DOS MANOS PERU Travel & tours in Peru
DOS MANOS PERU Travel & tours in Peru

Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu


yes
Meals
small groups or private
Group size
up to 4750 m
Altitude
moderate to challenging
Dificulty

Lares Valley Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/ 3N: Why Go

Lares Valley Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/ 3N

The Lares Trek is one of the most authentic and culturally immersive routes to Machu Picchu. Unlike the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, this route focuses on traditional Andean life, remote mountain communities, and breathtaking high altitude landscapes.

Along the way, you walk through villages where local families still wear traditional clothing and speak Quechua as their first language. You pass herds of llamas and alpacas, cross dramatic mountain passes such as Paso del Cóndor at 4750 meters, and enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes.

The Lares Trek is perfect for travelers seeking fewer crowds, meaningful cultural encounters, and a physically rewarding journey that ends at Machu Picchu.

What to Expect

During four days, you hike through remote Andean valleys and high mountain terrain rarely visited by mass tourism. The trek includes challenging but manageable mountain passes, peaceful campsites, and interaction with local communities.

The first day includes a visit to the Lares hot springs, offering a relaxing start before the ascent into the mountains. Mules carry the camping equipment, allowing you to hike with a lighter backpack.

On day three, you travel from Ollantaytambo by train to Aguas Calientes. On day four, you visit Machu Picchu with a guided tour (subject to your entrance ticket). The return to Cusco is by Expedition train, with optional upgrade to Vistadome.

Extra Info: Lares Trek Options

The Lares Trek does not require an Inca Trail permit. Only a Machu Picchu entrance ticket is needed, and availability depends on the selected circuit.

There is also a 3 day version of the Lares Trek available, which shortens one hiking day while maintaining the cultural experience. Contact us for details about this alternative option.

Due to the high altitude, proper acclimatization in Cusco for at least 2 to 3 days is strongly recommended.

Lares Valley Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/ 3N

Photos

Tour Details

Highlights

Cross Paso del Cóndor at 4750 meters with panoramic Andean mountain views

Experience authentic Andean village life before visiting Machu Picchu

Location:
Lares region, northeast of Cusco
Tour type:
Multi day group or private trek
Duration:
4 days and 3 nights
Altitude:
Up to 4750 m
Difficulty:
Moderate to challenging
Best season:
Dry season from April to October, departures year round

Additional Options:

Tour type:
Trekking, camping, train connection, guided Machu Picchu tour

  • Upgrade return train to Vistadome
  • Private departure available
  • Add extra Machu Picchu circuits if available
  • Add additional hotel night in Aguas Calientes

Itinerary

  • Lares Trek 4 Days
  • Early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco
  • Drive to Lares and visit to hot springs
  • Multi day guided trekking through Andean communities
  • Camping in remote mountain areas
  • Arrival in Ollantaytambo on day 3
  • Train to Aguas Calientes
  • Overnight in hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu on day 4
  • Return to Cusco by Expedition train and transfer
  • Day by Day Overview
  • Day 1: Transfer from Cusco to Lares and visit the hot springs. Begin trekking through Andean valleys (aprox. 4 – 5 hours on day 2). Overnight camping.
  • Day 2: Cross high mountain terrain including Paso del Cóndor at 4750 m. Spectacular scenery with glacial lakes, waterfalls and snow-peaked mountains. This area is rich in birdlife and there is the possibility of seeing Andean ibis, Andean geese, flamingoes and more
  • Day 3: Descend through traditional villages on our way to Ollantaytambo, where we witness traditional Andean weaving by local women. We will pass by the Inca sites of Huanacaure and Hatunayaorko. Train to Aguas Calientes. Hotel overnight.
  • Day 4: Early morning visit to Machu Picchu with guided tour. Free time before returning to Cusco by train.

Please note that the times provided in the above itinerary are approximate and subject to change. Last-minute adjustments may occur due to weather conditions, political unrest, or other unforeseen factors. We cannot be held responsible for any changes or delays.

Lares Valley Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/ 3N

Good to Know

  • No Inca Trail permit required
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket required, circuit subject to availability
  • High altitude trek reaching 4750 m
  • Good physical condition required
  • Mule supported camping
  • Meals included during trekking
  • We recommend 2 to 3 days acclimatization in Cusco before departure
  • The 3 day Lares Trek version is available upon request
Lares Valley Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/ 3N

Price & Inclusions

Price

 Contact us for updated price information

Included

 Pickup from your accommodation in Cusco
Professional bilingual trekking guide
Transport to Lares
Camping equipment except sleeping bag and trekking poles
Mule support for camping equipment
All meals during the trek
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, circuit subject to availability
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
Transfer back to Cusco
First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Assistance before and during the trek

Not Included

 Sleeping bag and trekking poles
Personal expenses and tips
Meals not mentioned in the program
Lares Valley Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/ 3N
Lares Valley Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/ 3N

Your booking request is subject to availability and is only confirmed once you receive our written confirmation

Reviews

Leon Sciarone
Peru Classic in 14 Days
It was a marvellous experience!

I recently booked an excursion with Dos Manos to Puno and the Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca. It was a marvelous trip and I really enjoyed it!

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Yves Leclerc
Peru Classic & Amazon in 20 Days
Your team is unbelievable!

When we came to your agency, it was for info on Salkantay trail. My wife and me are bilingual (French & English). We talked to Joseph a guy who speaks Spanish and French.

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Adam Rice
Peru Itinerary Classic & Northern Peru 20 days
We had a great time!

Just wanted to send you a note back from our trip. We had a great time, everything worked out really good,,the service by you and your company was excellent!!!

Read Review
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