Lares Trail to Machu Picchu
4 Days
8+ People
Bus, Hike & Train
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Plus Salt Mine.
The Lares Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing treks, as this route is much less traveled compared to the traditional path to Machu Picchu.Along the way, you will immerse yourself in Inca culture and history,while also enjoying the unspoiled mountain scenery.In addition, you will have the unique opportunity to bathe in hot springs and connect with Andean families along the route.Moreover, you will visit the salt mines of Maras,before ultimately finishing the trip at the majestic Machu Picchu Incan city.
- Hiking the Lares Trek for 4 days is one of the most breathtaking options, especially since this route is much less traveled compared to other paths that lead to Machu Picchu Inca city.
- A deep immersion in ancient civilization awaits you during the 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, which is rich in culture and filled with unforgettable experiences.
- Through this Lares trek experience, you will have the opportunity to learn about the rich Andean culture, gaining deeper insight into its traditions and way of life.
Day 1: Cusco – Thermal baths of Lares – Kiswarani 6 Waterfalls campsite.
MORNING: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 AM, and from there, we will begin our three-hour drive through the beautiful valleys toward Lares.Once we arrive in the town of Lares, which is very famous for its medicinal hot springs, we will be ready to start our adventure.
BREAKFAST: To begin the day, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast, accompanied by tropical fruits and a stunning view of the Lares Valley.
ACTIVITIES: After breakfast, enjoy the Medicinal Thermal Baths, where you can soak in mineral-rich volcanic pools, beneficial for stress, bones, and muscles.Following the soak, we’ll drive 20 minutes to the Lares Trailhead, where you’ll meet your porters and horses.Once there, you’ll hand over your bags, and we’ll begin our trek.Along the way, we’ll pass fields, visit Quechua communities in colorful costumes, and spot llamas and alpacas.
LUNCH: Around midday, we will have a delicious lunch in the Kiswarani community.After lunch, we will head out to visit the six beautiful waterfalls in the area, and then we will continue toward our camping site.
OVERNIGHT: We will spend the night near a serene lake, with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains in Kiswarani. As the day comes to a close, we will enjoy a delicious dinner to end the day on a satisfying note.
Day 2: Kishuarani – Paso del Cóndor – Cancha Cancha Andean Community.
BREAKFAST: We begin the day with a delicious breakfast at 6:30 AM in the mountains.Following that, we will enjoy an organic fruit snack to energize us for the day ahead.
ACTIVITIES: First, we will start trekking through the Lares mountains towards our second campsite, enjoying stunning views of the Lares range and turquoise lagoons.Along the way, we’ll encounter wild animals.Then, we’ll hike uphill for four hours to reach Cóndor Pass, where we’ll take in breathtaking views of the Pituitary Glacier. Afterward, we’ll relax with Coca leaf tea and hot chocolate before continuing downhill to the community of Cancha Cancha.
LUNCH: Following our arrival, we will have a delicious lunch in the Cancha Cancha community.This town is situated at 3,750 meters (12,303 feet). Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the local way of life and observe how the residents raise their (guinea pigs).
OVERNIGHT: As the evening sets in, we will overnight in the Cancha Cancha community. After a fulfilling day of trekking, we will enjoy a delicious dinner, and to wind down, you will savor a hot Coca drink.
Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huarán – Maras Salt Mine – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu town.
BREAKFAST:Early in the morning, at 6:00 AM, we begin the day with a delicious breakfast.Afterward, we will start our journey by walking down to the warmest area of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
To begin with, we’ll descend toward the Huaran community, noticing climate changes along the way. As we continue, fields of crops like white corn, quinoa, and fruit will appear. Eventually, we’ll reach Huaran, completing the Lares Trail tour.
LUNCH: To begin with, we will enjoy a delicious lunch in the Huaran community. Following that, we will say our farewells to the porters and the chef, marking the end of their part in our journey.
After lunch, we’ll take private transport to the Maras Salt Mines, where over 3,000 evaporation chambers cascade down the mountainside, in use since pre-Inca times. Next, we’ll travel to Ollantaytambo, exploring its Incan water channels and colonial houses. Finally, we’ll board a 7:00 PM train to Aguas Calientes for dinner and rest.
TRAIN: At 7:00 PM,we will board the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu town, embarking on a scenic 2-hour journey.During the ride, you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the landscape.Once we arrive at Aguas Calientes, we will be ready to embark on the next stage of our adventure.
OVERNIGHT: Upon arrival in Machu Picchu town, we will transfer to our hotel. Afterward, we will enjoy a delicious dinner in town. Additionally, your official guide will provide recommendations for visiting the Machu Picchu Inca city the following day.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Ollantaytambo – Cusco City.
BREAKFAST: First, we will enjoy breakfast at the hotel.Following that, we recommend taking the bus from Aguas Calientes town to your next destination.
BUS TO MACHU PICCHU: Next, we will board a bus for a 35-minute ride up to the Machu Picchu entrance.Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy stunning views before reaching the entrance.
OPTIONAL TO WALK UP TO MACHU PICCHU: Alternatively, you may choose to walk uphill for about an hour and a half.During this time, you will gradually ascend toward the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Along the way, you can take in the stunning scenery, which, in turn, will enhance your experience. Moreover, as you approach the site, you will be rewarded with incredible views, further enriching the journey before reaching your destination.
MACHU PICCHU TOUR: Upon arrival, we will enter the Machu Picchu ruins with your guide, who will have your entrance tickets and passport ready.Once inside, you will begin a 2.5-hour guided tour of the site. Throughout the tour, you will admire the impressive architecture, explore the advanced Inca hydraulic engineering, and discover other significant sites within the archaeological center.In addition, your guide will provide insightful information, further enriching your experience by sharing the history and significance of each location.
RETURN FROM MACHU PICCHU: After the tour, we will begin our return journey from Machu Picchu.Following this, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax or explore the town before your next steps.
LUNCH: First, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the excellent restaurants near Machu Picchu.Afterward, take some time to relax before heading to the train station. Then, make your way to the station, ensuring that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your train’s scheduled departure.
Train to Ollantaytambo: Be sure to arrive at the train station 30 minutes prior to departure. Afterward, to board the return train, our staff will be waiting for you at the train station in Ollantaytambo. Subsequently, we will then take a bus for approximately 1 hour back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
- briefing: You will meet your tour guide, at our meeting at 7:00 pm.
- pick up and drop off at your hotel in Cusco.
- Private Transport: during your trip.
- Official tour Guide: English-speaking.
- Personal tents: 2 nights camping in the mountains with comfortable equipment, Dining and kitchen tents, tables, and chairs.
- Foam mats or sleeping pads: to put under your sleeping bag.
- 1 Duffle Bag: Where you can put your personal belongings, 6 kilograms.
- Horses and muleteers.
- Professional Trekking Cook: In charge of preparing all the meals along the journey.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 dinners, and Snacks.
- All Entrance tickets: Lares Hot Spring, Lares Trail, Salt Mine, Machu Picchu.
- First breakfast near the Hot spring (Lares)
- Every afternoon 1 hour before dinner the cooks will let on the dining table popcorn, biscuits, coffee, chocolate, different Types of teas, and hot water.
- Daily snacks – Days 1, 2, and 3: Our Snacks consist of local fruits.
- Water grooming: Each morning, warm water with a towel.
- 1 Pillow per person.
- Medical kit: Our crew brings the First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Tourist Train tickets Round Trip.
- 1 Night in Aguas Calientes Pueblo.
- Bus Ticket one way up to Machupicchu.
- Sleeping Bags: (you can hire from our company for $25.
- Walking Sticks: you can hire from our company $20.
- Last Day: Lunch and Dinner.
- Travel insurance is recommended.
- Gratuities for your crew: Cooks, horse herders, and guides are at your wish.
- Additional costs or delays caused by management are out of control like landscape, bad weather conditions, Cases of itinerary modification with a view to safety concerns, illness, change of government policy, and Political instability strikes.
- Expenses are not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Drinks, beer, soda, etc.
- Your Original passport.
- A sleeping bag you can hire from our company.
- Sturdy Hiking boots.
- Warm clothes and trekking pants. Not jeans.
- Flashlight with extra batteries, camera.
- Sun protection: sunscreen: sun hat: sunglasses.
- Thermals: wool socks: Gloves/scarf and woolen hat for cold nights.
- Insect repellent.
- Rain poncho: a good rain jacket.
- Toiletries – toilet paper – small towel.
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs.
- Personal medical kit.
- Extra money for souvenirs, and drinks.
- Trekking poles you can hire from our company
We will contact you as soon as possible, usually within 2 hours by WhatsApp and up to 24 hours by e-mail.
Thank you for your time and interest in touring with Peruvian Culture Tours.
Follow the steps below to book the tour:
- Select a day from the calendar.
- Enter the number of passengers and enter the required data.
- Enter the additional information.
- Choose the payment method.
Prices
- Adult Price: $550 per person.
- Student Price: $530 per student.
Discount:
We offer a special discount of $20 for students. Students must have the original student card issued by the university up to 25 years of age,
Contains the following: university information, personal information of the student, photo of the student, and effective date no later than December 31 of the current year.
- Huayna Picchu: Tickets need to be booked in advance and cost an additional $75 per person.
- Montaña: Tickets need to be booked in advance and cost an additional $75 per person.
Optional
- Sleeping Bag: $25
- Walking Sticks (Pair): $15
Huayna Picchu: This is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 55-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after you tour Machu Picchu. The cost is $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.
About booking and payment form
To book your trip (trek or by train), a deposit of 50% of the total price is required. This deposit is essential to secure train and Machu Picchu entrance tickets, all subject to availability. Once your deposit is confirmed, the remaining balance is due upon arrival in Cusco, either 48 hours before departure or during your briefing. If the balance is not paid before departure, participation in the trip will not be possible. Final acceptance is contingent on receiving and reviewing all forms, documents, and payments.
About trip itineraries
All Peruvian Culture Tours hikes may be subject to itinerary changes due to various circumstances. Peruvian Culture Tours reserves the right to cancel or modify any trip based on river, road, weather conditions, or political climate. Additionally, trips may be canceled due to client unsuitability, including factors like age, ill-health, poor fitness, or intoxication.
Any missed tours due to these circumstances (weather, political climate) cannot be refunded or recuperated. However, the price and duration of a hiking trip will not change once you’re registered. Payments are non-refundable for itinerary changes or public land closures. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued.
Change policy
If you wish to change the date of departure/ and or route of your trek after making the reservation/deposit, there will be a $50 per person fee to make the change, except if the change is made in the 48 hours prior to the trek, when the change will cost $100 per person.
Cancelations by cliente:
Cancelation of tour once you have received a written confirmation incurs a loss of booking deposit -Non-refundable booking deposit.
- Cancelation of tour within 45 to 22 days before the date of tour departure incurs a loss of 70% of the total tour cost.
- Cancelation of tour within 21 to 9 days before departure incurs a loss of 80% of total tour cost.
- Cancelation of tour within 8 days to 48 hours before departure incurs a loss of 100% of total tour cost.
- Peruvian Culture Tours does not take responsibility for additional costs due to unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophes, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal items, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Medical releases
We require medical releases for prospective guests over 70 years of age and for various circumstances such as the history of cardiovascular disease, chronic illness, and other conditions and factors.
Let know to the guides if you consume any medical tab, pill, or chronic illness to prevent any accident or emergency case, if you have the first aid kit brought for the trail will be very useful for member hikers.
Travel insurance
For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Travel insurance provides you with trip cancellation or interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, and baggage delay coverage to protect your financial investment. Medical coverage purchased with your policy will also satisfy our requirement for health insurance.
How to book?
Reservation Form
Fill out the reservation form, this information is important to contact you.
Travel Date
Choose the date you want, for this tour we have daily departures.
Payments
We have Payments via credit or debit card and PayPal. Make your reservation effective using one of the mentioned options.
Was
$600
$550
Essential: Group service Lares Trail to Machu Picchu is available all year.
Daily departures! (Minimum 2 people).
