4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco

A Closer Look at the 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

This 4-day, 3-night journey takes you along the less-crowded Lares route, starting in Cusco and culminating at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Priced at $847 per person, this trip is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic Andean experience, with small-group tours averaging just 4 people, ensuring personalized attention from guides. It’s a well-rounded package that includes hotel pickup, camping nights, a night in Aguas Calientes, and all the necessary transportation—train, bus, and hiking transfers.

What we love most about this tour is first, its focus on local culture and community visits—meeting families and sharing in their daily life adds an invaluable touch to the trek. Second, the delicious, fresh meals prepared by local cooks truly stand out, making the long days more enjoyable. However, a potential consideration is the high-altitude hiking, which demands good physical fitness and proper gear. This adventure suits those who are comfortable with moderate physical activity and yearn for a more off-the-beaten-path route compared to the busy Inca Trail.

If you’re keen on scenic mountain vistas, authentic local encounters, and don’t mind the physical challenge, this trek offers a meaningful way to connect with Peru’s highlands. It’s especially fitting for travelers who appreciate small groups and personalized service, seeking a genuine experience rather than a cookie-cutter tour.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Travel through rural communities and meet local families along the trail.
• Small Group: Tours average just 4 travelers, ensuring a more intimate journey.
• Cultural Insights: Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience educational and fun.
• Scenic Highlights: Expect glaciers, high mountain passes, native crop plantations, and llamas and alpacas grazing.
• Inclusive Meals & Camping: Enjoy flavorful Peruvian dishes prepared fresh, with vegetarian options available.
• Active but Rewarding: Good physical fitness is needed, but the stunning views and cultural riches make it worthwhile.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Cusco to Wakawasi — First Step into the Andes

The adventure kicks off early, with hotel pickup around 6:00 am. After a bus transfer from Cusco to Lares Town (at about 2,900 meters altitude), you’ll have a chance to soak in the hot springs (for a small extra fee), which provides a relaxing start to the trek. We loved how the hot springs offer a soothing break before the physical activity begins.

From Lares, your guide leads you on a 6-hour hike, with zigzagging paths up to Wakawasi (3,850 meters). During this ascent, you’ll enjoy views of glaciers, local wildlife, and Andean communities. It’s an impressive introduction to the rugged beauty of the region. Along the way, you get to meet local families living in harmony with nature—a highlight that adds depth and authenticity.

The campsite at Wakawasi affords a chance to connect with local people, which many reviews praise as a core part of this experience. The camping gear provided includes a basic mattress and tent, ensuring comfort without luxury. Our review echoes the sentiment that this part of the trek offers a real taste of rural life.

Day 2: Over Ipsayccocha Pass to Patacancha — Climbing and Cultural Encounters

Day two is packed with activity. The morning begins with a 4-hour uphill climb over Ipsayccocha Pass (4,400 meters), offering panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment. We appreciated the way the guide kept spirits high, sharing insights about the landscape and local traditions.

After crossing the pass, a 40-minute downhill walk brings you to a lakeside lunch spot, where you can enjoy the tranquility of mountain waters. The next stretch is about 3 hours to reach Patacancha (3,800 meters), where you’ll set up camp amid llamas and alpacas grazing freely.

This day is challenging but rewarding, with native crop plantations adding a touch of local livelihood to the scenery. Reviewers mention that the landscapes are simply stunning, with some noting it was their favorite part of the trek. The physical effort is balanced by the chance to relax amidst nature and take in the views.

Day 3: Trek to Ollantaytambo and Train to Aguas Calientes

Day three involves a 4-hour walk from Patacancha to Ollantaytambo, a charming town with Inca ruins and a lively market. We loved the way the trail winds through local villages and fields, giving a real sense of community life. After a hearty lunch, you hop on a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at Machu Picchu’s doorstep.

Spending the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes allows you to rest and prepare for the early start the next day. During free time, you can explore the town’s cafes, shops, or just relax after three days of trekking.

Day 4: Machu Picchu — The Grand Finale

Travel early with one of the first buses (around 5:30 am) up to Machu Picchu, arriving just as the morning mist lifts—an unforgettable sight. Your guide leads a 2-hour tour, highlighting the most important sites and sharing stories behind the stones. Afterward, you’re free to explore the ruins further or hike Huayna Picchu (extra cost, must be booked in advance) for a different vantage point.

We loved the way the early morning timing gives you a nearly private experience of Machu Picchu, with fewer crowds and the chance to soak in the serene atmosphere. Returning to Aguas Calientes by bus, you can visit the local market before catching the train back to Ollantaytambo and then a bus to Cusco.

Transportation & Logistics: What Matters to You

The tour includes round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which offers a scenic and comfortable ride through the mountains. The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is also included, making the logistics seamless. The group size, with an average of 4 travelers, ensures you’re not lost in a crowd; it also allows your guide to give personalized attention.

The camping nights are well-organized, with horses carrying most of the gear, leaving you free to enjoy the trek without heavy loads. The meals—noted for their quality—are homemade by local cooks and cater to vegetarians if requested in advance, adding to the authentic feel.

Physical Requirements and Preparation

This trek isn’t for everyone. It requires moderate physical fitness due to the high altitudes (up to 4,400 meters) and the length of hikes each day. The reviews mention that good preparation and warm gear are essential, as the weather can be cold, especially at higher elevations.

Value for Money

At $847, this tour packs a lot into four days. You’re getting transportation, guided hikes, meals, camping gear, and a Machu Picchu tour—all part of a small-group experience. Many travelers note that the quality of food and guides elevates the value, making it more than just a hiking trip but a cultural journey.

Authenticity and Unique Features

What sets this trek apart is its focus on local culture. Meeting Andean families and witnessing their day-to-day life adds a richness you won’t find on more commercial routes. The hot springs in Lares provide a relaxing start, and the chance to see glaciers and native wildlife makes for stunning visuals at every turn.

The guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, which enhances the experience and ensures you get the most out of each stop. One reviewer pointed out that guide Percy was “very experienced, funny, helpful and considerate,” which highlights the importance of good leadership on a multi-day trek.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This journey is definitely for travelers seeking a less commercialized, more intimate experience of the Andes. You’ll appreciate the authentic interactions with local people and the chance to see unspoiled scenery. If you’re comfortable with some physical exertion at high altitudes, this trek offers a great mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

It’s ideal for those who want a small-group experience, with a focus on cultural engagement and scenic vistas. If you’re after luxury, this might not be the best fit, but for a genuine, well-organized adventure that values authenticity and connection, it’s an excellent choice.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
The minimum age is 7 years old, and the trek requires moderate physical effort at high altitudes. Travelers should have good physical fitness, so it’s best for active children and adults comfortable with hiking.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transport from Cusco, camping gear, meals for all days, guides, train and bus tickets, a night in Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu entrance fees. Extras like hot springs or optional hikes at Machu Picchu are not included.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
The tour provides camping equipment, but you should bring essentials like warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots, sun protection, and personal medications. You can rent a sleeping bag for $15 if needed.

How physically demanding is the trek?
The trek is challenging because of high-altitude hiking and long walking hours each day, often exceeding 6 hours. Good physical condition and acclimatization are recommended.

Can I customize my trip?
Extras like extending your stay in Aguas Calientes or hiking Huayna Picchu require advance booking and extra costs. The tour offers a structured itinerary, but some flexibility exists with optional activities.

What if I want to visit Machu Picchu’s mountains or additional sites?
Optional hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available at extra cost, but must be booked well in advance due to limited permits.

Final Thoughts

Choosing this Lares Trek to Machu Picchu means embracing an adventure that’s as much about cultural discovery as breathtaking scenery. It’s a fantastic way to step off the usual tourist trail, meet local families, and enjoy scenic vistas without the crowds. The focus on authentic local interactions, delicious food, and expert guiding makes this a trip to remember.

While it involves some physical effort and altitude challenges, the reward is a deepened appreciation for the Peruvian Andes and the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu. Perfect for travelers who want a genuine, well-organized experience with a small group, this tour offers incredible value for those ready to hike, learn, and explore.

Additional Information & Tips

• Be prepared with warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots.
• Book optional activities like Huayna Picchu in advance.
• Carry extra cash for tips, snacks, and souvenirs.
• Pack a personal first aid kit and essentials like passport, sunscreen, and water bottles.
• Remember the pre-departure briefing in Cusco for detailed packing lists and instructions.

This trek isn’t just about getting to Machu Picchu; it’s about connecting with the land, culture, and history of the Andes—an experience worth every step.