4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco

The best part of this four-day Lares Trek is the change of scenery. You climb from hot springs and mountain villages to a 4,400-meter pass, sleep near llamas and alpacas, then arrive at Machu Picchu by train for an early morning visit. It gives you a serious Andean trek without spending four nights under canvas.

I like the small groups, which average four people and never exceed 15. I also like the food plan: a cook carries the equipment and prepares fresh Peruvian meals, with vegetarian dishes available if you request them ahead of time. Guide Percy is described as funny, helpful, considerate, and strong in English.

The main drawback is the altitude and effort. This is not a gentle walk. Two long days reach above 4,000 meters, and you must attend a briefing in Cusco the evening before departure. The fixed, non-refundable booking policy also means you should be certain of your plans before paying.

Key points to know before you book

• A 4,400-meter pass makes Day 2 the hardest test: The climb to Ipsayccocha Pass takes about four hours, followed by a long descent.
• Lares offers a quieter route to Machu Picchu: You pass local communities, glaciers, wildlife, llamas, alpacas, and native crops rather than following the classic Inca Trail.
• The group averages only four people: The maximum is 15, so the guide can usually keep the pace personal.
• Two nights of camping are balanced by one hotel night: You camp at Wakawasi and Patacancha, then sleep in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Food is a real part of the experience: Three breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and three snacks are included, with vegetarian choices available by request.
• Machu Picchu entry is guided, not rushed: You get about two hours with your guide, then free time to explore and take pictures.

Why choose the Lares route from Cusco

The Lares Trek is a good choice if you want the mountains to be part of your Machu Picchu story, not just the backdrop for a short visit. The route passes through high communities and mountain terrain, giving you a closer look at rural Andean life before the famous archaeological site takes over the final day.

You begin near Lares Town at 2,900 meters and eventually camp at about 3,850 meters. The route includes views of glaciers, wildlife, native crops, llamas, alpacas, and local families living in the Wakawasi community. Those details matter because the trek feels connected to present-day life, not only to an ancient monument.

The route is also practical. You get the physical challenge of a two-day high-altitude trek, but you do not need to camp on the night before visiting Machu Picchu. On Day 3, you leave the mountains, take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and sleep in a hotel.

At $847 per person, the trip is not a budget walk. But the price covers a lot: transport from Cusco to Lares, the tourist train, Machu Picchu buses, the train back to Ollantaytambo, the return bus to Cusco, two nights of camping, one hotel night, meals, a cook, horses for equipment and some personal gear, the guide, and the Machu Picchu entry visit.

You still need to budget for a sleeping bag, bottled water, the Lares hot springs, optional mountain hikes, tips, and your Cusco accommodation. The package is strongest for someone who values having the major transport and trail support arranged in advance.

Day 1: Lares hot springs and the climb to Wakawasi

Your pickup from Cusco is scheduled for about 6:00 in the morning. The bus takes you to Lares Town, at 2,900 meters, where you can visit the hot springs before the trek begins. Admission costs 10 soles and is not included, so bring swimwear and a little extra cash if you want this warm-water stop.

The hike then begins with a zigzagging climb toward Wakawasi. The day covers about 14 kilometers and takes roughly six hours. You gain altitude steadily, ending at about 3,850 meters, so the day is a serious introduction to the route even though it does not reach the highest pass.

The appeal is the setting. You may see glaciers, wildlife, and mountain communities while walking toward the Wakawasi campsite. The overnight stop also gives you a chance to meet local families and see homes and farms in a high-altitude community.

Camping here is basic. The tour provides a tent for two people and a sleeping mattress, but you must rent or bring your own sleeping bag. Single hikers share a tent with another person, while couples have their own tent.

Day 1 includes lunch and dinner, but not breakfast. Since pickup is early, eat before leaving Cusco or carry something for the morning. The operator also recommends bringing water, snacks, and sports drinks because prices along the route can be two or three times higher than in town.

Day 2: Ipsayccocha Pass at 4,400 meters

Day 2 is the physical heart of the trek. You climb for about four hours to Ipsayccocha Pass, reaching 4,400 meters. That is high enough for cold, wind, thin air, and rapidly changing weather, so warm layers and rain protection are essential.

After the pass, you walk downhill for about 40 minutes to a lakeside lunch stop. The lake provides a welcome pause, but do not mistake the descent for the end of the day. You continue for another three hours to Patacancha, covering about 15 kilometers in roughly eight hours.

Patacancha sits at about 3,800 meters. The camp is surrounded by llamas, alpacas, and native crop plantations, which gives the overnight stop a strong sense of place. This is one of the better parts of the trip for seeing how farming and herding fit into life at altitude.

The distance is manageable for a fit hiker, but the altitude makes it harder than the numbers suggest. You should be comfortable walking uphill for several hours and carrying a day pack. Horses carry the cooking and camping equipment, along with up to seven kilos for each hiker during the first three days. That allowance includes the sleeping bag and mattress weight, plus some personal items, but you should still pack lightly.

A guide, cook, and horse handlers support the group. The cook prepares breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks from fresh ingredients. Typical meals can include quinoa, soups, eggs, pancakes, chicken, beef stew, rice, pasta, potatoes, fruit, cake, hot chocolate, coffee, and coca tea.

Vegetarian food is available at every meal if you give notice at least two days before departure. This is worth arranging in advance rather than hoping to sort it out at the campsite.

Day 3: From Patacancha to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes

The third morning begins with another four-hour walk from Patacancha toward Ollantaytambo. The distance is about 12 kilometers. Compared with Day 2, this is a shorter and less demanding trek, though your legs may still be feeling the previous day.

Reaching Ollantaytambo marks a clear shift from mountain trail to transport connection. You have lunch, then board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. The train ride is included, as is one night in a three-star hotel.

This hotel night is a welcome change after two campsites. You can shower, charge devices if available, and sleep in a proper bed before the early start to Machu Picchu. Single hikers share a room with another person, while couples receive a private room.

The guide meets you in Aguas Calientes to explain the next day. During the train and bus transfers, though, you are on your own. That is important to understand. You receive organized tickets and transportation, but not a guide accompanying you through every station and transfer.

Aguas Calientes gives you a little time to relax. You might walk around town, use an internet cafe, visit a cafe with board games, browse shops, or simply rest. The town is built around the Machu Picchu connection, so it can feel focused on visitors, but it is useful as a place to recover before the final morning.

Dinner is included. Bottled water is not, so refill or buy what you need before the early departure.

Day 4: First buses and a two-hour Machu Picchu tour

The final day starts early. You take one of the first buses at about 5:30 in the morning for the 25-minute ride to Machu Picchu. The goal is to enter while the morning mist begins to clear and the light changes across the stone terraces.

Your guide leads a tour of about two hours. The visit covers the main sites and explains the history of the complex. Afterward, you have free time to walk through the permitted areas and take pictures at your own pace.

The guided portion gives structure to a place that can otherwise feel overwhelming. Machu Picchu is large, famous, and full of visual distractions. A good guide helps you understand what you are seeing before you set off to explore independently.

Huayna Picchu is optional and costs extra. The climb takes about 45 to 60 minutes and can be steep and muddy. Only 400 passes are available each day, split between 7:00 and 10:00 entry times, so you must request and purchase the ticket at least two weeks in advance.

Machu Picchu Mountain is another optional hike, with a separate ticket that must be arranged at least one week ahead. Neither mountain is included in the $847 price, and optional ticket prices can change.

After the site visit, you take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. You can browse the marketplace near the train station until your train departs for Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus returns you to Cusco, with arrival around 8:00 in the evening at Plaza San Francisco.

The final drop-off is not at your accommodation. You make your own way from Plaza San Francisco, so keep this in mind if you have a late flight, a heavy suitcase, or a hotel far from the center.

Guides, group size, and the food on the trail

The trip includes a professional bilingual guide for both the trek and the Machu Picchu visit. Percy is a named guide connected with this departure, and the available account describes his English as very good. He is also noted for being funny, helpful, experienced, and considerate during the hike.

Those qualities matter on a high-altitude route. You want a guide who can explain the area but also watch the group, adjust support when someone struggles, and keep the mood calm when the climb gets tough.

The group maximum is 15, with an average of four. A small group usually means less waiting at meal stops and a better chance to ask questions. It can also make the experience feel more personal in the communities along the route.

The cook is another key part of the arrangement. Meals are prepared fresh, and the menu has plenty of calories for long walking days. You receive three breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, and three snacks. Day 1 breakfast, Day 4 lunch, and bottled water are not included.

Tipping is optional. Suggested amounts are given for the guide, assistant guide, horsemen, and cook, but you decide based on the service you receive. Carry soles in small denominations if you plan to tip.

What to pack for two high camps

The packing list is aimed at changing weather and limited electricity. Bring trekking boots, warm socks, thermals, a sweater, gloves, a warm hat, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain pants, and a rain poncho.

You should also carry a headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries, a camera memory card, waterproof bags, hand sanitizer, a water bottle, and personal medication. Electricity is limited to nonexistent during the trek, so do not count on charging your phone or camera every night.

Hiking poles are recommended, especially for the long descent from Ipsayccocha Pass. Sandals can be useful at camp or in the hot springs. You can rent a sleeping bag in Cusco for $15, but the tour does not include one.

Your original passport is required. If you renewed your passport after booking, bring the old passport used for the reservation or a photocopy. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the travel date.

Fitness, altitude, and the fine print

The route requires moderate physical fitness, but the description correctly signals that it is difficult. The hardest sections reach 4,000 meters and higher, with Day 2 lasting about eight hours.

You should take altitude seriously. The trip does not promise an easy acclimatization schedule, and no one can predict exactly how you will respond. Plan time in Cusco before the trek if your wider Peru itinerary allows it, and tell the guide promptly if you feel unwell.

The minimum age is seven, but age alone does not determine suitability. A child would need to handle long uphill walks, cold nights, and high altitude. Parents should judge fitness and experience carefully.

Departure dates are Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Daily departures are possible with a group of four or more. A mandatory briefing takes place at 6:00 in the evening before departure at the Cusco office on Calle Matara 242, second floor.

You must provide your full passport details at booking, including your exact name, birth date, nationality, passport number, and expiration date. Once permits and tickets are confirmed, changes cannot be made without the risk of losing those costs.

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be amended after booking. That is a major condition, so avoid booking until your dates, passport details, and health plans are settled.

Who will get the most from this trek

I would choose this route if you want a real mountain walk, local community contact, and a structured path to Machu Picchu. It suits hikers who are comfortable with long days, cold camps, steep climbs, and high altitude.

It is also a good fit if you want support without a large tour group. The cook, horses, included transport, and hotel night remove much of the practical burden.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a relaxed Machu Picchu holiday. The first two days are demanding, and the early morning on Day 4 follows a full trekking schedule. You should also think twice if you dislike shared tents and rooms, though couples receive private tents and a private hotel room.

Should you book the 4-Day Lares Trek?

Book it if you want Machu Picchu paired with a demanding, scenic route through the Andes rather than a quick train-and-site visit. The combination of a 4,400-meter pass, local communities, fresh meals, small groups, and an early guided visit makes the $847 package reasonably strong for a supported four-day trip.

Before committing, confirm the sleeping bag cost, hot springs fee, optional mountain tickets, passport details, and your ability to handle two long days at altitude. If you prepare well and want the journey to matter as much as the destination, this is a compelling way to reach Machu Picchu.

FAQ

How long is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

The experience lasts approximately four days. The trekking sections cover about 14 kilometers on Day 1, 15 kilometers on Day 2, and 12 kilometers on Day 3.

What is the highest point on the trek?

The highest point is Ipsayccocha Pass at 4,400 meters.

Is pickup from Cusco included?

Pickup from your Cusco accommodation is included for the start of the trip. Airport pickup and the final drop-off at your Cusco accommodation are not included.

Is the Lares hot spring included?

No. The hot springs in Lares Town cost an additional 10 soles.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 15 people, and the average group size is four.

Are meals included?

Yes. The package includes three breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, and three snacks. Day 1 breakfast, Day 4 lunch, and bottled water are not included.

Is vegetarian food available?

Yes. Vegetarian meals are available for every meal if you request them at least two days before departure.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

Yes. You must bring or rent a sleeping bag. Rental in Cusco costs $15 according to the tour information.

Is Huayna Picchu included?

No. Huayna Picchu is an optional extra and must be booked at least two weeks in advance. The optional Machu Picchu Mountain hike must be arranged at least one week ahead.

Is a guide included at Machu Picchu?

Yes. A bilingual guide leads an approximately two-hour Machu Picchu visit. You do not have a guide during the bus and train transfers.