Lares Trek- 4 Days
LARES TREK
4-DAYS/3-NIGHTS
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful hikes in Peru, offering beautiful landscapes and a unique culturally immersive experience for those who are interested a less crowded trek that is off-the-beaten-path compared to the popular Inca Trail. You will start in the valley of Pumahuanca, Urubamba, where you will cross the Puma Pass before reaching the community of Cuncani and finishing your hike in the exotic thermal baths of Lares. On this hike, you will pass through small villages where you will be able to observe the traditional life of the local people in the Andes and enjoy green valleys, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and herds of llamas and alpacas. Along the way, you will also learn about the agricultural customs and traditional styles of weaving belonging to locals from that specific region. At the end of your hike, you will go to the town of Ollantaytambo in your private transportation, where you will board the train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night. On the last day, you will visit the archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco city in the afternoon.
Trip Details
Day 1: Cusco – Urubamba – Pumahuanca – Cuyoc
- Early Morning: Pick-up from hotel, drive to Urubamba in Sacred Valley.
- Breakfast: In Pumahuanca Valley.
- Meet: Muleteers and horses.
- Hike: 13.5 km / 8.4 miles with views of Andean trees and mountains.
- Visit: Inca-Kancha archaeological site, lunch, continue to Paccha, and arrive at Cuyoc campsite.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
- Difficulty: Challenging/Difficult.
- Accommodation: Camping.
- Camp Altitude: 4,010 meters / 13,156 feet.
Day 2: Cuyoc – Pumahuanca Pass – Cuncani
- Early Morning: Coffee, coca tea, and breakfast.
- Hike: 13 km / 8 miles, 5-hour ascent to Pumahuanca pass (4,780 meters / 15,682 feet).
- Views: Snow-capped peaks, Moray, Maras, and salt mines.
- Descend: 1 hour to lunch spot, then 2 hours downhill to Lares Valley and Cuncani camp.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Accommodation: Camping.
- Camp Altitude: 3,900 meters / 12,795 feet.
Day 3: Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Morning: Breakfast, explore Cuncani’s traditions and textiles.
- Hike: 6 km / 3.7 miles to Lares.
- Hot Springs: Relax in Lares’ medicinal hot springs.
- Travel: Bus to Ollantaytambo, then train to Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Camp Altitude: 2,000 meters / 6,561 feet
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
- 05:00 AM: Pick-up from hotel, bus to Machu Picchu.
- Tour: Guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore squares, temples, and warehouses.
- Return: To Aguas Calientes for lunch and shopping.
- Travel: Train to Ollantaytambo, private transport to Cusco.
- Walking Distance: 10.9 km / 6.8 miles.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
- Accommodation: Hotel.
- Camp Altitude: 2,000 meters / 6,561 feet.
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
- Private roundtrip transportation Cusco-Pumahuanca
- Professional bilingual English/Spanish guide
- Assistant guide for groups of 6+ people
- Entrance fee to Lares trek and Machu Picchu
- Private professional chef
- Horses for cooking/camping equipment and to carry 10 kg of your personal belongings
- Horsemen
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of Day 1)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
- Vegetarian meals available upon request in advance
- Dining tent, tables, chairs
- 4-man tent for every 2 people
- Inflatable air mattress and pillow
- Oxygen tank
- First aid kit
- Lunch on Day 4
- Gratuities for drivers, porters, and cook
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Passport
- Student card for discount (if you let us know in advance when booking)
- Sleeping bags (available for rent)
- Walking sticks (available for rent)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket/Rain poncho
- Hat
- Gloves
- Long sleeve T-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 35 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Camera
- Headlamp
Price per person:
- 2 people 935 USD per person
- 3 people 885 USD per person
- 4 people 840 USD per person
- 5 people 805 USD per person
- 6 or more people 775 USD per person