Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4Days

The Huaran-Lares Trek is a lesser-known but highly rewarding trekking route in the Sacred Valley region of Peru. It offers trekkers a chance to experience traditional Andean culture, stunning landscapes, and relatively quiet trails compared to the more popular Inca Trail. Here’s an overview:

Overview

Starting Point: The trek typically begins in the village of Huaran, located in the Sacred Valley.

Duration: The trek usually takes 3-4 days to complete, depending on the specific route and pace.

Difficulty: Moderate. The trek involves some challenging ascents and high-altitude passes, but it is generally considered manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness.

Altitude: The trek reaches altitudes of up to 4,400 meters (14,436 feet), so acclimatization is important.

Highlights

1. Cultural Immersion: The route passes through remote Andean villages where trekkers can experience local customs, traditional weaving practices, and the warm hospitality of the Quechua people.
2. Scenic Landscapes: The trek offers a diverse range of landscapes, including lush valleys, high mountain passes, glacial lakes, and stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks.
3. Hot Springs: One of the trek’s highlights is the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs, such as those in the town of Lares, providing a soothing end to a day of trekking.
4. Less Crowded: Compared to the Inca Trail, the Huaran-Lares Trek is less crowded, offering a more tranquil and intimate trekking experience.

Itinerary (Typical 4-Day Trek)

1. Day 01: Huaran – Cancha Cancha.

• Start from Huaran (2,840 meters / 9,317 feet)
• Trek through the Sacred Valley, following the Cancha Cancha River
• Camp in the village of Cancha Cancha (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet)

1. Day 02.- Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani.

• Ascend to the Pachacutec Pass (4,400 meters / 14,436 feet)
• Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys
• Descend to the village of Quiswarani (3,700 meters / 12,139 feet)

1. Day 03: Quiswarani – Lares to Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

• Trek over another high pass, the Huillquijasa Pass (4,200 meters / 13,779 feet)
• Descend to the hot springs in Lares (3,100 meters / 10,170 feet)
• Relax and camp near the hot springs

• Transfer by vehicle to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley

1. Day 04.- Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.

• Acomodation – Hotel
• Bus to Machu picchu
• train service round trip
• Transfer Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Practical Information

• Permits: Unlike the Inca Trail, the Huaran-Lares Trek does not require special permits.
• Best Time to Trek: The best time for this trek is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is more stable and trails are dry.
• Guides and Tours: While it is possible to do the trek independently, many trekkers opt for guided tours for ease of logistics and cultural insights.
• Packing Essentials: Warm clothing, waterproof gear, sturdy trekking boots, sun protection, and a good quality sleeping bag are essential.

The Huaran-Lares Trek is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the stunning Andean landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Peru, all while avoiding the crowds of the more famous trekking routes.

Day 1: CUSCO – HUARAN – CANCHA CANCHA.

Tour lares trek to machu picchu 4 days. We pick you up early from your hotel to take you to the beginning of the walk in Huarán (3,000 m / 9,840 ft) in the Sacred Valley; is 1 1/2 hour trip in a private bus. Here we meet our horsemen and arrange luggage to start the Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 days hike, the trail climbs gently Canchacancha following the river to the community of the same name. In this way we will see fields and pass through old Polylepis (Queuña). This type of vegetation is very interesting for a variety of birds, the valley itself is very impressive. We will have our lunch halfway. After a total of six hours hike we arrive at our camp for the night in Canchacancha (3,956 12,976 m).

• Meals: Lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum height :3,956 masl
• Minimum altitude: 3,000 masl
• Distance: 10 km
• Approximate time: 5-6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 2: CANCHA CANCHA – QUISHUARANI

After breakfast we continue up the hill. After 3 hours we arrive at the highest point of our trek over 14,632 Pachacutec 4,460 meters. The view from here is overwhelming. The snowy Pitusiray and Sahuasiray, will be right in front of us.

We start walking downhill for 2 hours to our lunch spot, next to a beautiful lake. After lunch we descend for 1 1/2 hours into the valley. We will go through several glacial lakes, in the way we can also see alpacas, llamas and sheep. Tonight camp to, 12,694 3,870 meters near the village of Quishuarani, which has typical stone houses.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum height : 4,460 masl
• Minimum altitude: 3,870 masl
• Distance: 14 km
• Approximate time: 7-8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3: QUISHUARANI – LARES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES.

After breakfast we start walking by another valley to the second mountain pass Willcaccasa (4,458 / 14,622 meters) for 2-3 hours. From this place we will again in view of the Andes, turquoise lakes and beautiful valleys impressive. From this place we will drop approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours, passing many beautiful lakes. To the village of Cuncani (3,900 12,792 m) for lunch.

After lunch we continue downhill for 2 to 3 hours to the Lares Valley, where we can take a dip in the hot springs. Now that we are completely relaxed, we board our bus to the village of Ollantaytambo (2,792 9,158 m) .to address the train to Aguas Calientes Aguas Calientes. Hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Acomodation: Hotel
• Maximum altitude: 4,458 masl
• Minimum altitude: 2,792 masl
• Distance: 13 km
• Approximate time: 6-7 hours

Day 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

After an early breakfast 5:30 am, we will go to the bus station to board the first bus to Machu Picchu (25 minutes), arriving early and observe the sunrise take the first photographs of the city and enjoy the visit Guided approximately 2 hours, and then you have free time to explore the city on their own. To return to hot waters have 2 options you can be by bus or walking (optional) train station is in the same population to return to the city of Cusco.

• Comidas: desayuno
• Altitud máxima: 2,040 msnm
• Altitud mínima: 2,440 msnm
• Dificultad:  fácil

What’s Included?

• Pick up from your hotel in the morning
• Shuttle bus to the beginning of the road.
• Professional guide
• Igloo tents – capacity of 4 people only used for 2 with space for backpacks.
• Inflatable mattress.
• Hot water every morning and evening for personal hygiene.
• Accommodation: 2 nights camping, 1 night hotel.
• Kitchen equipment and cook.
• Board: Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner.
• We supply boiled water to fill your bottle.
• Horsemen Horses for equipment and personal items of the passenger
• Kitchen tent, dining tent with tables and chairs camp.
• First aid kit
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Expedition train service
• Bus Cusco Ollantaytambo.

What is not included?

• First Breakfast
• Sleeping bag
• Last lunch
• Extra expenses (tips)
• Entrance to the hot springs (dollars)

• Small backpack
• Original passport.
• Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures up to -5
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Comfortable shoes
• A complete change of clothes
• Sweater and jacket (something warm)
• Water bottle,
• Flashlight and batteries
• Hat or cap for sun protection
• Sunscreen (cream of protection)
• insect repellent
• Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
• Snack bars, chocolate, nuts, cookies, energy, etc.
• Camera and batteries
• Cash in soles and U$.
• Swimsuit (for hot water)

What to bring

ADDITIONALS:

• Sleeping Bag- 10ºC  U$.25
• Walking Stick U$.20
• Day Pack U$.20
• Single Tent U$.35

Price: Season 2024 

Private Service.

• US $.570 per Person (Minimum 02 People)

Discounts.

• Student Discount (only with active green ISIC card): U$.20.00
• Under 15 years will pay as student: U$.20.00