Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru

4 Days, Multiple Departures

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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru
  • About
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  • Itinerary
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The Lares Trek offers a unique and rare perspective into the true Andean lifestyle, as trekkers walk through remote villages and visit family homes for an intimate look into the culture and customs of the locals. Trekkers will also get to soak in famous natural thermal baths, trek past waterfalls, and visit the salt mines that make up a significant portion of the local economy. And, of course, witness the sacred ruins of Machu Picchu!

Highlights: Natural hot springs, striking salt mines, remote villages, connection with locals, Machu Picchu
Considerations: Since you are hiking in the Alpine, this is one of our coldest treks. Please be prepared with lots of warm layers.
Difficulty: While all treks in the Andes are challenging, this hike moves a bit slower than others making it a favorite of our youngest hikers.

This four-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu includes 2.5 days of alpine hiking and local village visits.

Soak in Calming Hot Springs: Before hitting the trail, you can prepare your muscles for the challenge with a soak in rejuvenating and relaxing thermal baths. This is the perfect way to prepare your body and kick off your trek.

Learn About The Local Villages On Our Most Cultural Trek: The beauty of the mountains is parallel to the generosity of the people you will meet on this marvelous cultural tour. While all treks in the Andes are challenging, this hike moves a bit slower than others making it a favorite for families with young hikers. The great Lares trek lets you interact with small remote local communities in the Andes. You can meet local people and participate in their traditional Peruvian lifestyle.

Visit Historical Peru Salt Mines: The Lares Valley’s incredible landscapes, views, flora, and fauna will leave you speechless. Plus, the hike itself is an exciting challenge to complete. During your Lares Trek, you will also visit the Salt mines in Maras, where you will see the traditional way the locals still get salt to this day. You’ll even have the option to purchase some to take back home.

Explore Machu Picchu: Lares Cusco trek package will end with a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Then you’ll wake up for an early morning beautiful train ride to visit Machu Picchu for your guided walking tour on the 4th day. This tour of Machu Picchu really is the best way to finish your amazing adventure with the expedition team.

About

Professional Guides: All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and love teaching others about their heritage.

Briefing: The night before your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll come to our office at 6:30 PM for your briefing with your trekking guide. You’ll receive your duffel bag for your items. These must include your sleeping bag and air mattress. (ours weigh 2.5 kg and 1 kg respectively). All duffel bags will be carried by your porters and will only be available at your campsite each day (morning and evening). Any items that are needed while hiking should be packed in your daypack.

Porters & Horsemen: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag containing your items. There is no additional fee for this. Your duffel bag will be provided at your briefing the night before. This is to be filled with the things you’ll need for the next night and day. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at your evening campsite.

Emergency Horse: All of our alternative treks include an extra horse for our clients to use if they need a break from trekking.

Hotel: The trek will include two nights of camping. One night close to local villages and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. We include a 3-star hotel, typically at Inti Punku (or similar) if available. Your booked hotel will be on your final invoice, and upgrades are always possible.

Transportation: You’ll have transportation included for this trek. You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel around 4:30 a.m. ( unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo, then earlier) and brought to the trailhead to begin your trek. Hiking will end on day three, and you’ll head to Ollantaytambo. Once your hike is over, you’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes where you’ll spend the evening in a hotel. Your departure and return train to Aguas Calientes as well as back to Ollantaytambo will be on the Expedition Class Train. Your return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo can be upgraded to the Vistadome Class Train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, you’ll be brought back to your hotel in Cusco. Also included is your round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

Equipment: We have the best equipment. We use Eureka Timberline 4-person tents that are shared by only two people. You’ll have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals in.

Food: The chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have loved. We honor all food restrictions, so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form and let your guide know at your briefing. Food is typically all served family-style. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the trek along with a happy hour of tea and snacks. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch on the last day is not included.

Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, we will supply all the water needed. This water is boiled, filtered, and then cooled before distributing. You must bring personal water bottles and or a camelback. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. You’ll be able to refill your water at each meal.

First Aid: Every guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training sessions every February for all employees. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical situations (traveler´s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We’ll get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible if needed.

Extras: We believe it’s the attention to small details that separates us from other tour companies. Every trekker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking, and a rain poncho.

Satellite Phones: Our top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While all our guides are prepared and trained to deal with issues clients have on the mountain. Being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured that they’re safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach. So, we have added Satellite Phones to every trek. Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain. And they can be used by our clients for non-emergencies as well. While they’re not cheap to use, they are available.

Huayna Picchu: Is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute hike to the top. Be warned that going back down is quite steep. So, if you are scared of heights this may not be a trek you’ll enjoy. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu and there is an additional fee of $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.

      The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights. All international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier.

      The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land. Any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available, while the trip can be long the buses are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

      Food

      Our chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have loved. We honor all food restrictions so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form. You can also inform your guide at your briefing. Food is typically all served family-style.

      You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the trek along with a happy hour of tea, coffee, and snacks. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. *Lunch on the last day is not included.

      Essentials:

      Passport

      Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)

      Good daypack (the smaller, the better)

      Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.

      Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

      For your duffel bag:
      Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

      2-3 wicking t-shirts
      2-3 hiking pants
      4 sets of undergarments.
      4 sets of hiking socks
      1 Fleece
      1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
      1 Rain jacket and pants
      1 sun hat
      1 wool hat
      Headlamp: essential
      Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
      Comfortable shoes for camp
      Walking boots
      Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
      Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
      Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
      Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
      Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
      Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

      Toiletries:
      Sunscreen
      Face moisturizer
      Bug spray
      Hand sanitizer
      Wet wipes
      Toothbrush and paste
      Toilet paper
      Personal medication
      First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.

      Inside your daypack:
      Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.

      Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
      Sunhat
      Rain gear
      Fleece
      Camera
      Music (IPhone)
      Handsanitizer
      Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
      Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
      Earplugs

      Passport Requirements:

      Please know that if you are booking with a passport that is set to expire within 6 months of your planned entry date to Peru, you will be required to renew your passport before coming to Peru. Peru authorities will not grant you entry to the country otherwise.

      If you are booking your trek with us, and this is your case, please know you will be able to book with us to secure your Inca Trail permits and tickets to Machu Picchu. However, you will be required to renew your passport and update your passport details with us prior to your trip to Peru. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of your reserved permits, and tickets to Machu Picchu.

      "We just completed the Inca Trail with the team and Jose and Umberto and it was the most amazing experience of our lives. They treat their porters very well - quality clothing, equipment, and pay. Jose shared his passion and love of Peru, the Incas, the local food and people, and his 'Green Team". I couldn't recommend this group more highly."

      - Judy Anne Herson, September 20, 2021

      "A group of 6 of us did the 4D/3N Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Juan Carlos H., our tour guide, was the BEST!! He got us through the tough climbs and taught us so much about the Inca culture! I would consider this a 5 star luxury expedition ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Everything was so well organized and the accommodations were superb! The porters work so hard to make you comfortable at camp and our chef Sergio made us the best meals 😋 Fun was had by all of us and I would highly recommend choosing this team if you’re considering this hike!"

      - Kristin Campbell - August 15, 2021

      Gallery
      About The Host

      We offer quality and personalized tours, no matter the type. Those who choose to take a train to Machu Picchu are treated with the same dedication as those who spend days hiking through the mountains.

      Itinerary

      Day 1: Soak in Hot Springs and Reach Your Campsite Under The Falls

      Cusco – Famous Thermal Baths – Kiswarani Waterfall Campsite

      We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 5 a.m. to begin the famous Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Pick up locations can be from any hotel, condo, or apartment located in the cities of Cusco, Urubamba, Huaran, or Pisaq. It’ll be a three-hour drive along the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley and through the Andes. Once we arrive at the Lares Hot Springs site, you’ll have your first breakfast accompanied by views of the Andes Mountains. Then, you’ll enjoy the hot springs, which are divided up between various pools ranging from freezing to hot water. They’re all composed of pure volcanic water, which is medicinal and considered to be good for your bones, stress, muscles, and headaches.
      After soaking in the pools for a while, you’ll drive 20 minutes to the trailhead. Punta Carreteraat 3,300m / 10,827 ft above sea level. This is where you’ll meet up with your horses, riders, and give them your duffle bags. After, you’ll begin your expedition to Machu Picchu with a two-hour gradual uphill hike. That’s when we’ll reach our lunch spot at the first village called Kiswarani. This section of the hike is considered the potato valley area, because people farm many varieties of organic potatoes. Your guide will also point out some indigenous medicinal plants growing along the way. Then, we’ll arrive at our lunch spot where you’ll enjoy your first homemade meal prepared by our trekking chef.

      After lunch, our horsemen (llameros) will do a ceremony with llamas showcasing these beautiful animals. Llamas were considered sacred to the Incas and fundamental to their economy. Our llameros will introduce you to these animals and discuss their importance and why owning one was a sign of privilege. Today they’re disappearing due to a variety of different reasons. We hope to continue the tradition of the Incas and give some llamas work. We do this to support the community that helps protect them. Llamas are pleasant to walk with and are friendly animals. Just don’t get too close, they might try to kiss you.

      You’ll also have time to explore the village and visit some local homes. You can learn about the lifestyle and ancient traditions of the local people. If there is time, we’ll visit the schoolhouse where the kids still speak their native language Quecha. You may also bring toys, notebooks, or school supplies to distribute. Perhaps you may even teach them a few words in English. It’ll be another two hours of gradually uphill hiking until we arrive at the campsite. There you’ll be welcomed by our trekking staff, who’ll have your tents set up. We’ll enjoy some hot drinks as the sky darkens and the stars start appearing. Finally, you’ll enjoy a lovely dinner prepared on-site. If you want to keep star-gazing, you may stay up for a while longer or if you’d rather you can go to your tent.

      Trekking Distance: 10 km/ 6.21371 miles
      Camp Elevation: 3,850 meters / 1,2631 ft
      Weather: Cold

      Day 2: Summit Condor Pass and Explore a Traditional Andean Village

      Quiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Village

      Today you’ll be woken up around 5 a.m. with our service of hot drinks. You’ll have spectacular views of the colorful lake and the valley of Kiswarani. You’ll see the local people will already be up and about, taking their llamas and alpacas out to graze. Breakfast will be served once you have finished packing your gear. Then we’ll fill up our water bottles, organize snacks, and you’ll begin your expedition to Machu Picchu. It’ll be a three or four-hour climb to get to the summit of the mountain. This pass is called Pachacute or Condor Pass. We’ll zigzag our way up to compensate for the steep uphill. The views of the area are breathtaking, you’ll see lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. We’ll have an emergency horse to ride in case you get tired and can’t walk anymore. Once you arrive at the Condor Pass, you’ll be above the clouds and above the mountain peaks. Then you’ll be able to enjoy the astounding 360-degree view. In front of you will be the beautiful mountain of Pitusiray, which is at 5,700 m/ 18,700 ft high. Then there’s the Condor pass at 4,680 m/ 15,354 ft. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a hot drink service that your porters will carry with them. We’ll take advantage of some phenomenal photo opportunities and then start our descent.
      You’ll then begin the one hour downhill descent towards El Mirador (Vista Point), where you’ll enjoy lunch. There’ll be some llamas grazing nearby. After lunch, you’ll hike the last three hours downhill. There’ll be fantastic views of many lakes, llamas, and alpacas, before arriving at your campsite. Which is the village of Cancha Cancha, the only village that does not have modern technology. Located at (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), where people still practice original Inca traditions. In this Incan village 85 percent of the houses are still built by ancient construction methods. Including houses made of stone and grass-thatched roofs. Unlike any other village in the Lares Valley, this village has no electricity or cars. Here, you’ll not only enjoy the wilderness but your porters will also set up your tents. You’ll have some time to meet with the local children. We provide them with food and school supplies. We invite our travelers to share this support in the education and the health of this native village. You can bring anything you would like to give to these Quechuan-speaking children that they could use for school or home. When you’re done, your guide will take you to one of the local family’s houses. Here you’ll learn about the lifestyle of the locals. You’ll learn about the traditional hand-woven textiles made of llama and alpaca wool. In the evening you’ll enjoy hot drinks and dinner.

      Walking Distance: 14 km/8 miles
      Elevation Gain: 830 meters / 2,723 ft
      Camp Elevation: 3,750 meters / 12,303 ft
      Weather: Cold

      Day 3: Visit The Maras Salt Mines And Reach The Sun Gate

      Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras Salt Mine – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

      Our porters will wake you up with a hot drink and you’ll have some time to pack your bags and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast, you’ll have time to explore the village and visit the local elementary school. Here they still teach the ancient Inca language, Quechua. Once you’re ready, you’ll begin the last leg of your Lares trek. It’ll be four hours of walking downhill along this lovely path. You’ll pass by more llamas as well as alpacas.
      We’ll pass by farms where they grow potatoes, fava beans, and many other traditional crops in traditional Incan style. You’ll have the chance to learn about Peruvian agriculture. You’ll learn from people who still farm by hand with traditional Inca farming tools. Now, we’ll start to descend to the warmer area of the Sacred Valley. You’ll start to feel the changes of the micro-climate and start seeing crops that are different. Around the Sacred Valley people farm corn, quinoa, kiwi, peaches, avocados, and other types of fruit. This area has a lot of Inca history and you’ll end your tour at the Sacred Valley village of Huaran that sits at 2,700 m / 8,858 ft. Here you’ll say goodbye to your horses, horse riders, chef, and porters.
      From Huaran, we’ll catch an expedition van and make the short drive into the valley to visit the Salineras salt pans, in the town of Maras. Here, at 11,000 feet above sea level a saltwater spring gushes forth and spills down the side of the mountain. Over 3,000 small evaporation chambers have been created and look as if they’re tumbling down the mountainside. These have been in use since pre-Incan times. The salt is said to have healing properties because it’s filled with natural minerals, some of it even comes out pink. Local families each own one of these pans and make their living supplying salt to the towns around the area. There is a small shop on-site if you care to take some salt home with you.

      After visiting Salineras, we’ll climb aboard the expeditions van for a 45-minute drive. This’ll go along the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is the only living intact Inca village. It still has many Inca water channels, houses, and walls. Your guide will take you around to view this small town until it’s time for dinner, which will be at a local restaurant. We’ll then catch the 7 p.m. train for Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu (train times may vary, depending on availability). Upon your arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check-in to your hotel and relax.

      Walking Distance: 9 km /6.2 miles
      Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
      Weather: Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon. Watch out for mosquitoes this day.
      Accommodations: inti punku (or similar)

      Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu and Start Trip Back To Cusco

      Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

      Day four is the most magical day because you’ll finally experience Machu Picchu. You’ll wake up early to catch one of the first buses (around 5:30 a.m.) for the 30-minute ride up to Machu Picchu. You’ll see the stunning Sunrise over the ruins. Your guide will take you for an informative two-hour tour. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore on your own and hike Huayna Picchu if you choose to (this is a separate entrance ticket and costs $75 per person). In the afternoon, you’ll catch a two-hour train back to Ollantaytambo. Then you’ll travel by bus back to Cusco, where we’ll transfer you to your hotel.

      Weather: Warm and humid

      Note:

      If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, please let us know in advance. We can adjust your train tickets and arrange for a hotel if you would like us to help.

      Rangers do not allow people to carry large backpacks inside Machu Picchu. Only day packs are allowed inside.

      No trekking poles are allowed in Machu Picchu.

      Snacks and water are allowed, but they must be inside your backpack.


      Location
      Things to keep in mind

      Cancellation Policy for Treks and Small Tours

      Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to info@activretreats.com. If you wish to cancel within eight weeks of your tour start date, further payment is needed as follows:

      If you cancel eight weeks or more days before departure: Cancellation fees equal the amount of your deposit.

      Eight to four weeks before departure: 60 percent of the total tour price is due.
      Four weeks to five days before departure: 80 percent of the total tour price is due.
      Five days to 36 hours: 90 percent of the total tour price is due.
      36 hours or less before departure: 100 percent of the total price is due.

      We charge these fees because there are a great deal of expenses that we pay to set up these tours. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions. We would be happy to supply a letter for your insurance company to help recover some of the cost.

      Non-Refundable, Non-Transferable Deposit

      There is a $200 deposit, per person, needed to book any trek or overnight, short tour with us. For all full itineraries which include hotels (5 days or more), the needed deposit is $400 per person. The deposit can be made through PayPal, which will incur a 5.5% PayPal merchant fee paid by the traveler, or by wire to Bank of America or Citibank (for free if you are a fellow account holder). Please notify us if paying by wire transfer. All deposits are fully non-refundable and non-transferable. In the event that you need to cancel your trip, cancellation fees will be assessed as outlined below under our cancellation policy. If canceling, you may not transfer your deposit to another person’s trek.

      Final Payment Terms

      The remaining balance will be due in our office in Cusco at least 2 days before your tour start date. However, it can also be paid in advance through PayPal with a 5.5 percent merchant fee paid by the traveler, or by wire to Bank of America or Citibank (for free if you are a fellow account holder). Please notify us if paying by wire transfer. In our office we accept both U.S. and Peruvian currency of any denomination. We do not accept any torn bills. If you are not arriving to Cusco 2 days before your tour begins, please arrange your payment with the team before your arrival.

      Important notes:

      November through February: Rainy Season

      March through October: Dry Season

      May through September: High Season

      January: Permits for the next years Inca Trail released

      February: Inca Trail closed for Maintenance

      June 21st: Winter Solstice/Inti Raymi (Biggest Festival in Cusco)

      December: We bring our Porters to Machu Picchu

      Inca Trail permits are 100 percent non-refundable and non-transferable. Permits are issued in the name and with the passport number of the trekker and cannot be transferred to anyone else, under any circumstances.

      Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date. Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

      Weather:

      Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

      Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

      It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

      FAQ