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- Duration 4 days / 3 nights
- Difficulty Moderate
- Group size 8 to 12 people
- Max. altitude 4,400 m (14,436 ft)
- Travel style Adventure, trekking
- Departure Cusco
Our Lares Trek to Machu Picchu takes 4 days and 3 nights: we leave Cusco early for the Lares hot springs and finish with a guided visit to the citadel, returning to Cusco between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Train, bus, Machu Picchu entrance, guide and camping are included, from US$450 per person.
This is the route for travelers who want to reach Machu Picchu on foot through Quechua communities, lakes and snow-capped peaks, away from the busiest trails. We travel in groups of 8 to 12 people, and porters and muleteers carry the camping gear while you hike with a daypack.
Where is Lares and how do you get there?
Lares is a valley in the Cusco region, north of the Sacred Valley, known for its hot springs and for communities that still weave and dress in traditional clothing. From Cusco it is about a 3.5-hour drive to the town of Lares. The trek ends in Ollantaytambo, where we take the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. All transport is included.
Lares Trek altitude
The highest point is Ipsay Pass at 4,400 m (14,436 ft) above sea level, roughly 1,000 m (3,300 ft) higher than Cusco at about 3,400 m (11,155 ft). You cross it on day two, the toughest day of the trek. That is why we recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco before you start. If it’s your first time at high altitude, read our guide to altitude sickness in Peru.
The Lares Trek day by day
| Day | Route | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Cusco – Lares (about 3.5 hours by road), hot springs, lunch and hike to Huacawasi | Camp in Huacawasi |
| Day 2 | Climb to Ipsay Pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), lunch by Ipsaycocha Lake and descent into the Patacancha Valley | Camp in Patacancha |
| Day 3 | Descent toward Ollantaytambo past Inca terraces, then train to Aguas Calientes | Hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Day 4 | Bus to Machu Picchu at dawn, 2–3 hour guided tour and free time; train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco (7:00–9:00 p.m.) | — |
In Patacancha you’ll see up close the handwoven textiles made by the women of the community. The full detail of each day is in the itinerary tab.
How hard is the Lares Trek, and who is it for?
We rate it as moderate. The trail is not technical, and the steep sections are concentrated on the climb to Ipsay Pass; with a steady pace and good acclimatization, most active hikers complete it comfortably. It can be your first multi-day trek in the Andes. It suits travelers looking for culture as well as scenery, and active families in good health.
A sleeping bag is not included (you can rent one in Cusco), and neither are lunch and dinner on day four in Aguas Calientes.
Best time to do the Lares Trek
The dry season, from May to September, brings clearer skies and safer trails, and it matches the best months to see Machu Picchu. It is also high season, so we recommend booking about 2 months ahead to secure train seats and entrance tickets. In any month, nights at camp are cold: pack layers, a warm hat and gloves.
Lares Trek or the Inca Trail?
The Classic Inca Trail reaches Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate, but it needs limited permits that sell out months in advance, and it closes every February. The Lares Trek doesn’t require a special hiking permit: only the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, which is already included. Its appeal lies in living villages, mountain lakes and very few people on the trail. At the end of the route you pass through Ollantaytambo, the living Inca town.
Looking for a multi-day hike? The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 2027 (5 Days / 4 Nights) passes Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass and ends at Machu Picchu.
To plan your trip, read our guide: Salkantay Peru 2027: Route Day by Day, Altitude, Difficulty and Best Time.
Book with a local Cusco agency
We are a Cusco-based agency and run our own departures to Lares, with guides who speak English, Spanish and Portuguese, cooks and muleteers. Book through the form on this page or contact us: we’ll confirm your date, arrange your train and Machu Picchu tickets and send you the departure time.
Full itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Huacawasi
Departure from Cusco to Lares
We leave Cusco early in the morning and drive to the town of Lares, a trip of about 3.5 hours. On arrival you have time to enjoy the Lares hot springs and have lunch by the thermal pools.
Hike to Huacawasi
After relaxing in the hot springs, we start hiking to Huacawasi, a small Andean community where we camp for the first night. Along the way you’ll enjoy the unique landscapes of the region, with deep valleys and snow-capped peaks.
Day 2: Huacawasi – Ipsay Pass – Patacancha
Climb to Ipsay Pass
Day two is the most challenging: we climb to Ipsay Pass, at 4,400 m (14,436 ft). On the way up you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Andean peaks and lakes. We have lunch near Ipsaycocha Lake, surrounded by stunning scenery.
Descent to Patacancha
After lunch we descend into the Patacancha Valley, to an Andean community where we camp for the night. Here you can learn about local traditions, including the handweaving techniques practiced by the women of the community.
Day 3: Patacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Hike toward Ollantaytambo
In the morning we head down toward Ollantaytambo, passing beautiful valleys with Inca agricultural terraces and small communities. The landscape changes from high mountains to greener valleys as we approach the Sacred Valley.
Train to Aguas Calientes
From Ollantaytambo we take the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. We arrive in the afternoon; you can rest at the hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
At dawn we take the bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu. The guided tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours and covers the main sites of the citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana and the agricultural terraces.
Free time and return to Cusco
After the guided tour you have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. Later we go down to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport takes you back to Cusco, arriving between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.
What is included
- Transport from Cusco to Lares and from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back
- Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Professional guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese
- Camping equipment (tents and sleeping mats)
- Porters and muleteers to carry the equipment
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Hotel night in Aguas Calientes (day 3)
Not included
- Sleeping bag (available for rent in Cusco)
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Lunch and dinner on day 4 in Aguas Calientes
- Snacks and drinks other than the meals included
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides, porters and cooks (optional)
Frequently asked questions
1. Is acclimatization required before the Lares Trek?
Yes. We highly recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before starting the Lares Trek. It helps you adapt to the altitude and avoid discomfort.
2. How difficult is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Lares Trek is a moderate trek with some steep sections, especially near Ipsay Pass. Good preparation and a slow pace make it manageable for most hikers.
3. What is the highest point on the Lares Trek?
The highest point is Ipsay Pass, at 4,400 m, with stunning views of the Andes and nearby lakes. If you’re looking for a more remote challenge after Lares, consider hiking to Choquequirao, another impressive Inca site.
4. Do I need a permit for the Lares Trek?
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek does not require a special hiking permit. You only need an entrance ticket for Machu Picchu, which is included.
5. Is the Lares Trek less crowded than the Inca Trail?
Yes. The Lares route is ideal for travelers looking for a quieter experience: you walk through remote villages, far from tourist crowds and busy trails.
6. Can I combine the Lares Trek with a visit to Machu Picchu?
Yes, it’s already included. The Lares Trek ends with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes and a guided visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.
7. What kind of accommodation is included during the trek?
During the trek you camp in scenic spots near Andean villages. On the third night you stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
8. Are meals included during the Lares Trek?
Yes. Nutritious Andean meals are prepared by a cook who travels with the group. All meals during the trek are included, with vegetarian options available.
9. What should I pack for the Lares Trek?
Pack warm clothes, a sleeping bag, hiking boots and a reusable water bottle. Temperatures on the Lares Trek can vary greatly between day and night.
10. Is drinking water available during the Lares Trek?
Yes, boiled or filtered water is provided at meals. We also recommend bringing water purification tablets for extra peace of mind.
11. Are guides provided for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
Yes. A professional guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese accompanies you throughout the Lares Trek and during your visit to Machu Picchu, sharing history and cultural insights.
12. Is travel insurance required for this trek?
It isn’t mandatory, but we strongly recommend travel insurance for any multi-day trek in the Andes, including the Lares Trek and extensions to Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain.
13. What makes the Lares Trek unique compared to other hikes?
The Lares Trek stands out for its cultural immersion. You walk through Quechua communities and learn firsthand about traditional weaving and life in the highlands.
14. Is altitude sickness common on the Lares Trek?
Yes, especially near Ipsay Pass. We recommend arriving in Cusco a few days early and drinking coca tea to adapt before starting the Lares route to Machu Picchu.
15. What is the best time of year for the Lares Trek?
The dry season (May to September) is the best time for the Lares Trek, with clear skies and safer trails. These are also the best months to visit Machu Picchu.
16. Can children or older adults do the Lares Trek?
Yes, as long as they are in good health. The Lares Trek suits active families and older travelers looking for a culturally rich alternative to the Inca Trail.
17. Can I rent trekking equipment in Cusco for the Lares Trek?
Yes, you can rent sleeping bags, trekking poles and other gear in Cusco. Contact us before your trip if you need anything.
18. How long does it take to reach Machu Picchu from the last camp?
After camping in Patacancha, you head to Ollantaytambo, take the train to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu early the next morning.
19. Is the Lares Trek suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. Solo travelers often join our small groups on the Lares Trek. It’s a great way to meet people while safely experiencing remote areas of the Andes.
20. Can I extend my trip after the Lares Trek to visit other places?
Of course. Many travelers add a day hike to Rainbow Mountain or even a multi-day trek to Choquequirao after finishing the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
21. How do we get to the start of the Lares Trek?
We drive about 3.5 hours from Cusco to the town of Lares, where the hike begins. Transport from Cusco and the return transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco are included.
22. Do we visit the Lares hot springs?
Yes. On day one, after the drive from Cusco, you have time to enjoy the Lares hot springs and have lunch by the thermal pools before hiking to Huacawasi.
23. Which meals are not included on the Lares Trek?
All meals during the trek are included. Lunch and dinner on day four in Aguas Calientes are not, so bring some cash for them.
Recommendations and what to bring
What to bring
- Layered trekking clothing: warm layers for cold nights and lighter clothing for the day.
- Warm hat, gloves and scarf, especially for Ipsay Pass.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat.
- Reusable water bottle and energy snacks.
- Small daypack (porters carry the heavy equipment).
- Swimsuit and a small towel for the Lares hot springs.
- Your original passport, needed for the train and the Machu Picchu entrance.
- Some cash in soles for lunch and dinner on day 4 and small purchases.
Recommended footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots with good grip, ideal for mountainous and uneven terrain.
Local remedies
- Coca tea: very helpful to prevent altitude sickness, especially before crossing Ipsay Pass.
- Coca or muña candies: useful to keep your energy up while hiking.
Medication (consult your doctor)
- Acetazolamide (Diamox) to prevent altitude sickness; consult your doctor before using it.
- Pain relievers for headaches or muscle aches.
Possible issues during the tour
- Altitude sickness: mild symptoms are common, especially when crossing Ipsay Pass. Acclimatize before the trek and drink coca tea.
- Fatigue: the trek is moderately demanding, so go at your own pace and rest as needed.
- Dehydration: even when it’s cold, drink enough water to stay hydrated.
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