Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Wacawasi (L, D)

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the Lares valley where we will stop at the local hot springs – the starting point of our trek. Hop in for a dip if you like (optional – entrance fee not included) than meet our horseman and horses as we begin our ascent from behind the hot springs to Wacawasi, an Andean village, and our destination for tonight.

Day 2: Wacawasi – Ipsaycocha (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll spend the day ascending to the Abra Ipsay pass (15,000ft). This is the treks most challenging day, but full of gorgeous views of the valleys, lakes and glacier-capped mountains. After topping the pass, we’ll take in the panoramic landscape and appreciate what the days hike has afforded us, as we make our way downhill to our campsite at Ipsaycocha.

Day 3: Ipsaycocha – Patacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (B, L)

The challenging part of the hike over with; we will head down into the valley until we arrive at the village of Patacancha – an important farming community for the area. We will walk through this local communities to the end of our hike where our transportation will be waiting for us to take us to the ancient Inca town of Ollantaytambo. After exploring the town and grabbing lunch, we will catch a train to Aguas Calientes. This is the closest access point to Machu Picchu, where you will overnight in a hotel and can enjoy a hot shower.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco (B)

If you want to see the sunrise from the sun gate (weather and your entrance ticket time permitting), we’ll get up early and make our way to the overlook so you see the citadel of Machu Picchu materialize on the horizon! Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will give you a tour of the complex. After the tour, if you have booked permits to climb Huayna Picchu peak or the Machu Picchu mountain (both optional) we will make our way to the respective gates. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll still have additional time to explore Machu Picchu. Your guide will let you know when you need to be back so you can catch your transfers to Ollantaytambo and Cusco.

Note: The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain entrance fees are not included in this tour and you must inform us in advance if you are interested – so we can purchase the tickets for you. There are limited permits provided each day by the Peruvian government and it is common for them to sell out. Also if you want to spend another day in Machu Picchu – just let us know. It is easy to extend your tour an extra day.

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: Included

• Fluent English/Spanish guide that is very knowledgeable of the surrounding region and its customs.
• Private transfer from and to your hotel.
• Pre-departure briefing at your hotel the night before your trek.
• All train and bus fares.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Camping equipment, dining tents with tables and chairs, where you enjoy delicious meals, camping tents to sleep.  (We will provide a list of items you should bring when you book).
• Portable toilet
• You have a daily meals, breakfast, lunch or box lunch depending  on the schedule and dinner. Water, tea and coffee are including with the meals.
• Porters who will carry the gear & cook
• Sleeping Thermarest, but sleeping bag you need to bring with you or you can rent it from us.
• Overnight lodging in Aguas Calientes at 3 star hotel.
• Our rent prices for equipments;
• Sleeping bag 15 $
• Walking Sticks 12 $

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: Not Included

• Meals which are not referenced in the itinerary.
• Alcohol drinks
• Sleeping bag
• Travel Insurance
• Tips for your guide are not included and are optional

Note: The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain entrance fees are not included in this tour and you must inform us in advance if you are interested – so we can purchase the tickets for you. There are limited permits provided each day by the Peruvian government and it is common for them to sell out. Also if you want to spend another day in Machu Picchu – just let us know. It is easy to extend your tour an extra day.

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: Pricing

Pricing is primarily dependent on how many people are in your group. The amounts listed below are general rates so you can get an idea of how much things cost. These rates may go up or down based on a few different things (we’ve listed some common items below). When you reach out to request a booking, we will give you a specific rate quote at that time.

1-2: $1799

3-4: $1329

5-6: $1129

7-8: $1029

9+:  $999

We recommend to take

• Original passport (International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
• Sleeping bag suitable for temperature of trip
• Day backpack for things needed during the day
• Comfortable walking boots
• Rain Gear: poncho/a good rain jacket for wet season
• Canteen or camel back
• Warm jacket for cool evenings
• Woolen sweater or fleece
• Trousers, one waterproof of one normal
• Shorts
• T-shirts or light cotton shirts
• Hat with brim
• Walking pool
• Flash light/head torch (the campsite has its own light but you will need this in your tent
• Personal medications
• Insect repellent
• Sun screen
• Binoculars, camera and film
• Extra money for drinks, tips, souvenirs etc (soles or dollars)
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries
• Travel insurance is essential
• Plastic bag for wet or dirty clothes.