Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Enjoy Views of Glaciers & Snow-Capped Mountains!

Embark on your Lares trek on day one with a bus ride to Lares Town (2,900 m) for a peek into local life. Here you will begin your six-hour trek along a zigzagging ascent to the village of Wakawasi (3,850 m).

Enjoy encounters with friendly local families and spectacular views of glaciers and snow-capped mountains. On day two, take a 4-hour trek to Patacancha town by crossing over the Ipsayccocha pass (4,400 m).

On day 3, you will walk another 4-hours to reach Ollantaytambo, where you will have lunch and then hop on a train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in a hotel and prepare yourself for a big day at Machu Picchu on day four, with time to explore with your guide. Return to Cuzco after an unforgettable adventure!

Itinerary

Trek Briefings: All travelers are required to visit the Cuzco office for a mandatory briefing on your trek one day prior to departure. At this meeting, you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up for the morning of the trek, and be able to ask questions.

Please note: You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers, you will not be accompanied by a guide.

Day 1: Cuzco – Wakawasi, Peru

Embark on an early adventure as you are picked up from your accommodation between 5:00-6:00 am and transported by bus to Lares Town (2,900 m). Before beginning your 6-hour trek, take the opportunity to unwind in the Hot Springs (available at an extra cost). The trek leads you on a zigzagging climb to reach the picturesque town of Wakawasi (3,850 m). Along the way, revel in stunning views of glaciers, encounter local wildlife, and engage with communities harmoniously living with nature. Connect with local families and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andean landscape.

Note: Trekking duration is approximately 6 hours, covering 14 km.

Day 2: Wakawasi – Patacancha, Peru

Embark on a 4-hour trek to the summit of Ipsayccocha Pass (4,400m), savoring a peaceful moment before descending for 40 minutes to your lunch stop by the lake. Continue for another 3 hours to Patacancha town (3,800m), where you’ll camp amidst llamas, alpacas, and native crop plantations, surrounded by the tranquility of the Andean scenery.

Note: Today’s trek covers approximately 15 km, lasting 8 hours.

Day 3: Patacancha – Aguas Calientes, Peru

Embark on a 4-hour walk to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy lunch before boarding a train to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a hotel, and your guide will provide instructions for the following day. If time permits, explore the streets of Aguas Calientes, dotted with cafes, shops, and relaxing spots.

Note: Today’s trek spans approximately 12 km, lasting 4 hours.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cuzco, Peru

Catch an early morning bus at 05:30 am to Machu Picchu, a 25-minute ride that allows you to experience the enigmatic city as the morning mist lifts. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the archaeological site, delving into its rich history. Afterward, explore Machu Picchu at your own pace or consider climbing Huayna Picchu Peak (advance booking required at an additional cost). Return to Aguas Calientes by bus, visit the local marketplace, and board a train to Ollantaytambo. From there, take a bus back to Cuzco, arriving around 08:00 pm at Plaza San Francisco. Conclude your journey, making your way to the accommodation of your choice.

Note: Huayna Picchu climb is optional and requires advance booking.

Machu Picchu Guided Site Visit:
The one and only, this is the most spectacular (and not to mention most popular) archaeological site in all of South America. Your guide will take you on a two-hour tour of Machu Picchu, walking you through the most important sites and covering the history of the place. Then you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure.

Take an OPTIONAL hike up the steep peak named Huayna Picchu, which is located inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site. This sometimes muddy peak takes about 45 – 60 minutes to hike up and awards you with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu from a coveted perspective. Keep in mind that if you want to take this optional hike, you must now purchase your ticket at least two weeks in advance for an additional cost in order to get one of the 400 passes (200 people are allowed up at 7:00 am and 200 more at 10:00 am). Please send us an email directly to request this extra ticket. If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.

-Included-

-Activities: 1

*Active adventure

*Trekking to Machu Picchu

-Transport: 7

*Cuzco pick-up, various transfers
*Cuzco accommodation pick-up
*Van Cuzco – Lares town (starting point of the trek)
*Round Trip tourist train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
*Round Trip tourist bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
*Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco

-Accommodation: 3

*2 Nights camping during the trek (including basic sleeping mattress & tent for 2 people)
*1 Night in 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes

-Meals: 9

*3B / 3L / 3D (with 3 Snacks)

-Guides:

*Professional bilingual guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour

-Extras: 6

*Briefing, entry fees, services during trek
*Pre-departure briefing
*Machu Picchu entrance fees
*Foam sleeping mat
*Horses to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker for the first 3 days of the trek (this includes 3 kilos for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 4 kilos of personal items)
*Cook who is responsible for preparing and serving all delicious Peruvian meals and snacks
*First aid kit & emergency oxygen bottle

-Not Included-

*Airport pick-up/drop-off (please make your own way)
*Day 1 breakfast, day 4 lunch & dinner
*Bottled water
*Accommodation drop-off in Cuzco
*Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
*Hot springs Lares Town (10 soles)
*Small gift for communities
*Accommodation in Cuzco
*Tips
*Sleeping Bag (Rental $15 USD for the trek)
*Hot Springs Lares Town (10 soles)
*Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (200 soles) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance
*Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (200 soles) must be booked at least 1 week in advance
*Accommodation in Cuzco

Typical Meals on the Trek

On all of our treks to Machu Picchu, we search for great cooks who provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain, with specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients available. Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek. A vegetarian option is available upon request (please advise at least two days in advance).

• Breakfast: Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas, and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk
• Lunch & Dinner:
  • First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes
  • Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chili pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew)
• Desserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake, and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk
• Snacks: Boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk along with popcorn, cookies, crackers

Additional Information

• Accommodation Options: Days 1-2: Single travelers will share a tent with another traveler, and couples will have a tent to themselves. Day 3: Single travelers will share a room with another traveler, and couples will have a private room.
• Physical Requirements: This hike is difficult; good physical conditions are needed as most of the hike is at high altitudes of 4,000 meters (don’t forget to bring warm clothes).
• Suggested Packing List – Bring or Rent in Cuzco: Hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sunblock, sunglasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, and Gatorade, which doubles or triples in price along the trail. Bathing suit for hot springs in Lares town (this activity is available at an additional price).
• Essentials to Bring: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications.