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  5.0 Excellent 659 reviews
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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N


Tour Description:

A beautiful journey combining Andean culture, high-mountain trekking, and the magic of Machu Picchu.



Trip departures:
Daily


Duration trip:
4 Days - 3 Nights


Difficulty of the trip:
Challenging


Those travelers looking for a less crowded

Details of the trip.


ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco - Lares Hot Springs - Kiswarani Waterfall Campsite.

Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley toward the village of Lares.

Upon arrival, you will have time to relax and soak in the natural hot springs of Lares Thermal Baths—a perfect way to start your adventure.

After lunch, begin your hike toward the Kiswarani community, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes. Along the way, you will witness traditional Andean life and possibly see locals herding alpacas.

Arrive at the Kiswarani Waterfall Campsite, a beautiful and peaceful location near a cascading waterfall.
 

  • Trail head altitude: ~3,800 m / 12,467 ft
  • Highest elevation: ~4,400 m / 14,436 ft
  • Campsite altitude: ~3,850 m / 12,630 ft
  • Hiking distance: ~7 km (4.3 miles)
  • Hiking time: ~4–5 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Overnight: Camping
     

Day 2: Kiswarani - Condor Pass - Cancha Cancha Village

After breakfast, begin the most scenic and challenging day of the trek. You will ascend gradually toward Condor Pass, the highest point of the trek, offering breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes.

After enjoying the views, descend into the remote and traditional Cancha Cancha village—one of the most authentic communities in the region, where you can experience local culture and lifestyle.
 

  • Highest altitude: ~4,450 m / 14,600 ft
  • Campsite altitude: ~3,950 m / 12,959 ft
  • Hiking distance: ~15 km (9.3 miles)
  • Hiking time: ~7-8 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (due to altitude and ascent)
  • Overnight: Camping
     

Day 3: Cancha Cancha - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Today, hike downhill through beautiful valleys and agricultural landscapes until reaching the road, where your private transport will be waiting.

Drive to the historic town of Ollantaytambo, where you will board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in preparation for the highlight of your journey.
 

  • End of hike altitude: ~2,800 m / 9,185 ft
  • Aguas Calientes altitude: ~2,040 m / 6,690 ft
  • Hiking distance: ~9 km (5.59 miles)
  • Hiking time: ~3–4 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy (mostly downhill)
  • Overnight: Hotel
     

Day 4: Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will take a 30-minute bus ride up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your expert guide will lead you on a thoughtfully paced and enriching tour of the citadel, bringing its history to life through engaging stories and detailed explanations. As you explore its terraces, temples, and panoramic viewpoints, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Inca civilization, their architectural mastery, and the cultural significance of this extraordinary site.

There will also be time to pause, take in the breathtaking surroundings, and capture unforgettable photos of one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Following the tour, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch (not included).

Later in the afternoon, you will board your train back to Ollantaytambo (departure time as indicated on your ticket). Upon arrival, transportation will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel. Arrival time in Cusco will depend on your train schedule, approximately 6:30–7:00 PM.
 

  • Machu Picchu altitude: ~2,430 m / 7,970 ft
  • Difficulty: Easy (guided walking tour)

INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED:

  • Pre-trek briefing the day before your departure.
  • Private transport from Cusco to trail head.
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (English–Spanish).
  • Experienced cooks and complete cooking equipment.
  • Local horsemen and pack horses to carry camping equipment, food, and up to 5 kg of personal belongings per traveler.
  • Spacious camping equipment: High-quality 4-person tents (used by 2 people for more comfort).
  • Dining and cooking tents.
  • Portable tables and chairs.
  • Comfortable double foam sleeping pad (carried by horses).
  • Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and daily snacks.
  • Vegetarian, vegan, or special dietary options available at no extra cost.
  • Daily wake-up service with hot coca tea delivered to your tent.
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (1 night standard hotel).
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
  • Train tickets: Day 3: Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes.
  • Train tickets: Day 4: Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo.
  • Transport from Ollantaytambo train station back to Cusco (Day 4).
  • Emergency equipment: First aid kit.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Extra hike Huayna Picchu Mountain ($75 USD).
  • Down filled Sleeping bag ($25 USD).
  • Hiking Poles ($25 USD).
  • Day 1 breakfast - Day 4 Lunch.
  • Bus up/down to Machu Picchu ($24 USD).
  • Travel ensurance.
  • Tips are optional and at your discretion.

WHAT TO PACK

  • Original passport (required for Machu Picchu entry).
  • Daypack (25-30 liters) for essentials.
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented with us).
  • Comfortable trekking shoes/boots (waterproof recommended).
  • Sandals or light shoes (for camp/rest).
  • Warm clothing (layers for cold nights: thermal underwear, fleece, jacket, gloves, hat).
  • Rain gear (poncho or waterproof jacket/pants).
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm).
  • Insect repellent (especially for Machu Picchu).
  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (2 liters minimum).
  • Snacks (energy bars, dried fruit, chocolate).
  • Personal toiletries & small towel.
  • Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries).
  • Walking sticks (highly recommended, can be rented with us).
  • Swimsuit & sandals (optional, for hot springs in Lares or Aguas Calientes).
  • Camera / extra batteries / power bank.
  • Lightweight clothing (for lower altitudes near Machu Picchu).
  • Plastic bags (to keep clothes dry and separate dirty/wet items).
  • Extra cash (for tips, snacks, hot springs, souvenirs).
  • Toilet paper.
  • Positive mind!

TOUR PRICES

Reference price:

  • $650 USD

TRIP MAP



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