Lares Trek (4 Days)
Adventure Tours Peru
12 people
4 Days
Español, English
The Lares Trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. Taking you off the beaten track with visits to authentic Andean communities whilst being surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes and valleys. The Lares trek offers a real insight in to the lives of the people of Cusco as it once was.
The route we offer starts in the village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley and finishes in the hot springs of Lares with a visit to the village of Cuncani along the way. On Day 3 of the trek you take a bus from Lares to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco.
Itinerary
Day 1Cusco – Wacawasi
Early in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel.
We will then drive for about 3 hours and 30 minutes to get Lares hot springs 3,200 m / 10,496 ft, on the way, we’ll stop in Calca a small town in the Sacred Valley, to visit its typical market and get some items for the trail.
Upon our arrival at the hot springs, we’ll meet our muleteers and get ready our rucksacks to start the adventure. The trail starts going up the highland valley gradually.
Today we’ll have our lunch at about 1:30 pm on the halfway to the first campsite.
After lunch, the adventure goes on, along this section of the trail we’ll see some herds of llamas and alpacas, and we’ll reach our first campsite located in Wacawasi village 3,800 m / 12,464 ft.
At the campsite after our arrival, we’ll have our tea time and dinner.
Today, we’ll have an option to swim at the hot springs before our hike starts, whose cost is 10 PEN (not included), or just start hiking to the first campsite instead, as the most hikers do, this will be managed by you and your trek leader.
Lunch and dinner included (except breakfast which is supplied at your hotel).
Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours (approx)
Hiking Distance: 8 Kms/ 4.97 Miles
Highest Point 3,800 m/ 12,464 ft.
Lowest Point: 3,200m/ 10,496 ft.
Highlights: Hiking in the Andean valleys with pretty scenic views, interact with local people (children), llama and alpaca herds along the trail, and camping in a highland village.
Day 2Wacawasi – Mantanay
Today, we’ll wake up early in the morning and a great nutritious breakfast will make us ready for the challenging day.
After having breakfast, we’ll hike up to the highest point on the trail called Puerto pass at 4,420 m / 14,498 ft, for about 4 hours from our campsite.
On this section of the trail, we’ll still see some herd of llamas and alpacas close to us, and pretty scenic views.
When we arrive at the highest pass, we’ll take a deserved break while savoring great views around and a perfect time to offer some Coca leaves to the Andes spirits making an Apacheta (cairn, a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path).
We’ll then hike downhill to reach our lunch spot located close to a beautiful lagoon, where we’ll enjoy just prepared fresh meals and hot drinks.
After lunch, we’ll continue descending to our second campsite located in Mantanay valley, a valley with beautiful Andean trees called Queuña (a typical tree from the highlands of Peru that grows up between 3,400m / 11,152 ft trough 4,300m/ 14,104 ft, polylepis “Rosaceae” is a genus of low trees with rugged scaly bark). In the evening we’ll take our hot drinks and dinner.
All meals included. Hiking Time:7-8 Hours (approx)
Hiking Distance: 14 Kms/ 8.69 Miles
Highest Point 4,420 m/ 14,498 ft.
Lowest Point: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft.
Highlights: Llama and alpaca herds along the trail, reaching the highest point, beautiful lakes along the trail, and camping in a highland valley |
Day 3Aguas Calientes
Another great day awaits us and a great breakfast makes us ready for it.
After taking our breakfast, we’ll descend for about 3 hours to Yanahuara, a village located in the Sacred Valley, where we’ll have our last lunch and say goodbye to our muleteers and cook.
After having lunch, we’ll take our transportation to the train station in Ollantaytambo as of this place we’ll continue by train to Aguas Calientes town (Machu Picchu town) for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, where we’ll stay this overnight at a hotel and have dinner at the restaurant (this last dinner is not included).
Breakfast and lunch included (except the last dinner).
Hiking Time:2-3 Hours (approx)
Hiking Distance: 7 Kms/ 4.35 Miles
Highest Point 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft.
Lowest Point: 3,050 m/ 10,004 ft.
Highlights: IncaRuins, Original section of Inca Trail, jaw dropping views
Hiking through the highland forest, train journey to Aguas Calientes town, cozy hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
Train schedule: It can be at 3:37 pm or a later train in expedition class (depends on the availability)|
Day 4Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today a great breakfast at the hotel makes us ready for a full morning exploration of Machu Picchu on a private tour with your Trek Leader.
We’ll take the bus to Machu Picchu early in the morning for an amazing tour until 12:00 pm (Machu Picchu permits will be issued for the first group which is from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm).
After a great time at the Incan emperor’s palace, we’ll take the bus down to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes town), where we’ll have lunch (not included).
In the afternoon we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo train station and/or Poroy train station, as of this place continue driving to your hotel in Cusco by our transportation, therefore ending with our services for this Lares Trek Tour.
Don’t miss out on the Lares Trek, an authentic andean experience!
With everything set and ready, let us know what we may do to wrap your traveling plans!
Included
- ✅ Cusco Hotel Transfer
- ✅ Train Round Trip from Ollantaytambo / Machupicchu / Ollantaytambo
- ✅ Cook Tents and camping mattresses.
- ✅ Mules and the equipment, duffle bag to carry 5 kg of your things
- ✅ First Aid Kit.
- ✅ 01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Day 3)
- ✅ 02 nights camping
- ✅ Entry to hot spring in Lares.
- ✅ 03 breakfasts, 03 Lunches and 03 Dinners
- ✅ Snacks during the 2 days
- ✅ An experienced, bilingual Adventure Guide
- ✅ Admission to Machupichu.
- ✅ Guided tour in Machupichu 02 hours.
Not Included
- ❌ Guide Gratuity (Optional)
- ❌ Last meals on the last day.
- ❌ Any Private Expenses
Packing List
- Multiple layers of warm clothes.
- Good trekking shoes or boots.
- Walking stick / pole. Extra money.
- Bathing suit and towel for those who wish to visit the Hot Springs.
- No-hassle best price guarantee
- Customer care available 24/7
- Hand-picked Tours & Activities
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
- +51 998 134 635
- [email protected]
SEE MORE RELATED TOURS
4 Days
From
5 Days
From
3 Days
From
5 Days
From
4 Days
From
TripAdvisor Reviews
At Peru Jungle Trips, we work every day to exceed our travelers’ expectations. The reviews on TripAdvisor reflect the commitment, dedication, and quality we bring to every journey through Peru. Thanks to our clients’ trust, we continue creating unique experiences surrounded by nature and Andean culture.
Tom S2025-05-19Verified Excellent trip. Excellent trip. Well planned and kept on schedule. Spectacular scenery and a very informative guide. I would recommend. Lucas K2025-05-16Verified Tours cusco Besides that, I made excellent tours with the agency: humantay and 7 lagoons. Great staff and Pedro was always very helpful Marco M2025-05-13Verified An unforgettable trip to Cusco with an exceptional team We had a wonderful trip to Cusco with my uncles and wife. Everything was perfectly organized, with attention to stunning detail. We feel accompanied by a truly professional team, friendly and always willing to help us. Pedro and his entire team were simply amazing: attentive, prepared and passionate about what they do. The places we visited were spectacular, and every moment was special. Undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. I recommend this agency 100%. Super, super!We had a wonderful trip to Cusco with my uncles and my wife. Everything was perfectly organized, down to the smallest detail. We were guided by a truly professional and kind team, always ready to help. Pedro and his team were simply amazing: friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their work. The places we visited were breathtaking, and every moment felt special. It was truly an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this agency and Pedro with his fantastic team. Super, super! Adam A2025-05-04Verified Worth every penny. Christian was a top tier guide. He did an amazing job of explaining the places we went to. He was also super chill and made great conversation. Despite accomplishing much in a short span, we never felt rushed. Furthermore sometimes when food is included in a tour, it's usually subpar, but the buffet lunch was fantastic and our group was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Cannot recommend this tour enough, especially if you find it difficult to adapt to altitude at Cusco in the first couple of days. Luis A2025-04-11Verified Reliable and secure agency An amazing experience! We got to know a lot about Peruvian culture, visited many archaeological sites and observed beautiful landscapes. The train experience was wonderful, certainly the best Carlee C2025-04-10Verified Very Friendly and Great Tour We had a great time on our jungle adventure. 3 days, 2 nights. We purchased the tour here in Cusco and the staff was very helpful accommodating the days we were available to go. They also supplied binoculars and a duffle bag for repacking. Very good communication in Whatsapp as well. Daniel R2025-01-29Verified Increible Highly recommended, very attentive.The tures are exactly how they sell. They met all the times and places to visit Alizée R2025-01-20Verified Immersion in Manu National Park We warmly recommend booking your stay with this agency and their exceptional guide, Jacker.They listened attentively and were very responsive in our discussions.Jacker, thanks to his perfect command of English (and Spanish of course!) and his vast knowledge of flora and fauna, has made our stay not only rewarding, but truly unforgettable! His enthusiasm and involvement have been remarkable.The whole team, from cook to drivers, also showed professionalism and constant attention to us.Look no further: for a successful trip to the Amazon, trust this agency with your eyes closed! Edu Z2025-01-07Verified I'd come back many more times From the beginning the very good service, always attentive to every detail to enjoy all the places visited ☺️ Lana D2025-01-01Verified Great! Affordable!!!! Highly recommend Pedro from Peru Jungle Trips. I only had a few days in Cusco, so I wanted to see as much as possible in my time frame. Pedro was so helpful in planning out my itinerary, and made sure that I spent New Years Eve seeing Machu Picchu and that I made it in time to Cusco for the countdown. Pedro not only gave me a very affordable rate (and that I know from comparing my quote to other travelers I met), but he was able to find last minute train tickets to and from MP for Dec 31st. He also made sure that at every destination, someone either picked me up or directed me to my next location. And of course, it didn’t go unnoticed that Pedro was constantly checking in on me to see how my activities and trip is going. Pedro genuinely wanted me to have a great holiday trip in Cusco.