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Lares Trek 4 days to Machu Picchu

Lares Trek 4 Days
Lares Trek 4 Days Photos
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From $690 Per person
Quote Trip
The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours before the tour date.
Duration

4 Days

Group

16

Max Altitude

4275

Difficulty

Difficult

Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu Trip

The Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu is a unique and immersive adventure that takes you along a less-traveled route through the Andes before reaching the legendary Inca citadel.

Over four unforgettable days, you will hike through remote mountain villages, connect with local families, and experience authentic Andean culture. Along the way, enjoy natural hot springs, breathtaking waterfalls, and stunning high-altitude landscapes.

The journey ends with a guided visit to the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu, the perfect reward after an extraordinary trek.

Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu Inclusions

What’s Included?

  • Expert Local Guides: Our trekking guides are professionally trained in tourism and fluent in English. Raised in the Cusco region, they share authentic local knowledge and a deep passion for Andean culture, history, and traditions throughout the journey.
  • Pre-Departure Orientation: The evening before your trek at 6:00 PM, you’ll attend a detailed briefing at our office. You will meet your guide and receive your duffel bag, which will be carried by our support team and available only at the campsite each morning and evening. Items needed during the hike should be kept in your daypack.
  • Support Team & Load Assistance: Each traveler is provided with porter or pack animal assistance to carry their duffel bag at no additional cost. An extra support horse is included along the route in case anyone needs a rest from hiking.
  • Accommodation: The itinerary includes two nights of mountain camping in high-quality tents shared by only two participants. The final night is spent in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Hotel upgrades are available upon request.
  • Transportation & Train Service: The trek includes hotel pick-up in Cusco and private transportation to the trailhead. After completing the hike, you’ll travel to Ollantaytambo to board the Expedition-class train to Aguas Calientes. Return train service is included, with the option to upgrade. Round-trip bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, as well as your transfer back to Cusco, are also included.
  • Camping Equipment: We provide spacious, high-quality tents shared by two trekkers, a fully equipped dining tent, and sleeping mats for insulation and comfort.
  • Meals on the Trail: Freshly prepared meals are served daily, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with snacks and afternoon tea. Dietary restrictions are accommodated when noted in advance. The final included meal is breakfast on day four.
  • Drinking Water: Purified water is provided from the first lunch until the final breakfast. Water is boiled, filtered, and cooled before distribution. Travelers should bring reusable bottles or a hydration pack with capacity for approximately three liters.
  • Safety & Medical Support: All guides are certified in first aid and carry oxygen and a comprehensive medical kit. Satellite communication devices are available to ensure safety in remote mountain areas.
  • Extra Comfort: Each trekker receives a foam sleeping mat, a small pillow, a backpack rain cover, and a rain poncho to stay comfortable in changing weather conditions.

What’s Not Included

  1. Equipment Rentals: Sleeping bags, inflatable air mats, and trekking poles are not included but are available for rent if needed.
  2. Huayna Picchu Mountain: The optional hike to Huayna Picchu after your Machu Picchu tour is not included and requires advance reservation due to limited availability.

Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu - Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Kiswarani
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Early Morning Pickup & Scenic Drive

Your adventure begins early with hotel pickup around 5:00 a.m. from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. After a scenic three-hour drive through the Andes, we arrive at the famous Lares Hot Springs, where you’ll enjoy breakfast surrounded by mountain views.

Relax at the Lares Hot Springs

Before starting the trek, you’ll have time to unwind in the natural thermal baths, known for their mineral-rich volcanic waters and relaxing properties.

Start of the Trek—Punta Carretera

After soaking, we drive to Punta Carretera (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), the trailhead, where you’ll meet the support team and begin your hike.

Hiking Through the Potato Valley

The first stretch is a gradual two-hour uphill hike through the “Potato Valley,” where locals cultivate many native potato varieties. Upon reaching Kiswarani village, we enjoy a freshly prepared lunch.

Cultural Experience & Llama Ceremony

In the afternoon, you’ll discover traditional Andean life, meet local families, and witness a small ceremony featuring llamas—animals once sacred to the Incas.

Campsite at Kiswarani Waterfall

A final two-hour uphill hike brings us to the campsite near the Kiswarani waterfall (3,850 m). Enjoy hot drinks, dinner, and a peaceful night under the Andean stars.

Distance: 10 km
Camp Elevation: 3,850 m
Weather: Cold

Day 2
Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha
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Early Wake-Up & Mountain Ascent

After an early wake-up with hot drinks, we begin a steady climb toward Condor Pass (4,680 m / 15,354 ft). The ascent takes approximately three to four hours and rewards you with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and dramatic Andean landscapes.

Summit of Condor Pass

From the top, enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views, including the majestic Mount Pitusiray (5,700 m). This is the highest point of the trek and one of the most scenic moments of the journey.

Scenic Descent & Lunch

After taking in the views, we descend to a scenic viewpoint where we enjoy lunch surrounded by llamas and mountain valleys.

Arrival at Cancha Cancha Village

We continue downhill for about three hours to reach Cancha Cancha village (3,750 m). This remote Andean community has no electricity and maintains ancient traditions, with homes built from stone and thatched roofs.

Cultural Interaction at Camp

You’ll have time to interact with local families and children before enjoying dinner at camp under the Andean sky.

Distance: 14 km
Elevation Gain: 830 m
Camp Elevation: 3,750 m
Weather: Cold

Day 3
Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
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Descent into the Sacred Valley

After breakfast, we begin a four-hour descent toward the Sacred Valley, passing traditional farms where crops are still cultivated using ancestral Inca techniques. As we descend, you’ll notice the warmer microclimate and changing landscapes of the valley.

Arrival in Huaran

We arrive in Huaran (2,700 m), where we say goodbye to our trekking team and conclude the hiking portion of the Lares Trek.

Visit to the Maras Salt Mines

From Huaran, we travel by vehicle to explore the impressive Maras Salt Mines, a fascinating complex of over 3,000 salt pans that have been in use since pre-Inca times.

Ollantaytambo & Train to Aguas Calientes

We continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns, before boarding the evening train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and relax before the final day at Machu Picchu.

Distance: 9 km
Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 m
Weather: Warm in the afternoon
Accommodation: 3-star hotel (Inti Punku or similar)

Day 4
Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
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Sunrise at Machu Picchu

Today is the highlight of your journey. After an early breakfast, we board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness sunrise over the citadel—an unforgettable moment in the Andes.

Guided Tour of the Citadel

Your guide will lead a two-hour tour through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, explaining its history, architecture, and cultural significance.

Free Time & Optional Huayna Picchu

After the guided visit, you’ll have time to explore on your own or hike Huayna Picchu (optional and subject to permit availability).

Train & Transfer to Cusco

In the afternoon, we return by train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transportation back to Cusco with drop-off at your hotel.

Weather: Warm and humid

Packing List

Essentials

Bring your original passport and a valid student card if you booked under the student discount. A small and comfortable daypack is highly recommended, as bags larger than 25 liters are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. Carry enough water storage for 2–3 liters, preferably a hydration system like a CamelBak. Lightweight hiking boots with good grip and support are essential for the terrain.

For Your Duffel Bag

Remember you are packing for two nights of camping and one night in a hotel. Porters will carry up to 8 kg of your personal belongings, and this weight must include your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress if you bring or rent one.

Pack two moisture-wicking t-shirts, two hiking pants, four sets of undergarments, and three pairs of hiking socks. Bring a fleece layer and a warm down jacket, as temperatures can drop significantly during the two camping nights. Rain gear, including a waterproof jacket and pants, is necessary. A sun hat, wool hat, waterproof gloves, and a headlamp are essential items.

Comfortable shoes for camp, a quick-dry towel, a small bottle of soap, and large plastic bags for organizing or protecting clothes are recommended. Since there are no charging points during the trek, bring a fully charged battery pack if needed. A sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C is strongly recommended.

Toiletries

Pack sunscreen, face moisturizer, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, and any personal medication. A small personal first aid kit with bandages and blister care is also recommended.

Inside Your Daypack

Carry your passport at all times. You are responsible for bringing enough water for the first morning, as filtered water will only be available starting at lunch. Include sun protection, rain gear, a fleece layer, camera, small toiletries such as hand sanitizer and toilet paper, and a small plastic bag for waste.

It’s also advisable to bring some extra money in soles for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.

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Essential Information About Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu

 

Acclimatization in Cusco

Proper acclimatization is essential before starting the Lares Trek. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek to adapt to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

If you have already been at high altitude elsewhere in Peru, we still advise spending at least one full day in Cusco to rest and recover before beginning the trek.

Popular activities before your trek include a Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley excursions, Moray & Maras, or visiting the Qeswachaka Bridge.

Pre-Trek Briefing

A mandatory briefing is held at 5:00 PM the day before departure, either at our main office in Cusco or at your hotel. The meeting lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes and covers final details, packing guidelines, and itinerary review.

If you are unable to attend, you must coordinate an alternative time in advance.

Final Balance Payment

Any remaining balance must be paid at least two days before departure to confirm your reservation.

Payments can be made in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) at our office. Card or PayPal payments are accepted but include a 5% service fee applied by the payment processor. Bank checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted.

Duffel Bag Policy

You will receive a duffel bag during your briefing. This bag will be carried by horses and delivered to you at each campsite.

The maximum allowed weight is 5 kg (11 lb), including your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothing, and personal items.

Luggage Storage

You may store your main luggage at our office or at your hotel free of charge during the trek.

We recommend keeping valuables in your hotel safe and not leaving important items inside stored luggage.

Pick-Up Information

Pick-ups are available within Cusco city. We recommend staying in the historic center for easier access.

Your pickup time will be confirmed the day before departure. Due to traffic and narrow streets, pick-up times may vary by 30–45 minutes.

Return to Cusco

After visiting Machu Picchu, transportation back to Cusco is fully included.

You will take the bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes (one-way included), followed by train service to Ollantaytambo. From there, our staff will transfer you back to Cusco and to your hotel.

If you prefer a round-trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, it can be arranged for an additional cost.

Group Tours

Group tours include travelers of different ages and physical conditions. Each participant may hike at their own pace.

The guide reserves the right to make itinerary adjustments if necessary after consulting the group.

Strikes & Unforeseen Events

Strikes and demonstrations occasionally occur in Peru and may affect travel plans. In such cases, our operations team will coordinate alternative arrangements.

Your safety is always our highest priority.

Personal Belongings

Please keep track of your personal items at all times. We are not responsible for lost or forgotten belongings during the trek.

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FAQs

What Circuit Will My Machu Picchu Day Trip Follow?

For our Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco, we prioritize Circuit 2, as it is the most complete route and allows you to explore both the upper panoramic viewpoints and the lower urban sector of the Inca city. This circuit offers the best overall experience and covers the majority of the archaeological site.

If Circuit 2 is not available, we will assign the best alternative circuit available at the time of booking.

How Do I Book a Machu Picchu 1-Day Tour with Bigfoot Machu Picchu?

Booking is simple:

  1. Click the “Book Now” button on our website

  2. Select your preferred travel date

  3. Complete the booking form with your personal details

  4. Pay only the deposit using a credit or debit card

The remaining balance is paid in Cusco, one day before the tour, at our office.

How Is the Outstanding Balance Paid?

The outstanding balance must be paid one day before the tour and can be settled in:

  • Cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) – recommended (no fees)

  • Credit card – 2.9 % service fee applies

⚠️ Cash payment is mandatory one day prior to departure.

Can I Change My Departure Date After Tickets Are Purchased?

Unfortunately, Machu Picchu tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable.

To change your departure date:

  • A new Machu Picchu ticket must be purchased

  • A train change penalty applies

The total rescheduling cost is USD 100 per person, subject to ticket availability for the new date.

Circuit 2 Is Sold Out on the Official Website—Can You Still Get It?

If Circuit 2 is sold out, we cannot secure it directly either, as all tickets are purchased from the official government platform.

However, we can offer a combined solution:

  • Circuit 3 with guide (approx. 2 hours)

  • Exit and re-enter for Circuit 1 on your own (approx. 1 hour)

This option allows you to see most of Machu Picchu, including iconic viewpoints and temples.
Additional cost: USD 45 per person (extra ticket).

The Official Website Shows No Availability, but Your Website Does—Is It Legit?

Yes. If standard tickets are sold out, we can arrange access via the Short Inca Trail permit, which includes entry to Machu Picchu through Circuit 3.

Please note:

  • Access is limited to the lower section only

  • The classic panoramic photo is not included

  • Additional cost: USD 30 per person

When Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

The best months are the shoulder seasons:

  • April, May, September, October, and November

These months offer:

  • Pleasant temperatures

  • Lower rainfall

  • Fewer crowds compared to peak season

Do I Need My Original Passport?

Yes. You must bring your original passport, and it must match the passport used during booking. Your document will be checked when boarding the train and at Machu Picchu.

Can I Book with an Expired Passport?

Yes. If you are renewing your passport:

  • Send us a copy of your old passport or a government-issued ID

  • Once you receive the new passport, email us the updated copy immediately so we can update your ticket

Can I Stay in the Sacred Valley Instead of Cusco?

Yes. You may stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
Pickup will be approximately 1.5 hours later, allowing you to sleep longer.

Is There a Student or Child Discount?

According to Peruvian regulations:

  • Students aged 11–17: USD 20 discount

  • Children aged 2–11: USD 30 discount

All discounts require:

  • Passport copy

  • Valid student ID (if applicable)
    📧 Send documents to your booking email.

Is This Tour Safe for Children?

Yes. This is an easy and family-friendly tour with safe access and facilities. Children are welcome and eligible for discounts.

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

  • High season (May–August): 2 months in advance

  • April, September, November, December: 1 month

  • January & February: As little as 2 days

Holidays (July 28, Holy Week, Christmas, New Year) sell out fast.

Can You Pick Me Up from an Airbnb?

Yes. Just provide the exact address—no extra cost.

Can I Do This Tour as a Solo Traveler?

Yes. Solo travelers can book private service for an additional USD 60.

Can I Join a Group If I’m Traveling Alone?

Yes, subject to availability. Please email us first so we can confirm an existing group.

Do You Offer Private Tours?

Yes. Private service is available and priced according to group size. Contact us for a personalized quote.

I’m Over 70—Can I Do This Tour?

Yes. Many travelers aged 70–75 have completed this tour successfully.
If you prefer a relaxed pace, we recommend private service.

What About My Luggage?

We recommend small backpacks only. Large luggage is not allowed on trains.

Options:

  • Store luggage at your hotel

  • Leave it with our driver or at our storage free of charge

Which Places Will I Visit?

  • Aguas Calientes town & main square

  • Machu Picchu

  • Local markets in Aguas Calientes

How Long Does the Tour Last?

Approximately 12 hours.

Can I Fly on the Same Day?

Not recommended. Train delays are common and could cause you to miss your flight.

What Will I See Inside Machu Picchu?

Highlights include:

  • The Guardhouse (classic photo viewpoint)

  • Temple of the Sun

  • Inca House

  • The Sacred Sundial

  • Temple of the Condor

  • Water Mirrors

Is Altitude Sickness a Problem?

No. Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude than Cusco. If you feel fine in Cusco, you should be fine here.

Do I Need to Be Physically Fit?

No. This is an easy sightseeing tour with walking only inside the citadel.

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From $690 Per person

Quote Trip
The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours before the tour date.

Why Salas Travel?

  • 100% licensed local tour operator
  • Excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and Google
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