4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco

The best part of this trip is the change of pace: you leave Cusco by bus, climb through high Andean country, camp near local communities, and reach Machu Picchu by train rather than following the busy classic Inca Trail. The Lares route feels more local and less built around ruins, with llamas, alpacas, crop fields, glaciers, and mountain villages filling the first two days.

I like the small average group of four, with a maximum of 15, and I like that a cook travels with the group to prepare full meals, including vegetarian dishes on request. Guide Percy has earned special praise for his humor, care, and good English. The catch is serious: this is a hard high-altitude trek, with an ascent to 4,400 meters and two nights of camping.

Key points to know before booking

• High point at 4,400 meters: The crossing of Ipsayccocha Pass is the physical center of the trip, not a minor stroll.
• A local alternative to the Inca Trail: You pass through Wakawasi and Patacancha communities rather than spending all four days among archaeological sites.
• Small-group support: The average group is four people, with a maximum of 15, plus a guide, cook, and horsemen carrying equipment.
• Comfort improves on Day 3: After two nights camping, you get a night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Meals are a real part of the value: Three breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks are included, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead of time.
• Machu Picchu access is early and organized: A 5:30 am bus gets you to the site for a two-hour guided visit, followed by free time.

What the $847 price really covers

At $847 per person, this is not a bare-bones hike. The price includes transport from Cusco to Lares, camping equipment, horses for gear, a cook, most meals, the train to Aguas Calientes, a hotel night, buses to Machu Picchu, the guided site visit, and return transport to Cusco.

That bundle matters in the Andes. You are not simply paying for four days of walking. You are paying for a support system that moves cooking and camping equipment, carries up to seven kilograms for each trekker during the first three days, and handles the complicated train and bus connections around Machu Picchu.

I see good value here if you want a guided route and do not want to arrange every transfer yourself. The price does not cover everything, though. You still pay for the Lares hot springs, a sleeping bag rental if needed, bottled water, Day 1 breakfast, Day 4 lunch, tips, and optional mountain hikes.

You also need to arrange your own way from the Plaza San Francisco to your Cusco accommodation after returning around 8:00 pm. Airport pickup and Cusco lodging are not included.

Day 1: Lares hot springs and the climb to Wakawasi

Pickup is around 6:00 am in Cusco. A bus takes you to Lares Town, at about 2,900 meters, where you can visit the hot springs for an additional 10 soles. This is a pleasant option before the trek, but it also adds time to an already full day, so decide based on your energy and departure schedule.

The hike then begins with a zigzagging climb to Wakawasi, at about 3,850 meters. The day covers roughly 14 kilometers and takes about six hours. You will see glaciers, wildlife, local communities, and mountain scenery, but the main challenge is the altitude. The route gains height quickly enough that your pace should be steady and conservative.

You camp at Wakawasi, where the setting gives you contact with local families living near the route. This is one reason to choose Lares instead of a more archaeology-heavy trek. The experience is not only about getting to Machu Picchu. You spend time in communities where farming, livestock, and high mountain life remain part of the daily scene.

Camping is basic. Tents and sleeping mattresses are supplied, and couples have a tent to themselves. Solo participants share with another person. There is little or no electricity during the trek, so bring a charged flashlight, spare batteries, and a way to keep your phone and camera dry.

Day 2: Ipsayccocha Pass at 4,400 meters

Day 2 is the hardest day for many people. From Wakawasi, you climb for about four hours to Ipsayccocha Pass, reaching 4,400 meters. The mountain views are the reward, but the pass is not a place to rush. Cold, wind, thin air, and the previous day’s exertion can all affect your pace.

After crossing the pass, a 40-minute downhill walk brings you to lunch beside the lake. The descent offers relief, though downhill walking can be tiring on knees and thighs. After lunch, you continue for about three hours to Patacancha, at 3,800 meters.

The full day covers about 15 kilometers and takes roughly eight hours. You camp near llamas, alpacas, and native crop plantations. I like this overnight stop because it gives the trek a strong sense of place. You are not camping in a generic wilderness area. You are near a working mountain community.

The horses carry cooking and camping equipment and up to seven kilograms for each trekker during the first three days. The stated allowance includes 2.5 kilograms for your sleeping bag and mattress, plus 2.5 kilograms of personal items, so pack carefully and confirm the exact baggage arrangement during the pre-departure meeting.

Day 3: Patacancha to Ollantaytambo, then the train

The third morning starts at Patacancha, around 3,800 meters. You walk for about four hours to Ollantaytambo, covering roughly 12 kilometers. Compared with the previous day, this is shorter, but your legs may still feel the pass and the long descent.

In Ollantaytambo, you have lunch before taking the tourist train to Aguas Calientes. This change from trail to train is useful. You get a proper bed after two camping nights, and the hotel night gives you a chance to wash, charge devices, and prepare for the early Machu Picchu visit.

The included hotel is three-star, and solo participants share a room with another person. Couples have a private room. Your guide meets you in Aguas Calientes to explain the next day’s plan, but you are on your own during the train and bus transfers. That distinction is worth noting if you prefer someone to escort you through every connection.

Aguas Calientes has cafes, shops, internet cafes, and places to play board games or cards. You can walk around town, but do not stay out late. The next morning begins with a 5:30 am bus, and the Machu Picchu visit is the trip’s main event.

Day 4: Machu Picchu before the crowds build

The bus from Aguas Calientes takes about 25 minutes. The early departure is designed to catch Machu Picchu as morning mist lifts and the light changes over the ruins. Conditions vary, but the timing gives you a better chance to see the site before the day feels too busy.

Your guide leads a walking tour of about two hours, covering the main areas and explaining the site’s history. Afterward, you have time to explore independently and take photographs. I value this balance. A guide helps you understand what you are seeing, but you are not tied to a full-day group schedule once the main tour ends.

The optional Huayna Picchu hike is a different matter. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes to climb, can be muddy, and offers a prized view over Machu Picchu. Only 400 passes are available each day, split between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, and the ticket must be arranged at least two weeks ahead for an extra charge.

Machu Picchu Mountain is another paid option and must be booked at least one week in advance. Do not assume you can decide at the gate. If either climb matters to you, ask for the extra ticket before departure and confirm the current price.

After the visit, you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. The marketplace beside the train station gives you time to shop before the train whistle calls you back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus returns to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 pm at Plaza San Francisco.

The last day is long and tightly scheduled. You should not plan an airport connection or an important evening commitment immediately afterward.

Food, camping, and the people behind the trek

Food is one of the strongest features of this trip. A cook prepares three breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, and three snacks. Typical meals can include porridge, quinoa, oats, eggs, pancakes, soups, potatoes, rice, chicken, beef stew, pasta, local dishes, fruit, cake, popcorn, cookies, and hot drinks.

The menus are designed to provide plenty of food after long days. Vegetarian meals are available, but you need to request them at least two days before departure. Special dietary needs should also be raised before the trek, not at the first campsite.

The guide is an important part of the experience. The guide leads the walking days and the Machu Picchu tour, while the bus and train transfers are not guided. A guide named Percy received especially strong praise for being funny, helpful, considerate, experienced, and easy to understand in English.

That kind of personal support matters on a route with high passes and changing weather. The trip includes a first aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle, but these are safety measures, not substitutes for fitness or acclimatization.

How difficult is the Lares Trek?

The route requires moderate fitness at minimum, and the operator describes it as difficult. The biggest issue is not just distance. Much of the trek is above 4,000 meters, and the pass reaches 4,400 meters.

You should be comfortable walking for six to eight hours on mountain trails. Warm clothing is essential. Pack thermals, a sweater, warm socks, gloves, a hat, rain pants, a rain poncho, and sturdy trekking boots. Bring sandals for camp and a swimsuit if you plan to use the Lares hot springs.

Trekking poles can help on both the steep climb and the long downhill sections. Carry a refillable water bottle, but budget for water, snacks, and sports drinks along the way. Trail prices can be two or three times higher than in Cusco.

A sleeping bag is not included. You can rent one for $15, or bring your own. Since the camps have limited to no electricity, a flashlight or headlamp, spare batteries, and waterproof bags for electronics are practical essentials.

The minimum age is seven, but age alone does not determine readiness. A young child would need to handle long high-altitude days, cold nights, and basic camping. The same applies to older participants. Your current walking fitness matters more than the number on your passport.

Group size, timing, and important preparation

The maximum group size is 15, with an average of four. A small group can make a difficult route feel more manageable, since the guide has more time to monitor pace and answer questions. The operator runs departures on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, with daily departures possible for groups of four or more.

A mandatory briefing takes place at 6:00 pm the evening before departure at the Cusco office on Calle Matara 242, second floor. You receive the packing list, departure details, and final instructions there. Treat this meeting as part of the tour, not an optional suggestion.

At booking, you must provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and passport expiration date. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the travel date. Once permits and entrance tickets are confirmed, changes cannot be made without the risk of losing those arrangements.

If you renewed your passport after booking, bring the old passport used for the booking or a photocopy. You also need your original passport, visa if required, insurance card, and personal medicines.

The stated health rules require people over 18 to have three COVID-19 vaccine doses. Those aged 12 to 17 need two doses, or a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding in the country of origin if their vaccination schedule is incomplete. Confirm current requirements before setting out, since rules can change.

The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. That makes travel insurance and careful date selection sensible, especially since Machu Picchu permits and train arrangements are tied to your personal details.

Who should book this four-day route?

I would choose this trip if you want a physical Andean trek with a softer landing at Machu Picchu. The two nights in camp give you mountain communities, animals, crops, and high passes. The hotel night in Aguas Calientes keeps the experience from becoming four straight nights of rough conditions.

It suits a person who wants a local guide, group support, cooked meals, and organized transport without committing to a longer trek. It also works well for someone who prefers a less conventional approach to Machu Picchu than simply taking the train from Cusco.

I would think twice if you dislike early mornings, shared camping, long uphill walks, or high-altitude travel. The hot springs, hotel, and train do not change the fact that Day 2 is demanding and the whole schedule is full.

Should you book the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

Book it if the combination of high mountain walking, community contact, good camp meals, and a guided Machu Picchu visit sounds right to you. The $847 fee is reasonable for the amount of transport, food, staff, equipment support, and entrance-related planning included.

Do not book it simply because it is a cheaper path to Machu Picchu. You need to prepare for 4,400 meters, cold nights, a strict schedule, and a non-refundable reservation. If you train beforehand, arrive ready for altitude, request dietary needs early, and arrange optional mountain tickets in time, this route offers a rewarding four-day mix of demanding trail work and well-organized sightseeing.

FAQ

How high does the Lares Trek go?

The highest point is Ipsayccocha Pass at about 4,400 meters. The trek also camps near Wakawasi at about 3,850 meters and Patacancha at about 3,800 meters.

Are meals included on the trek?

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. Vegetarian meals are available if requested at least two days ahead.

Is a sleeping bag included?

No. A sleeping bag can be rented for $15. A basic sleeping mattress and a tent for two people are included.

Can I hike Huayna Picchu?

Yes, but it is optional and costs extra. You must request the ticket at least two weeks in advance. The hike takes about 45 to 60 minutes and has limited daily passes.

Is the Machu Picchu entrance included?

Yes. The package includes the Machu Picchu entrance and a two-hour guided site visit. It also includes the round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

Where does the tour end in Cusco?

The return bus arrives at Plaza San Francisco at about 8:00 pm. Accommodation drop-off is not included, so you must make your own way to your Cusco lodging.