Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Tours, Peru Tours

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers a combination of stunning scenery, traditional cultures, and Machu Picchu on the 4th day. The trek will take you through overwhelming mountain scenery, high passes, and you will spend 2 nights near the traditional Andean villages. Day 4 you will see the treasures of Machu Picchu with your experimented guide. The Lares Trek is one of the main alternatives to the Inca Trail, this trek is slightly shorter & higher in altitude that the Inca Trail.

• Duration: 4 days/3 nights.
• Starting point: Cusco/Calca/Lares.
• Ending point: Machu Picchu/Cusco.
• Physical Demands Rating: Moderate.
• Age Restriction: 12 years old.
• Trip Code: MTS - 005.
• Tour Type: Trekking, Cultural, Adventure.
• Accommodation: Camping/2 nights/Hotel.
• Service Level: Standard - Deluxe.
• Guarantee: Departure is Guaranteed.
• Style: Personalized.
• Carbon Emissions: 350 CO2-E.
• Group Size: 2 Minimum, 10 Maximum.
• Transport: Train, walk, Mini-Van.
• *Price From: US$

Lares Valley trek Map

Lares trek to Machu Picchu itinerary :

1st day: Cusco – Huaca Casi Paso – Lares Thermal Baths  – Huacawasi

We will leave Cusco towards Lares at about 7:00AM by bus. During this trip, we will pass several archaeological sites and handicraft markets in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In the province of Calca (2,940m/9,646ft) we will first head for the Huaca Casi Paso (4,400m/14,436ft) and then descend to the thermal baths of Lares (3,200m/10,499ft). Here we will have some time to relax in the pools between 28-36 degrees Cº/82-97 degrees Fº. After lunch, we will continue our journey towards Huacawasi (3,600m/11,811ft) where our campingsite is situated.

Transport time: 4 hours.
Hiking time: 3 hours in cold climate.

2nd day: Huaca Wasi – Sipsay Pass – Patacancha

The second day is possibly the most beautiful one. After breakfast, we will start a 4-hour hike up to the Sipsay Pass (4,400m/14,436ft). Up there, we will visit some families that live from agriculture and textile design, inspired by their Andean gods. Thereafter, we will head down to the village of Patacancha (3,650m/11,975ft), our camping site.
Hiking time: 7 hours; climate: cold.

3rd day: Patacancha – Willoq – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

The third day is also spectacular; we will visit several communities and native towns such as Willoq (3,400masl./11,156feet), Pumamarca (3,200m/10,499ft) and Ollantaytambo (2,850m/9,350ft) whereas the latter is considered to be the last citadel of the Incas, constructed according to Inca architecture. From Ollantaytambo we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2,050m/6,726ft) where we will spend the night in an hotel.
Hiking time: approx. 6 hours.

4th day: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30AM and head for Machu Picchu (2,400m/7,874ft) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00AM. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information about life & culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu & Wayna Picchu (2,750m/9,022ft) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55PM or at 6:10PM. Until then, you will have time for lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.
Hiking time: 02 hours.

Included :

• Transportation.
• Transport from the hotel to Lares Valley.
• Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Tourist train Aguas Calientes-Cusco/Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo & bus to Cusco.
• Entrance to the thermal baths in the Lares Valley.
• Entrance to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
• Hotel room with private bathroom in Aguas Calientes (Tourist Category).
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish & English).
• High-quality camping equipment (Pro tents: Doite Cima 4, extralight-4,5kg for 2 people), mattresses, eating tent with table & chairs, bathroom tent.
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & snacks/Vegetarian option).
• Cook and cooking equipment.
• Horseman & mules for all camping & personal equipment (up to 7 kg).
• Emergency horse (minimum 2 persons).
• First-aid kit, including Oxygen bottle & safety rope.

Not included :

• Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
• Sleeping bag (if you don't have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting one).
• Lodging in Cusco.

Lodging & Prices : Our team of travel consultants has carefully selected the Hotels based on their excellent value and high standards. (Lower Prices + Top Service = Best Value). We can book any hotel for you at competitive rates, but published prices are based on the Qeros Tours Peru Top Hotel Picks.   

Occupancy Hotel Category

Double/triple               Tourist 2-star                 Superior 3-star                Deluxe 4/5-star

Price From:                   000 SS$                         000 SS$                           000 SS$

What makes this trip responsible ?

Environmental Impact

Qeros Tours Team is promoting the environment conservation in the Inca Trail and in other trails to Machu Picchu. We operate a minimal impact policy in our Peruvian trips, this can include different cooking methods, packing out the group waste, and taking less invasive routes. On all of our Inca Trail trips, 100% of the group waste is removed and in many other trips, all non-biodegradable waste is removed and we never build fires at our campsites. Also, all of our guides will talk about the local environment conservation and some of the challenges facing it. All the guides work  to minimize the group's impact to share their knowledge of it. Our camp staff, porters, cooks & mule wranglers where used are paid their wages and receive all accommodations, transport & food. Regular training courses about cultural & environment conservation are held for all the staff.

Community Projects

We contribute directly to many community projects in the Cusco region. Last year we have been responsible for the organization of one medical mission in the traditional village of Cacacollo located on the Sacred Valley (Pisac), giving medical attention to 1,000 locals with the cooperation of Orange Adventist Medical Mission-USA. We are promoting the local & traditional textile & handicrafts market with the local people of Cacacollo, inviting our customers to visit that market and help the economy of the locals.

Please, feel free to ask about our volunteering programs and social projects that you could visit on your trip, and if/how you could help support them.

How difficult is the trek ?
We recommend that trekkers have a good physical health and a taste for adventure. The level of enjoyment that clients get out of the alternative treks depends on numerous facts, such as the amount of time you have had to properly acclimatize to high altitudes before departing, your age, your general fitness level and your trekking experience.

How far in advance should we reserve our trekking tours ?

We recommend that you make a reservation for the Inca Trail treks as far in advance as possible. We suggest booking 4-6 weeks in advance.

Will we need any documentation in order to get on the trail ?

Yes, the documents which you used to book the trip can be made with personal IDs such as original passports (preferred).

What is the situation with drinking water during the trek ?

The water is collected from local streams and is boiled throughout the trip. You can also buy water purification tablets. Another option would be to buy mineral water for the trek in Cusco and bring it with you (but that will add some weight to your luggage) or buy mineral water on the trail, that will be a little more expensive.

Is there a toilet tent and shower ?

Yes, there is a toilet tent for all the alternative Inca Trail routes but on the Classic Inca Trail, at all campsites there are public toilets that you can use. All campsites have cold shower with only the last campsite at Wiñaywayna having warm showers for a small additional cost.

How much luggage can I bring on the trek ?

For the trekking tours you should only take the items you are willing to carry during the hike. Other belongings can be left in storage in your hotel in Cusco. Horses will carry the provided equipment such as the tent, while you are responsible for your sleeping bag, clothing & other personal items. You are able to hire an extra horse to carry your belongings up to the weight of 20 kg.

How many other travelers can we expect will be on the Inca Trail with us ?  How many support people (porters, cooks, guides) in total ?

The maximum number of people in a group is 10. There is one guide & assistant for every group and 1 cook, 5 horses & 2 Emergency horses. The majority of the people on the trail are not trekkers, but the support team of guides, porters, horsemen & cooks.

Is it customary to tip the guides & porters ?  If so, how much is recommended ?

Again, it depends on the number of people that are going to be on the trek and it is also very hard to estimate the proper tip that you could give. On the last night of your trek, there is a tipping custom; all the hikers put their tips together and give them to the guide. The guide will then distribute that money among all the Inca Trail personnel. We advise anything from $10 to $40 per hiker but you should only tip according to the level of service you believe you have received.

I was going to bring just a small backpack for my 5 days in Peru. Please let me know the minimum amount of clothing & items I can bring.  I don't want to overpack ?

You are able to leave the majority of your personal belongings in storage at your Cusco hotel, so you only need to carry what you need for the trail. If you only have a suitcase, you can rent a backpack for the trail.

List of recommended Inca Trail clothing items :

Head: a hat to protect you from the sun, a knitted hat for the cold nights & mornings, sunglasses, sunblock, lip cream (Chap Stick).
Upper Body: 3-4 T-shirts (1 for hiking, 1 for sleeping, 1 for emergency), 1 good warm all-terrain sweater/jacket for cold weather, 1 thick sweater for sleeping, insect repellent, gloves/mittens for your hands.
Lower Body: 1 pair of hiking pants (old comfortable jeans are fine; the lighter the better), 1 pair of shorts (not necessary but comfortable), 1 pair of sweatpants for sleeping, socks (important; 4 pairs of socks, always try to keep dry, clean socks for sleeping), Band-aids (or special blister aids) for your feet (better safe than sorry), comfortable sneakers or hiking boots.

How much does it cost to rent equipment ?

There are two types of sleeping bags for rent :

A feathered type costing $ 5,00 per day.
There are two types of backpacks available for rent, a 35-liter & a 40-liter available for $4,00 per day.

You can also hire an extra horse for the duration of the trek for $20 per day to carry your bag up to the weight of 20kg.

Rentals can be arranged by your travel advisor. Other equipment you might want to rent such as boots, flashlights & coats can be arranged in Cusco.

Is it possible to walk from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes instead of the bus ?  If there is a road, how far is it ?

Yes, it's possible; you can follow the same road as the bus and it will take you about 40 minutes to go down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

What are the restrictions on access to Huayna Picchu ?

Only 400 people a day are allowed on the short trail, with access from inside Machu Picchu itself. From 7AM to 9AM, 200 people can enter and then another 200 at 10AM. Entrance is on a first come-first serve basis.

Are there any ATMs ?

Yes. It is best to get the money you want from Cusco and you'll find them around Plaza de Armas inside some stores & shops. ATMs are widely available in Peru and most hotels & restaurants accept payment by credit card as long as you can also show your passport/ID.

What sort of food can I expect on the trail ?

Each tour is accompanied by a chef who will prepare all your meals for you. The food is hearty, plentiful & filling to keep you energized for the journey. Please notify us if you have any special requirements. Below, find an example menu for the trek :