Lares Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights

The Cusco City Tour & Lares Trek 5 Days 4 Nights offers travelers a perfect balance of history, culture, and adventure. From exploring the heart of the Inca Empire to hiking across the high Andes and meeting local communities, this journey is designed to provide a deeper connection with Peru before arriving at the world wonder of Machu Picchu.

Highlights 

• Discover Cusco’s rich past on a guided city tour, visiting landmarks like Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, the Cathedral, and the artistic neighborhood of San Blas.
  Begin your adventure with the Lares Trek, a scenic and cultural alternative to the crowded Inca Trail.
• Connect with Quechua communities, experiencing their traditions, weaving, and farming lifestyle.
• Cross the breathtaking Condor Pass, with panoramic views of snowy peaks and alpine lakes.
• Finish your journey with a guided exploration of Machu Picchu, uncovering the secrets of the Lost City of the Incas.

The Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights is more than just a hike—it’s a journey through living history, Andean traditions, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and adventure, this experience ends with the once-in-a-lifetime reward of exploring Machu Picchu with our expert local guides.

Pre-Trek Briefing

You will have thorough briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Sacsayhuaman – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay.

The Cusco City Tour is a perfect introduction to the capital of the Inca Empire. In just four hours, you’ll explore some of the city’s most important landmarks while learning stories that connect its Inca and colonial past.

We’ll begin at Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most sacred site of the Incas and later transformed into the Convent of Santo Domingo. From there, we continue to the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, home to remarkable paintings from the Cusco School of Art.

Leaving the city center, we head uphill to the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuamán, famous for its massive stone walls and spectacular views of Cusco. The tour also includes visits to nearby sites like Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, each offering unique insights into Inca history and traditions.

At the end of the tour, your guide can suggest local restaurants, museums, or shops depending on your interests. For those who wish to continue the day, there’s also the chance to enjoy an evening of traditional Andean music, dance, and food, a lively way to experience the spirit of Cusco.

Optional: Enjoy an authentic buffet dinner with a folkloric show for an additional $39 per person, a perfect way to end your day in Cusco.

• Overnight in Cusco.
• Meals: None.
• Entrance Ticket: None.

Day 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Huaran – Cancha Cancha – Acopata.

Our staff will pick you up from your hotel in private transportation for a scenic drive of about an hour and a half to the town of Calca, in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Here, we’ll pause for roughly 45 minutes so you can explore the local market or enjoy a hearty breakfast (not included). Afterward, we continue by car for another 30 minutes until reaching the Huaran community (3,000 m / 9,840 ft), the starting point of our trek.

At Huaran, we’ll meet our muleteer, load the horses, and begin walking north. The trail ascends gently as it follows the Cancha Cancha River toward the community of the same name, a hike of nearly three hours.

Along the way, you’ll pass crop fields, wander through ancient Polylepis forests, and spot a variety of Andean bird species. The scenery here is simply breathtaking.

We’ll stop for lunch in Cachacancha (3,956 m / 12,976 ft), before continuing for another hour and a half until we reach Acopata (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), where we’ll set up our first campsite under the Andean night sky.

• Meals: lunch / dinner.
• Accommodations: Camping.
• Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 feet.
• Minimum altitude: 3,000 m / 9,840 feet.
• Walking distance: 12 km.
• Approximate walking time: 6 hours.

Day 3: Acopata – Pachacutec Pass – Qoyalay Lake – Quishuarani.

Our team will gently wake you up with a hot cup of tea or coffee delivered to your tent, so you can enjoy it in the warmth of your sleeping bag before getting ready for breakfast.

After a hearty meal to fuel the day, we’ll begin the steady climb toward the highest point of the trek, the Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). The ascent takes about two and a half hours at a relaxed pace, giving you time to adapt to the altitude.

From the summit, the views are absolutely breathtaking, with the sacred snow-capped peaks of Sahuasiray and Chicon rising majestically in front of you.

Once we’ve soaked in the scenery and taken a well-deserved break, we’ll descend for two hours to our lunch spot by the shimmering Qoyalay Lake (4,140 m / 13,583 ft). After resting and enjoying the meal, we continue downhill for about an hour and a half through a valley dotted with stunning glacial lakes.

Along the way, you’ll see herds of alpacas, llamas, and sheep, and with some luck, spot wildlife such as deer, vizcachas, Andean geese, hawks, or even the mighty condor—the largest flying bird in the world.

By late afternoon, we’ll reach our campsite in the charming community of Quishuarani (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). This picturesque village is known for its traditional stone houses and peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, we’ll gather for another delicious dinner before settling in for a well-earned rest under the Andean stars.

• Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 4,780 m / 15,678 feet
• Minimum altitude: 3,870 m / 12,694 feet
• Walking distance: 12 km
• Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

Day 4: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo.

After breakfast, we start the day with a steady 3-hour ascent to the Willqaqasa Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). From this viewpoint, we’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the Vilcanota mountain range, including the impressive snow-capped peaks of Colquecruz and Pitusiray.

From here, the trail continues for about two hours through high puna grasslands, fertile farmlands, and crystal-clear lakes until reaching the community of Cuncani. In this small Andean village, we’ll have the chance to meet and interact with local children. Depending on the school schedule, we may even visit a classroom and share meaningful moments with the students.

Leaving Cuncani, our transportation takes us on a descent through a lush valley filled with farmland, fruit trees, and native flowers such as begonias and wild orchids.

Our journey brings us to the Lares Hot Springs (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), where we’ll relax and recover in the natural volcanic pools. Here, we’ll also enjoy our final lunch with the trekking team and bid farewell to our talented chef and muleteer.

Afterward, we continue with a 2.5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll have dinner before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Tonight, we’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel, resting up for the big day ahead.

• Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel
• Maximum altitude: 4,458 m / 14,622 feet
• Minimum altitude: 2,792 m / 9,158 feet
• Walking distance: 13 km
• Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, ensuring you arrive in time to witness the magical sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas—an unforgettable sight you won’t want to miss.

Upon arrival, your guide will lead a two-hour tour through the most significant areas of Machu Picchu Citadel, explaining its history, architecture, and purpose.

Explore the site’s three main sectors: the agricultural terraces, the residential area, and the religious sector, gaining insight into how the Inca civilization once thrived in this awe-inspiring mountain retreat.

After soaking in the spectacular views, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure, you may also explore the town, visit the local market, stop by the museum, or relax in the hot springs.

In the afternoon, board your train at 2:30 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., following the Urubamba River through the stunning Sacred Valley. As the train winds through the narrow canyon, keep an eye out for the spectacular Wiñay Wayna ruins, visible high up on the mountainside.

After a two-hour journey, you will arrive at Ollantaytambo, where a private bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will drop you off at your hotel, concluding your incredible adventure.

Important Note: Machu Picchu archeological site is different from Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. The mountain requires a separate permit for those wishing to hike it. If you are interested in adding this experience, please let us know in advance so we can arrange it for you.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft.
• Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft.

Included:

• Trek briefing with your guide.
• Professional local guide (on hike).
• Second tour guide for groups of 9+.
• Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• Train return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (double or triple accommodation).
• Round Trip Bus Tickets to Machu Picchu.
• Private transport and professional driver (to the starting point of hike).
• All entrance tickets and permits for Lares trek.
• Pick-up from hotels.
• 2 person per tent Igloo tents (new, spacious and comfortable).
• A roll pad mattress.
• Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs.
• Excellent tour guide (2 guides for groups over 9).
• Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent.
• Excellent meals (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners).
• Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request)
• Horses or mules.
• Porterage of 6 Kg per person.
• Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coco, biscuits, popcorn)
• Oxygen Tank & First aid kit.
• All local taxes.

Not Included:

• Boleto Turisco or Cusco Tourist Ticket $45.
• First breakfast & lunch on the last day
• Sleeping bag.
• Water on Day 1.
• Energy snacks which can very useful such as chocolate and granola bars and dried fruits.
• Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu USD $75.00.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal expenses.
• **Tips, for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide).

Bring for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights is like any other high altitude trek, so it is essential to be well prepared. As it begins in the dead of night morning, consider to pack the following Items:

• A good daypack: Eagle Creek Afar Backpack –appropriate packs to carry your personal belongings.
• Original passport.
• Travel insurance.
• Swimwear for the hot springs of Aguas calientes Town.
• Lighter trekking boots.
• 3 pairs of trekking pants.
• Layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
• 1 rain jacket.
• 1 warm/Winter jacket.
• Thermals: wool socks, gloves, scarf, and woolen hat for cold nights.
• 4 pairs of underwear and 4 pairs of socks.
• 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts.
• 1 good sleeping bag liner that is super lightweight and easy to pack. 
• Travel-size tissues and wet wipes.
• Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. 
• Sun protection cream (SPF 35 or higher recommended).
• Bug spray.
• Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camel back.
• Water (only for first day hike). Then we will provide you with water throughout the hike.
• Camera and film.
• A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries.
• Bandages or moleskin.
• Flip flops to change into at night.
• Toiletries.
• Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach. 
• Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, & tips to your staff.
• Additional Notes.

Permits are required for your chosen start date. Prices for the Lares Trek 5 Days 4 Nights depend on group size and are valid from March 2025 to January 2026, quoted in USD.

• 2-3 Trekkers:  $669 per person
• 4-5 Trekkers: $649 per person
• 6 or more Trekkers: $619 per person

Important: Price includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).

Discounts:

• 18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: $30 USD  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

• Machu Picchu Mountain climbing:  USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)

Upgrades:

Hotel Upgrades:

• Inka terra (5 star hotel) – US $480 per person per night (double occupancy).
• Hotel El Mapi (4 star hotel) – US $105 per person per night (double occupancy).
• Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy).

Train Upgrades:

• Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy

Rentals:

• Hiking poles – US$20.00
• Sleeping bag – US$25.00
• Private Tent – US$30.00

How long is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights and how many hours do we hike per a day?

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights is 43 kms long and depending on which campsites are used the approximate hours hiked per day are:

• Day 1: 5 hours
• Day 2: 7 hours
• Day 3: 7 hours
• Day 4: 3 hours

How difficult is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights?

The Lares Trek is considered a moderate hike. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend purchasing a walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.

Is altitude sickness common? And how high is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights?

It’s impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cuzco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people.

The highest point you will reach while hiking the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights is 4550 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.

Is it possible to skip the Lares Trek even if the tour includes it?

Yes! If you do not wish to hike the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights please advise us at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have already confirmed). If you choose not to hike the trail you will spend two nights in Cuzco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes for the third night where you will rejoin your group and spend the night before touring Machu Picchu the following morning.

When do we reach Machu Picchu and how much time do we spend there?

You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning on Day 5. You will be met by a local guide who will take you on an informative 2-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cuzco.

Do porters carry our luggage while on the Lares Trek?

No, llamas, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry any essentials you might want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, rain jacket, etc.

How cold does it get on the Lares Trek (will I need to bring hats and mitts)?

The high altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven hats and gloves in Cuzco.

What type of accommodation is used on the Lares Trek?

On the first night of the Lares Trek, we stay at a community-owned campsite established by the Accopata community that features composting toilets, solar showers, and a solid-waste management system that’s the first of it’s kind in the region. On the second night, we’ll spend the night in three-person tents designed to accommodate two same-sex travellers. Trekkers will be served a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) in their tents during morning hours. On the third night, we’ll stay at a simple hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Is a sleeping bag and mat included?

Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. If travelling between May and October a 4-season sleeping bag is recommended.  These can be rented with us. For approximately $20 for the length of the trek. Foam mats are provided however some travellers also bring their own self-inflating mat (i.e. a Thermarest).

Is purified water available on the trek?

Yes, you can doing, But we recommend you buy water or rehydration drinks from local people, as it is a form of power these people support them.
of course that we offer them every morning boiled water so you can take during the day.

What type of food will we get on the Lares Trek?

Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.

What is the suggested amount that I should tip the guides and porters?

Tipping is at your discretion, but is always appreciated. If you enjoyed the service you enjoyed from your guides and porters or Horseman.

By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking:

1. Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
2. You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
3. You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
4. The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.

Cancellations:

1. Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:

ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.

Inca Trail Tours:

1. Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
2. In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
3. Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

Medical Information:

1. You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
2. You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
3. Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
4. Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
5. It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.

Tours and Treks:

1. All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
   You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
2. All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
3. If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
4. Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
5. Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
6. Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
7. Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
8. All tours are done in English.

Delays:

1. Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.

Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!