent: We include North Face tents model Mountain 25 which are for 2 people. However, you can reserve a private tent for $30 USD.

Vistadome Train: Our price includes train tickets on the Expedition service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and return from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. However, if you wish to upgrade your Vistadome train service the price is $40 USD per person one way or return (if you wish to take the Vistadome train round trip, the price is $80 USD per person).

Traditional Cusco Tour: In this free and optional tour that you can do the day before the trek, we meet at your hotel at 1:00 pm for the briefing, and then we visit the local sites of downtown Cusco for 2-3 hours with the guide. Please let us know if you would like to do this tour to get to know Cusco better and we will be happy to arrange it for you.

Cuy: On the second day of the trek you have the opportunity to try cuy which is a traditional dish in Peru. If you wish to try this dish the price is 30-40 soles for a cuy.

Lares in 4 Days: You can also do the Lares Trek in 3 days instead of 4. If you are interested in this option, please contact us directly at info@cusitravel.com for more information.

Additional Information: For more information on Machu Picchu regulations, please visit our Machu Picchu Regulations page here. For cancellation information and other policies, please visit our Cancellations page here.

Prices in Group Service

$ per person

Included

A pre-explanation two days before departure or the day you arrive in Cusco.
Transportation in private bus where our trek begins.
Transfer from the airport to the hotel and back.
Transfer Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Meals according to the program (Vegetarian option available).
Boiled water every day for your bottles.
Snack before the hikes.
Tents for 2 and 4 people depending on the tourist’s requirements.
Camping equipment, dining tents, kitchen, tables, chairs, cook.
And cook’s assistant.
Cooking utensils.
Pack animals (mules and horses) to carry luggage and equipment.
Emergency horse.
Muleteers to carry the mules.
Professional English-Spanish and Quechua guide.
Assistant guide when the group is more than 8 people.
Last celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes, in a restaurant.
Entrance to Machupicchu.
Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Transportation from Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
Bus up and down to Machupicchu.
Train ticket back to Cusco.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and hot water.
First aid kit and oxygen balloon.

No Included

Breakfast on the first day.
Lunch and dinner on the last day.
Tips to the staff, guide, cook, muleteers (according to the work done).
Sleeping bags (can be rented at the office).
Entrance to the thermal-medicinal baths.
Extra horse can be rented if you wish, the cost is 40 dollars per day.

What To Bring

01 small reinforced nylon backpack to carry your belongings (camera, drinks, etc. during the treks).
01 backpack or large bag to store your belongings in the hotel in Cusco, at the time of the Inca Trail.
Sleeping bag (Sleeping) for -5°C (can be rented in Cusco).
Small flashlight and extra batteries.
01 canteen of 01 liter or small disposable plastic bottle.
Hiking boots 01 pair of tennis shoes.
01 jacket (nylon coat with hood resistant to water and wind).
01 «Leather» type jacket 01 pair of gloves and wool hat (can be purchased during the trip).
03 or 04 short-sleeved T-shirts (preferably «dryfit» type fabric that does not retain water).
02 shorts and/or bermuda shorts.
Socks: 04 pairs of wool and 04 pairs of fiber (coolmax) for the hike (avoid cotton, as it retains water).
01 cap and sunglasses.
Medicines and personal hygiene materials in small packages.
Sunscreen for face and lips, and insect repellent.
Moisturizer to avoid skin dryness.
Bathing clothes for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

Travel Guide

The excursions and the Lares Trek begin with a hike on the day scheduled for the Inca Trail program. Please note that the actual program may vary slightly depending on the time of year when it is milder.

During the day, the trails connect with occasional small villages on the Lares Valley hiking trails. Therefore, this hike should be considered to have much more interaction with the direct descendants of the Incas than the traditional Inca Trail. Past and present intermingle here along the Inca trails. Traditional life has changed little since Inca times and the highlanders retain some Inca customs. There are spectacular and beautiful places to see and people to meet. This hike will be an unforgettable experience.

On the day of departure to the town of Ollantaytambo, you will pass through the town of Calca and have lunch in a good restaurant, after which you will begin to get organized to hike the Inca Trail. In this small town you will meet our local team of llamas, alpacas, horses, shepherds and horsemen who will help you pack for the trek. Our guide is also an excellent cook and takes care of us throughout the trip.

The next day we travel to the Kiswarani pass, at about 4,400 m, where the flora consists of grasses and puna plants, all supported by the higher lakes in the upper zone. After reaching the pass and enjoying the beautiful views, we descend to where we set up our Kunkani rest camp in the local village, which consists mainly of traditional mud huts with thatched roofs. The next day we climb up to the Kunkani pass, then continue to the Ipsayqocha pass at about 4500 meters, which we then descend to our second camp which has the same name of the Tierras Vivas.

Descending the next day, our destination Patacancha passed through the different microclimates of the place, suddenly realizing how different it was every hour. During the trek we will have crossed three or four passes, traversing the high «Pradera» of the Puna, then descending into the jungle, and finally, into the warm and lush Urubamba Valley. If we are lucky, we will have the opportunity to see and observe wild foxes, chinchillas, eagles and perhaps the flight of condors. From our destination Paseo Patacancha, we have the last lunch prepared by our cook and return to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes. The distance is 2 hours. We are looking forward to a good shower and a good sleep after the physical effort of this incredible hike. On the last morning we get up early, have breakfast, and then take a 20 minute bus ride to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, the «Wonder of the World», ending with a 2 hour guided tour, and then plenty of free time to explore the citadel of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco by expedition or Vistadome train.

Frequently Asked Questions Lares Trek 4 Days

How to book a tour to Lares Trek?

The most usual way to hire a tour to Lares Trek is through the internet. However, you can also buy one in a tourist agency located in the Historic Center of Cusco. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek does not have to be booked far in advance.

Is it difficult to do the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek has a medium difficulty. Compared to the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, this route is less arduous. The only difficulty is altitude sickness, due to the trails located in high altitude geography.

When is the best time to do the Lares Trek?

The best time to do the Lares Trek is during the dry season (April to October). In those months, the sky is clearer and there is less chance of rain. Therefore, the trails are in better conditions for trekking.

How to combat altitude sickness during the Lares Trek?

One of the biggest difficulties during the Lares Trek is altitude sickness (also known as ‘soroche’).

The best way to combat this is to acclimatize to the city of Cusco a few days before the trek.

Another option is to drink plenty of water. Coca tea, for example, is a coca leaf-based drink that effectively combats the discomfort and symptoms of soroche.

The Incas, as well as the inhabitants of the Andes to this day, chew coca leaves as a remedy for this and other ailments.

Is it possible to do the Lares Trek on one’s own?

There is no restriction for a visitor to do the Lares Trek on their own. However, unlike other treks such as the Salkantay Trek or the Choquequirao Trek, the trails are not well marked, so it is difficult to follow the course.

To do the Lares Trek on your own, you must understand the route to follow. For this, a good map would be effective. In addition, the people who live in this region are mostly Quechua speakers.

Can I suffer from altitude sickness during the Lares Trek 4 Days and 3 Nights?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimatize normally. It usually takes between 24 hours and 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NECESSARY; our guides are trained to treat altitude sickness.

How many people are there per group?

The maximum group size is 10 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. We specialize in small and private groups and offer personalized service.

Can I store my luggage in your office?

Of course you can! During the Choquequirao 4 Days and 3 Nights Tour, your main luggage can be stored in our office or at your hotel, both are free of charge.

Is it important to request a saddle horse?

The first day hike is a challenge. We recommend bringing between 70 to 100 soles in case you are not good at walking uphill so you can rent a horse on the route.