4D/3NLares Fusion Inca Trail
2 days on the Lares route through weaving villages, then the 2-day Express Inca Trail to the Sun Gate.
from $990 USD
See trek details The trek where you meet the Andes' people, not just its mountains. Walk between villages where families still weave in the old patterns and herd llamas over high passes, soak in natural hot springs, picnic beside glacier lakes, and end at Machu Picchu. Quieter than the Inca Trail, warmer in spirit — and with our chefs and crew, wonderfully comfortable.
Trip highlights
- Lares natural hot springs
- Quechua weaving villages of Huacahuasi and Patacancha
- Ipsaycocha Pass above glacier lakes
- Ollantaytambo, the living Inca town
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Why book direct with a local operator
Our own crew
Guides, chefs and crew are our team in Cusco — no middlemen, no resold departures.
Fair pay
Porters and horsemen are paid fairly, carry legal weights and get proper gear and meals.
Best trail food
Our trail chefs cook fresh Andean dishes three times a day.
Low-impact trekking
Leave No Trace camps, waste carried out, community projects supported.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Cusco → Lares hot springs → Huacahuasi
Walking time
4–5 h
Distance
10 km
Climb
+700 m
Descent
−0 m
Highest point
3,850 m
The road climbs over the Sacred Valley and drops into a world few travellers see. First, a soak in the natural Lares hot springs, steam rising around you and mountains on every side. Then the walk begins, past adobe houses, potato fields and kids who run out to say hello. Women in red skirts herd sheep along the path. By late afternoon you reach Huacahuasi, a weaving village where life follows the rhythm of llamas and looms — and your tent is already up, with the whole valley turning gold.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinnerOvernight: Huacahuasi 3,850 m
Departure dates
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Available Few spaces left Sold out No departure
Daily departures all year, no permit needed — book up to 3 days before. Tap a green date to book it.
What's included
- Tents set up by our team, dining tent and kitchen
- Trail chef and all meals listed in the itinerary
- Horsemen and mules / porters for all camping gear and 5–7 kg of your things
- Foam sleeping mat
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Pre-departure briefing in Cusco
- Machu Picchu entrance and guided tour
- Bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
- Hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Train Ollantaytambo ↔ Aguas Calientes and transfer to Cusco
- Lares hot springs entrance
Not included
- Travel insurance (required)
- Hotels in Cusco
- Airport transfers
- Tips for the crew
- Meals not listed
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available to rent)
Trail chefs and the people behind your trek
Our chefs cook three hot meals a day — quinoa soup, lomo saltado, fresh trout, Andean herbal teas — with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Our crew are Quechua men and women from the communities around Cusco. We pay them fairly, respect legal load limits and support their families through our community program.
How hard is it? Level 3 of 5 — Active
Active. 5–7 hours a day with one pass at 4,450 m, but shorter days and fewer steps than the Classic Inca Trail. Good basic fitness and 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize are enough.
Our difficulty scale
Every trek we run is rated from 1 (easy) to 5 (hard). This one is a 3.
- 1Easy
Gentle walks of 2–4 hours, little climbing. Anyone in normal health.
Unique City Tour: Inca Trail, Alpacas & Ruins
- 2Moderate
4–6 hours a day with some climbs, mostly below 3,500 m. Regular walkers.
Short Inca Trail (Express) · Inca Jungle Trek
- 3Active
5–7 hours a day, steady climbs and passes up to around 4,000 m. Good basic fitness.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu · Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu · Rainbow Mountain Trek · Salkantay & Humantay
- 4Challenging
6–8 hours a day on steep stone steps, one or more passes above 4,000 m. Fit hikers who train beforehand.
Classic Inca Trail · Lares Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- 5Hard
Long, remote days, big daily climbs and high passes near 5,000 m. Experienced, very fit trekkers.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu · Ausangate Trek
Best time to go
Open all year — including February. Dry season (May–September) gives the clearest skies; the rainy months turn the valleys deep green.
Best (dry season)Good (shoulder)Rainy, still openClosed
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Jan
- Rainy season: muddy trails and cloud on the passes, but lush valleys and quiet campsites.
- Feb
- Wettest month, yet open — the Inca Trail closes, so this route is the way to walk to Machu Picchu. Good rain gear is a must.
- Mar
- Rain eases toward the end of the month. Waterfalls at their fullest.
- Apr
- Rains fade, everything is green. A great shoulder month.
- May
- Dry season begins. Clear views of the glaciers — one of the very best months.
- Jun
- Dry and sunny, cold nights at the high camp. Inti Raymi in Cusco on 24 June.
- Jul
- Peak season: the most reliable weather and the clearest mountain views.
- Aug
- Dry, clear and lively on the trail. Book early for Machu Picchu tickets.
- Sep
- Still dry, warmer nights and fewer hikers.
- Oct
- Mostly dry with the first afternoon showers. Good value.
- Nov
- Mixed weather — sunny mornings, some afternoon rain.
- Dec
- Rainy season returns. Fewer hikers and festive Cusco.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose the Lares Trek?
It's the cultural trek: you walk through living Quechua weaving villages, soak in hot springs and cross high passes with glacier lakes, with very few other hikers.
Do I need a permit for Lares?
No. Lares is open all year, including February, and can be booked with short notice.
How hard is the Lares Trek?
Active (3 of 5): 5–7 hours a day and a pass at 4,450 m, but shorter days than Salkantay or the Classic Inca Trail.
Can we visit local families?
Yes. We work with the communities along the route; you'll see weaving and can buy textiles directly from the weavers.
Should I bring gifts for children?
Please don't hand out sweets. If you'd like to help, ask us about school supplies through our community program.
Does Lares end at Machu Picchu?
Yes. You take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu with your guide on the last day.
How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before the trek, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol the first days and walk slowly. Our guides carry emergency oxygen and a first aid kit.
Who carries my things?
You only carry a light day pack. Our crew (porters on the Inca Trail, horsemen and mules on Salkantay and Lares) carries the tents, kitchen, food and up to 5–7 kg of your personal gear.
What food is served?
Three hot meals a day plus snacks and tea, cooked fresh by our trail chefs. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are available on request.
Is drinking water provided?
Yes, boiled and filtered water from the first lunch onwards. Bring a 1–2 litre bottle.
What should I pack?
Broken-in hiking boots, rain jacket, warm layers, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, headlamp, water bottle, personal medication, passport and some cash.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. It must cover hiking at altitude, medical evacuation and trip cancellation.
How much should I tip the crew?
Tips are optional but appreciated. Many hikers give around 40–80 USD per person in total, shared between the crew.
What age range joins your treks?
Most of our hikers are between 25 and 60. Fit hikers older than that walk with us every month — pace matters more than age.
Can I extend my stay or add Huayna Picchu?
Yes. Ask us when booking and we'll add the ticket or move your return train.
Why book with a local operator?
We are based in Cusco and run every trek with our own guides, chefs and crew. No middlemen: your money goes to the people who make your trip.
