Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: 4 Days of Culture & Mountains

The Lares Trek is the most authentic cultural alternative to the Inca Trail. Known as the “Weaver’s Way,” this route takes you through the remote Lares Valley, home to communities that still preserve ancient Incan traditions in weaving and agriculture. It is a quieter route with fewer tourists and spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes. While it reaches significant altitudes, the trail is friendlier on the knees as it doesn’t feature as many steep stone steps as the Classic Inca Trail.

ℹ️ General Information

• Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights.

• Frequency: Daily departures (Subject to availability).

• Start Point: Hotel pick-up in Cusco (06:00 AM).

• Difficulty: Moderate.

• Price: $520.00 USD (Group service).

⭐ Lares Trek Highlights

• Lares Hot Springs: Begin the adventure by relaxing in natural medicinal pools before the hike.

• Cultural Immersion: Visit communities like Huacawasi and Patacancha, famous for their colorful textiles and traditional lifestyle.

• Andean Landscapes: Cross mountain passes with breathtaking views of the Urubamba mountain range.

• Pumamarka Archaeological Site: Explore these fascinating Inca ruins before arriving in Ollantaytambo.

• Machu Picchu Connection: A scenic train journey culminating in a guided tour of the world wonder.

🗺️ Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Huacawasi

• • Departure: We leave Cusco at 06:00 AM for the town of Lares (approx. 5 hours).

  • Initial Relax: We will enjoy the medicinal thermal baths of Lares followed by a replenishing lunch.

  • Trek Start: We begin our hike through surreal mountain landscapes until reaching the small village of Huacawasi (3,750 m).

  • Night: Dinner and camping under the starry Andean sky.

• Day 2: Huacawasi – Ipsaycocha Pass – Patacancha (Qelcanca)

• • The Challenge: This is the highest day. We ascend toward the Ipsaycocha pass, enjoying views of alpine lagoons and local birdlife.

  • Local Encounter: We descend toward Patacancha, where you will meet the famous local weavers dressed in their traditional red outfits.

  • Night: Second campsite in the Qelcanca area after about 8 hours of total hiking.

• Day 3: Qelcanca – Pumamarka – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

• • Historic Descent: We walk down the valley to Pumamarka, an impressive Inca construction that served as a control point for the valley.

  • Sacred Valley: Arrival in Ollantaytambo, the “Living Inca City,” to explore its streets before taking the train.

  • Train to the Jungle: A scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.

  • Night: Rest in a hostel with a private bathroom and hot water to prepare for the big day.

• Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco

• • The Citadel: Early breakfast and bus ride to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour professional guided tour.

  • Exploration: Free time to walk around, meditate, or take photos in the permitted sectors.

  • Return: Return train to Ollantaytambo and final bus back to Cusco, arriving approximately between 09:00 – 10:00 PM.

For more information about our pricing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@coclatours.com — we’d love to hear from you and help you plan your next adventure!

✅ What’s Included

• Transfers from your hotel in Cusco to the trailhead in Lares.

• Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish).

• Full board: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and snacks.

• Camping equipment: Waterproof tents (2 people per tent), kitchen tents, and mats.

• Pack horses and muleteers for camping gear and food.

• First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank.

• Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (Round trip).

• 01 night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes (private bathroom).

• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

• Round-trip bus ticket (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu).

❌ Not Included

• First breakfast and last lunch.

• Sleeping bag (available for rent).

• Entrance to the Lares hot springs (approx. 15 Soles).

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional $20 USD, subject to availability).

🎒 What to Bring

• Essentials: Original passport, small daypack.

• Clothing: Thermal layers for the first night, waterproof jacket, and light walking clothes.

• Protection: Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a hat.

• Money: Local currency (Soles) for purchasing textiles in the communities and tips.

💡 Expert Recommendations

1. Local Support: Bring some extra cash; the textiles in Huacawasi are of the highest quality, and buying directly helps the local families.

2. Weather: The second day can be very cold when crossing the pass. Make sure you have your jacket handy.

3. Water Care: Bring purifying tablets or a filtered bottle to reduce plastic waste in the mountains.

❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Lares Trek easier than the Inca Trail? Yes, in terms of having fewer steep stone steps, but the altitude is similar, so acclimatization is still key.

2. Can we see the weavers working? Yes! In Patacancha, it is very common to see women weaving with backstrap looms just as their ancestors did.

3. Are there bathrooms during the hike? The campsites feature basic facilities set up by our crew. By the third night at the hostel, you will have full amenities.