Overview
This unforgettable and less-visited hike combines amazing mountain scenery, glacier lagoons, valley cloud-forest and Quechua communities famous for their textiles. You will have the opportunity to see thatched roof stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas. This will also be an amazing opportunity to experience the short Inca Trail to Machupicchu. The trek itself is rated moderate, similar to the Inca Trail with two passes over 4450m. Therefore, it is important to be well acclimatized to the altitude.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Spring – Kiswarani Comunity
To begin this trek, we pick you from your hotel at 5:00 am. It is a three-hour drive along the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley and through the Andes until we arrive at the Lares Hot Springs where you will enjoy your first breakfast enjoying the amazing views of the Andes Mountains. After breakfast, you will have time to enjoy the hot springs, which are divided into various pools ranging from freezing cold to boiling. They are all composed of pure volcanic water, which is medicinal in nature and considered to be good for your bones, stress, muscles, and headaches. After soaking in the baths for a while, we continue for 20 more minutes to the trailhead, which is over 3,300 m/ 10,827 ft above sea level. Here, we meet the horses and horsemen. You then hand over your duffel bags to the horsemen, who transport them to the campsite.
Your trekking begins with a two-hour gradual uphill hike, until lunch time at the first village, Kiswarani. They consider this part of the hike the potato valley, where local people farm many varieties of organic potatoes. We also show you some indigenous medicinal plants growing along the way. At this place, lunch will be prepared by our trekking chef.
After lunch, you will have some time to explore the village and visit some local families, where you will learn about the lifestyle and ancient traditions of the local people.
If there is time, we visit the school where teachers use Quechua because kids still speak Quechua better than Spanish. You can also bring school supplies to distribute if you’d like. After that, we continue with a gradual uphill hike of approximately two hours until we reach the campsite, where our trekking staff are waiting with the tents already set up.
You then enjoy a well-deserved dinner and time to rest.
If you wish, you can take some time to admire the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.
Trekking Distance: 10 km/ 6.21371 miles
Camp Elevation: 3,850 meters / 1,2631 ft
Weather: Cold
DAY 2: Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Village
At the pass, we enjoy a hot drink and a sandwich carried by our trekking staff, take advantage of excellent photo opportunities, and then begin our descent.
In the evening, you enjoy hot drinks followed by a well-earned dinner at the campsite.
Walking Distance: 14 km/8 miles
Elevation Gain: 830 meters / 2,723 ft
Camp Elevation: 3,750 meters / 12,303 ft
Weather: Cold
Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras Salt mines – Ollantaytambo
We wake you with a hot drink served at your tent. After packing your gear, we enjoy breakfast. Once you are ready, you begin the final leg of the Lares Trek, a four-hour downhill hike along a scenic path where you encounter llamas and alpacas grazing in the fields.
Along the way, you pass local farms where potatoes, fava beans, and other Andean crops are cultivated. You have the opportunity to learn about Peruvian agriculture from local farmers who continue to work the land by hand using traditional Inca farming tools.
As the trail descends toward the Sacred Valley, you begin to feel the change in microclimate and notice new crops replacing those of the high mountains. In this region, locals grow corn, quinoa, kiwicha, peaches, avocados, and other fruits. Rich in Inca history, the trek concludes in the small Sacred Valley village of Huaran, located at 2,700 m / 8,858 ft. Here, you say farewell to your horses, muleteer, chef, and porters.
From Huaran, we continue by private transport to the Maras Salt Mines, a remarkable complex of approximately 3,500 salt ponds fed by a natural underground spring. Each pool produces 200–250 kg of salt per month through a completely natural process, and Maras salt is highly valued worldwide.
After the visit, we transfer you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo, where you spend the night.
Walking Distance: 9 km /6.2 miles
Weather: Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon.
Hotel in Ollantaytambo (included).
Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Inca Trail – Machupicchu
As the train descends, you observe the gradual changes in microclimate, from highland mountains and farmland to lush jungle valleys filled with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids, as temperatures become warmer. The train journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, arriving at Km 104, where we disembark and begin the final day of trekking to Machu Picchu. Please ensure you carry your original passport, as this is the first checkpoint along the Inca Trail.
After using the restroom facilities, we start the hike with a visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site, the first ancient Inca checkpoint for entering the Inca Trail. Here, you learn about the history of the site before continuing with a three-hour uphill hike to the most renowned Inca site along the trail, Wiñay Wayna.
Along the way, you enjoy spectacular views of the Machu Picchu Valley and the Urubamba River, as well as the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Waterfalls, panoramic mountain scenery, and views of Machu Picchu Mountain accompany the trail, which features a mix of flat sections, short ascents and descents, and stone steps. While some sections are narrow, the trail is safe.
Upon arrival at Wiñay Wayna, you enjoy a guided visit of the site. It is then a short walk to the lunch area, followed by time to rest. Afterwards, we continue with a one-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the surrounding mountains. The Sun Gate was traditionally used by the Incas to observe the sunrise over Machu Picchu during the summer solstice.
From the Sun Gate, it is an additional one-hour hike to reach the Machu Picchu citadel. Once there, you explore the watchtower area, an excellent viewpoint for capturing iconic photos of Machu Picchu away from the crowds.
Finally, we take a 25-minute bus ride down to Aguas Calientes, where we transfer to the hotel. Dinner is included.
Walking Distance: 15 km / 8 miles
Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
Meals: Included
Elevations: Trek starting point 2,000 m, the highest point is Sun Gate 2,720 m, the camp is at 1,900 m
Weather: Hot and humid.
Day 5: Ollantaytambo – Inca Trail – Machupicchu
Early start to fully enjoy Machu Picchu. After breakfast at the hotel, we take the tourist bus up to Machu Picchu. The first buses depart at 5:30 am and arrive at the site at approximately 6:00 am. Please remember to carry your original passport, as it is required at the checkpoint.
Upon arrival, your guide leads you to a prime viewpoint to enjoy the sunrise over the surrounding mountains. We then enjoy a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, lasting approximately two hours, during which you learn about the site’s fascinating history and significance.
After the guided visit, you have free time to explore Machu Picchu independently. If you have reserved a permit to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this activity takes place during your free time, subject to your assigned entry schedule.
Afterwards, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, followed by the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. From there, we continue by private transport back to Cusco, where we drop you off at your hotel.
Temperature: Warm and humid
Meals: Breakfast Only
Tour Package Details
Inclusions:
- Hotel collection
- Private bus to Lares Hot Springs (trailhead).
- Private bus (Huaran to Ollantaytambo on day 3).
- Private bus (Ollantaytambo to Cusco on the last day).
- English-speaking tour guide
- Excellent cook
- Train tickets (Ollantaytambo to km 104).
- Entrance ticket to the Inca trail to Machupicchu.
- Box lunch (day 3)
- Bus tickets in Machupicchu (first day).
- Round trip bus tickets in Machupicchu (day 2).
- Entrance ticket to Machupicchu (day 2).
- Hotel in Ollantaytambo (based on a shared room: double bedroom).
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (based on a shared room: double bedroom).
- Train ticket (Machupicchu to Ollantaytambo).
- Complete high quality camping equipment (4 person tents used just for 2 people).
- Mattress
- Dining & kitchen tent
- Toilet tent and cooking equipment
- Excellent cooking staff
- Plentiful meals (morning tea room service, breakfast, snacks, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner every day). There is a vegetarian option available.
- Food includes: pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, hot drinks (including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude).
- Drinking water for you to fill up your bottles.
- Horsemen
- Pack animals (horses and mules) to carry personal items and camping equipment.
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tanks
Exclusions:
- Breakfast (first day).
- Lunch (last day).
- Saddled horses (US$ 45 for 3 days trek).
- Sleeping bag (you can rent it in our office US$ 25 for the whole trek)
- Walking sticks (you can rent them in our office US$20 for the whole trek)
- Flight tickets
- Inflatable air mattress (you can rent it in the office for US$ 20 for the whole trek)
- Airport taxes
- Tips (optional)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Optional extras (not included and need to book in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75 (Need to book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75 (Need to book in advance)
- Vistadome/Panoramic 360° Train Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
- Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of hotel desired (Need to book in advance)
- Horse for personal use or saddle horse (US$ 45 for 3 days trek).
What to bring:
- Backpack to carry personal items like snacks and water.
- Original passport
- 4-season sleeping bag (you can rent it in our office for $25 for the whole trek)
- Warm clothes and fleece
- Rain jacket and rain poncho
- Spare clothes
- Hiking boots and sandals
- Trousers and shorts
- Wool socks and hat
- Gloves
- Sun hat
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle and purification tablets
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries
- Bathing suit and towel
Price
Private service
This is a private tour organized exclusively for you and your family. It includes private transportation and a professional tour guide to provide you with the best experience and a personal touch.
DEPARTURE: From March to January depending on your request.
| People | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | $ 1276 per person |
| 3 people | $ 1073 per person |
| 4 people | $ 1000 per person |
| 5 people | $ 950 per person |
| 6 people | $ 930 per person |
| 7 people | $ 900 per person |
| 8+ people | $ 870 per person |
Important note: Price is based on a double room occupancy.
An additional USD 35.00 will be charged for a single room if there’s no one else to share a double room with or if you are travelling alone.
Discounts
Students: US$ 25 (with a valid ISIC card under 25 years old)
Teenagers: US$ 25 (under 15)
Booking Information
Choose in the Calendar the date of when you would like to start this Tour – select the month, year and the day (Starting Date). Fill in your details as requested, and details of the people traveling with you. Once you have finished and sent us your reservation, you are registered to pay a booking deposit of US$ 400 + 6%. through Paypal. Once we receive your payment, we will confirm your tour in your email and send you more details.
Booking Deposit Required – Online payments
You must pay a booking deposit of US$ 400+6% per person through Paypal.
- US$75 extra per person to climb Wayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain. You have to confirm in advance if you want to climb Wayna Picchu (the 45 minute climb) or Machu Picchu as they need to be booked in advance too; there are 2 time sessions: 07 – 08 am or 10 – 11 am
FINAL PAYMENT: The remaining balance of your tour must be paid 2 months in advance through Paypal.
Terms & Conditions
1. You must inform us of any medical conditions or allergies. You must be in good physical health. If your health condition is questionable, you should consult a doctor before booking. If you are over 70 years old, you must present a current medical certificate, as the Lares Trek reaches 4,450 meters above sea level. It is highly recommended that you arrive in Cusco at least 2–3 days in advance to acclimatize to the altitude.
2. You must inform your tour guide if you wish to leave the group or the campsite for independent walks. If you experience any problems with the service, you must notify the guide immediately so the issue can be resolved as soon as possible.
3. If you suffer from vertigo or do not wish to climb Huayna Picchu for any reason, please indicate NO on the reservation form and write this in the comments section. If you wish to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, you must book 4–5 months in advance, as permits sell out quickly. These are optional alternative hikes.
4. You must carry your original passport and a valid student card (if applicable) during the trek. If you do not present the original passport that matches the permit, authorities will cancel your permit and deny entry to the trail. If you obtain a new passport after we have purchased your permits, you must bring both the old and new passports. If this is not possible, you must notify us in writing and provide scanned copies of both passports so we can present them to the authorities (INC). An administration fee of US$15 per person applies for this formal change.
5. The US$20 student discount is regulated by the park authorities, not by our company. Student cards are validated at the park checkpoint and are only accepted if a clear scanned copy of a valid ISIC card was submitted with the deposit at the time of booking and confirmed.
6. This trek includes 8 kg per passenger carried by horses. We will provide a duffel bag for your sleeping bag, mattress, and personal clothing.
7. Accommodation in Aguas Calientes is in a 3-star hotel. If you wish to upgrade your accommodation, this can be arranged. Upgrade options and additional costs (based on double occupancy) are available upon request and must be confirmed at the time of booking.
8. If you are unable to participate in the trek, we can arrange an alternative tour to Machu Picchu, joining your group and using your existing train tickets and entrance permits. The tour will continue as scheduled from Aguas Calientes (Day 3: train to Aguas Calientes, overnight in a hostal, bus to Machu Picchu, guided tour, lunch in Aguas Calientes, and return train to Cusco).
9. Changes of dates are only possible if the group size remains above the minimum required and if train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets have not yet been finalized. An administration fee of US$25 applies.
If train tickets have already been finalized, additional fees apply, as PeruRail charges for date changes. In this case, an administration fee of US$20 per ticket will be charged. Occasionally, date changes may only be possible by upgrading to a higher-class train service, and any price difference must be paid by the passenger.
10. If you become ill or injured during the trek and are unable to continue, a porter and mule will be provided to accompany you to an area with emergency assistance. Helicopter evacuations and medical assistance are at the passenger’s own expense. If you are unable to complete the trek due to illness, we will assist you in rejoining your group at Machu Picchu. No refund will be issued; however, we will provide a medical certificate to support any travel insurance claim.
11. Our company will take all reasonable care to provide safe and professional services, employing qualified staff and accepting responsibility for the actions of our employees. However, we cannot be held responsible for unavoidable events, improper actions by clients, or actions of third parties. You are fully responsible for your personal belongings and rented equipment.
12. Our travel agency is not responsible for additional costs arising from adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, or loss of personal belongings. It is the client’s responsibility to carry appropriate travel insurance. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any unforeseen circumstances listed above.
Cancellation Penalties
- A.- Cancellation of the tour once you have paid a deposit and received a confirmation incurs in the loss of the booking deposit. (US$ 400) per person. Non-refundable booking deposit.
- B.- Cancellation of tour within 45 days to 31 days before departure incurs a loss of 70% of total tour cost.
- C.- Cancellation of tour within 30 days to 8 days before departure incurs a loss of 80% of total tour cost.
- D.- Cancellation of tour within 7 days – 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of 90% of total tour cost.
- E.- Cancellation of tour within 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of total tour cost.
Why Choose This Trekking With Inka Expeditions?
With Inka Expeditions, your trekking through the Lares trail and 2 days Inca trail to Machupicchu will be an unforgettable experience led by an expert local tour guide who will share all his knowledge of this Inca sites and also about the flora and fauna of this region. Our groups have a maximum of 10 people for personal touch, with professional tour guides trained in first aid.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Lares trek To Machupicchu:
1.-How do I prepare for the altitude sickness on this trekking?
This trekking reaches 4680m (15350ft) so it is recommended to acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Cusco City before this tour. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
2.-How difficult is this Lares trekking?
This trekking to Machupicchu is considered moderately difficult, so hiking boots are required.
3.-Is it safe to travel to this Lares trekking and Machupicchu during the wet season?
Yes, it is safe but during the wet season (November to March) the trail can be slippery, it is recommended to bring waterproof hiking boots and a rain poncho. The dry season (April to october) is ideal for this trek because we have clear views but the weather is always unpredictable in the Andes.
