Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4-Day
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4-day
Embark on our 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, an off-the-beaten-path alternative through breathtaking Andean landscapes. Hike past turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks while immersing yourself in authentic Andean culture, visiting remote mountain communities, and meeting traditional alpaca farmers before reaching iconic Machu Picchu.
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Guaranteed Entry Tickets & Prime Circuits
We secure officially certified Machu Picchu permits and optimal circuit routes well in advance for seamless entry. -
Scenic Expedition / Vistadome Train Journeys
Relax through the dramatic Vilcanota River gorge aboard panoramic trains with floor-to-ceiling Andean windows. -
Expert Academic & Archeological Guiding
Private 3-hour deep dive into Inca masonry, astronomical alignment, and the history of the Sun Temple and Sacred Plaza. -
100% Hassle-Free Door-to-Door Logistics
Complete coordination including private hotel transfers, rail bookings, shuttle buses, and personalized assistance.
Itinerary
Explore your day-by-day journey curated by Edgar Adventures local specialists.
Cusco – Calca – Lares Hot Springs – Cuncani – Willkikasa – Quiswarani
Highlight: Soak in therapeutic hot springs and experience authentic Quechua culture in remote Andean villages.
Morning Transfer & Thermal Springs: Early morning pickup (5:00 AM) from your Cusco hotel, driving through the Sacred Valley with a brief stop at the traditional Calca market for supplies before arriving at the Lares Hot Springs for a hot breakfast and a rejuvenating soak in volcanic thermal pools.
Trailhead & Alpine Scenery: Meet your horsemen and chefs in Cuncani (3,800 m) to hand off duffel bags. Hike past the majestic Pacchayoc Waterfall and high-mountain lakes, enjoying a chef-prepared lunch along the trail.
Mountain Pass & Cultural Immersion: Ascend to Willkikasa Pass (4,400 m) for sweeping Andean views before descending 1.5 hours to Quiswarani. Spend the evening visiting local Quechua families, stargazing under clear skies, and enjoying a hot dinner.
Quiswarani – Qoyalay Lake – Pachacutec Pass – Cancha Cancha
Highlight: Conquer the high-altitude Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m) and explore traditional stone-and-thatch Andean settlements.
High-Altitude Ascent: Wake up at 5:30 AM with warm coca tea. Begin a 4 to 5-hour zigzag ascent past turquoise Qoyalay Lake and the seven cascades of Qanchispaccha Waterfall.
360° Mountain Summit Views: Reach Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)—the trek’s highest peak—offering panoramic views of Mount Pitusiray and Mount Qolqe Cruz before descending to a scenic lunch spot.
Ancient Weaving Village: Arrive at Cancha Cancha (3,950 m), an off-the-grid village where traditional stone homes and ancient Quechua weaving techniques are preserved. Visit a local home to learn about handmade alpaca textiles before dinner.
Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Highlight: Descend from high alpine passes to the lush Sacred Valley, visit the ancient Maras Salt Mines, and board the train to Aguas Calientes.
Valley Descent & Farewell Lunch: Hike 4 hours downhill through Andean farmland growing native potatoes and fava beans, descending into the warmer microclimate of Huaran (2,920 m) for a fresh local lunch and farewell to your trekking crew.
Maras Salt Mines Excursion: Drive by private transport to the pre-Inca Maras Salt Mines (3,000 m) to explore thousands of terraced, mineral-rich pink salt ponds.
Historic Ollantaytambo & Scenic Train: Tour the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and take the evening train to Aguas Calientes for a comfortable night in a hotel.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Citadel – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Highlight: Explore the historic wonder of the Machu Picchu Citadel with an expert guide.
Guided Citadel Tour: Board an early shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu (2,430 m) for a comprehensive guided tour covering the main temples, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial sites.
Optional Summit Hikes: Travelers with advanced permits can complete optional hikes up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic vistas.
Return Journey to Cusco: Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, take the expedition train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer via private transport directly back to your Cusco hotel.
Technical Itinerary:
Difficulty: Easy
Activity Duration: 2–5 hours
Elevations: Machu Picchu Citadel: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY
Curated signature services included in your tour fare- High-Quality Service & Safety
- Pre-Departure Briefing: Mandatory orientation at our Cusco office at 5:00 PM the evening before departure to receive duffel bags and trail details.
- Expert Local Guides: Certified, bilingual (English/Spanish) guides trained in mountain safety, high-altitude first aid, and regional history.
- Portable Facilities & Gear: Fully equipped dining tents, tables, chairs, cooking gear, portable travel toilets, and protective backpack covers.
- Safety Protocols: Emergency medical kit, medical oxygen, and satellite phones carried for global communication, backed by 24/7 support.
- 5 kg Luggage Duffle Bag: Provided for personal belongings, carried by pack horses throughout the trek.
- Eco-Friendly Accommodation
- Spacious Campsites: 4-person Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hardwear tents provided for every 2 hikers to ensure space and comfort.
- Day 3 Hotel (Aguas Calientes): Comfortable hotel stay in double/triple rooms with private bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and luggage storage.
- High-Altitude Catering & Hydration
- 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners: Freshly prepared gourmet mountain cuisine. Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) catered at no extra cost.
- Clean Trail Water: Boiled, filtered, and cooled water supplied daily (bring a 2L reusable bottle or hydration pack).
- Wake-Up Coca Tea & Happy Hour: Morning hot tea delivered to your tent, plus afternoon teatime featuring coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks.
- Daily Snacks & Hygiene: Refillable cloth bag filled daily with fresh fruit and snacks, plus soap and hand towels provided before meals.
- Complete Transportation & Logistics
- Door-to-Door Private Transfers:
- Day 1: Pick-up from Cusco hotel to Lares Hot Springs and Cuncani.
- Day 3: Transfer from Huaran to Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo.
- Day 4: Transfer from Ollantaytambo station back to your Cusco hotel.
- Round-Trip Train & Bus Tickets: Outbound train to Aguas Calientes (Day 3), return train to Ollantaytambo (Day 4), and one-way Consettur bus ticket to Machu Picchu (Day 4).
- Horse Porterage: Pack mules transport all camping gear, kitchen equipment, and your 5 kg duffel bag.
NOT INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY
Personal & optional items not covered in the fare- Equipment & Rentals
- Four-Season Sleeping Bag Rental: US$ 20.00 per person.
- Trekking Poles Rental (Pair): US$ 20.00 per person (rubber tips required).
- Personal Gear: Technical hiking clothing, footwear, and personal daypacks.
- Machu Picchu Mountain Peak Upgrades (Optional)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain (US$ 75.00): Iconic 45-minute steep summit trek following the citadel tour (book 2–3 months ahead).
- Machu Picchu Mountain (US$ 75.00): 1.5-hour panoramic trail with wider, less steep paths.
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain (US$ 60.00): Short, scenic climb available during high season (May–September; 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM slots).
- Meals, Tips & Contingencies
- Day 4 Meals: Lunch in Aguas Calientes and final dinner in Cusco.
- Travel Insurance: Personal medical and trekking cover is mandatory.
- Crew Tipping: Voluntary gratuities for guides, horsemen, and mountain cooks.
- Force Majeure Expenses: Extra costs due to landslides, extreme weather, strikes, or travel delays beyond operator control.
Unrivaled Andean Comfort & Private Speedboats
Travel with complete peace of mind. Our signature journeys feature private, modern high-speed boats across Lake Titicaca, climate-controlled vehicles with complimentary bottled water and on-board oxygen, and senior native guides born and raised in the communities you visit.
Enquire About This Tour
From: $650.00 / person • Direct Operator Guarantee
