4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Cusco, Peru
Rating: 
Trip Type: Multi-day Tours
Duration: 4 days
Get off the beaten path on your hike to Machu Picchu with this incredible 4-day, 3-night trip along the less-crowded Lares trekking route. This high-altitude trail offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of local Andean communities, set among the jaw-dropping scenery of the region’s rugged terrain. Meet local families, admire scenic vistas of glaciers and observe the area’s diverse wildlife. Cap it off with a visit to Machu Picchu, enjoying a 2-hour guided tour and time to wander on your own. Your Lares trekking experience also covers hotel pickup, two nights of camping and one night of hotel accommodations, a guide, bus and train transfers, entrance fees, three days of meals and snacks and horses to carry baggage.
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Get off the beaten path on your hike to Machu Picchu with this incredible 4-day, 3-night trip along the less-crowded Lares trekking route. This high-altitude trail offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of local Andean communities, set among the jaw-dropping scenery of the region’s rugged terrain. Meet local families, admire scenic vistas of glaciers and observe the area’s diverse wildlife. Cap it off with a visit to Machu Picchu, enjoying a 2-hour guided tour and time to wander on your own. Your Lares trekking experience also covers hotel pickup, two nights of camping and one night of hotel accommodations, a guide, bus and train transfers, entrance fees, three days of meals and snacks and horses to carry baggage.Day 1: Cusco to Lares Town and Trek to Wakawasi (14 kms) (L/D)
You will be picked-up from your hotel in Cusco between 5am and 6am and you will be transferred 2-miles (2,900m) to Lares Town. There, you can spend some time to enjoy the hot springs (not included) and then you will begin your 6-hour trek. You will begin a 2.5-mile (3,850m) zigzagging climb to the town of Wakawasi with views of glaciers, wildlife and local communities. The campsite at Wakawasi community will give you the chance to meet local families living in harmony with nature.
Day 2: Trek to Patacancha Town (15 kms) (B/L/D)
You will hike uphill on a 4-hour-trek that will take you over Ipsayccocha Pass (2.7 miles/4,400m) and then you'll walk for 40 more minutes downhill where you will enjoy lunch next to the lake. Continue 3 more hours to Patacancha town (2.4 miles/3,800m) where you will camp surrounded by llamas, alpacas and amidst native crop plantations.
Day 3: Trek to Ollantaytambo and Transfer to Aguas Calientes (12 kms) (B/L/D)
From Patacancha mountain community (2.4 miles/3,800m), you will walk 4 hours to reach Ollantaytambo. Enjoy lunch and hop on a train to reach Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night at a hotel. There are internet cafes, cafes with board games and cards, plenty of shops and places to relax and unwind.
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu and Return to Cuzco (B)
Catch one of the first buses (5:30am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) so you can admire the 'Lost City of the Incas' in the early morning light. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour and then explore the place on your own. If you still have energy, you can climb Huayna Picchu which takes 45-60 minutes to reach the top. (This is an extra walk, please talk to your guide for arrangements to climb this mountain prior to your arrival). You will then meet your guide in Aguas Calientes, which can be reached by walking or by bus. There, you will have lunch and receive your train tickets for the return trip. You can visit the local marketplace right next to the train tracks before your departure. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus to Cusco, arriving at 10:30pm. You will be dropped off at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the hotel of your choice.
See the map of the trek by clicking on 'View Additional Info.'
You will be picked-up from your hotel in Cusco between 5am and 6am and you will be transferred 2-miles (2,900m) to Lares Town. There, you can spend some time to enjoy the hot springs (not included) and then you will begin your 6-hour trek. You will begin a 2.5-mile (3,850m) zigzagging climb to the town of Wakawasi with views of glaciers, wildlife and local communities. The campsite at Wakawasi community will give you the chance to meet local families living in harmony with nature.
Day 2: Trek to Patacancha Town (15 kms) (B/L/D)
You will hike uphill on a 4-hour-trek that will take you over Ipsayccocha Pass (2.7 miles/4,400m) and then you'll walk for 40 more minutes downhill where you will enjoy lunch next to the lake. Continue 3 more hours to Patacancha town (2.4 miles/3,800m) where you will camp surrounded by llamas, alpacas and amidst native crop plantations.
Day 3: Trek to Ollantaytambo and Transfer to Aguas Calientes (12 kms) (B/L/D)
From Patacancha mountain community (2.4 miles/3,800m), you will walk 4 hours to reach Ollantaytambo. Enjoy lunch and hop on a train to reach Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night at a hotel. There are internet cafes, cafes with board games and cards, plenty of shops and places to relax and unwind.
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu and Return to Cuzco (B)
Catch one of the first buses (5:30am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) so you can admire the 'Lost City of the Incas' in the early morning light. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour and then explore the place on your own. If you still have energy, you can climb Huayna Picchu which takes 45-60 minutes to reach the top. (This is an extra walk, please talk to your guide for arrangements to climb this mountain prior to your arrival). You will then meet your guide in Aguas Calientes, which can be reached by walking or by bus. There, you will have lunch and receive your train tickets for the return trip. You can visit the local marketplace right next to the train tracks before your departure. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus to Cusco, arriving at 10:30pm. You will be dropped off at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the hotel of your choice.
See the map of the trek by clicking on 'View Additional Info.'
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