Experience the Lares Trek: hot springs, Huacawasi's culture, breathtaking Ipsaycocha, and the majestic Machu Picchu. A perfect blend of nature and history.
Location: Perú
Duration: 4 Days
Type: Adventure Peru Treks Inca trail
Destinations: Cusco, Thermal Baths or hot springs of Lares, Huacawasi, Condorpasa, Ipsaycocha, Patacancha, Huilloc, Pumamarca, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Description: Lares is an alternative hike to the very popular and often-full Inca Trail hike. The Lares trek offers a fascinating mixture of landscapes, snow-capped mountain views, visits to traditional villages and archaeological remains in the shadow of the Andes. Lares also offers nice relaxing hot spring thermal baths.
| Day 1: Cusco, Thermal Baths of Lares. |
| Day 2: Huacawasi, Condorpasa, Ipsaycocha. |
| Day 3: Ipsaycocha, Patacancha, Huilloc, Pumamarca, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes. |
| Day 4: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco. |
ITINERARY DETAILSDay 1: Cusco, Thermal Baths of LaresWe leave Cusco early in the morning for the Sacred Valley. We’ll arrive at the thermal baths at Lares in the afternoon and have time to take a refreshing and relaxing bath in the hot springs. After lunch, we will start hiking for 2 hours to reach our camp. Day 2: Huacawasi, Condorpasa, IpsaycochaAfter breakfast, we will continue our walk through the valley to reach the community of Huacawasi. Here the people produce weavings and we can see their great skills and brilliant techniques in the fabrication of ponchos and clothing. Passing through the village we will start ascending to the Open Condorpasa (4.100m). From here we will see an amazing view of the Veronica snow – peakes mountains (5.750m). For the next hour, we will hike down to the beautiful lagoon Ipsaycocha where we camp for the night. Day 3: Ipsaycocha, Patacancha, Huilloc, Pumamarca, Ollantaytambo, Aguas CalientesAfter breakfast, we will descend to the valley to reach the community of Huilloc where we will have lunch. From there we will walk for about 2 more hours to reach the community where we can appreciate the Pumamarca Incan terraces. Next, we will arrive at Ollantaytambo, a magnificent Incan walled city located in a fertile valley and protected by huge mountains. This is a perfect place to appreciate the best archaeological remains left by our Inca ancestors. Then we will head towards the Ollantaytambo train station to board our train to Aguas Calientes where we will check in to our comfortable hostel. Day 4: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, CuscoEarly in the morning after breakfast we will ascend to Machu picchu by bus from Aguas Caliente. You will have the option to climb Huayna Picchu if you arrive early enough. For 3 hours the guide will lead you through Machu picchu explaining everything about how the city was designed and the significance of the buildings. You will have time to experience Machu picchu on your own after the tour. When finished take the bus back to Aguas Caliente and board your train back to Cusco. You will be greeted at the train station and retuned to your hotel in Cusco in the evening. |
Included Services
- Guided trek from Lares to Machu Picchu (4 days / 3 nights)
- All ground transportation during the itinerary (private vehicle, train, bus)
- Accommodation: 2 nights camping, 1 night in hostel in Aguas Calientes
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (subject to availability)
- Professional bilingual guide throughout the journey
- Support staff and pack animals for camping equipment
- Basic first aid kit and oxygen bottle
- Transfer from Cusco hotel on Day 1 and return on Day 4
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and personal purchases
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Tips for guides and support staff
- Any item not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
FAQs – Your Lares to Machu Picchu Trek Questions Answered
| When is the best time to do this trek? May to October: dry season, clear skies, and accessible trails. What makes this route different from others to Machu Picchu? It includes hot springs, living Andean communities, and less crowded landscapes. What type of travelers usually book this tour? Trekking enthusiasts seeking cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Do I need prior hiking experience? No, but good physical condition is recommended due to altitude and duration. What kind of accommodation is included? Campsites in Lares and Ipsaycocha, hostel in Aguas Calientes, and hotel in Cusco. Are train tickets and Machu Picchu entry included? Yes—includes Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes train, Machu Picchu entry, and return to Cusco. What altitude is reached during the trek? The highest point is Condorpasa Pass at 4,100 m (13,450 ft). Can I climb Huayna Picchu? Yes—if booked in advance and you arrive early at the gate. What kind of weather should I expect? Cold and dry at high altitude, mild in the valley, and humid in Aguas Calientes. What should I pack for this trek? Warm layers, rain gear, trekking shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Is this tour eco-friendly? Yes—we work with local communities, minimize waste, and promote fair trade. Can the itinerary be adapted? Yes—you can add nights in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, or combine with other destinations. |
