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Lares, Machu Picchu
Are you searching for an authentic experience in Machu Picchu instead of well-trodden paths? The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days is an Andean experience with spectacular views, hiking, and living culture. This hike takes you through the Lares Valley, a high Andean place where you can see the coexistence with traditional Quechua communities and their clothing, enjoy hot springs in Lares, and compare ancestral crafts. This hike, ideal for small groups and families, is an adventure that ends in Machu Picchu; it is a hike that blends history, nature, and the authenticity of Andean communities.
Dare to live this experience from Lares to Machu Picchu, with the entire logistics team of Ausangate Adventure. Come, join us for this hike.
At 4:30 am, we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and take you by transport to the famous Lares hot springs. Whether you are in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba, Pisac, etc.), we will pick you up at any hotel, hostel, or Airbnb. We will start in Cusco and head for 1 hour to Calca, in the Sacred Valley, where we will visit its local market to buy provisions. Then, we will continue for another 2 hours to the Lares hot springs, where you will enjoy therapeutic pools of different temperatures to relax muscles, bones, and stress with views of the mountains. Our trekking chef will prepare a nutritious breakfast for you.
After breakfast, we will drive for 30 minutes to Pampacorral, from where we will start a 2-hour hike to the village of Kiswarani. There, we will have lunch freshly prepared by our chefs with local ingredients. Then, we will walk for 2 hours to the first campsite by an Andean lake surrounded by spectacular landscapes, waterfalls, and potato fields, before reaching the Blue Lagoon (3,900 m / 12,795 feet). Upon your arrival, your tents will be ready and you will be greeted with coca tea or hot coffee.
During the day, you will have views of the Sacred Valley, you can visit Lares, relax in the hot springs, and take a stroll thru the valley. You will also pass thru potato fields, see the village of Kiswarani, interact with the local people, walk alongside llamas and alpacas, and enjoy the Kiswarani waterfalls. At the campsite, there will be hot water for washing, you can have tea, and you can look at the stars before sleeping in our comfortable tents.
Camp Altitude: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
Trekking Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Duration: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping under a starry sky
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Blue Lagoon – Condor Pass – Canchacancha Community
Start the day with a cup of coffee or coca tea at the tent and get ready early for the most challenging day of the Lares to Machu Picchu hike. After breakfast, you will be given snacks and begin a 4-hour hike to the highest point of the circuit: the Condor Pass (4,750 m / 15,583 feet). Along the way, you will appreciate lakes filled with wallatas (Andean geese), mountain caracaras, llamas, alpacas, and beautiful Andean landscapes.
Already at the summit, you will have a 360° view of mountains and lakes; your guide will give an explanation about the sacred mountains at the Condor Pass. Then, a cup of coca tea for having accomplished it. From there, you will descend for 2 hours to Acopata, where lunch awaits you.
After lunch, you will continue downhill for 2 more hours to the village of Canchacancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), where you can relax with hot drinks and enjoy the mountain views. You will be able to share with the locals, play soccer with the children, learn a few words in Quechua, or teach some in English.
Camp Altitude: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
Maximum Altitude: 4,700 m / 15,354 ft
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Duration: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Your day will start with a cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent. After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to explore the village before starting the descent from the highlands to the Sacred Valley, a journey that will take you about four hours. Along the way, you will visit the homes of the local residents and learn about their way of life. You will also visit the village's primary school, where you will have the opportunity to bring school supplies if you wish.
The hike will be mainly downhill, thru areas where the locals grow beans and potatoes, until reaching warmer lands where avocados and corn are cultivated. The route will take you thru a variety of landscapes, from the Sacred Valley to the mountains. At the end of the hike, in Huaran (2,700 m / 8,856 ft), you will enjoy a picnic to bid farewell to the cooking team and the muleteers.
After that, we will take a private van to the Maras Salt Mines, where we will visit these ancient salt pools that have been used since the Inca era. Finally, we will arrive in Ollantaytambo, the living Inca city, where you will have the opportunity to tour the citadel with your guide and have dinner before taking the train to Aguascalientes.
Altitude of Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Duration: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Day 4: Return to Cusco – Machu Picchu
We will start very early with breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes and then head to the bus terminal. So that we can see how the morning mist dissipates and gradually reveals this jewel of the Inca Empire, our goal will be to take one of the first transports to the Machu Picchu citadel, to delight in the sunrise over the Andean mountains.
You will have the opportunity to stop at traditional viewpoints to admire the panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its amazing natural surroundings before starting the guided tour. Then, you will take a guided tour of 2 to 3 hours following the circuits (circuits 1, 2, 3 depend on availability and schedule), which is considered the most comprehensive. On the tour, your local guide will tell you about the history, architecture, and mysticism of the plazas, temples, and agricultural areas of the citadel.
If you have extra tickets, you can take an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These paths are round trips and take between 2 and 3 hours; moreover, from the top, they offer stunning views of the sanctuary.
After the experience, you will take a bus to the town of Aguascalientes, where you will have free time to have lunch at your own pace. In the afternoon, you will take the train to Ollantaytambo and, throughout the journey, you will enjoy exceptional views of the Sacred Valley. Finally, a private transport will take you back to Cusco, and you will arrive at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.
Maximum Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Duration: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
Difficulty: Easy
The daypack will be with you at all times, and you’ll be responsible for carrying it during the daily hikes, so it should be as light as possible. Remember that duffel bags will only be available at the campsite, so everything you need during the day must be in your daypack.
You will receive the duffel bag during the pre-trek meeting at our office the day before the hike. The maximum allowed weight is 8 kg (17 lbs), and it should include your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress.
This gear will help ensure you are prepared for the trek, keeping you comfortable and safe while enjoying the adventure.
It is very important to be well-acclimated to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek begins to help acclimate and avoid potential altitude sickness issues during the hike. If you’ve already been at another high-altitude location in Peru before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend spending a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and enjoy the sights.
Cusco’s airport currently only operates domestic flights. International passengers must land in Lima and clear customs there. It is important to note that due to Cusco’s high altitude, flights may experience delays or cancellations. Additionally, weather changes can affect air traffic. If you prefer a land alternative, buses are a viable option. However, the journey can be long, especially from Lima. Buses from Lima can take approximately 20 hours.
Ausangate Adventure can pick you up at your hotel as long as it is located in Cusco’s Historic Center. During the pre-trek briefing, your guide will coordinate the meeting time, but please be aware that wait times can vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to local traffic. Cusco has narrow and cobblestone streets, which can make access to some hotels and Airbnbs challenging. Some locations may be in areas without vehicular access or on steep inclines, making luggage transport more difficult. It is advisable to book accommodation with easy access to facilitate transportation.
You can securely store any additional luggage in Cusco, either at your hotel or with us at Ausangate Adventure while you are on your trek. We will handle the storage of your luggage in the morning before your trek starts and return it to you once you are back in Cusco. It is important to ensure your bags are clearly labeled for easy identification.
The altitude on the Lares Trek varies and can be challenging for some hikers. The route traverses different ecological zones, meaning you will experience significantly different elevations. During the trek, you will reach mountain passes exceeding 4,400 meters (14,436 feet) above sea level, requiring good acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. It is important to consider that altitude can affect your physical performance and breathing ability, so gradual ascent and proper rest are recommended.
To avoid altitude sickness on the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu, acclimate by spending a few days in Cusco before the trek. Stay well-hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Eat light, frequent meals, focusing on carbohydrates, and avoid heavy foods. Walk slowly, take frequent breaks, and avoid intense physical exertion initially. Consult your doctor about preventive medications such as acetazolamide (Diamox). Use natural remedies like chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea, which are traditional practices in the Andes. Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms, which include headaches, nausea, and dizziness; if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Carry a first aid kit and plan your itinerary with flexibility to allow extra acclimatization time if needed. Following these tips will improve your chances of having a safe and enjoyable trek.
The weather in Lares is quite variable and depends on the time of year you undertake the trek. Generally, it is cold in the high areas and milder in the valleys. During the rainy season (October to March), rainfall is frequent and temperatures are more moderate. In the dry season (April to September), the weather is more stable with less rain and temperatures can vary considerably between day and night. It is advisable to bring warm, waterproof, and layered clothing to adapt to the typical mountain weather changes.
Each Ausangate Adventure guide is trained in first aid. They will carry a first aid kit with basic medical supplies and oxygen during the trek. They are prepared to take good care of you. In the event of an unexpected situation where you feel unable to continue the trek, they will determine the safest, quickest way to get you off the trail and to a clinic in Cusco.
We provide all meals and snacks during the trek, up to the last lunch on the Lares to Machu Picchu trek. We understand you might be interested in the quality of our food. While each meal is prepared by a chef in a small tent on a small stove, our clients are consistently satisfied with the excellence of our dishes. Each chef is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. At the end of each day’s hike, you will be treated to a delicious dinner cooked in the heart of the Andes, sure to exceed your expectations for trekking cuisine.
We use fresh ingredients sourced from the Cusco market and transported by pack horses handled by our muleteers. These ingredients are then prepared by our chefs to ensure each meal is fresh, healthy, and delicious.
Special dietary needs? Don’t worry; we are equipped to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies.
Ausangate Adventure ensures that water is available at every meal. The water will be boiled, purified, and cooled before being served to our clients, ensuring it is safe to drink. However, for the first morning of the trek, you should provide your own water due to the preparation process. It is advisable to start the trek with 2-3 liters of water, so make sure to have a sufficiently sized bottle or camelback to store it.
At Ausangate Adventure, we use biodegradable soap and ensure that all our trash is taken back to Cusco. Our muleteers are trained to keep the trails clean and collect waste. Additionally, we are committed to environmental preservation and responsible waste management. We adopt practices that minimize our environmental impact.
Protests and strikes are common in Peru and can affect our travel plans. Roads may be blocked, and trains may be halted. However, we will do everything possible to keep your itinerary as planned, even if it means departing a night earlier. In some cases, travel may be canceled. If changes occur, our operations team will contact you. Your safety is our top priority, and we will take the best measures to protect you in any unforeseen situation.
Please take special care of your belongings and ensure you collect all your items when leaving our vehicles, campsites, or restaurants. You are responsible for your personal items during the trek.
Shared service Trek.
Price: 640 USD per person.
This group or shared service means that you will do the tour with other people, the standard service is in a group of 10 to 16 people, guarantyd departures, if there are only 1 or 2 people they can join one of our groups.
Trek in private service.
This private and exclusive service with daily departures is a way to undertake this journey where the service is much more personalized. The prices vary according to the number of travelers: one, two, three, four, or more travelers. If you would like a private service, please request information at info@ausangateadventure.com or through our WhatsApp +51 914201334
The Lares Valley Trek is an alternative to the Inca Trail, offering a less crowded experience and a deeper immersion into Andean culture. It traverses local communities, stunning landscapes, and culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu.
The dry season, from May to September, is the most popular due to clear skies and less rain. However, the rainy season (October to April) provides greener landscapes and fewer tourists.
The trek is located in the Lares district, in the province of Calca, about 150 kilometers from Cusco. Starting at an altitude of 3,250 meters (10,663 feet) above sea level, the trek begins at the Lares hot springs and takes you through ancient Andean communities, where you can experience their traditions and customs.
The difficulty varies depending on the itinerary, but it is generally considered moderate to challenging. It includes ascents to high altitudes, which requires good physical fitness and prior acclimatization.
Meals are prepared by local cooks and are typically varied, featuring traditional Peruvian dishes. It’s recommended to bring additional snacks for the trek.
Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed local guide. They are familiar with the route, the communities, and can assist with acclimatization and any emergencies.
The trek includes ascents to high altitudes, so if you have a fear of heights, it’s important to consider this before making your decision.
Acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. It is recommended to spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 meters or 11,155 feet) before starting the trek.
Yes, the trek is safe if done with a reputable travel agency and by following the guide's recommendations.
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