4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
4 Days from $ USD 599.00
4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
4 Day Lares trek to Machu Picchu, one of the best alternative hikes to Machu Picchu.
The Lares trek is a wonderful way to explore part of the imposing Andean Mountain range, relax in the soothing Lares hot springs, meet the Inca Empire descendants in the Patacancha and Willoq Andean communities, and visit the Ollantaytambo vibrant town. You’ll also get to travel by train to Machu Picchu! one of the new 7 wonders of the world and Peru’s tourist icon.
About 4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Discover another beautiful trekking route to Machu Picchu.
The classic 4 day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is another of the best alternatives for trekking lovers in Cusco. This route will allow you to cross the Andes towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting Andean communities, descendants of the Incas who still maintain their customs and traditions. It will also allow you to discover the Ollantaytambo vibrant village, one of the few Inca villages still inhabited today, and Machu Picchu, cultural and natural heritage of mankind.
The Classic 4-day Lares Trek will also surprise you with its spectacular inter-Andean valleys, landscapes dominated by towering mountains, some covered in snow. It is very similar to the Salkantay Treks and you will also be following the original Inca Trail. It is a perfect circuit to explore remote places rarely visited by tourists and to reach the most popular and famous tourist destination in Latin America.
The 4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu starts and ends in Cusco. We start on the date you choose, with a minimum of two people (Private tour). Join the Machupicchu Andes Tours – Matours expert trekking team for an unforgettable trip.
Important. Book at least two months in advance. Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and always sell out two months in advance. Booking more than two months in advance ensures you’ll get entrance ticket to Machu Picchu with the best circuits (1 or 2). If circuits 1 and 2 are sold out, you will be taken to Machu Picchu via circuit 3, which allows you to enter from the lower part and does not have access to the classic view.
Highlights
- Explore part of the Andes on foot and enjoy the wonderful landscapes offered by the 4 Day Lares Trek trails.
- Follow the original Inca Trail and walk among South American camelids in their natural habitat at more than 4,300 masl/14,108ft.
- Relax in the Lares Hot Springs.
- Meet the Quechua-speaking indigenous in the Huacahuasi, Patacancha and Willoq Andean communities.
- Explore the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo, the only place where people still use Inca compounds as dwellings.
- Take a breathtaking train ride to Machu Picchu the Inca city.
- Experience 4 days of authentic excitement and unforgettable adventure with the Machupicchu Andes Tours professional team.
4 Day Lares Trek Summary
Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Wakawasi (L&D)*
- At 6:00 a.m. start the 3-hour trip by private minibus from Cusco to the Lares Hot Springs.
- Relaxation in Lares hot springs and lunch.
- At 13 hours. Start 3-hour hike from Lares Hot Springs to Wakawasi
- Camp and dinner in the Wakawasi community.
Day 2: Wakawasi – Ipsay pass – Patacancha or Willoc Andean community (B, L&D)*
- At 5:30 a.m. wake up with coca tea or coffee.
- At 6:00 a.m. Breakfast in the Wakawasi community
- 5-hour hike up to the Ipsay highest pass
- Lunch at Ipsay Qocha (Ipsay lagoon)
- From lunch spot, 3-hour descent to Patacancha camp and dinner
Day 3: Patacancha or Willoc Andean community – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu town (B, L&D)*
- At 5:30 a.m. wake up with coca tea or coffee.
- At 6:00 a.m. Breakfast in the Patakancha colorful community
- After breakfast, experience with the locals
- Lunch and a walk through Ollantaytambo town.
- In the afternoon, take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
- Dinner and overnight in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco (B)*
- Breakfast at the hotel, then travel to Machu Picchu Inca City by bus or hiking.
- Guided tour to Machu Picchu for two and a half hours, then return to Aguas Calientes.
- In the afternoon, return trip by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy – hotel in Cusco (3.5-hour trip)
*B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Detailed Itinerary
Cusco - Lares Hot Springs - Wakawasi
Sacred valley's classic view
Lares Hot Springs
To begin the classic 4 day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, the Machupicchu Andes Tours professional team will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 a.m. Then you’ll begin an amazing journey by private mobility to the Lares Hot Springs. During the 3-hour drive, you will enjoy the breathtaking inter-Andean landscapes, the rich local biodiversity, and pass-through beautiful villages and ancestral communities.
In the of Lares town, you’ll meet the muleteers and the horses that will be in charge of transporting the camp equipment. You’ll also relax in the hot springs that range between 36 and 45°C. Due to their abundant mineral/chemical composition, they are recommended for medicinal purposes.
At noon, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our local cook and trekking expert. After lunch, led by a professional guide, you will begin the ascent to the first camp at Wakawasi (3,600 meters above sea level), an indigenous Quechua speaking community where you can interact. At the end of the day, you will enjoy dinner at 18:30.
Food
L & D
Physical Level
2, Moderate
Distance Hiked
7 km / 4.3 miles
Tour Length
3-hour
Starting Altitude
3,350masl/ 10,991ft, Cusco
Min Altitude
3,250m/10,662ft, Lares hot springs
Max Altitude
3,600m/11,811ft. Wakawasi
Wakawasi - Ipsay pass - Patakancha community
Ipsay pass
Lares Inca Trail
On this second day of the Lares Trek, our trekking cook will wake you up with coca tea or coffee at 5:30am and you will have breakfast at 6am. Then you will start ascending to the highest point of the classic 4 day Lares trek to Machu Picchu, Ipsay pass (4,350m/14,271ft) this place has spectacular views of the Pitusiray, Sawasiray and Veronica snow-capped mountains. Also, beautiful lagoons with abundant Andean fauna such as ducks, Andean goose; llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and others.
At noon, have lunch on Ipsayqocha lagoon shores, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Then, continue descending to Patakancha, where you’ll spend the second night in camp. Patakancha and Willoq are communities of Inca descent where ancestral customs and traditions are maintained. It is normal to see the villagers in their beautiful and colourful costumes and hear them speak Quechua (language of the Inca empire).
Food
B, L & D
Physical Level
3, Demanding
Distance Hiked
13 km / 8.1 miles
Tour Length
8-hour hike
Starting Altitude
3,600m/11,811ft. Wakawasi
Min Altitude
3,800m/12,464ft, Patakancha
Max Altitude
4,350m/14,271ft, Ipsay pass
Patakancha - Willoq - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes)
Lares Indigenous people
Lares children
Today you will wake up in a small and colorful village that preserves its millenary culture, a natural space where Andean families still make their own ancestral costumes, raise their own animals and believe in their own customs and rituals.
After breakfast, meet with the locals to interact and learn about their customs and traditions. Also visit the local women weavers where you will see the whole process of weaving their own alpaca wool costumes. If you like some of their textiles, you can purchase them directly from the indigenous woman who made them and take home a high-quality souvenir with the satisfaction of helping to boost the economy of the community (purchase is optional).
After a pleasant experience with the friendly locals, you will descend through a beautiful valley to the lunch spot, Ollantaytambo. Then you will visit the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo, the only place where people still use the Inca enclosures as dwellings.
At 16:36 or 19:04 hour, take the train to the Machu Picchu town, better known as Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the third night in a 3-star hotel. Aguas Calientes is a small and modern city where you can find all services such as internet, restaurants, bars, ATM and souvenir shops.
Food
B, L & D
Physical Level
1, Easy
Distance Hiked
5-hour hike
Tour Length
15 km /9.3 miles
Starting Altitude
3,800m/12,464ft, Patakancha
Min Altitude
2050m/6726ft, Aguas Calientes
Max Altitude
2.792m/9,160ft, Ollantaytambo
Day 4: Visit Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco.
Mach Picchu's classic view.
Machu Pichu inca city
Today is your last and long-awaited day of the classic 4-day Lares Trek. After breakfast at the hotel, you will ascend to Machu Picchu according to the entrance schedule. Follow the route indicated on your ticket and explore the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu escorted by your professional guide for 2.5 hours.
At the end of your tour, if you have booked access to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, climb up on your own. After all, take the bus down to the Aguas Calientes town and have lunch on your own. Later, head to the train station and take your return train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station. Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting to escort you to your hotel in Cusco.
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (optional) 25 minutes up or down and one-and-a-half-hour walk, 1,700 km.
NOTE: Climbing Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is optional and must be booked in advance due to limited space. Please do not confuse the Inca city of Machu Picchu with Machu Picchu Mountain, they are two different places. Train times may vary, depending on availability.
Food
B
Physical Level
1, Easy
Tour Length
2.5-hour tour
Starting Altitude
2,050m/6,726ft, Aguas Calientes
Min Altitude
2,450m/8,038ft, Machu Picchu
Max Altitude
3,350masl/ 10,991ft, Cusco
Packing list
Machupicchu Andes Tours travel company will provide you with a duffel bag to pack all the items listed below, which will be carried by the horses. However, you’ll also need to carry a small backpack to carry your snacks and other personal items that you will need to have on hand during the Lares trek.
- Personal documents with which you made the reservation
- Long and thermal pants
- Sweater and thick jacket
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking shoes
- A pair of sandals
- Swimwear (optional)
- Hiking poles
- Hat or cap
- Hiking gloves
- 3 pairs of thick socks
- Polo shirts and underwear
- Water bottle or camelback
- Rain poncho / raincoat
- Sunglass
- Medicine and personal items
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Lipstick
- Light snacks
- Flashlight and camera with extra battery
- Some cash in small bills (PEN)
Recomendations
- Book at least 2 months in advance. Tickets for Machu Picchu are limited and are always sold out two months in advance.
- To do the 4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, you should be in Cusco at least 2 days in advance for better acclimatization.
- For the best acclimatization, drink the coca leaves infusion, do short walks around the city of Cusco on your own, or you can hire a short tour like the Cusco City Tour, the Sacred Valley tour, the Maras Salt Mines – Moray tour (by adding these tours you get a special discount).
- Wear appropriate clothing for trekking
About the 4 Day Lares Trek prices
The 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu only runs in private tour. The price is expressed in US dollars (US$), per person and in double or triple room in Machu Picchu village. If you want a single room, you will have to add a supplement or you may prefer to stay in 4- or 5-star hotels. Please contact our travel advisors.
Price List
Unique option: Lares Private Tour.
The 4-day Lares Trek Private Tour Prices
4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This private tour is exclusively for you who prefer to do the trek with your family or friends and don’t want to meet strangers. You can start the trek any day of the year. The price varies according to the number of people who book together.
| Pax number | Price per person | |
| 2-3 Persons | $ USD 690.00 | |
| 4-5 Persons | $ USD 650.00 | |
| 6 or + Persons | $ USD 599.00 |
Optional Services
Upgrade your 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu by adding these optional services.
These services aren’t included in the package price, but you can add them if you’d like.
- $ 70 USD. Ascent to the Huayna Picchu mountain. It is an incredible mountain located north of the Machu Picchu citadel. If you want to explore more places, you can climb this mountain from Machu Picchu citadel, it will take you about 45 minutes, but you need to buy another ticket 3 or 4 months before, the availability is limited.
- $ 70 USD. Ascent to the Machu Picchu Mountain. It is another incredible mountain located south of the Machu Picchu citadel. If you want to explore more places, you can climb this mountain from Machu Picchu citadel, it will take you about 1.40 hours, but you must buy another ticket 2 or 3 months before, the availability is limited.
- $ 75 USD.Travel on the Vistadome train. It is a superior-class train that has cars with large windows on the walls and on the roof that allow you to enjoy the scenic view. It also offers typical dances and fashion shows on board.
- $ 18 USD. Sleeping bag for 2 nights.
- $ 15 USD. A pair of walking sticks for 3 days.
- $ 20 USD. Individual tent for 2 nights.
- $ 120 USD. A horse to ride and an additional muleteer for 3 days.
- $ 20 USD. For a single room in a 3-star hotel.
- If you want to spend the nights in a superior or luxury hotel (4 or 5-star hotel), ask for our confidential rates.
We offer US$ 20 off.
- For students from 9 to 17 years old and for university students under 25 years old who have a student ID. The credential must be valid for a maximum of one year.
- For countries belonging to the Andean Community (Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru).
- We have a special discount for children under 8 years old; children under 3 years old don’t pay, but aren’t entitled to a seat on the train or bus.
Packing list
Machupicchu Andes Tours travel company will provide you with a duffel bag to pack all the items listed below, which will be carried by the horses. However, you’ll also need to carry a small backpack to carry your snacks and other personal items that you will need to have on hand during the Lares trek.
- Personal documents with which you made the reservation
- Long and thermal pants
- Sweater and thick jacket
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking shoes
- A pair of sandals
- Swimwear (optional)
- Hiking poles
- Hat or cap
- Hiking gloves
- 3 pairs of thick socks
- Polo shirts and underwear
- Water bottle or camelback
- Rain poncho / raincoat
- Sunglass
- Medicine and personal items
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Lipstick
- Light snacks
- Flashlight and camera with extra battery
- Some cash in small bills (PEN)
FAQS4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
What is the maximum altitude of the classic 4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The maximum altitude of the classic4 Day Lares trek to Machu Picchu is 4,350masl/14,272ft, this will be in Ipsay pass which is the highest point of our Lares trek itinerary.
How far is the 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The total distance of the Lares trek is 35km/21.7miles, distributed in 3 days: Day 1 is 7km/4.3miles on a gently ascending trail; Day 2 is 13km/8miles on a trail that goes through the highest point; and Day 3 is 15km/9.3miles on a flat trail.
What places do you visit in Lares 4-day trek?
You will visit the classic viewpoint of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, part of the Andes Mountain range, the Lares hot springs, the Wakawasi, Patakancha and Willoq high Andean communities. Also, to the Ollantaytambo town and Machu Picchu Inca citadel.
How much is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
Lares Trek prices vary depending on the number of people booking together: Group of 2-3 people USD 690 per person, group of 4-5 people USD 650 per person and group of 6 or more people USD 599 per person. These are private tour prices.
How hard is the Lares hike to Machu Picchu?
The difficulty of the Lares to Machu Picchu 4-day trek is moderate. It is recommended for families traveling with children from 5 years old.
What food is there on the Lares trek to Machu Picchu?
Our local chef makes the food fresh on the spot. We use a variety of nutritious ingredients, including meat, chicken, egg, cheese, vegetables, rice, flour, potatoes, quinoa, fruits, and many other Andean ingredients. Vegetarian meals are available with advance notice.
What is the train schedule to Machu Picchu in Lares Trek?
The possible train schedules from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu are: 16:36 / 19:04 hours.
The return train times from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo / Poroy are: 14:55 / 15:20 / 16:43 / 18:20 hours. Schedules may vary according to availability.
How to get to the Willoq and Patakancha communities?
The classic 4 Day Lares trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best options to visit the Willoc and Patacancha indigenous communities. Where you will have a wonderful experience with the native Quechua speakers (Inca language).
What is the temperature of the Lares Hot Springs?
The temperature of the Lares hot springs ranges from 35 to 45°C/ 95 to 113°F.
Can I change the date of my 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
No, once you have purchased the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, you can’t change the date of your reservation. In the Peruvian government policy (Ministry of Culture), it doesn’t allow date changes, names and is 100% non-refundable. If you wish to change the date of your Lares trek, you’ll need to purchase a new ticket to Machu Picchu (subject to availability).
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Mario Ordoñes Quispe Salvida
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
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