4 days from $ 620 per person
Limited to 16 people per Group
The Lares trek is recognized as the ‘cultural’ route to Machu Picchu because on its route it passes through Andean towns full of traditions. It travels approximately 37 kilometers. The tour begins in the city of Cusco with the trip to the town of Lares where visitors will enjoy the thermal baths of the place. The following days you will visit Andean towns full of history and culture. On the penultimate day you will travel by train to the town of Aguas Calientes, located just 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu. The last day is dedicated to getting to know Machupicchu. The tour includes everything you need for the trip: transportation, entrance fees, tour guide, cook equipment, porters equipment, camping utensils and more.
Tour details
- Duration: 4 days.
- Includes: Camp, lodging, food, chargers, transportation, guide, tickets and more.
- Payment: easy with any credit or debit card.
- Confirmation: immediate.
- Safety: complies with all health protocols.
- Entrance: Machu Picchu Solo.
- Group: from 4 to 16 people maximum.
Tour summary
| Difficulty |  |
| Total distance | 37 kilometers. (37,282 miles). |
| Maximum altitude | Abra C’asa Pasa (4,500 masl). |
| Minimum altitude | Aguas Calientes (2,160 masl). |
| Maximum temperature | Machu Picchu (from 20ºC. To 26ºC.). |
| Minimum temperature | Abra C’ase Pasa (-5 ° C to 10 ° C). |
| Itinerary | |
Itinerary Day 1 Cusco | WacahuasiPick up from the hotel door. Transfer in tourist transport to the town of Lares. Lunch and relax in the thermal baths. Beginning of the walk to the Wacahuasi camp. Dinner and camping night. Itinerary Day 2 Wacahuasi | Punto toroBreakfast and restart of the walk to the C’asa Pasa pass in the highest part of the tour. Then hike to the Auroray Cocha camp. After lunch, we restart the walk to the Punto Toro camp. Dinner and camping night. Itinerary Day 3 Punto toro | Aguas CalientesBreakfast and restart of the walk to the town of Yanahuara. Travel in tourist transport to the town of Ollantaytambo. Travel by train to Aguas Calientes. Lunch and rest in lodging. Dinner and overnight in tourist accommodation. Itinerary Day 4 Aguas Calientes | Machu PicchuVery early breakfast at the tourist accommodation. Travel by bus to Machu Picchu. Tour with a tour guide through the archaeological site. Return to Aguas Calientes. Free time and return to Cusco by train and bus. | |
Itinerario
The Lares trek is a 4-day route of moderate difficulty that runs through Machu Picchu after visiting the town of Aguas Calientes, which is reached by train. It owes its name to the fact that it begins in the town of Lares where the tourists relax on the first day in the thermal baths of the place. That same day you walk a few kilometers to the town of Wacahuasi. On day 2 and day 3 Andean places and towns are traveled until arriving by train to the town of Aguas Calientes. The last day is dedicated to getting to know Machu Picchu. That same day at night you return by train to the city of Cusco.
Cusco – Lares | Wacahuasi
The tour begins with the visitor’s pick-up at the door of their hotel in the city of Cusco.
Then you travel by tourist transport for almost 4 hours to the town of Lares (3,100 m / 10,171 ft).
In the town of Lares we will enjoy the relaxing thermal baths. Then we will start with a short walk to the Vilcabamba bridge where the kitchen team will have our delicious lunch ready.
After lunch we will continue the route (for 3 hours on average) to the town of Wacahuasi (3,750 m / 12,303 ft). There we will visit the cultural center of the town. At night we will have dinner and sleep in our camp.
Wacahuasi – Abra C’asa Pasa | Punta toro
That day we will have breakfast very early. Then we will travel through incredible Andean landscapes until we arrive at the C’asa Pasa Pass (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), the highest point of the entire tour. On the route we will appreciate beautiful lagoons as well as the traditional flora and fauna of the place (such as llamas and alpacas).
In the pass we will see the Auroray Cocha lagoon (4,470 m / 14,665 ft). There we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our cooks. Then we will continue the route downhill until we arrive at the Punta toro camp (3,100 m / 10,171 ft). That day we will also appreciate the beautiful Yura Cocha lagoon.
That night, after dinner, we will rest in our camp surrounded by an incredible mountainous landscape.
Punta toro – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo | Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast we will restart the walk through incredible Andean landscapes. We will descend along paths of lagoons and mountains until we arrive at the town of Yanahuara (2,850 m / 9,350 ft).
In this town we will board the tourist transport that in just 15 minutes will take us to the town of Ollantaytambo (2,850 m / 9,350 ft).
At 12.58 pm we will board the ‘Expedition’ train that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes (trip of less than 2 hours).
Upon arrival at the town of Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,087 ft) we will settle in a local lodging. Then we will have lunch at a local tourist restaurant.
After lunch the guide will give us a brief explanation about the visit to Machu Picchu for the next day. Tourists will then have free time to get to know the tourist attractions of the place. In the evening we will have dinner at a local tourist restaurant.
That night we will spend it in a tourist accommodation.
Aguas Calientes| Machu Picchu – Cusco
That day we will get up very early to have breakfast at the tourist accommodation.
Then we will walk to the bus stop to board the transports that will take us to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (the trip lasts only 30 minutes).
In the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft) we will visit the buildings of the Inca city for about 2 hours. During the tour we will be accompanied by the tour guide who accompanied us throughout the trip.
After the visit to Machu Picchu, we will again board the bus that will return us to the town of Aguas Calientes. In this town we will have time for lunch (not included in the tour).
Finally we will get to the train (it is necessary to be there at least 30 minutes before the train’s departure time). The trip will take us to Ollantaytambo where we must take the bus to the city of Cusco where the tour ends.
Questions and answers
Leave us your questions at info@machupicchuterra.com. These are the ten most frequent questions that tourists ask about the tour.
1) Are there tour cancellations?
Yes, cancellations are requested by email to info@machupicchuterra.com. The last deadline is 3 days. The penalty of 35% of the value of the tour.
2) Is there a date change?
Yes, changes to the tour date are requested at info@machupicchuterra.com. The maximum term is also 3 days before. The maximum penalty is 25% of the value of the tour (if you make the request at the last minute).
3) Can everyone do the tour? Is there an age limit?
Yes, as long as they are over 8 years old. Adults over the age of 60 should be in good health. They should preferably consult with their doctor before the walk.
4) How is the food on the tour?
The food is made up of natural products from the Andes Mountains prepared by our team of chefs who will accompany you on the tour. Vegetarian tourists can request this type of food at info@machupicchuterra.com.
5) Is there any danger during the tour?
The tour is very safe. It is also recommended to follow the indications of the tour guide.
6) What should I bring to the Lares trek?
Do not forget to bring: sleeping bag (not included in the tour), warm clothes for the night, light clothes for the last day, hat, sunscreen, resistant shoes, personal hygiene items, snacks, fruits, rehydrating drinks, extra money in cash, camera, identity document and medicines (if you need them).
7) Can the tour be done all year round?
The Lares trek is available all year round. However, the most suggested dates are from April to November. January, February and March are the rainiest months and therefore uncomfortable for hiking.
8) Can I visit the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains?
No, the ticket to these mountains is not included in the tour. You can request these tickets for an additional cost of $ 20 by sending your request to info@machupicchuterra.com.
9) Is it possible to do the Lares trek without a tour?
The Lares trek is a route available to all people. You do not need any ticket or special permission to visit it. However, it is best to choose a tour.
10) Can I choose a private tour?
Yes, private tours can be requested at info@machupicchuterra.com.
We are part of MACHUPICCHU TERRA, Travel agency and tour operator authorized to operate the Inca Trail and other hiking routes in Cusco. Our authorization code is "CI1578".
We have the certificate CALTUR, which recognizes the application of good management practices for the service of travel and tourism agencies. We offer a proven quality service!
Machupicchu Terra received the ‘Safe Travels’ seal for its compliance with all the control and prevention protocols against Covid 19. Travel in complete safety!