Photo gallery
Scenes from the Cusco region
Tour overview
Lares Trek, thoughtfully organized
The cultural trek. You walk among Quechua communities where weaving and llama herding still shape daily life, soak in the Lares hot springs, and finish at Machu Picchu.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
What makes this trip special
- Walk through Andean communities and highland scenery
- Lares hot springs and weaving traditions
- Finish with a guided Machu Picchu visit
Detailed itinerary
Your journey, step by step
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Cusco to the Lares hot springs and Huacahuasi
Pickup around 5:00 am · 3 h drive + about 3 h walking · Max altitude about 3,800 m · Overnight: camp in Huacahuasi · Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner The drive crosses the Sacred Valley and climbs over the mountains to Lares, where you relax in natural hot springs surrounded by green peaks. After lunch, an easy walk leads up the valley to the weaving community of Huacahuasi, where families still wear traditional dress and herd llamas and alpacas. You camp near the village and, if they are free, meet local weavers at work.
Ipsaycocha Pass and the high lakes
About 14 km, 6–7 h · Max altitude about 4,450 m · Overnight: camp near Patacancha · Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner The big day of the trek. You climb steadily to the Ipsaycocha Pass, with views of glaciers and turquoise lagoons, and stop by the lake of the same name. The descent follows a valley of stone corrals and grazing herds to the Patacancha area, where you camp near a farming community.
Down to Ollantaytambo and the train
About 3 h walking + transfer · Overnight: hotel in Aguas Calientes · Meals: breakfast, lunch A short morning walk takes you through the Patacancha valley before a transfer to Ollantaytambo. You have time to visit the Inca fortress before the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes and a night in a hotel.
Machu Picchu
Bus from about 6:00 am · 2–2.5 h guided visit · Return to Cusco in the evening · Meals: breakfast An early bus takes you up for your guided tour of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon you take the train back to Ollantaytambo and a transfer to Cusco.
What's included
Clear inclusions, no guesswork
Included
- transfers
- guide, cook and horsemen
- camping gear
- meals
- hot springs and community fees
- hotel night
- Machu Picchu ticket
- bus
- trains
Plan with confidence
Essential trip details
Good to know
Before you travel
Entrance routes
Understanding Machu Picchu circuits
Machu Picchu uses timed tickets and set routes. The circuit available for your trip depends on tickets, trek permits and your itinerary.
Panoramic
Elevated viewpoints and selected mountain routes.
Classic
Classic viewpoints and the urban sector.
Royalty
Lower-sector temples and royal spaces.
Routes depend on official availability. Your quote will identify the proposed ticket route.
Planning guides
Useful reading before you book
What to bring
Pack light for the day
- Original passport
- Daypack of 25–30 liters and a refillable 2-liter water bottle
- Sleeping bag rated to −10 °C (or rent one)
- Warm layers, wool hat and gloves, rain jacket
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel for the hot springs
- Headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses and cash in soles for the springs, crafts and tips
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Before you book
Is Lares easier than Salkantay?
Yes. It is shorter, with lower passes, and suits hikers with average fitness.
Can I buy weavings along the trail?
Yes. Buying directly from the weavers supports the communities you visit.
Can I combine Lares with the Inca Trail?
Yes. See Lares & Short Inca Trail 5 Days (C5).
