4 Days Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

General Introduction

The 4-day Lares expedition offers a journey deep into the heart of the Andes, away from the standard tourist circuits. This adventure provides a rare opportunity to engage with traditional high-altitude communities and enjoy the mountain scenery in peaceful seclusion. Throughout the trek, you will witness the daily life of isolated hamlets, immerse yourself in ancient customs, trek alongside herds of alpacas and llamas, and even stop by a village school. Your The Andean Way experience culminates in a spectacular day dedicated to discovering Machu Picchu.

Journey Features

True Cultural Connection: Explore secluded Andean settlements, take part in ancestral ceremonies, and discover the vibrant history of Quechua-speaking families.
Breathtaking Landscapes: Encounter native species like alpacas and llamas while traversing grand valleys, mirror-like lagoons, and jagged peaks.
Summit the Condor Pass: Reach an elevation of over 4,750 meters above sea level to witness some of the most impressive panoramas in the region.
Premium Extras: Enjoy the scenery through the windows of the Vistadome train, explore the historic Maras Salt Mines, and soak in therapeutic geothermal baths.
Machu Picchu Exploration: Visit the world-famous citadel with our specialist guides for the perfect finale to your trip.
Ethical Tourism: By choosing this trek, you contribute to local development through our sustainable social initiatives and community projects.

4-Day Lares Trek Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Puya de Raimondi – Lares Baths – Blue Lagoon (10 km, 4 hrs)

Marvel at the magnificent Puya de Raimondi, rare plants that produce flowers only once every century. Relax in the medicinal waters of the Lares hot springs before trekking to our camp at the Blue Lagoon, a site framed by waterfalls and grazing herds. An enchanting start to your expedition!

Day 2: Quiswarani – Condor Pass – Canchacancha Settlement (16 km, 7 hrs)

Steel yourself for the ascent to Condor Pass at 4,750 meters. The climb is demanding, but the 360-degree mountain views at the crest are unparalleled. We will also pass by turquoise glacial lakes and spend time with the local residents in Canchacancha.

Day 3: Canchacancha – Huaran – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (12km, 4 hrs)

Enjoy a picturesque descent with expansive vistas as we head toward the Sacred Valley. After a gourmet outdoor lunch, we visit the Maras Salt Mines and the historic town of Ollantaytambo. Finally, we board the train to Aguas Calientes for a night in a 3-star hotel.

Day 4: Machu Picchu Sanctuary – 4 hrs

The final day is reserved for the wonders of Machu Picchu. Our 2 to 3-hour guided tour follows Circuit 2 (Classic), showcasing the most iconic temples, plazas, and the urban core. Afterward, you may opt to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability) before returning to Cusco on the Vistadome Panoramic Train.

The specific route inside Machu Picchu depends on availability during booking. If Circuit 2 is full, we will provide entry for Circuit 1 or 3. We advise early reservations, as tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Why choose The Andean Way?

Local Specialists: Access competitive pricing and top-tier quality with a 100% Peruvian agency.
Professional Guides: Our staff are experts with high proficiency in English.
Staff Welfare: We maintain superior standards for the well-being of our porters and crew.
Gourmet Dining: We serve high-quality, diverse meals throughout the journey.
Superior Gear: We provide top-of-the-line camping equipment for your comfort.
Upgraded Rail Service: We are the exclusive operator including Vistadome panoramic tickets.
Alternative Routes: We also offer the Lares Trek combined with the Short Inca Trail for a double visit to the citadel.

Complete 4-Day Lares Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Puyas de Raimondi – Lares Geothermal Baths – Blue Lagoon

Your day begins with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from your accommodation in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Calca, where we visit the local market to source fresh ingredients for our meals.

From Calca, we drive to the secluded Ancashmarca ruins. Your guide will explain how these ancient granaries served the Inca Empire. We then proceed to a high plateau to see the Puyas de Raimondi, giant plants that bloom once in a hundred years.

In Lares, you can soak in the natural hot springs while our chef prepares breakfast. We also stop at a women’s weaving cooperative to learn about traditional textile arts. This is a great chance to buy authentic crafts directly from the makers.

The hike starts at Pampacorral. We trek for two hours past alpaca herds to reach Quiswarani for lunch. Afterward, we climb past the Quiswarani waterfall to reach our first camp at the Blue Lagoon (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where hot tea and a starry sky await.

Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Time: 4 hours
Camp Elevation: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
Food: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Camping
Level: Moderate

Day 2: Blue Lagoon – Condor Pass – Canchacancha Settlement

Enjoy a hot beverage in your tent before tackling the trek’s highest point. After breakfast, we begin a 4-hour climb to Condor Pass (4,750 m / 15,583 ft). You will see high-altitude «lovebird» geese, caracaras, and roaming alpacas along the way.

At the summit, we perform a small ceremony to honor the mountain spirits before descending for two hours to Acopata for lunch.

We then continue the descent for another two hours to Canchacancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft). Here, you can interact with the locals, learn a few words of Quechua, or play soccer with the village children while enjoying the mountain views.

Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
Time: 7 hours
Camp Elevation: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
Max Height: 4,700 m / 15,354 ft
Food: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Camping
Level: Moderate to Challenging

Day 3: Canchacancha – Maras Salt Ponds – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Following breakfast, we walk four hours down into the Sacred Valley. We will visit the village’s primary school; donations of supplies are always welcome. Canchacancha remains one of the few places without roads or power, preserving the Quechua language.

As we descend, the landscape shifts from potato farms to warmer areas growing corn and avocados. The trek ends in Huaran (2,700 m / 8,856 ft), where we have a picnic and bid farewell to our trekking crew.

A private van then takes us to the Salineras of Maras to see the thousands of salt evaporation ponds. We also visit Ollantaytambo to walk its ancient stone streets and see the original Inca irrigation canals still in use today.

After dinner in town, we board the 7:00 p.m. train to Aguas Calientes for a night in a 3-star hotel.

Distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi
Time: 4 hours
Town Height: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
Max Height: 3,650 m / 11,972 ft
Food: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel
Level: Moderate

Day 4: Machu Picchu Visit – Cusco

After an early breakfast, we take the bus to Machu Picchu. We aim for an early arrival to see the citadel emerging from the morning clouds.

Your guide will lead a 2 to 3-hour tour of Circuit 2, covering the main temples and residences while explaining the site’s history.

If you have tickets, you may climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain afterward. Back in town, you can have lunch before boarding the Vistadome train. Our transport will return you to your hotel in Cusco by approximately 7:30 p.m.

Tour Length: 3 hours
Site Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Food: Breakfast
Level: Easy

Note: Circuit 2 is our default, but Circuits 1 or 3 may be used based on ticket availability at the time of purchase.

Included Services

Pre-tour safety briefing
Transportation from and to your hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley
Full transport logistics throughout the trip
Duffel bag for 7kg of personal belongings
Complimentary storage for your main luggage in Cusco
Professional tour guides and culinary team
Support porters and muleteers for gear and food
2 nights in premium camping setups
1 night in a 3-star hotel (Aguas Calientes)
Daily breakfasts (4), lunches (3), and dinners (3)
Dietary options: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free (on request)
Trekking snacks and high-quality camping gear
Entry fees for Lares Springs, Maras Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu (Circuit 2)
Round-trip shuttle bus for Machu Picchu
Expedition train (outbound) and Vistadome train (return)
Comprehensive first-aid kit

Not Included

Rental gear (sleeping bags, mats, walking poles)
Lunch and dinner on the final day
Tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

Included Circuit

Circuit 2-A: The premier route covering the Temple of the Condor, Water Mirrors, the Sacred Rock, and panoramic views of the entire complex.

If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we secure Circuit 1 or 3. Please book early to ensure the best experience.

Upgrades

Huayna Picchu – $68 USD (2-hour hike).
Machu Picchu Mountain – $68 USD (3-hour hike).

These require prior reservation and take place after the main tour.

Lares Trek Packing Essentials

Your main suitcases stay in Cusco. We provide a duffel bag during the briefing for up to 7 kg of your gear, which will be carried by our team.

Provided by The Andean Way

You will receive a duffel bag for 7 kg of items. These are only accessible at the campsites, so keep your daily needs in your daypack.

Essentials

You will be in remote areas without signal or power for three days.

Original physical passport
Cash in Soles
Reliable daypack
Water container
Power bank and sunscreen
Hand sanitizer

Recommended Clothing

Dress in layers to handle the shift between high passes and warm valleys.

Trekking boots (high-top recommended)
Camp shoes
Thermal base layers and trekking socks

In your Daypack

You are responsible for this bag during the day.

Sun hat and warm beanie
Gloves and headlamp
Camera and extra batteries
Walking poles and swimwear
Personal medication

In your Duffel Bag

Sandals and athletic trousers
Insulated down jacket
Long-sleeve shirts and toiletries
Sleeping bag and mattress (can be rented)

We Provide:

7kg Duffel Bag and rain poncho
The Andean Way t-shirt
Backpack rain cover

Crucial Information for the Lares Path

The Route: Expect high passes reaching 4,750 m (Condor Pass).
Permits: No specific trekking permit is needed for Lares, but Machu Picchu entry is required.
Tickets: We aim for Circuit 2. If sold out, we provide Circuit 1 or 3. Book early to secure the best entry times.
Timing: Dry season is May to October. Rainy season is November to March.

Best Time for the 4-Day Trek

May through September offers clear skies but freezing nights. April and October are transition months. November to March can be muddy and damp.

Altitude and Wellness

Acclimatize for 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Drink plenty of water and eat lightly before the trek. Consult your doctor regarding altitude medication and ensure your insurance covers high-altitude rescue.

Logistics

Trains have strict bag limits. Store large luggage in Cusco. Carry cash in Soles as there are no ATMs on the trail. Phone signal is non-existent in most sections; bring a power bank.

Site Etiquette

Follow the Machu Picchu code of conduct. Drones and tripods are not allowed. Respect the local communities and ask permission before taking portraits.

Difficulty

The trek is moderate to challenging. The primary difficulty is the elevation and the steep passes. It is ideal for those seeking a quiet, cultural alternative to the main trails.

Lares Trek – Common Questions

What exactly is the Lares Trek?

It is a 4 to 5-day cultural alternative to the Inca Trail, focusing on mountain landscapes, remote villages, and interaction with the local Quechua people.

How long is the journey?

The 4-day version ends with a train ride to Machu Picchu, while the 5-day version includes the Short Inca Trail hike.

Where is it located?

In the Lares district, about 3 hours from Cusco. The trek reaches heights of 4,700 m at Condor Pass.

What is the weather like?

Similar to Cusco, with two seasons. Dry season (April-Oct) has sunny days and freezing nights. Rainy season (Nov-March) is greener but wet.

What are the main sights?

The Lares thermal pools, Quiswarani waterfalls, Condor Pass, the village of Canchacancha, Maras Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu.

How do I book?

Use a local operator like The Andean Way to ensure community support. Book as early as possible to secure train and entrance tickets.

Is it difficult?

It is moderate. The main challenge is the high altitude. We recommend being in good physical shape.

How do I avoid altitude sickness?

Arrive in Cusco 2 days early. Rest, hydrate, and consider consulting a doctor about medication.