Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights

Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Kishuarani

Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 5:00 a.m. You will travel by a vehicle through the scenic Sacred Valley to the traditional town of Lares, famous for its natural hot springs and Andean culture.

Upon arrival, the trekking team will prepare all the camping while you relax in the soothing Lares Hot Springs, the perfect way to begin your journey. After enjoying a freshly prepared lunch, you will start hiking toward Kishuarani, your first campsite.

As you walk through beautiful Andean landscapes, you will have the opportunity to visit local farming families and gain insight into their traditional way of life. At the campsite, a delicious hot dinner will be served before you settle into your comfortable tent for a peaceful night’s rest beneath the Andean sky.

During the Trek

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping in Kishuarani
Maximum Altitude: 3,750 m (12,303 ft)
Minimum Altitude: 2,650 m (8,694 ft)
Daytime Temperature: 13°C – 22°C
Nighttime Temperature: 3°C – 8°C
Hiking Distance: Approximately 6 km (3.7 miles)

Day 2: Kishuarani – Pachacutec Pass – Cancha Cancha

You will wake up to a warm cup of coca tea delivered directly to your tent, giving you time to prepare for another unforgettable day in the Andes. After a hearty breakfast, you will begin one of the most rewarding days of the trek.

Today’s hike covers approximately 17 km (10.5 miles) over about 7 hours. Your first challenge is the ascent to Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), where breathtaking panoramic views reward your effort.

After celebrating your accomplishment with lunch near the pass, you will continue along a gentler trail for approximately two more hours until reaching the traditional community of Cancha Cancha, where your campsite awaits.

Throughout the day, you will enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, crystal-clear glacial peaks, colorful valleys, and, if conditions are favorable, you may even spot majestic Andean condors soaring overhead. You’ll also have another opportunity to interact with local families and learn about their customs, traditions, and daily life.

A delicious dinner and a relaxing happy hour complete this unforgettable day before a well-deserved night’s rest.

During the Trek

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping in Cancha Cancha
Maximum Altitude: 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
Minimum Altitude: 3,750 m (12,303 ft)
Daytime Temperature: 10°C – 20°C
Nighttime Temperature: 2°C – 9°C
Hiking Distance: Approximately 17 km (10.5 miles)

Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

After enjoying a nourishing breakfast with hot chocolate, coffee, fresh bread, and pancakes, you will begin an easier day of hiking.

The trail includes a few gentle ascents before descending through beautiful Andean valleys toward Huaran, where you will experience another authentic cultural encounter. Your guide will introduce you to the traditions, lifestyle, and agricultural practices that have sustained local families for generations.

If you’re fortunate, you may visit a traditional chichería, where you can observe how locals prepare chicha, the ancient corn beer that played an important role during the Inca Empire.

At Huaran, your transportation will be waiting to take you to Ollantaytambo, where you will board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. During the approximately 1 hour journey, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba River and lush cloud forest.

Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you to your hotel and provide a detailed briefing for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day, including practical tips and important information to help you make the most of your experience.

During the Trek

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Maximum Altitude: 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
Minimum Altitude: 2,056 m (6,745 ft)
Daytime Temperature: 12°C – 25°C
Nighttime Temperature: 8°C – 10°C
Hiking Distance: Approximately 8 km (5 miles)

Day 4: Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, or receiving a packed breakfast if needed, you will take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu at the entrance time indicated on your admission ticket.

Once inside the sanctuary, your expert guide will lead a fascinating 2-hour guided tour, exploring the most important temples, plazas, terraces, and ceremonial areas while sharing the remarkable history, architecture, and engineering achievements of the Inca civilization.

Later, you will return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch by yourself, and then you will board your train back to Ollantaytambo, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. This marks the end of your unforgettable Lares Trek and Machu Picchu adventure.

During the Trek

Meals: Breakfast
Maximum Altitude: 2,450 m (8,038 ft)
Minimum Altitude: 2,050 m (6,726 ft)
Daytime Temperature: 15°C – 27°C
Nighttime Temperature: 10°C – 15°C
Hiking Distance: Approximately 4 km (2.5 miles)

Important: This itinerary is provided as a reference and may be adjusted due to weather conditions, trail conditions, operational requirements, or other unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be made to ensure your safety and provide the best possible travel experience.