Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – Detailed Itinerary (4 Days)

Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Pisac Ruins – Cancha Cancha

Your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu begins early, with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. We travel in our private vehicle through the Sacred Valley, heading directly toward Pisac. Along the way, we stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the terraced mountainsides and agricultural fields that define this iconic valley.

Our first major visit is the Pisac archaeological complex, home to the largest known Inca cemetery—over 5,000 tombs carved into the cliffs. Explore its extensive farming terraces, ceremonial areas, and the mysterious Inca tunnel unique to this site.

We then continue to the town of Calca to visit the local market and purchase any final supplies needed for the expedition.

Next, we drive to Huaran, the starting point of the trek, where you will meet your horsemen and the pack horses. Once ready, we begin a gentle 3-hour ascent toward the traditional Andean community of Cancha Cancha. Lunch will be served riverside, prepared by your trekking chef using fresh local ingredients.

Upon reaching Cancha Cancha (3,900m / 12,800 ft)—one of the region’s most isolated and culturally authentic villages—you’ll settle into camp. This community had no road access and only recently obtained electricity in 2019. After tea time, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local family and learn about daily life in a traditional Quechua village. After dinner, your guide will interpret the Inca constellations, still used today for agricultural guidance.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with basic restroom facilities
• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
• Time: Approx. 3.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Pachacutec Pass – Quiswarani

Your guide greets you at dawn with a warm cup of coffee or tea. After breakfast, we begin a full day of trekking along one of the most breathtaking sections of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.

We start with a challenging ascent toward Pachacutec Pass (4,500m / 14,800 ft), the highest point of the entire route. The trail rewards you with exceptional views of snow-capped glaciers, crystal lakes, rugged valleys, and roaming alpaca herds. Keep an eye out for Andean geese and soaring Caracara falcons.

From the pass, we descend for approximately three hours toward the remote Quiswarani community (3,700m / 12,139 ft). Along an isolated trail, you’ll meet local Quechua residents in traditional dress herding their llamas. Your guide will translate, allowing you to engage and learn a few Quechua phrases. As you approach camp, the impressive cascade known as the “Seven Waterfalls” signals that we are close.

Upon arrival, enjoy hot drinks, appetizers, dinner, and a restful night.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with restroom facilities
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Time: Approx. 7 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Quiswarani – Willqaqasa Pass – Cuncani – Lares Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today is considered the most scenic day of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. After breakfast, we begin a steady 3-hour climb to Willqaqasa Pass (4,200m / 13,779 ft). From the top, enjoy sweeping views of mirror-like lakes reflecting the peaks of Pitusiray and Colquecruz.

The trail continues through Andean puna grasslands and fertile agricultural zones before we descend for two hours to reach Cuncani, another remote community. Depending on timing, you may visit the local school to interact with the children.

From Cuncani, our private transport takes us through lush valleys dotted with orchards, wild orchids, and native flora until we reach the relaxing Lares Hot Springs (3,100m / 10,170 ft). Enjoy a well-deserved soak in the volcanic thermal waters, followed by lunch.

We then say farewell to our chef and horsemen and continue by private transport for 2.5 hours to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll have dinner and board the train to Aguas Calientes, spending the night at a comfortable hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Hotel: 3-Star Category (e.g., Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu)
Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Time: Approx. 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The final day of your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Inca citadel.

After an early breakfast, we board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving in time for sunrise—a truly remarkable sight. Your guide leads a 2-hour comprehensive tour, visiting the most important agricultural, residential, and ceremonial areas while explaining its sophisticated engineering and spiritual significance.

Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on train schedules, you may have free time for shopping, visiting the museum, or relaxing in the hot springs.

In the afternoon, board the Expedition Train (2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m.) toward Ollantaytambo, following the scenic Urubamba River. From the station, our private vehicle will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m.

• Meal: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

Optional:

Guests who booked the Huayna Picchu hike will do it independently after the guided tour.

Important Notes:

– Vistadome Train upgrade available for USD 67.
– Early train schedules may be arranged if requested during booking.

What is included in the Lares to Machu Picchu Trek?

• Airport–hotel transfer (available on any date)
• Private transportation from your hotel to the trailhead
• Licensed, English-speaking local guide
• Round-trip train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco
• Two bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (round trip)
• Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
• Private 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
• hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, storage, and buffet breakfast
• High-quality Eureka Timberline 4-person tent (shared by 2 guests)
• Comfortable foam sleeping mattress
• All gourmet meals during the 4-day trek, as specified in the itinerary
• Professional trekking chef and full cooking equipment
• Horsemen and pack mules to carry all camping equipment plus 7 kg of your personal items (clothing, sleeping bag, etc.)
• Emergency horse provided for support in case of illness or fatigue
• First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen tank
• Boiled water provided daily to refill your bottles
• Private group transfer back to Cusco after the tour
• Cultural interaction with local Andean communities and children
• Backpack rain cover

What is not included in the Lares to Machu Picchu Trek?

• Sleeping bag rental: $20 USD per person per trek (clean and warm)
• Air mattress rental: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-Rest)
• Trekking poles rental: $15 USD per pair per trek (professional, adjustable poles)
• Personal tent rental: $30 USD per trek (must be requested at booking)
• Vistadome train upgrade: $67 USD per person (return only)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain permit: $75 USD per person (request required at booking)
• Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes

Note: Huayna Picchu is an optional hike within the Machu Picchu complex and is completed independently after your guided tour. If you prefer a private guide for this climb, please request it in advance. Additional charges apply.

Optional Upgrades

• Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person (return only)
• La Cabaña Hotel: $40 USD per person
• Tierra Viva Hotel: $70 USD per person
• El Mapi Hotel: $120 USD per person
• Additional night in Aguas Calientes: from $60 USD per person (varies by hotel and availability)

Prices – Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu with Qatawi Tours is available on any date of your preference, provided we have a minimum of 2 trekkers.

Group Price

• US$627 per person – Includes 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
• US$597 per person – Without hotel (you must book your own accommodation)

A minimum of 2 people is required to open a new group. Solo travelers may join an existing group.

Included:

• An extra pack horse to carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings (duffel bag provided).
• Spacious Eureka 4-person tents shared by 2 trekkers.

Private Service Price

• 2 trekkers: US$757 per person
• 3–4 trekkers: US$717 per person
• 5–6 trekkers: US$697 per person
• 7–8 trekkers: US$627 per person

If you prefer no hotel in Aguas Calientes, deduct US$30 from the prices above. The group discount for 5+ trekkers is already included in the prices.

Discounts

• Students (18–25 years): US$30
  • A valid student card is required (university name, student name, photo, and expiration date).
• Under 18 years: US$30 (passport copy required)
• Under 11 years: US$40 (passport copy required)
• Groups of 5 or more: US$20 per person (must book together)

Optional Extras

• Sleeping Bag: US$20
• Air Mattress (Therm-a-Rest): US$20
• Walking Poles (professional, adjustable): US$15 per pair
• Personal Tent: US$30 (for solo trekkers)
• Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: From US$60 (subject to availability)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade: US$67 (return to Cusco – Poroy, 4:43 pm)
  Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$75
  • Must be requested during booking.
  • This hike is unguided; guided option available upon request for an additional cost.
• Single Supplement: US$40 (3-star hotel)

Added Values – Free of Charge

• Airport–Hotel Transfer (Cusco only)
• Duffel Bag & Liner Bags
• Extra Pack Horse (up to 7 kg)
• Boiled Water provided throughout the trek
• Oxygen Tank available during the trek
• Emergency Horse for support in case of fatigue or altitude sickness
• Pillow for added comfort
• Guided Tour of Pisac Inca Ruins (Sacred Valley)
• Best Itinerary operated by specialists in the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Why Choose Qatawi Tour?

Qatawi Tour is a family-owned travel agency and local tour operator based in Cusco, backed by many years of hands-on trekking experience. We are a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, ensuring that every decision directly benefits our travelers, our team, and our community.

Our mission is to deliver small, personalized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our local, professional staff, always prioritizing high-quality service, safety, and authentic cultural immersion.

We are proud of our reputation as a responsible and sustainable tour operator. Our team members are considered part of our extended family, and we ensure their financial well-being by providing fair compensation and respectful working conditions. Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the exceptional travel experiences that define Qatawi Tour.

You can trust Qatawi Tour to design your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. Explore our traveler reviews and certifications across major platforms such as TripAdvisor and other leading travel communities.

Small Groups

To ensure a more personal, comfortable, and enriching experience, Qatawi Tour operates with a strict maximum group size of 8 guests. This small-group philosophy sets us apart from operators that run larger groups, allowing you to enjoy a quieter, more engaging, and higher-value experience.

Our Top Tour Guides

We take great pride in our guides. Each is a trained professional who speaks fluent English and possesses deep knowledge of Inca history, Andean culture, archaeology, and natural environments. Many of our guides hold degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, History, Botany, or Anthropology.

Their passion, ongoing research, and commitment to excellence ensure you receive accurate information, meaningful insights, and an engaging journey from start to finish.

Our Pack Horses

Trekking the Lares Trail with Qatawi Tour guarantees comfort, support, and authentic cultural interaction. Our pack horses carry your gear safely and are treated with the highest standards of care and respect. We make your trekking experience as seamless as possible so you can focus on exploring the Andes and connecting with the local communities.

Our Cooks

Travelers consistently highlight the food on our Lares Trek as one of the best parts of the journey. Our professional cooks prepare abundant, gourmet-style meals using Andean and international ingredients sourced locally. Whether you have dietary restrictions or allergies, we can fully accommodate your needs.

Our Service Projects

Qatawi Tour maintains a strong commitment to supporting remote Andean communities. Through our long-term service initiatives, we provide sustainable assistance, local employment, and ongoing community development.

We are proud to positively impact the families who welcome us into their homeland. Our approach helps preserve local traditions, supports economic opportunity, and fosters a respectful, long-term partnership with the highland communities.

Frequently Asked Questions – Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

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