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The Lares trek to Machu Picchu route is one of the best and most unique paths, and is now even better with the addition of  the Pisac Inca ruins tour.The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu itinerary takes you through the Lares Valley known as the “Weavers Way.” 

On this trek you visit some of the most isolated Indigenous communities who are keeping the Inca culture alive. You’ll have the privilege to interact with the local indigenous people, experience a bit of their culture and traditions and have fun with the children.  On this incredibly picturesque trek, you will enjoy peaking ice glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas and alpacas.  On the last day, turn your dreams into a reality and enjoy a new day watching the sunrise at Machu Picchu and exploring the amazing citadel with your professional guide. An amazing alternative to the Inca Trail and slightly easier than the Salkantay trek, this 3 day trek takes you off the beaten track.

Live our experience in video!:  Lares Trek video, Lares Trek Pictures.

Please have a look at some of the blogs that our clients have written about the Lares Trek: “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, MachuPicchu Travel Guide, Alli and Ellie hike to Machu Picchu

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO – PISAC INCA RUINS – CHANCACHACA  – WACAWASI

We will pick you up at your hotel at 5 am, and then we will drive in our private van towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. Our first stop is on the way to have a classic view of the Sacred Valley with crops dressing the mountains in terraces. Then we arrive at the archaeological site of Pisac where you’ll discover the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 5000 tombs. You’ll admire the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and  the religious area of this important Inca city.

After exploring the Pisac archaeological site, we drive to Calca where we stop to visit the local market and buy the last supplies for our adventure trek. Then we ascend with our van towards the Hualcapunku pass (4,500m/14,847ft). Once there we enjoy the breath taking views of snow-capped mountains, rural communities and valleys packed with plenty of llamas and alpacas. After that we descend and head to the starting point of our trek at Chancachaca, with backpacks on! Then we start hiking for 3 hours through the Huacawasi valley to our campsite which is located at 4000mt/13123ft near Huacawasi. There we spend the night.

  • Meals: Lunch – Tea time – Dinner
  • Accomodation: Camping facilities with inflatable mattress and 4 season EUREKA tents
  • Distance: 12km/7mls
  • Difficulty: Moderate / Challenge

DAY 2: WACAWASI – PASS -YANAHUARA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

We start the day with a good breakfast before leaving the campsite by 6 am. A brief ascent takes us to the pass at Huahuaqasa (4500mt/14763ft). At this iincredible viewpoint, we enjoy an amazing views of lakes, snow-capped mountains and valleys. Then we descend to the lakes known as Aruraycocha and Yuracocha which are formed by the waters melting off the snow-capped peaks of Pumahuanca and Kiswarani. We’ll have lunch close to these lakes. This is a spectacular day of trekking through the Urubamba mountain range; we’ll have ample opportunities to spot a number of andean bird species, including condors, the largest wingspan flying bird in the world.

After lunch the trail descends through the Yanahuara ravine, with its farming communities, for almost 3 hours. This valley is situated at an altitude of 2950m/9678ft and the climate is pleasantly warm. The tiny village of Yanahuara is located in the Urubamba Valley. For the Incas, the fertile Sacred Valley was the bread basket of Cusco, they sowed the terraced slopes with corn and irrigated their crops with water from the glaciers of the great snow peaks which dominate the valley and feed the people. Finally, we will take a bus for 20-minutes to the Inca village of Ollantaytambo, where we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Distance: 18km/11mls approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging.

DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

After breakfast, we leave our hotel to take the bus for the journey up to the Machu Picchu CItadel in time for the sunrise, where we have a 2 hour guided tour and time to explore, take photos and the option to climb Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain (extra fee of $75). We will give you sufficient time to enjoy the “lost city of the Incas” before heading back to Aguas Calientes. When arrive in this quaint town we stop for lunch and then take the return train to Ollantaytambo at 4:22pm. Our private van will be waiting to pick you up and drive you to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at around 8pm.

  • Meal: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

INCLUDED 

  • Transfer from the Airport to Hotel (it can be done on any date).
  • Private transportation from the hotel to Pisac Inca ruins and then Huaran (Trailhead)
  • Local Licensed & Fluent English speaking guide ( 2 guides for more than 8 people)
  • Entrance tickets for Pisac Inca Ruins
  • Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and a transfer back to Cusco
  • Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
  • Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
  • Private guided tour in Machu Picchu for 2 hours. 
  • Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included
  • 4 person EUREKA TIMBERLINE TENT  and a THICK COMFORTABLE MATTRESS.
  • Delicious gourmet meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary
  • Chef and cooking equipment
  • Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)
  • Provision of a horse in case of emergency – In case of illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
  • Boiled water to fill in your bottles
  • Rain poncho
  • Transfer back to Cusco only for our group
  • Interaction with the local kids and community people
  • Backpack rain cover

NOT INCLUDED

  • Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$67 per person (For the return to Cusco)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Machu Picchu  Mountain –  US$75 per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
  • One way bus ticket from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes – It can be hiked in one hour.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel or Train

  • VISTADOME TRAIN from Machu Picchu back to Cusco (Poroy): US$67 per person
  • La Cabaña Hotel: US$40 per person
  • Tierra Viva Hotel: US$70 per person
  • El Mapi Hotel: US$120 per person
  • Additional Night in hotel in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on choice and availability)

PRICES

“The best Lares Hike to Machu Picchu is available on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers”

PRICE – Private Service Trek

  • 2 Persons – US$597 per person 
  • 3 Persons – US$577 per person
  • 4 Persons – US$559 per person
  • 5 Persons – US$537 per person
  • 6 Persons – US$497 per person
  • 7+ Persons – US$477 per person 

Price includes a personal porter, a guided tour in the Sacred valley and entrance into the Pisac Inca ruins!

This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7kgs,  we will provide you with a duffle bag to put your personal things in.

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: US$40  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS 

  • Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal Tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on availability)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$67 per person (For the return to Cusco)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Machu Picchu  Mountain –  US$75 per person  (Please request when you book your Trek

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
  • DUFFLE BAG AND TRASH BAGS – included in the trekking price!
  • EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /15p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
  • BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
  • SMALL PILLOW
  • PLASTIC RAIN pocho made by INCA TRAIL HIKE is included
  • BEST ITINERARY operated by Lares Trek specialist only.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

“Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Machu Picchu” 

WELCOME TO CUSCO

You will be greeted at airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with INCA TRAIL HIKE at the arrivals terminal.

THE BRIEFING

It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE

Of course!During the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.

HOW TO BOOK THE LARES HIKE MACHU PICCHU

FIRST, to book your Lares Hike Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an Lares Hike Machu Picchu tickets without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares Trek to Inca Trail Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

  1. According to Peruvian Law you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
  2. All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
  3. For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
  4. For children between the ages of 0 to 2 are free.
  5. All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
  6. Send us a copy at info@incatrailhikeperu.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is generally “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased.  Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Lares Trail Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON LARES TREK MACHU PICCHU??

 You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Lares Hike to Machu Picchu permit or other entrances and reservations. The rangers on the Inca Trail check every day and it will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person.  We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you.  You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both old and new passports to be able to enter Machu Picchu or the train.  If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or the train. They are very strict about this!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE LARES HIKE MACHU PICCHU?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee.  BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and it will depend on your location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack. Multiple layers are essential.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON LARES HIKE MACHU PICCHU?

In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.

The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you  for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness

We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing.  Check out our day tours on our Main Page.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. INCA TRAIL HIKE specialises in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalised service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

HIKING LARES HIKE  MACHU PICCHU

The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the upcoming days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.

WHAT DOES THE TRAIL LOOK LIKE IN THE PEAK SEASON?

Because our Lares Hike to Machu Picchu is pretty unique and off the beaten trek, even during high season we will only occasionally encounter another group.

ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE LARES HIKE MACHU PICCHU?

It has been the highlight of most of our clients, especially females who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! INCA TRAIL HIKE toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.”  Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite.  At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?

In the event that you are unable to finish the trek due to health issue, INCA TRAIL HIKE will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE LARES HIKE MACHU PICCHU?

Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too!   If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek,  we can also pick you up from there !

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?

It will depend on the train availability (during high season it could be booked out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enough daylight to enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore we usually book the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu

VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE; HOW MUCH IS IT?

For sure you may upgrade to the Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is US$67 per person which includes the transfer from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to Vistadome, all the way back to Poroy (Cusco), the trip lasts 3.5 hours, then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at their hotel by 8pm. If you plan to take the bus to Puno on the same night, that is totally possible.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCA TRAIL HIKE destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as your budget will allow, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR LARES HIKE MACHU PICCHU?

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one used for booking your trek)
  • Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3 litre Camelbaks are encouraged.
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from INCA TRAIL HIKE)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toiletpaper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG FOR LARES HIKE MACHU PICCHU?

As a professional direct local tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing Suit for thermal waters
  • Couple Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcious.
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
    • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR LARES HIKE MACHU PICHCU?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool Hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Coca leaves.
  • Rain plastic poncho (provided by INCA TRAIL HIKE)
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Value things

Gallery PISAQ INCA RUINS + LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 3 DAYS

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