Trekking from Lares Valley to Machu Picchu | 4 Days 3 Nights
Overview
Discover an alternative, authentic, and culturally rich route with our Lares Valley Trek to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This fascinating 4-day, 3-night adventure will take you to explore the less-traveled areas of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, combining challenging hikes, immersion in nature, and direct experience of the living culture of Cusco, Peru.
During this trek, considered one of the most enriching tours in Cusco, we will hike an average of 7 to 8 hours per day, starting at an average altitude of 2,900 meters above sea level. Along the way, you will be amazed by breathtaking panoramic views of towering snow-capped peaks, beautiful high-altitude lagoons, and relaxing hot springs.
We will camp near traditional Andean communities where we can appreciate their beautiful art and colorful handmade textiles, sharing in the experiences, techniques, and ancestral customs of the local people. Finally, after crossing the valley and traveling by train, we will culminate our expedition by exploring the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu. Secure your booking and live an immersive tourism experience in Cusco, connecting with the true tourist attractions of Cusco!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco, Lares Hot Springs and Hike to Cuncani
Trip to the Sacred Valley and Hot Springs
Our adventure begins at 6:00 a.m. with a pick-up from your hotel. We'll travel by vehicle to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing through the town of Calca until we reach the relaxing hot springs of Lares. In this beautiful place, we'll have approximately one hour to enjoy and relax in its warm, medicinal waters.
Hike to the First Camp
After relaxing, we'll enjoy a nutritious expedition lunch. Afterward, we'll begin our first day of hiking, walking for approximately two hours until we reach the Cuncani area, where we'll set up our first camp and spend the night.
Day 2 – Cuncani, Textiles in Huacawasi and Ipsaycocha Lagoon
Living Culture in Huacawasi
After breakfast, we'll continue our hike through the beautiful valley to the Andean community of Huacawasi. Here, the people produce exquisitely fine textiles; we'll have the opportunity to observe their remarkable skills and brilliant ancestral techniques in crafting colorful ponchos and other garments.
Ascent to the Condorpasa Pass and Camp
Passing through the village, we'll begin the most challenging part of the day: ascending to the second mountain pass, the Condorpasa Pass, located at 4,100 meters above sea level. From this high point, we'll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic snow-capped La Verónica mountain (5,750 meters above sea level). Then, we'll descend for approximately one hour to reach the beautiful Ipsaycocha Lagoon, the magical natural setting where we'll set up our second camp.
Day 3 – Communities, Pumamarka, Ollantaytambo and Train to Aguas Calientes
Descent through Andean Villages
After a hearty breakfast, we'll begin our descent through the valley to the community of Willoc (Huylloc or Patacancha), where we'll enjoy lunch. From here, we'll resume our hike for approximately two hours until we reach the Pumamarka area, a privileged spot where we can appreciate impressive Inca terraces.
Ollantaytambo and Train Journey
The hike will continue until we reach the vibrant town of Ollantaytambo, nestled in a fertile valley sheltered by towering mountains. This place is perfect for appreciating archaeological remains and a wide variety of Andean flowers and birds. Afterward, we'll head to the Ollantaytambo train station to board our train to Aguas Calientes, where we'll spend the night relaxing comfortably in our chosen hotel.
Day 4 – Exploration of Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
Visit to the Inca Citadel
After breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will head to the bus station. We will take the eco-friendly bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. There, we will enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours, discovering the secrets and history of this sacred site.
Return to Cusco
After enjoying the entire tour, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to explore this picturesque town, have lunch, or do some shopping. Finally, we will board the train that will take us back to the city of Cusco.
What's Included?
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel in the city to begin the tour.
- Tourist transportation and transport on the Willoc – Ollantaytambo section.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
- Staff and logistics: On-trail cook, kitchen equipment, muleteer, and pack horses.
- Meals in the mountains: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes.
- Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes).
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
- Camping equipment: Sleeping tent, sleeping mats, chairs, dining tent, and kitchen tent.
- Safety equipment: Oxygen tank and first aid kit.
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Lunch on the last day (Day 4 in Aguas Calientes).
Recommendations
- Bring your original passport or valid ID (required for the train and access to Machu Picchu).
- Bring swimwear and a small towel to enjoy the Lares hot springs on the first day.
- Dress in layers: warm clothing for the high-altitude camps and light, breathable clothing for day hikes.
- Wear waterproof hiking boots or shoes with good traction.
- Bring sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat).
- Bring cash (useful for tips, the not-included lunch on the last day, or if you wish to purchase beautiful Andean textiles in the communities).
- Acclimatize in Cusco a couple of days beforehand due to the ascent to the Condorpasa Pass (4100 m).
- Bring a camera with extra batteries, as they are not available at the campsites. There is access to electricity.
FAQs
This complete circuit lasts 4 days and 3 nights, combining high mountain hikes, camping and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
The hike demands constant effort, averaging 7 to 8 hours of hiking per day across valleys and mountain passes.
The highest point of the entire trek is reached on the second day when crossing the mountain pass known as Abra de Condorpasa, located at 4100 meters above sea level.
The first two nights you'll enjoy an authentic nature experience sleeping in comfortable tents (camping). The third night you'll rest at your chosen hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes.
As we will be stopping for an hour at the thermal baths on the first day, we recommend that you pack your clothes or swimsuit and a towel in your hand luggage.
Yes, the program includes your entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel, round-trip bus tickets, and a professional guide service through the archaeological complex.