Lares Trek to Machu Picchu


The remote and less visited region of Lares gives you an opportunity to see how authentic local people of Lares live, you will see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas.

The town of Urubamba is located in the middle of the sacred valley, it is surrounded by beautiful scenery and mountain views. Although centrally located the town has a very relaxed, laid back feel to it. 

Alpi Adventure and Evert were the first to trek these walking trails over 35 years ago, when they were trying to find alternative Inca routes. These amazing but less travelled routes connect you with Macchu Picchu.


“Note from us to you - There is something magical about Lares, the shooting stars are golden and so close to you, it is somewhere very special to all of us at Alpi”

— Evert and Emma

Itinerary:


Day 1: Cusco - Calca - Termas de Lares - Huacahuasi.

We start with an early morning pickup from your hotel where we make our way to Calca, here we will stock up on provisions and stop for breakfast.

After breakfast we make our way to Lares where we take some time to bathe in the hot springs before beginning our walk to the town of Huacahuasi where we set up first camp.


Day 2 Huacahuasi - Ipsaycocha Lagoon - Huilloc.

Day 2 begins with a trek to the Ipsaycocha pass, the highest point of the trek (4,450m) this takes between 2-3 hours. After this we make our way to the camp at Lake Ipsaycocha where we stop for lunch. After lunch we continue to Huilloc camp where we have dinner and stay the night.


Day 3Huilloc- Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

we trek down through the valley to Puma Marca, after spending some time here we then make our way to Ollantaytambo and from here we get the 7pm train to agues Calientes where we are transferred to our hotel for the night.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

On the final day we wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu before those who have tickets for Huayna Picchu get a chance to explore. Next we take the bus to Agues Calientes where we will have a free afternoon to explore or relax before we return to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco where you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Lares to Machu Picchu

It Includes:  

Briefing one or two days before the start

  • Transport

  • Transfer from your hotel to Lares

  • Entrance ticket to the Lares hot springs

  • Quadruple tent for two people

  • Muleteers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, mats) Horse to carry 7 kg. (15.43 lb.) of your personal equipment

  • Duffel bag for your personal gear

  • Professional English / Spanish tour guide

  • Professional cook 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 afternoon tea.

  • First aid kit, oxygen bottle

  • Train Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo

  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

  • Entrance ticket to Machupicchu

  • One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)

  • Transportation Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Not Included:

  • First breakfast on the first day - lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes

  • Sleeping bags

  • Trekking sticks

  • Tips are not included but it is optional

What to bring:

  • You must bring your original passport (International Student Card (ISIC) if applicable)

  • Boots / walking shoes

  • Waterproof jacket / rain jacket

  • Warm jacket, hat and gloves

  • Tshirts

  • Comfortable pants

  • Sun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sun protection cream

  • Reusable metal or plastic water container

  • Insect repellent

  • Toiletries

  • Personal medication

  • Camera and camcorder

Additional Information: 

  • The first day the walking distance is: Total distance: 10 km (6, 21 miles) Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours Maximum altitude: 4,580 meters above sea level. (15,026 cakes) Camp height: 3,750 meters above sea level. (12,303 cakes).

  • The second day the walking distance is: Total distance: 9 km (5.59 miles) Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours Maximum altitude: 4.4500 meters above sea level. (14,599 cakes) Height of the camp: 3,700 meters above sea level. (12,136 cakes)

  • The third day the walking distance is: Total distance: 13 km (8, 08 miles) Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours. Maximum altitude: 3,700 meters above sea level. (12,136 cakes) Height of the camp: 2,000 meters above sea level. (6,560 cakes)

  • On the fourth day the walking distance is: Visit and walk inside Machupicchu