Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu – Cultural & Scenic Adventure

Your adventure begins with a 5:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco, Sacred Valley, or nearby areas. Then enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through the Andes, passing beautiful valleys and traditional villages on your way to Lares.

Upon arrival, have breakfast with mountain views before relaxing in the famous Lares Hot Springs. These natural thermal pools, warm to hot, are rich in volcanic minerals and perfect for easing muscles and preparing your body for the trek ahead.

Afterward, take a short drive to the trailhead at Punta Carretera (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), where you’ll meet your trekking team, including horsemen and pack animals who will carry your duffel bags.

Begin your hike with a gentle uphill walk through Potato Valley, known for its diverse native potato crops and traditional farming techniques. Along the way, your guide will introduce local plants and share insights into Andean agriculture. After about 2 hours, arrive at Kiswarani Village for a freshly prepared lunch by your trekking chef.

In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural experience with local llama herders, who will share the importance of these animals in Andean life and traditions. You’ll also explore the village, visit local homes, and connect with the community, where Quechua culture remains deeply rooted.

Continue hiking for about 2 more hours until you reach your campsite near Kiswarani Waterfall (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). End the day with hot drinks, a freshly prepared dinner, and a peaceful evening under the Andean sky.

• Trekking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Camp Elevation: 3,850 meters (12,631 feet)
• Weather: Cold at night
• Meals: Breakfast - lunch and dinner

Start your day early with a hot drink and take in the stunning views of the colorful lakes and the peaceful Quiswarani valley. As the sun comes up, you’ll see local families herding llamas and alpacas across the mountains, offering a real look at Andean life.

After breakfast, start your climb to the highest point of the trek: Condor Pass (4,680 m / 15,354 ft). The ascent takes about 3 to 4 hours along a steady zigzag path, with dramatic scenery like glacial lakes, waterfalls, and herds of alpacas along the way.

Reaching the summit is a real highlight. From the top, you’ll stand above the clouds and enjoy a 360-degree view of the Andes, including the impressive Pitusiray Mountain (5,700 m / 18,700 ft).

After a well-earned hot drink and some time for photos, start your descent to El Mirador. Here, you’ll have lunch surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery. In the afternoon, continue downhill for about 3 hours until you reach Cancha Cancha Village (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), one of the most traditional and untouched communities in the Lares Valley.

Life here has stayed the same for centuries. Without electricity or vehicles, families live in stone houses with thatched roofs and keep true Inca traditions alive. You’ll get to meet local families, learn about their daily routines, and see their beautiful handwoven textiles made from alpaca and llama wool.

At the end of the day, unwind at camp with hot drinks and a warm dinner beneath the Andean sky.

• Distance: 14 km / 8 miles
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Highest Point: 4,680 m / 15,354 ft
• Accommodation: Camping in Cancha Cancha Village
• Meals: B-L-D

Wake up with a hot drink and enjoy your final morning in the remote village of Cancha Cancha, surrounded by untouched Andean landscapes. After breakfast, explore the village and experience daily life in one of the most traditional communities in the region where Quechua culture is still alive.

Begin your final trekking day with a scenic 4-hour downhill hike through valleys filled with llamas, alpacas, and traditional farms. Along the way, you’ll see how local families cultivate potatoes and beans using ancient Inca farming techniques.

As you descend, notice the gradual shift in climate and vegetation entering the warmer Sacred Valley, where crops like corn, quinoa, and fruits appear. The trek ends in Huaran (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), where you will enjoy a final lunch with our trekking team. Afterward, you will say goodbye to your team, and if you would like to offer a tip, this will be a good opportunity to do so.

From here, continue by vehicle through the Sacred Valley to Yanahuara, where you’ll visit a traditional chichería, a local house where families produce chicha, a fermented corn beverage dating back to Inca times. Your guide will explain the process and cultural significance of this ancestral drink, and you’ll have the chance to taste it.

Next, travel to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. Explore its original streets. Then hike up to Pinkuylluna Mountain, where ancient Inca storehouses overlook the valley. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscapes.

In the afternoon, board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax before the next day’s highlight.

• Distance: 9 km / 6.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate (mainly downhill)
• End Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Weather: Cold morning, warmer afternoon
• Meals: B-L-D

Today is the highlight of your journey. You will visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a true masterpiece of Inca civilization.

After an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes, take one of the first buses up to the citadel. In the quiet morning, you will experience Machu Picchu at its most magical, surrounded by mist, mountains, and a sense of timeless wonder.

Once inside, head to the upper terraces for your first panoramic view. This is a breathtaking moment, overlooking the Lost City framed by the peaks of the Andes.

Your expert guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour of the citadel's most important parts, including the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Royal Quarters, and the three windows. Along the way, you will learn about the history, engineering, and spiritual meaning of this extraordinary site.

For those seeking an extra challenge, you may choose to hike Huayna Picchu (optional; pre-booking required), offering incredible views from above the ruins.

After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes for free time to enjoy lunch (not included) or explore the town. In the afternoon, board the Expeditions train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7.30pm.

• Activity: Guided visit to Machu Picchu
• Tour Duration: 2.5 hours guided
• Optional Hike: Huayna Picchu (extra)
• Return: Train + private transfer to Cusco
• Arrival: Evening
• Meals: Only breakfast at Hotel
• Hotel In Cusco: Book on your own

Important: Machu Picchu Circuits

• Circuit 2 (Recommended)
  This is the most complete and scenic route, covering all the iconic viewpoints and areas of Machu Picchu.
• When you book, our team will check if Circuit 2 is available.
• If Circuit 2 is sold out, we’ll offer you:
  ✔ Circuit 3 + additional Circuit 1 ticket
  ✔ This combination gives you a full experience of the citadel
• Additional Cost: $45 USD (for the extra Circuit 1 ticket)