4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha

Begin your adventure with an early 5:00 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel. After a scenic drive to Huaran, enjoy breakfast and meet your trekking team. The trek starts with a gradual 3-hour ascent through lush landscapes until reaching the remote village of Cancha Cancha (3,900 m / 12,800 ft).

Lunch is served along the river en route, offering the perfect energy boost. Cancha Cancha is a truly traditional Andean community, accessible only by foot and only recently connected to electricity. After settling in your tent and having afternoon tea, you’ll visit a local family to gain insight into daily village life. Dinner is followed by a chance to learn about Inca constellations from your guide.

• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
• Approx. Time: 3.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accommodation: Campsite with basic restroom facilities
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani

Wake up to a warm beverage before breakfast and get ready for the most challenging day of the trek. Hike northeast for about 7 hours, crossing the Pachacutec Pass (4,500 m / 14,800 ft), the highest point of the trek.

The route offers spectacular vistas of glaciers, remote lakes, and alpine valleys, with chances to spot Andean wildlife like Caracara falcons. The descent leads you to the Quiswarani campsite (3,700 m / 12,139 ft), passing locals in traditional dress tending their llamas and alpacas. You’ll also see the “seven waterfalls” before reaching camp, where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and rest under the stars.

• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Approx. Time: 7 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodation: Campsite with restroom facilities
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Day 3: Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today begins with a 3-hour hike to the Willqaqasa Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), offering panoramic views of the Colquecruz and Pitusiray mountains. Descend through pristine lakes and highland fields to the Cuncani community.

After interacting with local children at their school, a vehicle takes you through the fertile Lares Valley to the renowned Lares Hot Springs (3,100 m / 10,170 ft). Soak in the thermal baths and enjoy lunch. Say farewell to your trekking team before transferring to Ollantaytambo. After dinner, board the train to Aguas Calientes and check in at your hotel.

• Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
• Approx. Time: 6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accommodation: 3☆ Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco

Start your day with an early breakfast and bus ride to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise over the citadel. You will enter based on your pre-booked circuit and schedule—we always prioritize Circuit 2, offering the most complete visit.

Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour exploring the agricultural, residential, and religious sectors of Machu Picchu. Afterward, you may choose an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability).

Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), and then board your Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 PM.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Meals: Breakfast