Lares Trek 3D/2N
Lares Trek 3 Days: Weaving Communities, Hot Springs and Andean Lakes
The Lares Trek 3 days route takes you among Andean communities that preserve their traditional dress and customs. Along the way you relax in the Lares hot springs and then cross a mountain pass surrounded by lakes. Finally, you end the journey with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
A trail where Andean culture is still alive
Summary
Trip overview
The Lares Trek is Cusco’s cultural route par excellence. Away from the busiest trails, it crosses high Andean valleys inhabited by Quechua communities that keep their traditional way of life, colorful clothing and textile art.
During the Lares Trek 3 days itinerary, you start at the Lares hot springs and then hike alongside llama and alpaca herders, high-altitude lakes and snow-capped peaks. Meanwhile, you share moments with local families and learn about their traditions firsthand.
After crossing the mountain pass, you descend into the Sacred Valley to take the train to Aguas Calientes. Finally, on the last day you visit Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a professional guide. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the 4-day version adds a night beside a high-altitude lake; also, if you want a more classic trek, the Salkantay Trek is a great alternative.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco, Lares hot springs and Huacahuasi
Hot springs, then a first hike among Andean communities.
We pick you up early at your hotel and drive through the Sacred Valley to the village of Lares, where you can relax in its hot springs. After lunch, we start hiking through the valley, past small communities and farmland. Later, we reach the campsite near the weaving community of Huacahuasi (3,800 m a.s.l.).
Day 2
Ipsaycocha pass, Patacancha and Aguas Calientes
High-altitude lakes, then the descent into the Sacred Valley and the train to Machu Picchu.
We climb to the Ipsaycocha pass (4,450 m a.s.l.), with views of the lake of the same name and the snow-capped peaks of the Urubamba range. Then we descend to the community of Patacancha, where we learn about its textile tradition. Afterwards, we transfer to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hotel.
Day 3
Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Guided tour of the Inca citadel and, finally, return to Cusco.
Early in the morning, you take the bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the temples, plazas and terraces of your assigned circuit. Afterwards, you go down to Aguas Calientes. Finally, in the afternoon you take the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation takes you to your hotel in Cusco.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Pre-trek briefing
- Hotel pickup and transportation to Lares
- Entrance to the Lares hot springs
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Cook, horseman and pack horses for the equipment
- Double tents, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Meals during the trek as per itinerary
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and return
- 1 night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Machu Picchu and round-trip bus
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
What's not included?
- Breakfast on the first day
- Dinner on the second day and lunch on the last day
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Riding or emergency horse
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Tips for guides, cook and horseman
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- 25 to 35 liter daypack
- Sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Thermal clothing, warm jacket and gloves
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
- Swimsuit for the hot springs
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Original passport
Weather
Most of the route runs through high Andean areas, with sunny days and very cold nights. Also, afternoon rain is common from November to March.
Best season
The trek operates all year. However, from April to October the weather is drier and views of the snow-capped peaks and lakes are clearer.
Acclimatization
We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before the trek, because the Ipsaycocha pass is over 4,400 meters above sea level.
Recommendations
If you would like to share something with the communities, you can bring school supplies or fruit instead of sweets or money. Also, ask for permission before photographing people.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Campsite and hotel
One night camping in double mountain tents and then one night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Transportation
Transfer from Cusco to Lares, then from Patacancha to Ollantaytambo and, finally, the return to your hotel in Cusco.
Train
Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and back when the visit to Machu Picchu ends.
Meals
Meals prepared by our cook during the trek, with vegetarian options on request.
Support team
Guide, cook, horseman and pack horses that carry the camping equipment, so you only carry a daypack.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why is it considered a cultural route?
Because it crosses Quechua communities that keep their customs, traditional clothing and textile activity. Therefore, it is an opportunity to experience Andean life authentically.
How difficult is the Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek 3 days route is moderate. It has fewer hiking days than other routes, but the mountain pass is over 4,400 meters, so acclimatization is important.
Do I need a trail permit?
No. The Lares Trek does not require a permit, only the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, which is included in the program.
Who carries the luggage?
The horses carry the camping equipment, while you carry a daypack with your personal belongings.
What is the difference with the 4-day version?
Compared with the Lares Trek 3 days route, the 4-day version adds an extra day of hiking through the lakes and communities area, so the pace is more relaxed.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate it as a private service or include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, although this is subject to availability.
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