Short Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco ➝ Lares Hot Springs ➝ Wacahuasi
- Early hotel pick-up from Cusco and drive to Lares
- Relaxing soak in Lares natural hot springs (3,250 m)
- Begin trek towards Wacahuasi through Andean communities
- Scenic trail lunch
- Dinner and overnight at Wacahuasi (3,800 m)
Day 2: Wacahuasi ➝ Ipsaycocha Pass ➝ Patacancha
- Breakfast with locals in Wacahuasi
- Trek to Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450 m) with llamas and alpacas en route
- Summit views and lunch by Ipsaycocha Lake
- Descend to Patacancha village
- Dinner and overnight in Patacancha (3,700 m)
Day 3: Patacancha ➝ Ollantaytambo ➝ Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast and cultural interaction with local weaving families
- Drive to Ollantaytambo (optional exploration time permitting)
- Lunch in Ollantaytambo
- Afternoon scenic train to Aguas Calientes
- Arrival, hotel check-in, and dinner
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour ➝ Return to Cusco
- Early shuttle bus to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of the citadel
- Free time or optional Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain (pre-booking required)
- Bus back to Aguas Calientes
- Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco (evening arrival)
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco ➝ Lares Hot Springs ➝ Wacahuasi
🏁 Start of the Lares trek:
🕗 05:00 am – Hotel pickup in Cusco and drive to Lares
Your journey on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu begins early with a scenic drive from Cusco into the Andes. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and snow-capped peaks as we ascend toward the remote Lares Valley hot springs.
🕗 08:00 am – Soak in the Lares Hot Springs
Before starting the Lares hike in Peru, relax in the natural thermal pools of Lares (3,250 m). These soothing waters are a highlight of the Lares Valley and the perfect way to prepare your body for the trek.
🕗 09:30 am – Begin the trek to Wacahuasi
We begin hiking through highland landscapes, rivers, and traditional farming communities. Your guide shares insights into Andean culture, ancient agriculture, and daily life along this authentic Lares route.
🕗 13:00 pm – Lunch with a mountain view
Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch near the trail, cooked with local ingredients to fuel your adventure.
🕗 15:30 pm – Arrival in Wacahuasi (3,800 m)
Arrive in the peaceful Andean village of Wacahuasi, where locals welcome you warmly. This remote campsite offers a genuine cultural experience in the high Andes.
🕗 18:00 pm – Dinner and overnight in Wacahuasi
Share a traditional dinner and admire the Andean night sky filled with stars.
Day 2: Wacahuasi ➝ Ipsaycocha Pass ➝ Patacancha
⛰️ This is the trekking day:
🕗 06:30 am – Breakfast with the locals
Enjoy a warm breakfast and learn about traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations.
🕗 08:00 am – Trek to the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450 m)
Today is the most demanding day of the Lares hike Peru. Ascend gradually to the Ipsaycocha Pass, crossing landscapes filled with alpacas and dramatic mountain views.
🕗 12:00 pm – Summit celebration and panoramic views
At the highest point, pause to absorb sweeping views of glacial peaks and pristine lakes — a powerful and emotional highlight of the trek.
🕗 13:00 pm – Lunch by the Ipsaycocha Lake
Descend slightly and enjoy lunch beside the tranquil lake, surrounded by silence and raw Andean beauty.
🕗 15:30 pm – Trek to Patacancha (3,700 m)
Continue through isolated valleys until reaching Patacancha, Peru, a village known for its vibrant textiles and deep-rooted traditions.
🕗 18:00 pm – Dinner and overnight
Enjoy dinner and rest in this quiet Andean community nestled above the Sacred Valley.
Day 3: Patacancha ➝ Ollantaytambo ➝ Aguas Calientes
⛰️ Enjoy the amazing places and get to Aguas Calientes:
🕗 07:00 am – Breakfast and local interaction
Visit a local family and learn how traditional weaving is preserved in the Andes.
🕗 08:30 am – Drive to Ollantaytambo
Travel downhill through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo town, one of the most important living Inca settlements.
🕗 10:30 am – Explore Ollantaytambo (optional)
If time allows, explore the ruins, stone streets, and water channels of this historic town.
🕗 12:30 pm – Lunch in Ollantaytambo
Enjoy lunch before boarding the train.
🕗 14:30 pm – Train to Aguas Calientes
Board the scenic train to Machu Picchu, traveling alongside rivers and lush cloud forest toward Aguas Calientes.
🕗 17:00 pm – Arrival in Aguas Calientes + dinner
Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner in preparation for the grand finale.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour ➝ Return to Cusco
🌄 Machu Picchu, the gem of the day — one of the 7 Wonders of the World
🕗 05:30 am – Shuttle bus to Machu Picchu
Ride the early bus to the citadel and witness the first light over this legendary site.
🕗 06:30 am – Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Explore the iconic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu with an expert guide. Walk through temples, plazas, and terraces while learning about the spiritual and architectural brilliance of the Incas.
🕗 09:00 am – Free time or optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Add an optional hike to HuaynaPicchu for breathtaking panoramic views over the citadel.
🕗 11:30 am – Return to Aguas Calientes
Descend by shuttle and enjoy some free time in town.
🕗 14:00 pm – Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
Board the train, then continue by private transport back to Cusco.
🕗 18:30 pm approx – Arrival in Cusco
Return to your hotel with unforgettable memories of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
Included
- Private transportation
- Professional Tour guide
- Pack horses
- Muleteers
- 3 stars Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Accommodation in Tents
- Camping equipment (cooking utensils and accommodation)
- Food (3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner)
- Tickets to Machu Picchu
- Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (round trip)
Not Included
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Tips
- Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Hotel in Cusco
- Travel Insurance
Prices
Private Service
No hay datos de precios configurados para este tour.
Note
For children under the age of 17, please contact One Click Expeditions.
Why Travelers Love it?
✨ Authentic Encounters, Far From the Crowds
The Lares Trek offers a real connection to Andean life. You’ll walk ancient trails and meet families who preserve centuries-old traditions.
🌱 Sustainable & Community-Based
This trek supports remote villages through responsible tourism. You’re not just passing through — you’re part of their story.
🏔️ Epic Scenery Without the Crowds
Swap the busy Inca Trail for peace, solitude, and views you’ll never forget. This route is wild, beautiful, and less traveled.
🔥 Hot Springs & High Peaks
Where else can you start your trek with a soak in thermal waters and end it on top of the world?
🏛️ A Grand Finale at Machu Picchu
After days of immersion in Andean life and nature, standing before Machu Picchu feels even more magical.
📣 Ready to Experience the Soul of the Andes?
Take the road less traveled and journey through living culture and breathtaking landscapes — all the way to Machu Picchu.
👉 Book your Lares Trek adventure today!
FAQS
How difficult is the Lares Trek compared to the Classic Inca Trail?
▼The Lares Trek is slightly less physically demanding but reaches higher altitudes. It focuses more on cultural immersion and rural landscapes than Inca ruins. No special permits are required.
Are there bathrooms and showers during the trek?
▼At the campsites, we provide basic portable toilets. Showers are not available during the trek, but you'll have access to hot springs at the beginning in Lares.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
▼You’ll sleep in high-quality camping tents (two people per tent), with sleeping mats included. In Aguas Calientes, you'll stay in a comfortable hotel (upgrade options available).
What should I pack for the Lares Trek?
▼Bring layered clothing for changing weather, a warm sleeping bag (available to rent), trekking poles, rain gear, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and your passport.
Can I hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain at the end of the trek?
▼Yes! These hikes are optional and require advance booking. Let us know in advance if you want to add one to your Machu Picchu experience.
Is this trek suitable for children or older adults?
▼Yes, if they are in good physical condition and acclimatized. The pace is flexible, and our guides are experienced in supporting diverse groups.
How is this trek socially responsible?
▼This trek supports remote Quechua communities through fair wages, local sourcing, and cultural exchange — helping preserve their way of life and identity.
💬 Still Have Questions?
▼Our travel experts are here to help. 👉 Contact us now or message us via WhatsApp for instant support.






