Lares Trek To Machu Picchu – 4D/3N
(888) 812-8687
info@tourleadersperu.com
LENGTH
4 DAYS/3NIGHTS
MAX. ALTTITUDE
4200m/13779ft
Hiking Miles
26 MILES (42KM)
Group Size
8 People max
Difficulty
Moderate to Challengue
Lares Valley Andean Trek 4 Day
Price From
$920 PP
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N is one of the best alternative routes after the Inca Trail and Salkantay. This type of trek is cultural, mystical, and beautiful sceneries. From our past experience, many tourists compare these valleys to Peter Jackson’s production of Lord of the Rings. You will see many cultural customs that are still practiced from Inca times.
Examples include the cultivation of organic products, the upbringing of llamas and alpacas, offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth), the dye of the Inca Textiles with natural pigments, and Iconography. The natives found in these highlands are able to interpret Inca iconography and you are also able to see the process of the woven distillery. Enjoy with us ancient Andean rituals with the sacred coca leaves and customs that are still practiced among the locals. We are Lares Trek To Machu Picchu Join us on our next trip.
OVERVIEW %
- HIKING 95%
- FOOD 90%
- HISTORY/CULTURE/NATURE 100%
- PHOTOGRAPHY/ADVENTURE/CAMPING 100%
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TRAVEL INFORMATION
Watch Our Highlight VIDEO
Lares Trek Map
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MACHU PICCHU HIKE
- 100% Operated by Tour Leaders Peru, we never put you with other tour operators.
- Pick up from Airport and Hotel
- Top of the line equipment REI Co-op Half Dome 4 Tent. Only for Two Persons
- 8 kg per person, other companies offer you only 6 kg
- Best English Speakers Tour Leaders, We know Communication is very important in your trip
- Extraordinary Chefs! Don’t get stressed about food and forget your power bar. We serve you a 5-star outdoor restaurant with delicious organic gourmet food in your dining tent.
- Hotel Aguas Calientes with all facilities
- Free and Safe Storage in Cusco and Aguas Calientes while you are hiking and visiting Machupicchu
- Umantay Lake included (most companies skip this wonderful lake)
- Private transportation on each trip
- Perfect Location For Photographers
- Comfortable and Panoramic Train to Aguas Calientes.
- Visit Machu Picchu twice with this tour!
Day 1: Training Day: Cusco – Urubamba – Pumahuanca Valley – P´acchayoq – Cuyoc campsite
We will come and pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am. Our private bus leaves Cusco at 5:40 am for a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley until we reach the town of Urubamba, which is also part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here we will have a shortstop to serve you a hearty breakfast and give you the opportunity to buy any last-minute snacks and drinks. As soon as breakfast is over we will head out for a 20-minute drive to the beginning of the Pumahuanca Valley. This is the place where we will meet our horsemen, horses, and chaskis (porters). All of our required equipment will be carried by mules and horses. As soon as we finish packing our equipment we begin our Lares Trek Adventure. On the way, you will see Inca remains and ancient pre-Colombian paths. You will enjoy the beautiful sceneries, waterfalls and much more. You arrive at your first campsite at around 5 pm, followed by dinner. Make sure to get a good night’s rest for the next day as it will be the most challenging day of all.
Meals: B/L/D snacks, hot drinks, and popcorn
Maximum Altitude: 4,000m/13123ft
Minimum Altitude: 2,800m/9186ft
Distance Travelled: approximately 13km/8.1miles
Walking Time: approximately 7 hours
Day 2: The Most Challenging Day: Cuyoc – Pumahuanca Pass – Lares Hot Springs Campsite
Early wake-up call at 5:00 am. You will have 30 minutes to pack up your personal belongings until breakfast and coffee/tea is served. Afterward, your trip continues with scenic glaciers surrounded by native forests for a long hike towards Pumahuanca Pass. Once we arrive in Pumahuanca pass we honor the top of this mountain with coca leaves as is the local Andean custom. A glimpse of Maras and Moray (salt mines) will be seen while trekking. We then descend a gravel road towards Cuncani Village. We’ll meet local Andean people in their colorful and traditional clothing. From here we walk about 2 ½ hours towards Lares Hot Springs where you will camp and rest! This is your most challenging day of all, but it will be worth the hike as you relax your muscles in the natural and medicinal hot springs. You will feel refreshed and renewed the following day.
Meals: B/L/D snacks, hot drinks, and popcorn
Maximum Altitude: 4780m /15682ft
Minimum Altitude: 3750m/12303ft
Distance Travelled: approximately 18km/11.2miles
Approximate Walking Time: 10 hours
Day 3: Adventurous Day– Lares Hot Springs—Totora –Salt Mines — Aguas Calientes
Early in the morning you will have breakfast at the campsite and await the bus that will take you for a 2-hour ride to the Quellopuito community. From there you will trek a short pre-Colombian Inca trail to Totora Community while seeing gorgeous views of cascades and tomb remnants, lunch will be served here as well. From Totora you will get back on the bus and head to the salt mines of Maras, a site that has existed for thousands of years. After the salt mines, you will be taken to Ollantaytambo town and have dinner in a fine restaurant. The train to Aguas Calientes will depart at 7:00 pm. Your tour leader will drop you off at your hotel and brief you for the next day.
Meals: B/L/D and snacks
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Maximum Altitude: 3750m/12303ft
Minimum Altitude: 2750m /9022ft
Distance Travelled: approx 6 km
Walking Time: approx 3 hours
Day 4: Your Awaited Destination: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Early breakfast (5:00 am) before taking the earliest bus to Machupicchu. We recommend everyone try and be the first ones in line because it fills up incredibly quickly. As soon as you arrive at Machupicchu enjoy the sunrise (depending on the weather). Your tour leader will guide you throughout this magnificent site and one of the seven wonders of the world for about 3 hours. Afterward, you will have your own free time to explore this citadel and take numerous photos. If you book well in advance and have a Huayna Picchu or Monta~na Machupicchu ticket, your tour leader will guide you to the entrance where you can explore these sites on your own.
Not everyone explores these sites, if interested be sure to mention this while you book your trip. If you choose to not purchase these extra sites, the Inca bridge or Sun gate are free options located within Machupicchu. Be sure to arrive back to Aguas Calientes on time well before your train departure as the bus lines fill up quickly. Your tour leader will specify the exact times after your guided tour.
Meals: Breakfast included at your hotel. Lunch not included
Maximum Altitude: 3400m/11155ft
Minimum Altitude: 2100m/6890ft
Distance Travelled: approx 6 km
Approximate Walking Time: 5 -6 hours exploring
We are excited to be part of your adventure and lead you to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Make sure to book your tour in advance. Only 500 people a day are permitting on the Inca Trail of which 250 are reserved for tourists. Machu Picchu allows 2500 tourists daily. Don’t miss your adventure!
From: $544 per person Group Service
2 Trekkers: $680 per person
3 Trekkers: $659 per person
4 Trekkers: $632 per person
5 Trekkers: $612 per person
6 Trekkers: $578 per person
8+ Trekkers: $544 per person
Note: An initial deposit of $400.00 is required to reserve your spot. We require this deposit to buy train and bus tickets, entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Inca trail admission ticket, and for your return transportation. The remaining balance is due 21 days prior to your trek. Please see our Terms and Conditions.
minimum of 2 people to book a tour
This price is based on Double Accommodation
SPECIAL DISCOUNT INFORMATION
SPECIAL DISCOUNT INFORMATION If you have a group of 6-8 people we give you a special discount. More than 10 people you can even travel free! If your interested starting date IS NOT LISTED we can open a new departure date at a group rate.
Additional Upgrades
Hauyna Picchu
If you want to climb Huayna Picchu make sure to book in advance as there are only 400 permits allowed daily to this location.
$40 per person Please notify us during your booking if you wish to purchase this upgrade.
Vistadome Train
From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: Prices vary from $57.00 to $73.00 per person one-way.
Machupicchu Mountain
Machupicchu Mountain offers even more magnificent views than Huayna Picchu. There are also only 400 permits allowed daily to this location. A 360-degree view of Machupicchu and the surrounding valley and glaciers are seen from this mountain.
US$35 per person Please notify us during your booking if you wish to purchase this upgrade.
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes hotel
The price depends on the season and Hotel availability.
Inka Bridge
If you did not have the opportunity to book an additional upgrade this one is available for free. It is an hour and a half round trip hike.
Sun Gate
If you did not have the opportunity to book an additional upgrade this one is available for free. It is a two-hour round trip hike.
- Single Tent $40 (if you wish to sleep alone)
- Sleeping Bag $20 per person (minus 5 degrees Celsius)
- Air Mattress $20 per person (REI inflatable mattress)
- Professional Walking Poles $20 per pair
- Backpacks $25
- Head Lamp $10
- Extra kilograms $10/kg (Example 5kg=$50)
- Original passport and (ISIC student card if applicable).
- A comfortable 45 Lt trek backpack if you want to carry all your belongings.
- A small daypack to carry your personal belongings
- Warm sleeping bag Minus 8ºC (You can hire from SAS Travel.)
- Lighter style trekking boots with good ankle support or tough sport shoes, (light sandals or clogs are recommended to rest at campsites).
- Trekking poles with rubber tips. (metal tips are not allowed on the trail).
- Warm clothes, layers for variable temperature especially at night
- Thermal underwear can be worn in the sleeping bag or in cold conditions
- Gloves or mittens, scarf, wool socks, woolen hat for cold nights
- T-shirts and trekking pants that zip off to short pants for comfort
- Flashlight, head torch, and extra batteries
- Camera and extra batteries, – Binoculars
- Wear a hat with a broad visor to keep the sun off your face
- Sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Personal medical kit, insect repellent
- Rain Gear: a good rain jacket, rain poncho
- Toiletries, toilet paper, small towel
- 2-liter water bottle, (disposable plastic bottles are forbidden).
- Bathing suits for hot springs for hikers with a night in Aguas Calientes (5 Day Special Inca Trail)
- Extra money for drinks en route, Machupicchu and Aguas Calientes. ($10-15)
- Tips for (porters, cooks, guides. ($30-40) Not mandatory.
- Emergency money at least 200-300 soles. ($ 120)
- Temperature checks for all traveler are mandatory
- Face masks required for travelers and staff in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff at all times
- High traffic places and equipment sanitized regularly between use
- Maximum 8 people per group to reduce crowds, for bigger groups we will assign two teams
- Transportation and touristic sites capacity will be reduced to 50%
- Printed material such as maps or vouchers will be avoided.
- 100% online payments with no booking fees at all
- Flexible bookings during COVID – 19 outbreak
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDE
- Pre-departure briefing at 7:00 pm the night before your tour in our office or your Hotel.
- Collection from your Hotel in Cusco from (05:30 am) or from Sacred Valley.
- Private transportation (Start of our trek).
- Breakfast in Urubamba in our farmhouse,
- 11 Full meals for the entire tour (4 Breakfast, 4 Lunch 3 Dinner) + snacks (vegetarian, vegan option, gluten, wheat-free, or special diets upon your request.)
- Permit and fees for the Inca Trail Park and Machupicchu Sanctuary.
- Porters to carry (camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents, table, stools, cooking gear, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food, and fresh vegetables).
- 7-kilogram duffle bags (per Person)
- 2 Excellent experienced top tour guides (9-16 person / 6-8 with 1 tour guide)
- 2 expert gourmet mountain cooks, assistants.
- Hot drinks every afternoon include popcorn.
- Boiled water provided from 2nd day.
- 2 people per tent, clean, new, spacious (4 people REI Half Dome 4 tents).
- Thick, comfortable sleeping mattress,
- Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day.
- Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel.
- Emergency First-aid kit and Oxygen assistance.
- 3-4 hours guided tour in Machupicchu
- Round trip Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu.
- Tourist Expedition train return to Poroy Station or Ollantaytambo.
- Bus to Cusco
NOT INCLUDE
- Sleeping bag (4 season -Minus 8ºC)
- Tips for the trekking crew, Guides, Cooks, and porters at your discretion.
- Flight Ticket to Cusco.
- Accommodation in Cusco. (see recommendation)
- Travel Insurance. (check that your insurance covers you for treks above 4,200 masl) and (COVID-19)
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RELATED INCA TRAIL TOURS
CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4D/3N
5 DAY INCA TRAIL | FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Total distance: 26 miles/23km
Elevation: 4,200m/13,779ft
Good for Hikers
Difficulty: Quite Challenging
Inca Trail: Permit Require
SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 7 DAYS
Total distance: 46.7 miles/75km
Elevation: 4,821m/15,817ft
Good for Hikers
Difficulty: Quite Challenging
Inca Trail: Permit Require
LARES TREK & INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS
Total distance: 29,3miles/47km
Elevation: 4,700m/15,419ft
Good for Hikers
Difficulty: Quite Challenging
Inca Trail: Permit Require
Food & Drink
Healthy Organic Gourmet meals in all of your trips
Daily Seasonal Food on each trip and Tours
Peruvian cuisine has only recently exploded onto the international culinary stage, but Peruvians have always been crazy about their nation’s culinary heritage, and they steadfastly cling to the traditional, multiculti flavors of home. Even in the face of modern gastronomic innovation. A range of climates, from high altitude to low, offers an impressive diversity of produce. Yes, that means potatoes over 3800 kinds but also a variety of corn and other grains, to say nothing of the country’s native aji chilies that are often puréed into sauces.
Coffee, Tea, Water, & Assorted Beverages
Every morning and afternoon, before and after your daily hikes you will find hot drinks and snacks in your dining tent.
*Special Diets Available Upon Request
Information
LARES TRAIL HIKE F&Q
The trail itself is breathtaking, but the end of the trail is a spectacular sight as you reach the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu at sunrise. The classic Inca trail runs 26 miles (42 km) long, is usually hiked over 4 days and 3 nights and is tucked away in the beautiful Andes mountains in Peru.
How Difficult Is The Lares to Machu Picchu?
Difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Montana
Many people ask about Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Montaña and few people know the difference between these 2 climbing hike mountains in Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu: It is located in the northeast area and it is famous because since the summit you can enjoy a beautiful landscape and Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu has a steep road and people arrive at the summit in approximately 45 minutes hike up. In the summit, you can enjoy and take a picture for not longer than 20 minutes. This is because Huayna Picchu’s peak does not have a big space and not to of people can log in there.
if you plan a hike up to Huayna Picchu You need to book in advance. it cost 25 American dollars per person.
Huayna Picchu altitude: 2789 masl.
Montaña Machu Picchu: It is the taller Mountain. You need at list 3:30 hours to enjoy the hike up to this Montaña. This mountain offer different altitudes view of Machu Picchu and also an amazing panoramic view of all Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, hydroelectric and other areas around.
In the summit, you can spend a longer time. this is because not a lot of people go to this mountain yet because of the new access it is.
if you plan a hike up to Montaña, You need to book in advance. it cost 25 American dollars per person.
Montaña altitude: 3240 masl.
How Long Is The Lares Trek And How Many Hours Do We Hike Per day?
What Is The Scenery Like On The Lares Trail?
Is LARES TREK for me or for my Family?
This may at first seem totally devastating but there are some Alternative treks to Machu Picchu such as this which do not require the same permits and so are available. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is not just a perfect alternative if you miss out on Inca trail permits but many people choose this trek instead of Inca trail for its cultural aspect of visiting remote Andean villages on and off the beaten track style trek.
Where the Inca trail has become a bit too popular Lares Trek to Machu Picchu still has moments when you are the only people to be gazing over the stunning lanscape from a high mountain pass. At Lares Trek to Machu Picchu will be most probably be some alpacas accompanying you during your hike. There are less Inca archaeological sites along the trail itself until you get Machu Picchu but if you like awesome scenery and the popular history then Lares trek is for you.
Do I Need A Permit in order to hike lares trek?
The Lares Trail does Not require permits as the Inca Trail, but it is important to reserve in advance do to the trip requires train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu which once are limited.
Is Altitude Sickness Common? And How High Is The Lares Trail?
It’s impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly.
One or two days spent in Cuzco (3,400m/11154FT), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water is usually enough for most people; or you also can stay in other place at same altitude or higher.
The highest point you will reach while hiking the Lares Trek is 4400m / 14435ft. You will sleep at 3600m / 11811ft for one or two nights. The trail is climbing gradually up to the highest pass and you can step in any place you want, IT IS NOT like the Inca trail with several stone step and very steep
When is the Best Time to hike Lares Trek?
The best time to hike Lares Trek to Machupicchu is during the dry season (April to September). During these months the views are splendid, the camping sites are dry and nice, the trail is particularly quiet, and the weather is often very pleasant.
Trekking the Lares Trail is the third most popular trek to Machu Picchu, after the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek, so during the height of the peak season, the trail can be busy. That being said, there are so many variations on the Lares Trail that in general the routes never feel over-crowded.
However, in the last years, the weather is unpredictable, instead of dry season we are having rain, and it is difficult to predict the weather spatially in the Andes, so we highly recommended being prepared all the time for sun cold, and rain, we‘ll provide always the best quality equipment for your comfort and our staff always will decide the best places where to set up the camps.
Important info
For Lares Trek to Machupicchu, the night before your trek there will be a pre-trek talk (briefing) in our office or in your hotel at either 6 or 7 pm (exact time will be confirmed on arrival to Cusco).
All departures of this tour are guaranteed, so once you’ve booked you can be sure you’re going! This guarantee gives you the confidence to book all of your travel arrangements and simply look forward to your holiday.
We highly recommend you book this trip at least 60 days prior to departure. Reservations received within 30 days will be on request and subject to availability of en-route accommodation.
Due to Coronavirus Machu Picchu Tickets and Inca Trail, Permits can be Changed
This is an unprecedented opportunity to perhaps salvage some of your expenses if you canceled a trip to Machu Picchu. The borders of Peru are closed and train service to Machu Picchu is suspended since March 17, 2020, to limit the spread of Covid19. The Peru government has extended the border closing now until October 30, 2020. However, they announced that international flights to Peru will resume on January 1, 2021.
TRAVEL REVIEWS
Travel Perks when you book with us
Free Storage
Free luggage storage when you are traveling or Hiking with us
REI Camping Equipment for each trip
We are not affiliated with this REI Brand But as a local Tour operator we support local business and our customer enjoy their private Sleeping tent only for two persons learn more in our Camping Equipment for Inca trail
Private Eco Toilets
We do not share public toilet along the Inca trail we carry our portable ECO Toilets Only for our Groups
Peruvian Gourmet Food on each Tours
Food Include in each Trek, Vegetarian option available. we really take care of your gluten-free food contact with our office for any food restriction.
Private Transportation on each trip
As a responsible tour operator in Peru, we do not share our mobility with other tourists, all our transportation is only for your group or family members.
Best Chaskis (Porters)
We do not overbear our staff, they are principal resources in this travel industry
We leave no trace
We carry all our Trash From The begging to the end of each hike keeping clean all our hiking trail
Product Types
- Private and Group Tours
- Small-Group Tours (consisting of 8 people)
- Escorted Bus Tours
- Independent City Stays
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- Custom Groups and Individuals Packages
- Group Air Packages
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Our Events
Join us in 2021
04/16/21
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
06/12/21
INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS WITH HOTEL
06/16/21
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
08/02/21
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
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Are you ready to cover 26 miles hiking in the Cordillera of the Andes?