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PT4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: Cultural & Mountain Expedition
The 4-Day Lares Trek is the definitive mountain pilgrimage for the traveler who shuns the crowded feel of standard trails. At Via Inca Travel, we have re-engineered this high-altitude circuit into an authentic cultural immersion through the Quishuarani to Cancha Cancha corridor, a path frozen in time.
As local masters and owners, we balance the raw beauty of the 4,700m Pachacutec Pass with thoughtful mountain logistics and small-group care. This is the authentic soul of the Andes, combining thermal volcanic waters, remote Quechua weaving communities, and the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
Tour Details
Tour Summary: Lares Trek 4 Days
A 33km (20.5 miles) cultural mountain trek transitioning from volcanic thermal waters and alpine passes to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
- Day 01: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Quishuarani. Early pickup in Cusco (~5:00 AM), drive to Lares Thermal Baths, lunch, hike through the Kiswarani valley past Seven Waterfalls, and camp at Quishuarani Quechua community.
- Day 02: Quishuarani – Pachacutec Pass (4,700m) – Cancha Cancha. High-altitude trek crossing Pachacutec Pass (15,420 ft / 4,700 m), views of Coylaycocha glacial lakes, and descent to Cancha Cancha traditional stone-hut village.
- Day 03: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes. Descent through Polylepis forests to Huaran valley, transport to Ollantaytambo living Incan town, afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, and hotel stay.
- Day 04: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Citadel Tour – Return to Cusco. Early morning Consettur bus up to Machu Picchu, 2.5-hour guided Citadel tour, return train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer back to Cusco.
Inclusions Highlight: Hotel pickup in Cusco, tourist transport, certified mountain guide, arrieros and pack horses for camp gear, 4-season tents, mountain meals, Lares hot springs fee, hotel in Aguas Calientes, Consettur bus, and return train ticket.
Detailed Lares Trek 4 Days Itinerary
Our native guides do not simply recite dates from guidebooks. They share ancient Andean legends, architectural secrets, and cultural depth that bring every stone site to life.
Our expedition kicks off at 5:00 AM with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We traverse the Sacred Valley and ascend over mountain passes to reach the natural Lares Hot Springs (10,662 ft / 3,250 m). These natural volcanic pools are rich in minerals like sulfur and lithium, offering a relaxing thermal soak before beginning our mountain trek. While you relax in the baths, our chef prepares a delicious local lunch.
Following lunch, we meet our local arrieros (horsemen) and begin a steady 3-hour hike through the Kiswarani Valley. The trail winds past the Seven Waterfalls, a series of glacial cascades feeding the valley floor, where herds of alpacas and llamas graze in open pastures. We arrive at our campsite in Quishuarani (12,139 ft / 3,700 m), a traditional Quechua community where local weavers preserve ancient textile traditions using natural dyes. Enjoy a warm mountain dinner and stargazing under the clear Andean sky.
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Campsite Elevation: 3,700m / 12,139ft
We wake up at dawn with hot coca tea brought to your tent. Today is the physical highlight of the trek as we tackle the mountain ascent toward the highest pass. Pacing ourselves carefully, we hike for approximately 4 hours through alpine Puna grasslands and glacial moraines.
We conquer the Pachacutec Pass (15,420 ft / 4,700 m), rewarded with dramatic 360-degree views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray and Sawasiray, along with the turquoise glacial waters of Coylaycocha Lake below. After a traditional Andean offering ceremony to the Apu mountain spirits, we begin a 3-hour descent down into the valley to our second campsite at Cancha Cancha (12,303 ft / 3,750 m), a remote village where local families reside in traditional stone huts with thatched roofs.
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours | Max Elevation: 4,700m / 15,420ft
The mountain air grows warmer today as we descend for 4 hours through the Huaran Valley. As the elevation drops, the landscape transitions from alpine slopes into native Polylepis (Queñua) forests and fertile agricultural terraces filled with giant white corn and vegetable crops.
We arrive at the village of Huaran (9,317 ft / 2,840 m) in the Sacred Valley, where our chef serves a fresh farm-to-table lunch. Afterwards, our private transport transfers us to Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft / 2,792 m), the continent’s only living Incan town. You will have time to explore its ancient cobblestone grid before boarding the afternoon scenic train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo – 6,692 ft / 2,040 m). Check-in at your selected partner hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Distance: 14 km trek + ground transport | Hiking Time: 4 hours | Hotel Elevation: 2,040m / 6,692ft
We wake up early to board the Consettur bus up the winding Hiram Bingham road to the sanctuary gates. Your university-licensed guide will lead a detailed 2 to 2.5-hour tour through the citadel, explaining Incan stone architecture, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana sundial, and the Sacred Plaza.
Note: Specific entry circuits (Circuit 1, 2, or 3) and entry time slots depend strictly on official government availability at the exact time of reservation. We strongly recommend booking as far in advance as possible to secure the best available route.
After the guided tour, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (optional, not included). You will then board your return train (Expedition or Vistadome) to Ollantaytambo, where our driver transfers you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding your 4-day Lares Trek expedition.
What’s Included in the 4-Day Lares Trek?
Total transparency is our rule. We deliver top-tier logistical services with zero hidden fees or surprise costs.
Included:
- Transfers & Ground Transport: Hotel pickup in Cusco, transport to Lares Hot Springs, transfer from Huaran to Ollantaytambo, Consettur bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, and return train ticket (Expedition/Voyager) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with transfer back to Cusco.
- Accommodation: 2 nights of camping (Quishuarani, Cancha Cancha) and 1 night standard room hotel stay in Aguas Calientes (subject to availability upon booking; if full, an equivalent category hotel will be assigned).
- Official Entry Permits: Official entrance permit to Machu Picchu citadel, Lares Thermal Baths entrance ticket, and Quechua community fees.
- Certified Local Guide: University-licensed English-speaking guide specialized in high-altitude trekking and Andean culture.
- Support Team: Professional arrieros and pack horses to carry camping gear, duffel bags (up to 7kg per person), and kitchen equipment.
- Camping Equipment: 4-season 3-person capacity tents (used for 2 people), foam sleeping mattresses, dining tent with tables and chairs, kitchen tent, and chemical toilet tent.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners freshly prepared by our mountain chef using local organic ingredients.
- Safety Equipment: First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency medical oxygen tanks.
- 24/7 Logistics Support: Real-time coordination from our local Cusco office throughout the trek.
Not Included:
- Accommodation in Cusco: Hotel stays before or after the trek.
- Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles: Available for rental upon request prior to departure.
- Unspecified Meals: Breakfast on Day 1, Dinner on Day 3, and Lunch/Dinner on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes.
- Gratuities: Optional tips for arrieros, chefs, and guides.
Tour Prices & Package Options
Personalize Your Experience: Select your preferred hotel and trek service option from the table below. Rates are per person in US Dollars (USD) for standard occupancy.
Group Trek (Shared Service)
Private Trek (Exclusive Service)
Popular Upgrades: Vistadome Train upgrade (+$50 per person), Sleeping bag rental (+$25), Trekking pole pair rental (+$20), Huayna Picchu Hike permit (+$75 per person).
Essential Trip Planning Information
Mandatory Acclimatization Strategy: Day 2 reaches an extreme elevation of 15,420 ft (4,700 m) at the Pachacutec Pass. We strongly require that travelers spend at least 2 to 3 days acclimatizing in Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,400 m) or the Sacred Valley prior to starting the trek.
Physical Pace & Cultural Immersion: The Lares Trek covers 33 km (20.5 miles) through high-altitude passes and remote mountain communities. Moderate to high physical fitness is recommended due to cold temperatures and steep stone paths.
Duffel Bag Weight Limit: Our pack horses will carry a duffel bag with your personal belongings up to 7 kg / 15 lbs per person (including your sleeping bag). Your main luggage remains stored safely at your Cusco hotel free of charge.
Weather & Cold Temperatures: Quishuarani and Cancha Cancha campsites are cold (freezing temperatures at night above 3,700m). Pack thermal base layers, a fleece jacket, a heavy down/waterproof coat, beanie, thermal gloves, swimwear (for Lares Hot Springs), and bring a cold-rated sleeping bag.
Train Luggage Rules: Trains from Aguas Calientes restrict carry-on luggage to 5 kg / 11 lbs per passenger. Your trek duffel bag will be transported accordingly.
