4 Days Lares Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, Cusco Peru

Lares trek and Inca Trail SEO description 4 Days

Exploring the Lares Valley offers a genuine connection to Andean life, as the route travels through villages where residents maintain ancestral lifestyles and traditional farming practices. The local people remain dedicated to ancient customs and continue to dress in their traditional, distinctive attire.

The vibrant colors of the region, combined with a diverse array of wildlife and plants, create a journey that feels like stepping back in time. This trek through magical and captivating landscapes offers an unforgettable cultural experience that leads you directly to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu itself seems to hold ancient wisdom and hidden mysteries for those who visit, appearing almost as if the lost Incan city is floating, tucked away between the high peaks and the mist.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Cuncani – Huaca Wasi

Our journey begins with an early departure from Cusco. As we travel by bus, we will encounter various archaeological ruins and traditional artisan markets throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

This region is recognized as one of South America’s most productive agricultural areas, specifically famous for its corn, which serves as a sacred Inca symbol in Andean spirituality. We will arrive in the province of Calca (historically known as the Granary) at an altitude of 2,940m (9,646ft), where we veer off the main road to climb toward the Huaca Wasi pass at 4,400m (14,436ft).

Following the ascent, we will head down to the village of Lares at 3,250m (10,663ft) and continue to Cuncani. This is the starting point of our hike toward the “Black Lake” and Paccha Pata, where we will stop for lunch before trekking onward to the community of Huaca Wasi.

Our campsite for the night will be in Huaca Wasi at an elevation of 3,600m (11,811ft).

Climate: Cold

Bus Travel Duration: 4 hours

Trekking Duration: 5 hours

Day 2: Huaca Wasi – Ipsay pass – Patacancha

This second day represents the most challenging segment of the trek due to the significant ecological changes we will experience, particularly as we ascend to the Ipsay Pass at 4,400m (14,436ft), a climb lasting approximately 4 hours. Along the route, we will travel through local communities, providing opportunities to see Andean farmers working their land and living in traditional rustic dwellings.

These inhabitants possess extensive expertise in organic farming and ancient weaving techniques, creating vibrant textiles adorned with spiritual symbols and Andean deities. Once we clear the pass, we will descend to the settlement of Patacancha at 3,650m (11,975ft), where we will spend the night at our campsite or in a local homestay.

Weather: Cold climate

Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 3: Patacancha – Willoc -Pumamarca – Ollanta – Machupiccchu

This will be a scenic day spent visiting two highly traditional communities, Patacancha and Willoq. From there, we proceed toward Puma Marca and make our descent through ancient Andean terraces that remain in use today, offering a panoramic view of the Willoq Valley. We will eventually arrive in Ollantaytambo, where we can relax before catching our train to Machu Picchu.

The train journey takes place in the afternoon, bringing us to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). There, we will enjoy dinner and rest in preparation for our visit to the Machu Picchu citadel the following morning.

Weather: Cold climate

Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

It is highly recommended to visit the lost city of the Incas in the early morning hours. We will travel by bus to Machu Picchu (2,400m / 7,874ft), where a professional guide will provide insights into the political structures and ancestral techniques in agriculture, astronomy, and religion left behind by our ancestors within this magnificent Incan city.

Following the guided tour, participants will have ample time to explore Machu Picchu on their own before heading back down to the town of Aguas Calientes to catch the return train to Cusco. The environment at Machu Picchu is generally warm and inhabited by mosquitoes.

Weather: Warm with mosquitoes

Hiking time: 3 hours

INCLUDED

An initial briefing at 7:00 PM in our office, scheduled 1 or 2 days prior to your departure (timing to be finalized during the booking process).
Private transportation from your hotel to the Lares Valley.
Tourist class train service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Bus transport from Aguas Calientes up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, followed by shared tourist transport from the station to central Cusco (Plaza Regocijo, near Plaza de Armas or the Marriott Hotel/Calle Ruinas at the entrance of San Blas).
Admission fees for the Lares Valley hot springs.
Entrance tickets for the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes featuring private rooms, bathrooms, and included breakfast.
A professional guide fluent in both Spanish and English.
Premium camping gear (professional Doite Himalaya 4 or Eureka two-person tents, sleeping mats, a dining tent with tables and chairs, and a portable toilet tent).
All meals provided during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, with vegetarian options available).
Professional chef and all necessary kitchen equipment.
Mules and wranglers to transport camping gear and personal belongings (up to 4 kg per person).
An emergency horse available for the segment between Huacahuasi and Pucara.
A comprehensive first-aid kit and supplemental oxygen bottle.

NOT INCLUDED:

Breakfast on the initial day of the trip and the final lunch in the town of Aguas Calientes.
A sleeping bag (for those who do not possess their own, rental options are available).
The return bus ride from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes, which costs 12 U.S. dollars; alternatively, you may choose to walk down, which takes approximately 1 hour.

A backpack
A sleeping bag
Attire suitable for both hot and cold conditions, such as a waterproof jacket
A sweater
Hiking boots and trekking pants
Polo shirts or t-shirts
A rain poncho
A hat
Sunscreen
Bug spray, along with rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer
A water bottle and purification tablets
A camera (protected in a plastic bag)
A flashlight with spare batteries
Various snacks, including chocolate and dried fruit
Your original passport
A student ID card (if applicable) and additional cash in local currency (Soles)

NOTES:

Starting from the Lares hot springs on the first day, all baggage is transported to the Huacahuasi community via vehicle. Between Huacahuasi and Pucara on the second day, wranglers and mules will transport all camping gear and personal items (up to 4 kg per traveler). From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes on day three, the journey continues via train.
Huayna Picchu Excursion: Reservations for Huayna Picchu mountain must be made well in advance. We apply a supplemental fee of US $22.00 to secure your entry permit, following the government regulations established on July 18, 2011.
Overnight Locations: The specific campsites used during the trek to Machu Picchu may differ from the ones listed in the itinerary. Changes may occur if certain sites are fully booked or based on the guide’s professional judgment regarding the group’s pace.
Altitude Recommendations: Our clients, who come from low altitude areas, need to be in Cusco at least 3 days before the tour departure, in order to acclimatize.
Gratuities for the crew (porters, chefs, and guides) are appreciated. Additionally, the porters value small donations such as clothing or educational supplies for their families.