Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Group Tour
From, per person
US$ 950
- Home
- Machu Picchu
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Duration4 days / 3 nights
DifficultyChallenging
Max. altitude4,700 m
Group sizeMax 16
- Tour type
- Adventure and cultural
- Languages
- EN / ES
- Starts in
- Cusco
- Ends in
- Cusco
Overview
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights is a journey created for travelers who want to experience the Andes in a more authentic and meaningful way. At Machu Picchu From Cusco, this trek is not simply about reaching Machu Picchu. It is about walking through living mountain landscapes, crossing high Andean passes, and discovering communities where tradition is still part of everyday life. Along the way, the route reveals a quieter and more personal side of Peru, where scenic trails, woven textiles, glacial views, and natural hot springs turn the journey itself into the highlight.
What makes the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights so special with Machu Picchu From Cusco is the balance between cultural immersion and natural beauty. This is the kind of trek where the silence of the mountains, the warmth of local communities, and the rhythm of the trail create an experience that feels far more personal than a busier, more commercial route. Instead of following the crowds, you move through a landscape shaped by highland traditions, remote valleys, and unforgettable views, gradually building toward the final arrival at Machu Picchu. That is why the Lares route continues to stand out in the market as one of the most rewarding alternatives for travelers who want culture, scenery, and a stronger emotional connection to the Andes.
- Lares hot springs
- Pachacutec pass and Qoyalay lake
- Weaving village of Cancha Cancha
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day01
Cusco – lares hot spring – Cuncani – kiswarani
Our starting time will be at your hotel at 4.00 am in the morning, and then you will be drive for a 3 hours until lares hot spring in order to enjoy the thermal baths and then continue to our Trail head “Cuncani” before…
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Day02
Quiswarani – Qoyalay lake – Pachacutec pass – Cancha Cancha
Our team will weake you up with coca tea in your tent and then enjoy our healthy energetic breakfast in order start our second day hike, the first parto for today will be 4 hours climb until pachacutec pass - 4,700 m /…
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Day03
Canchacancha – Huaran – salt mine – Ollantaytambo
Weakeup up time will at 6.00 am with coca tea in your tent our master chef or our guide will offer this service. Once enjoyed your delicious breakfast you will be able to hike downhill for 1 hour and half to Huaran - sp…
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Day04
Machu Picchu – return to Cusco
Today will be easy and the most impressive journey at 5.10 am we finally board the train to Aguas Calientes town. The train take us 2 hours approximately, once arrived to aguas calientes train station our tour guide wil…
What's included
Included
- Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek and Machu Picchu visit.
- Official Lares Trek trail permit.
- Muleteers and pack animals to carry camping equipment.
- Professional trekking chef (Master Chef) during the trek.
- Private transportation to the Lares Trek trailhead.
- Private transportation to the Salt Mine and to your hotel in Ollantaytambo.
- Salt Mine entrance ticket.
- Healthy organic breakfasts.
- Organic buffet lunches.
- Organic buffet dinners.
Not included
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bags.
- Air mattresses.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the Machu Picchu day.
- Tips for muleteers, trekking chef, and tour guide (optional and voluntary).
- Personal expenses and extra services not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Packing list and tips
- Original passport (checked at checkpoints, trains and Machu Picchu)
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Daypack of 25 to 35 litres
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Warm layers: fleece, down jacket, hat and gloves
- Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and toilet paper
- Some Peruvian soles in cash
- Swimsuit if hot springs are on the route
Recommendations
Arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimatize properly.
Bring your original passport for permits, train travel, and Machu Picchu entry.
Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good grip and ankle support.
Dress in layers to handle cold mornings, warm afternoons, and changing weather.
Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights.
Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
Carry a small daypack for personal items, water, and snacks.
Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and small expenses.
Consider renting trekking poles for added stability on steep trails.
Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.
Respect local communities, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions.
Important information and precautions
- This route goes above 4,000 m: spend at least two nights in Cusco before departure
- Tell us about any medical condition when you book; consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems
- Weather in the high Andes changes quickly: the guide may adapt the route for safety
- Pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed at the briefing
- Machu Picchu circuits and entry times are assigned by the Ministry of Culture based on availability at the moment of purchase
- Tickets are nominal: bring the same passport you used to book
- Train luggage is limited to one small bag of up to 5 kg per person
- Hotel pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed the evening before
- Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have very limited spaces: request them when you book
Route map
- 1Cusco
- 2Lares hot springs
- 3Cancha Cancha
- 4Huarán
- 5Maras salt mines
- 6Ollantaytambo
- 7Aguas Calientes
- 8Machu Picchu
Frequently asked questions
The Lares Trek is rated as moderate and is suitable for travelers with good physical condition. While it involves mountain hiking and altitude, it is generally less crowded and slightly less demanding than the Classic Inca Trail. No technical climbing skills are required. Proper acclimatization in Cusco is recommended to fully enjoy the experience, and our guides maintain a comfortable pace throughout the trek.
The best time to hike the Lares Trek is during the dry season, from April to October, when weather conditions are more stable and trails are safer. June to August are the most popular months and require early booking. March and November are good shoulder-season options with fewer travelers, although occasional rain may occur.
Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by a professional trekking chef. This includes healthy breakfasts, organic buffet lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water. Muleteers carry the main camping equipment, allowing you to hike comfortably with only a light daypack. This setup ensures proper nutrition and energy throughout the trek.
You should bring well-broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm sleeping bag. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but can be rented locally. A small backpack for daily essentials is also recommended to keep personal items accessible during the hike.
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation. While our team provides first-aid support and professional guidance, insurance gives you extra peace of mind during this multi-day trek in remote mountain areas.
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