Duration: 3 days From $ USD 450.00
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3 days / 2 nights
The Lares Trek 3 Days is one of the most enriching short trekking experiences from Cusco, Peru — ideal for travelers who want to combine breathtaking Andean landscapes with deep cultural immersion. This three-day adventure takes you beyond the tourist routes into the heart of the Lares Valley, where ancient traditions, remote villages, and mountain life remain beautifully preserved.
Following high-altitude trails and historic mule paths, this trek leads through fertile valleys, snow-capped peaks, and quiet Andean communities where weaving, farming, and daily life still follow centuries-old customs. Every step reveals a more authentic side of Peru, making this route perfect for travelers seeking meaningful connections as well as scenic beauty.
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Cusco into the high Andes, where sweeping views of glacial mountains and terraced hillsides set the tone for the adventure ahead. Once on the trail, you’ll hike through river valleys and mountain passes that showcase the rugged grandeur of the region, with endless opportunities for photography and reflection.
One of the highlights of the Lares Trek 3 Days is the chance to relax in the famous Lares hot springs. Surrounded by towering peaks, these natural thermal pools provide the perfect moment to unwind, soothe tired muscles, and enjoy a unique blend of wellness and adventure in the Andes.
Throughout the trek, experienced local guides enrich the journey with stories of Andean cosmology, traditional agriculture, and the spiritual significance of the mountains. Their knowledge transforms the hike into a cultural exploration, giving you a deeper understanding of the people and landscapes you pass through.
By the final day, you’ll return to Cusco carrying memories of dramatic scenery, warm community encounters, and a rewarding sense of discovery. Whether you are a first-time trekker, a culture lover, or an experienced traveler seeking a shorter yet powerful adventure, the Lares Trek 3 Days offers a truly unforgettable journey through the Sacred Andes.
Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the impressive Pisac archaeological site
Hike through the remote and beautiful Wakawasi Valley, home to traditional Andean communities
Cross high mountain passes like Walcapunku (4,500 m) and Wawaqasa Pass (4,500 m)
Enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and deep Andean valleys
Visit pristine lagoons such as Yuracocha and Auraycocha
Experience authentic Quechua culture, local farming traditions, and weaving communities
Spot native Andean wildlife and birds along the trail
Combine trekking with comfort by traveling by train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Town
Witness Machu Picchu at sunrise with a guided 2.5-hour tour
Optional hikes to Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or Huayna Picchu
A perfect blend of cultural trekking, high-mountain adventure, and world-class archaeology
At 5 AM, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in a private vehicle. Along the way, we’ll stop at the main entrance of the valley to take photos of the breathtaking scenery.
Next, we’ll visit the Pisac archaeological complex, located in the mountains, to explore Inca architecture and enjoy stunning views. This is your chance to see the Old Inca Tawantisuyo Cemetery with 5000 tombs, agricultural terraces on the mountain edge, the Temple of the Sun, Intiwatana, and other mysterious structures.
You’ll be able to appreciate the harmony the Incas had with nature as we visit Calca, where we’ll make any necessary purchases for the trek. From there, we’ll take transport to the Walcapunku pass at 4500m for a panoramic view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
We’ll then descend to Chancachaca and begin our 3-hour hike through the Wakawasi Valley, ending at the Wakawasi Village, our first campsite.
Meals: Lunch, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping Altitude: 2,900 meters (minimum) to 3,800 meters (maximum) Distance: 12 kilometers Duration: Approximately 6 hours Difficulty: Medium level.
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set out early and ascend to the Wawaqasa Pass at 4500 meters above sea level, where we’ll take in breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and glacial lagoons.
Next, we’ll descend to the Yuracocha and Auraycocha lagoons, fed by melting ice and located at the peaks of Pumawanqa and Kiswarani. We’ll have lunch by the lagoons and spot various Andean bird species.
We’ll continue our journey through the Yanawara Gorge, home to farming communities, before taking a bus to Ollantaytambo. There, we’ll board the train to Machu Picchu Town, where we’ll spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Hotel Altitude: 3800 meters (minimum) to 4450 meters (maximum) Distance: 18 kilometers Duration: Approximately 9 hours Difficulty: Hard.
Begin the day with a pre-sunrise transfer to Machu Picchu Citadel to witness its beauty during sunrise before the crowds arrive. Your expert guide will lead a 2.5 hour tour, showcasing the most important areas of the sanctuary. Afterwards, you will have time to explore on your own, with options to visit the Puerta del Sol or climb Wayna Picchu (optional). In the afternoon, take the expedition train to Ollantaytambo and return to your hotel in Cusco via private transport.
Meals: breakfast Altitude range: 2000 to 2400 meters above sea level Difficulty level: easy
Discover the Valle de Lares hot springs and its quaint city, known for its stone houses with thatched roofs, herds of llamas and alpacas. Experience a moderately challenging hike through mountain villages at elevations over 4000 meters, offering views of snow-capped peaks such as Pitusiray, Sawasiray, and Chicon. Observe the Quechua-speaking indigenous people who grow potatoes and geese, and raise llamas and alpacas on the steep slopes of the high peaks. Valle de Lares in Calca Cusco is famous for its high-quality, colorful fabrics and distinctive hats, which are a popular tourist attraction. Note that the trek is moderate, similar to the 4-day/3-night Inca Trail, and acclimating to the altitude of over 4000 meters is important.
The Lares Trek is a 3-day hike through the remote and picturesque mountain villages of the Andes in Peru. This trail offers trekkers the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Quechua-speaking indigenous people and see the breathtaking beauty of the high Andes. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip and make the most of your experience on the Lares Trek:
In conclusion, the Lares Trek is a unique and rewarding experience that combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty. By following these tips and recommendations, you can make the most of your time on the trail and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Here is a list of suggested items to bring on the 3-day Lares Trek:
The Lares Trek 3 Days is a cultural and scenic trekking route through the Lares Valley and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, combining high-mountain hiking, traditional Andean villages, and a visit to Machu Picchu.
This trek is considered moderate to challenging, with high-altitude passes above 4,500 meters. It is suitable for travelers with good fitness and proper acclimatization in Cusco.
Yes. The final day includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu, arriving early in the morning for a 2.5-hour tour of the Inca citadel.
The highest point of the trek is Wawaqasa Pass at 4,500 meters (14,764 ft).
This route focuses more on high-mountain trekking and cultural villages, but travelers can still experience the spirit of the Lares Valley, known for its thermal baths in nearby areas.
You will hike through snow-capped mountains, alpine valleys, glacial lagoons, Andean farmlands, and remote villages before reaching Machu Picchu.
The Lares Trek offers a less crowded and more cultural alternative to the Inca Trail, with higher passes and deeper community interaction.
Yes. We strongly recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek due to the high altitude.
It is suitable for active travelers with good fitness. First-time trekkers should have prior acclimatization and be prepared for long hiking days.
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The best experiences in the Peruvian Andes
Real contact with the people of the Andean region
We believe in respect for the environment and its importance in our travels.
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