Lares Trek & Machu Picchu (by Train)

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Urubamba – Pumahuanca – Pacchayoc – Cuyoc campsite

We pick you up at 6:00 am from your hotel and then we drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing through Chinchero and stopping in the town of Urubamba (2,800 masl) for a brief restroom break (if needed) and the chance to buy some snacks, water, etc.

After this stop we continue for 30 minutes to the beginning of the Pumahuanca valley, land of the famous white corn and the Chicha, the Inca’s favorite corn beer. This is the place where we meet our horses and muleteers, (arrieros), and trek staff. All of our required equipment will be carried by mules and horses. We start our hike through this beautiful Polylepis Qeuña forest in the Andes with a gentle switchback ascent on a gravel path from 2,800 m to 3,600 m with stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

We enjoy a four-hour hike to the Inca complex of Inca–Kancha, where we take part in a guided visit and enjoy our first lunch. After the lunch, we will be able to have a siesta for 30 minutes.

Continuing afterward, along the way you will be able to observe native trees of Qeuñas and Eucaliptus. Then, we reach a small Andean community of Pacchayoc with spectacular mountain landscapes, flocks of llamas, alpacas, sheeps and goats. Finally, after two more hours of hiking, we reach Cuyoc, our first campsite, located at 4,000 masl.

Maximum Altitude: 4,000m
Minimum Altitude: 2,800m
Distance Travelled (approx): 14 km
Approximate Walking Time: 7 hours

Day 2: Cuyoc – Pumahuanca Pass – Cuncani Campsite

We begin the day at 6:00 a.m. with a warm cup of tea, followed by breakfast featuring quinoa pancakes to fuel the day’s adventure. At 7:00 a.m., we start our trek, enjoying spectacular views of the Chicón, San Juan, and Verónica snow-capped mountains.

The trail takes us through a native Polylepis forest, as we hike uphill for approximately five challenging hours along a dirt road with stone steps and zigzag switchbacks leading to Pumahuanca Pass (4,580 m / 15,026 ft). At the summit, we encounter sacred apachetas—stone cairns built by pilgrims as offerings of gratitude and respect to the Apus (mountain spirits). Here, we take a moment to leave traditional offerings of coca leaves at this sacred place and admire panoramic views of Moray, the town of Maras, and the Salt Mines.

Then, we begin a one-hour descent along an ancient stone path with beautiful views on both sides, reaching our lunch spot near impressive high-altitude lakes. After lunch, we continue with a two-hour mostly downhill walk, passing through stunning landscapes and encountering local farmers dressed in traditional colorful attire typical of the Lares Valley. Along the way, we enjoy views of mountains, valleys, and herds of llamas and alpacas.
Finally, we arrive at our second campsite in the community of Cuncani (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), where we enjoy dinner and camp for the night. Cuncani is well known for its beautiful textiles woven using ancestral techniques.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

Maximum Altitude: 4580m
Minimum Altitude: 3750m
Distance Travelled (approx): 13 km
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours

Day 3: Cuncani – Lares Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today is the easiest day of the trek, with approximately four hours of walking. We wake you up at 6:30 a.m., followed by breakfast at 7:00 a.m.

In this community, we have the opportunity to visit the home of our muleteer (arriero), who shares insights into daily life in the Andes. You learn how local families live in close connection with nature, preserve traditional agricultural practices, create beautiful textiles using ancestral weaving techniques passed down through generations, and use medicinal plants as part of their everyday life.

After the visit, we begin a four-hour easy downhill walk to the Lares Hot Springs, where we take time to relax and enjoy the therapeutic, mineral-rich waters. After lunch, we travel by private transport for approximately four hours to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we board the train to Aguas Calientes.

Overnight accommodation and dinner are included.

Maximum Altitude: 3750m
Minimum Altitude: 2750m
Distance Travelled (approx): 6 km
Approximate Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco

Today we start very early, with a 4:30 a.m. wake-up call, followed by breakfast at 5:00 a.m. At 5:30 a.m., we take the bus to Machu Picchu, arriving at approximately 6:00 a.m.

This is the most important day of the journey, as we enter Machu Picchu as early as possible to enjoy the sunrise and the peaceful atmosphere of the site. Upon arrival, we begin a guided tour lasting approximately three hours, during which your guide explains the history, mysteries, and significance of this magical place, including its impressive temples and most important sectors.

After the guided visit, you have free time to take photographs or, if included in your itinerary, to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Finally, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo and continuing to Cusco.

Maximum Altitude: 3400m
Minimum Altitude: 2000m
Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours exploring

Tour Package Details

Inclusions:

• Pick up from your hotel
• Private bus to Pumahuanca – Urubamba (starting point of our trek)
• Private bus from Lares to Ollantaytambo (day 3)
• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• English-speaking tour guide
• High quality camping equipment: 4-people tents used for 2 people, roll mattress, cooking equipment, dinning tent, kitchen tent, chairs and tables.
• Great cook
• Muleteer
• Horses to carry all the camping equipment and meals
• Full board meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners. Vegetarian options (food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocados, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking).
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank.
• Hot water for washing purposes every morning and afternoon.
• Boiled water to fill in your bottles each morning.
• Round trip expedition train tickets.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Private room) Double room occupancy
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes town (day 3)
• Round trip bus tickets in Machupicchu
• Admission tickets to Machu Picchu

Exclusions:

• Breakfast (first day)
• Personal saddle horses (you can rent them for US$45 for 3 days).
• Sleeping bags (you can rent them in our office for US$ 25 for the whole trek).
• Walking sticks (you can rent them in our office for US$ 20 for the whole trek).
• Inflatable mattresses (you can rent them in our office for US$ 20 for the whole trek).
• Lunch and dinner (last day)
• Flight tickets
• Airport taxes
• Tips to guides and staff (optional)

Optional extras not included (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)

What to bring:

• Backpack to carry personal items like water and snacks.
• A warm and good sleeping bag (it can be rented in our office)
• Hiking boots
• Trekking poles
• Warm clothes layers for variable temperatures (especially at night).
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Camera & charger
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, thermals, wool socks, wool hat for cold nights, gloves, scarf.
• Insect repellent
• Rain poncho / rain jacket
• Toiletries, toilet paper, small towel
• Bathing clothes for the hot springs
• Trekking pants or similar
• Original passport and ISIC card (if you’re a student)
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips to your staff
• Optional: small presents for kids of communities along the trail such as school supplies, second hand clothes, toys, etc.

Price 2026

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, it depends on your request.

IMPORTANT: 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:

Student Discount: US$ 25 with ISIC card to qualify under 25 years old
Under 18’s Discount: US$ 25

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 this tour in your email and send you the rest of the details.

Booking deposite required – Online payments.

You must pay a booking deposit of US$ 400+6% per person through Paypal.

The optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is available for an additional US$75 per person.
You have to confirm in advance if you want to climb Wayna Picchu (the 45 minute climb) or Machu Picchu mountain as they need to be booked well in advance. There are 2 time sessions: 07 – 08 am or 10 –11 am.

FINAL PAYMENT: The remaining balance of the tour must be paid 2 months in advance through Paypal.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. You must inform us in advance of any medical conditions, allergies, or physical limitations. Participants must be in good physical health. If your health condition is uncertain, you should consult your doctor before booking.
Passengers over 70 years of age must provide a current medical certificate, as the Inca Trail reaches elevations of up to 4,200 meters above sea level.
It is highly recommended that you arrive in Cusco 2–3 days prior to the trek to allow proper acclimatization 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 or concerns with the service, you must notify the tour guide immediately so that the issue can be addressed as soon as possible.

3. If you suffer from vertigo or do not wish to climb Huayna Picchu, you must indicate “NO” in the reservation form and clearly state this in the comments section.
Climbs to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are optional and require advance booking 4–5 months in advance, as permits are limited and often sell out. These climbs are considered alternative activities and are not mandatory.

4. You must carry your original passport and a valid ISIC card (if applicable) during the trek.
If the passport presented does not match the passport number on your permit, authorities may invalidate your permit and deny entry to the trail.
If you renew your passport after permits have been issued, you must bring your old passport. If this is not possible, you must notify us in writing and provide scanned copies of both passports so we can submit official documentation to the relevant authorities.
An administration fee of US$15 applies for this formal change.

5. The US$35 student discount is regulated by the park authorities, not by our company.
ISIC cards must be valid, clearly scanned, and submitted at the time of booking along with the deposit. Acceptance is subject to verification by park control.
Youth Travel Cards and International Teacher Cards are not accepted.

6. Each passenger is entitled to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) of porter allowance. We will provide a duffle bag for your sleeping bag, mattress, and personal clothing.

7. The included accommodation in Aguas Calientes is a 3-star hotel.
If you wish to upgrade to alternative accommodation, this can be arranged for an additional cost based on double occupancy. Please refer to our Recommendations section and inform us at the time of booking.

8. If you are unable to continue the trek, we can arrange an alternative program to visit Machu Picchu using your existing train tickets and entrance.
This includes: train to Aguas Calientes, overnight stay, bus to Machu Picchu, guided tour, lunch in Aguas Calientes, and return train to Cusco. No refunds apply.

9. Date changes are only possible if the group still meets the minimum required number and if train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance permits have not yet been finalized. A US$25 administration fee applies.
If train tickets have already been issued, an additional US$20 per ticket fee applies, as charged by PeruRail. In some cases, date changes may require upgrading to a higher train category, and any price difference must be paid by the passenger.

10. If you become ill or injured and cannot continue, a porter and mule will accompany you to the nearest location with emergency assistance.
Any medical expenses, evacuation, or helicopter rescue services are the responsibility of the passenger.
No refunds apply; however, we will assist you in rejoining your group in Machu Picchu if possible and provide official documentation for insurance claims.

11. Our company takes all reasonable precautions to ensure your safety and employs qualified and experienced staff. We are responsible for the actions of our employees.
However, we are not responsible for unavoidable events, third-party actions, or improper conduct by clients.
Passengers are fully responsible for their personal belongings and rented equipment at all times.

12. We are not responsible for additional costs caused by weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, or loss of personal items.
All passengers are strongly advised to carry comprehensive travel insurance.
We reserve the right to modify or cancel the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

CANCELATION 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$ 400.00) 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 Lares 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 are limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience, led by professional tour guides fully trained in first aid.

Frequently Asked Questions About This trekking To Machupicchu:

1.-How do I prepare for the altitude sickness on this trekking?

This Lares Trail to Machupicchu reaches 4580m (15022ft) so it is recommended to acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Cusco before this tour. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

2.-How difficult is the trekking to Machupicchu?

The trek to Machu Picchu is considered moderately difficult and requires proper hiking boots.

3.-Is it safe to travel this trekking to Machupicchu during the wet season?

Yes, it is safe but during the wet season (November to March) the trail can be slippery so it is recommended to bring waterproof hiking boots and 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.