Lares Trek 4D/3N
Lares Trek 4 Days: Weaving Communities, Andean Lakes and Machu Picchu
The Lares Trek 4 days route lets you take your time on the Lares cultural route. Along the way you enjoy hot springs, Quechua communities that keep their traditional dress, high-altitude lakes and snow-capped peaks. Then you descend into the Sacred Valley and, finally, finish with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Walk to the rhythm of Andean culture
Summary
Trip overview
The Lares Trek 4 days itinerary lets you experience Cusco’s cultural route with more time and less daily effort. Therefore, it is ideal for those who want to hike through high Andean landscapes and get to know Quechua communities up close.
You start at the Lares hot springs and hike to the weaving community of Huacahuasi. Then, the next day, you cross the Ipsaycocha pass and camp beside a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, before descending through the community of Patacancha to the Sacred Valley.
From Ollantaytambo, you travel by train to Aguas Calientes. Finally, on the last day you visit Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a professional guide. If you have one day less, the 3-day version covers the same highlights at a faster pace.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco, Lares hot springs and Huacahuasi
Hot springs, then a hike to a weaving community.
We pick you up early at your hotel and drive through the Sacred Valley to the village of Lares, where you enjoy its hot springs. After lunch, we start hiking through the valley, among farmland and small hamlets. Later, we reach the campsite near the community of Huacahuasi (3,800 m a.s.l.), known for its textiles.
Day 2
Huacahuasi, Ipsaycocha pass and lake
Climb to the pass, then camp beside a high-altitude lake.
In the morning, we visit a family in Huacahuasi to learn about their weaving. Then we climb to the Ipsaycocha pass (4,450 m a.s.l.), with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Urubamba range. Later, we descend to Ipsaycocha Lake, where we camp in a beautiful setting, surrounded by llamas, alpacas and mountains.
Day 3
Patacancha, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
Descent into the Sacred Valley, then the train to Machu Picchu.
We descend through the valley to the community of Patacancha, where we visit its school and learn about its traditions. Then we transfer to Ollantaytambo and have time to explore the Inca town. Later, in the afternoon, you take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hotel.
Day 4
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 main sectors of the citadel. 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 day three 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, especially at the lakeside camp. 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. Also, the second night is spent camping at high altitude, so good acclimatization is important.
Recommendations
If you would like to share something with the communities, you can bring school supplies or fruit instead of sweets or money. Also, always ask for permission before photographing people.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Campsites and hotel
Two nights 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
What is the difference with the 3-day version?
The Lares Trek 4 days route includes a night beside Ipsaycocha Lake and more time with the communities. Therefore, it has shorter stages and a more relaxed pace.
How difficult is the Lares Trek?
It is moderate. The stages are relatively short, although the Ipsaycocha pass is over 4,400 meters.
Do I need a trail permit?
No. You only need 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 belongings.
Is it a crowded route?
No. Lares is much less traveled than the Inca Trail or Salkantay, so it allows for a quieter and more authentic experience.
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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