Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 3-Day

3 Days

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 3-Day

3 Days

3 Days from $ 550.00

Overview

This trek offers travelers the chance to explore remote Andean villages, pristine landscapes, and stunning mountain scenery while experiencing authentic Peruvian culture. Along the route, enjoy scenic trails, high-altitude passes, and breathtaking views before reaching the world-famous Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Perfect for adventure seekers and trekking enthusiasts, this Lares Trek combines nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences in a compact 4-day journey.

Highlights

Beautiful Mountain Views: Walk through the Andes Mountains and enjoy amazing scenery.
Meet Local People: Visit small Andean villages and see traditional Peruvian culture.
Fun Hiking: Enjoy a 3-day trek with easy to moderate hiking trails.
Nature and Wildlife: See birds, llamas, and stunning nature along the way.
Visit Machu Picchu: Finish at the famous Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Trip Details

Duration: 3 Days / 2Nights
Route: Lares Valley → Remote Andean villages → Machu Picchu
Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for beginners and experienced hikers
Altitude: Up to 4,400 m (Lares Pass)
Type of Trek: Guided hiking tour with cultural and nature experiences
Highlights: Scenic mountains, hot springs, traditional villages, local culture, wildlife, and breathtaking views
Accommodation: Mix of local lodges and guesthouses along the trek
Meals: Traditional Peruvian breakfasts and dinners included
Transportation: Private transfers from Cusco to Lares trailhead and from Machu Picchu to Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Suncani - Suncani pass - Huacawasi

At 6:00 AM, our private transfer will take you from Cusco to the Andean community of Cuncani (3,750 m) in the Lares Valley, the starting point of your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. On the way, we’ll visit the Calca local market, discovering fresh natural products from the heart of the Cusco region.

Cuncani is not only the trailhead but also a window into authentic Andean culture. From here, we’ll hike to the Cuncani Pass (4,200 m), where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Andes, rolling hills, and sparkling highland lakes. After reaching the pass, the trail descends to the community of Huacawasi (3,800 m), where we’ll immerse ourselves in local traditions, beliefs, and gastronomy, tasting the unique flavors of Peruvian Andean cuisine. Overnight will be in a rural community lodge or camping tents, offering a genuine community-based experience.

Andean Textile Art in Huacawasi
In Huacawasi, the community promotes a living model of sustainable tourism, highlighting the rich culture of the Peruvian Andes. Local women will introduce us to traditional Andean textile art, sharing techniques from shearing alpaca and llama wool to creating colorful textiles that reflect daily life and Andean cosmology. This hands-on experience is a friendly, educational, and meaningful way to support local entrepreneurship while connecting with the heritage of the Andes.

Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
Distance: 7kms
Time: 3.5hrs approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Huacawasi - Ipsay pass - Patacancha - Ollantaytambo - Agua Calientes

Today is the most challenging day of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. The trail climbs to the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,400 m), offering breathtaking views of the Urubamba mountain range, snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear streams, colorful highland lakes, and a patchwork of Andean farmland in the Peruvian Andes.

After reaching the pass, the trail descends to Ipsaycocha Lake, a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by native wildlife. You’ll walk through the heart of Quechua territory, meeting locals known as Huayruros, named after the red and black seeds that match their traditional Andean clothing.

From the Patacancha community (3,750 m), we’ll transfer by vehicle to Ollantaytambo (2,800 m), an important Inca town, and then take the train to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m). Here, you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel, resting before your visit to Machu Picchu.

Transportation time: 2h 30.
Walking time: 7h.
Distance: 13 Km
Difficulty level: challenging
Meals: B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner.
Overnight: hotel
Climate: mild during the day and moderate cold at night
Elevation: Huacawasi (3,800m) – Ipsay pass (4,400m) – Patacancha (3,650m) – Ollantaytambo (2,800m) – Aguas Calientes (2,050m)

Day 3: Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco

Explore the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the heart of the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyo), and discover the four regions of the empire, as well as the ceremonies, rituals, and sacred sites preserved in its temples and terraces. During the 2–3 hour guided tour, your expert guide will reveal the history, culture, and secrets of the Incas, giving you time to fully experience the magic and beauty of Machu Picchu.

After the tour, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, completing your unforgettable Peruvian Andes adventure.

Transportation time: 3h 30.
Visiting time: 3h.
Distance: 3 Km
Difficulty level: easy
Meals: B breakfast
Overnight: on your own
Climate: warm during the day and moderate cold at night.
Elevation: Aguas Calientes (2,050m) – Machu Picchu (2,400m) – Cusco (3,400m)

Notes Itinerario

Included

Pre-trek briefing in Cusco 1–2 days before the hike.
Private transportation: Cusco Cuncani (start of the trek) and Patacancha Ollantaytambo train station.
Train and bus tickets: Ollantaytambo Aguas Calientes and bus to/from Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu entrance fee included.
Bilingual professional guide (English-Spanish).
Camping gear: 2-person tents, mats, toilet, kitchen, and dining tents.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Flower’s House, Terraza de Luna, or similar).
Cook and meals included (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with options for vegetarian, vegan, and allergies.
Hot water, boiled water, and biodegradable soap at the camp.
Mules and muleteer to carry camping gear and food; personal bags up to 7 kg.
Safety horse, duffel bag, and first-aid kit with oxygen.

Not Included

Tips for guides, cooks, and muleteers (optional but appreciated).
Travel insurance – strongly recommended for all participants.
Personal expenses – souvenirs, snacks, drinks, or extra services.
Optional entrance tickets – such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Flights to/from Cusco or other cities.
Additional personal equipment not listed in the “Included” section ( trekking poles, sleeping bags if not rented).