LARES TO MACHU PICCHU
4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS
Our 4 day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers a unique opportunity to experience modern-day Andean life first-hand while hiking to Machu Picchu.
It is more cultural as you see local stone houses and encounter local people along the way. This is an excellent and popular alternative to the Inca Trail, offering more connection to the local people and culture. On this trek you also see many beautiful lakes, snow capped mountains, and herds of alpacas and llamas. This moderate trek is approximately 40 km (24.86 miles) and goes up to 4,600 m (15,092 ft).
This particular route for the Lares trek is not commonly done by other companies so we can enjoy the peace and tranquility of our surroundings without any distractions or disturbance. Because so few people visit the area there is a good chance of seeing Viscachas (a rabbitlike Chinchilla) and we may also spot Andean Fox.
The Lares Valley Trek is usually completed over 4 days (4th day being in Machu Picchu), however, we can offer alternative lengths (3 or 5 days). Please email us to enquire about the itineraries and prices for alternative trek lengths.
Adventure Rating
★★★☆☆
Moderate, high passes/altitude
Solitude Rating
★★★☆☆
Can be a bit busy in high season
Best Time to Visit
Year round
Best from March to November
Cost Per Person (USD)
6-10 trekkers: $700
3-5 trekkers: $800
2 trekkers: $1,150
Is This Trek Customizable?
Yes!
Private, custom, add-ons all available.
Sites
Snow-capped mountains
Lakes
Valleys
Culture
Local people
Machu Picchu
Terrain
Snow-capped peaks
Multiple high passes
Plateaus
Rocky terrain
Acclimatization
3 day acclimatization recommended
Duration
4 Days 3 Nights
Distance
40 km (24.86 miles)
Altitude
2500 m (8,202 ft) to 4600 m (15,092 ft)
Departure
Daily departures with 2 or more people
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
WEATHER
The Lares Valley Trek is high altitude, therefore the weather can be quite cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 20 F (-7 C). During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75 F (15-24 C). Keep in mind, if the weather is rainy or cloudy it will be colder, and that the weather can change in an instant, particularly when up at the high-altitude passes. It is often quite windy at the top of the passes as well. As with any high-altitude trek you’ll need to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
INCLUDED
Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morning of the first day
Private bus transport to the starting point of the trek
Personal porter to carry your overnight gear up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
Duffel bag in which to put your overnight gear so it won’t get wet or dusty on the trail
3 person tents (2 people in large and comfortable Mountain Hardwear Expedition tent)
One-inch-thick foam mattress sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag
English speaking professional guide
Full meals on the trek (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, snacks on the trail)
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank and emergency horse
Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tents
Dining tent with tables and stools
Toilet, toilet tent and toilet paper
Horsemen and horses (to carry tents/food/cooking equipment)
Hot water every morning/evening for hand washing purposes
Boiled water to fill water bottles every morning/afternoon
Round trip tourist train: Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and back
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex (first time slot 6-10am)
Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Hotel (double room) in Aguas Calientes and dinner in a local restaurant
Private Transport back to your hotel in Cusco