The Lares trek to reach Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail or Camino Inka is just one way to get to Machu Picchu.

There are actually several cheaper and much less crowded alternative treks that allow you to have a unique experience, off the beaten track, such as the Salkantay trek, the Huchuy Qosqo trek and the Lares trek.

The Lares trek to Machu Picchu is a route still very little explored by travelers and which allows you to walk on the ancient Inca trails through the Andes while discovering local communities.

On the program: magnificent views of the valleys, lakes and mountains!

Lares trek Itinerary – 4 days/3 nights

There are 5 different routes for the Lares trek, this one is only an example to give a general idea of the trek to help you make a choice between the different treks that exist. Note that it is also possible to do it on horseback.

Difficulty: medium – Altitude: from 2850 to 4400 meters

Day 1 Cusco – Lares | Wacahuasi

The tour begins with the pick up of the visitor at the door of his hotel in the city of Cusco.

Then you travel by tourist transport for almost 4 hours to the town of Lares (3,100 m / 10,171 ft).

In the town of Lares we will enjoy the relaxing thermal baths. Then we will start with a short walk to the bridge of Vilcabamba where the kitchen team will prepare our delicious lunch.

After lunch, we will continue the road (for 3 hours on average) to the town of Wacahuasi (3,750 m / 12,303 ft). There we will visit the cultural center of the city. At night we will dine and sleep in our camp.

Day 2: Wacahuasi – Abra C’asa Pasa | Punta Toro

That day, we will have breakfast very early. Then we will cross incredible Andean landscapes until we arrive at the C'asa Pasa pass (4,500 m), the highest point of the whole circuit. On the course, we will enjoy beautiful lagoons as well as the traditional flora and fauna of the place (such as llamas and alpacas).

In the pass we will see the Auroray Cocha lagoon (4,470 m / 14,665 ft). There we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our cooks. Then we will continue the descent until we arrive at the Punta toro camp (3,100 m / 10,171 ft). On this day we will also enjoy the beautiful lagoon of Yura Cocha.

That night, after dinner, we will rest in our camp surrounded by an incredible mountainous landscape.

Day 3: Punta Toro – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo | Aguas Calientes

The day begins with a walk through the forest of the Mantanay nature reserve discovering the local flora and the birds of the region (watch out for mosquitoes!).

The day begins with a walk through the forest of the Mantanay nature reserve discovering the local flora and the birds of the region (watch out for mosquitoes!).

In the evening, head to Aguas Calientes to spend the night there.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes| Machu Picchu – Cusco

That day, we will get up very early to have breakfast at the tourist accommodation.

Then we will walk to the bus stop to board the transport that will take us to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu (the journey takes only 30 minutes).

In the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft), we will visit the buildings of the Inca City for approximately 2 hours. During the visit we will be accompanied by the guide who accompanied us throughout the trip.

After visiting Machu Picchu, we will board the bus again that will take us back to the town of Aguas Calientes. In this town we will have time for lunch (not included in the tour).

Finally we will arrive at the train (you have to be there at least 30 minutes before the train departure time). The trip will take us to Ollantaytambo where we have to take the bus to the city of Cusco where the tour ends.

Lares trek: practical information

Included: 

• Pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing);
• Private transportation to Lares - the initial point of the trek;
• Accommodation: Campsites (2 nights) and a Hotel in Machu Picchu (1 night), optional Homestay in Patacancha community (1 night);
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu and the hot springs at Lares;
• Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner and 2x afternoon hot beverages (please advise us in advance if you are a vegetarian; this option is for NO extra additional cost);
• Snack every morning;
• Professional bilingual Tour Guide (a group of up to 8 participants receives 1 Guide, a group over 8 persons receives 2 Guides);
• Professional Cook;
• Muleteer;
• Horses to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and 7 kg of each passenger's stuff; 
• An emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower;
• Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
• Camping equipment: Personal double tents (4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
• Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress); 
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C);
• A blanket per person
• A pillow
• Day Pack Rain Covers;
• Rain Ponchos;
• Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
• A T-shirt of the Lares Trek Map;
• Tables and chairs, a cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas;
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town;
• A round trip by tourist train (Expedition Service) between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

Not included: 

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day;
• Travel insurance;
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain ($80) and hot spring entrance;
• A shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu ($12 - one way)
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned

What to bring for the Lares trek?

To make this Lares trek to Machu Picchu we recommend that the pax arrive in Cusco at least two days before to acclimatize, and practice tours such as a visit to the city and the Sacred Valley, which are gentle hikes at considerable heights and hiking practices.

• 04 long-sleeved T-Shirts (Thermo of the skin). 
• 01 thermal wool jacket. 
• 01 windbreaker coat
• 01 snow jacket 
• 03 Trekking pants 
• 01 thermal pants 
• 04 pairs of socks 
• 04 Underwear for sun hat 
• 01 rain coat
• 01 pairs of gloves 
• 01 winter hat 
• 01 scarf 
• 01 sunglasses 
• 01 pair of trekking shoes that support the ankles 
• 01 towel for personal hygiene 
• 01 biodegradable soap 
• Toilet paper 
• A personal cleaning kit (toothbrushes, toothpaste and other essential items).

Which agency to choose to do the Lares trek?

Although a guide is not officially mandatory, I strongly recommend that you do the Lares trek with an agency for safety reasons.

It is a trek that requires good physical preparation and presents high altitude passages, a factor that should not be taken lightly. This is why supervision by a specialized guide who knows the terrain well is very useful.

It also allows you not to carry all your personal effects and to be able to make the most of the trek!

I recommend this 4 day tour which includes pick up from your hotel, all entrances, transport to Lares, return train, meals, guides and porters, with 1 night in Aguas Calientes.

Lares Trek Map

Is it possible to do the Lares trek Only?

It is possible, but especially if you are used to treks, because you have to be aware that the highest point of the trek is 4200m. As mentioned at the beginning, there are several possible routes, one of the possibilities to go solo is to leave Cusco to Calca bus (2h), then take a colectivo to Huaran to start the trek.

Where to sleep in Aguas Calientes?

• Casa Machu Picchu Hostel: Hotels are generally not very pretty in Aguas Calientes and this one holds up very well, especially for the price! Large, bright common area with table football and billiards, view of the river, hot water and good wifi, friendly staff. A safe bet. Only 8 dolares in a dormitory!
• Aguas Calientes Panorama B&B 3*: just a few steps from the market, the train station and the bus to Machu Picchu, the Panorama B&B has become one of the favorite accommodations of travelers with its magnificent view of the river and the mountains. It is not a luxury hotel, but it is comfortable! From 70 dolares
• Tierra Viva 4*: the Tierra Viva hotel, located opposite the Urubamba River just 10 minutes from the station on foot, offers comfortable rooms with an interesting view of the surrounding high mountains. From 110 dolares

Lares Trek vs Inca Trail - Why the Lares Trail?

The Lares Trek is dubbed the Ultimate Cultural Trek. On the Lares Trek, you don’t just get to experience the thrill of hiking a part of the Inca Trail system, you actually get to meet the descendants of those people who built the Inca Trails and Machu Picchu. It gives your Inca Trail experience so much more color and it also adds context to your visit to Machu Picchu.

Another drawcard for the Lares Trek is the fact that you don’t need any trekking permits. You just need a ticket for Machu Picchu, but this isn’t as much of a hassle as the permits for the Classic Inca Trail. All trekking packages for the Lares Trek include tickets for Machu Picchu.

The Lares Trek is also considered to be easier than most of the other treks on the Inca Trail system. Compared to the Classic Inca Trail, for example, there are a lot fewer steps and this makes for a more gentle trekking experience.

On top of all of that, the Lares Trek is simply a lot quieter. Fewer numbers of people on the trails make this trek the calm way to get to Machu Picchu. On the Lares Trek, you can experience the Andean for yourself.

Best Season for the Lares Trail

The best time to hike the Peruvian Andes is from April to October when the weather is relatively warm. In the months of June, July and August the nights are cold and a four season sleeping bag is recommended. The rainy season lasts from November to March, with February as the highlight. In this month the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. Rainy season or not, prepare for sun and rain. The mountains make the weather pattern unpredictable.

Dry season (April – October)

Day: 20’C – 25’C / 68’F – 77’F

Night: -1 – 7’C / 30’F – 45’F

Rainy season (November – March)

Day: 17’C – 22’C / 62’F – 71.6’F

Night: 4’C – 7’C / 39’F – 45’F

Lares Trek Altitude - How High Is The Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek is high. It is basically as high as the Salkantay Trek and you could say it is also just as difficult. The highest point, the Condor Pass, is about 300 meters lower than the highest point of the Salkantay Trek, which lies at 4600 meters.

During the Lares Trek, you also sleep at fairly high altitude. The first two nights you will be staying at around 3700 meters and the last two nights you will be spending at around 2700 meters. It is high, but with the right acclimatization, the Lares Trek is definitely doable.

Questions and answers

Leave us your questions at info@incatrailmachu.com. These are the ten most frequently asked questions by tourists on the tour.

1) Are there any tour cancellations?

Yes, cancellations are requested by email to info@incatrailmachu.com. The last deadline is 3 days. The penalty of 35% of the tour value.

2) Is there a date change?

Yes, changes to the tour date are requested at info@incatrailmachu.com. The maximum duration is also 3 days before. The maximum penalty is 25% of the value of the visit (if requested at the last minute).

3) Can everyone take the tour? Is there an age limit?

Yes, as long as they are over 8 years old. Adults over 60 must be in good health. They should preferably consult their doctor before walking.

4) How is the food on the tour?

The food is made up of natural products from the Andes Mountains prepared by our team of chefs who will accompany you throughout the visit. Vegetarian tourists can request this type of food at info@incatrailmachu.com.

5) Is there any danger during the tour?

The visit is very safe. It is also recommended to follow the indications of the tourist guide.

6) What should I bring to the Lares trek?

Remember to bring: sleeping bag (not included in the tour), warm clothes for the night, light clothes for the last day, hat, sunscreen, resistant shoes, personal hygiene items, snacks, fruits, rehydration drinks, extra cash, camera, ID and medication (if you need it).

7) Can the visit be done all year round?

The Lares trek is available all year round. However, the most suggested dates are from April to November. January, February and March are the rainiest months and therefore uncomfortable for hiking.

8) Can I visit the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains?

No, the ticket for these mountains is not included in the tour. You can request these tickets for an additional cost of $65 by sending your request to info@incatrailmachu.com

9) Is it possible to do the Lares trek without a tower?

The Lares trek is a route accessible to all. You do not need any ticket or special authorization to visit it. However, it is better to choose a visit.

10) Can I choose a private tour?

Yes, private tours can be requested at info@incatrailmachu.com.