Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
The 3-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (often called the "Weaver's Trail") is the premier cultural alternative to the classic Inca Trail. This high-altitude journey trades ancient ruins for authentic human connection, taking you through remote Andean villages where the Quechua lifestyle has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Quick Highlights
Cultural Immersion: Visit traditional stone-house communities and see world-famous weavers at work using ancient techniques.
Spectacular Scenery: Hike past turquoise glacial lakes, roaring waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
Less Crowded: Enjoy a peaceful "off-the-beaten-path" experience with far fewer tourists than other routes.
Natural Spas: Start or end your trek with a soak in the volcanic medicinal hot springs of Lares.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up and Bus
Private Tourist Transportation from Cusco to lares Hotsprings.
Entrance Ticket
Lares Trek, Lares Hotspring and Machu Picchu entrance fees.
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Accommodations
Accomodations in tents and 1 night in a 2* hotel in Aguas Calientes
Chef
Chef and cooking equipment
Horseman and Horses
Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 6 kilos of your personal stuff like: ) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). And we will Provide you a Duffel bag(at The Briefing Time) for all your personal stuff to be carried by horses.
Daily tea
Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
Snaks
Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
Meals
Meals (02B, 02L, 02D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Water
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
Visit to Machu Picchu
Visit to Machu Picchu on the 3th day (2 hours guide tour to explore the whole inca site)
Bus Ticket
One way up-hill Consettur Bus to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes.
Train Ticket
Return Tourist Expeditions train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.(2 hours ride)Train time is Between 14:55 , 18:20, 19:00pm. And if you upgrade to Vistadome the train will be at 15:48, 16:22. US$80
Bus Transfer
Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
First-aid kit
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
What’s not included
Meals
Breakfast on the first day, Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag US$20
Walking sticks
Walking sticks US$15
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Huaynapicchu entrance fee
if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$ 80)
$550
Itinerary
3-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: The Ultimate Cultural Alternative
Experience the 3-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, the premier cultural alternative to the classic Inca Trail. This immersive journey through the Lares Valley combines high-altitude hiking, medicinal hot springs, and authentic encounters with Quechua-speaking communities. If you are looking for a trek that balances Andean scenery with ancient living traditions, the Lares route is your perfect choice.
Why Choose the Lares Trek Alternative?
- Authentic Cultural Immersion: Meet local weavers and farmers in remote Andean villages.
- Stunning Landscapes: Hike past turquoise glacial lakes and cross the majestic Sacsallaully Pass.
- Relaxation: Soak in the natural Lares Hot Springs before your trek begins.
- Less Crowded: Enjoy a peaceful trail far from the crowded tourist paths.
- The Grand Finale: End your adventure with a comprehensive tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
DAY 01: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Lares Hot Springs – Wacahuasi
Your Lares Trek adventure begins with a 5:30 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping at a scenic lookout for photos and visiting a vibrant local market in Calca.
The hike starts at the Lares Medicinal Thermal Baths (3,250 m / 10,662 ft). After a rejuvenating soak in volcanic waters, we enjoy a fresh lunch at Vilcabamba bridge. The afternoon consists of a 3-hour hike to Wacahuasi (3,750 m). This traditional village is famous for its intricate textiles. You’ll have the chance to interact with local families dressed in iconic red ponchos before settling into our first campsite under the Andean stars.
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Walking Time: 4–5 hours
- Highest Point: 3,750 m (12,303 ft)
DAY 02: Wacahuasi – Sacsallaully Pass – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
This is the most rewarding day of your Peruvian trekking tour. We ascend for 3 hours toward the Sacsallaully Pass (4,646 m / 15,242 ft). At the summit, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the crystalline Aruray Cocha Lake. Keep your camera ready for llamas, alpacas, and the elusive Andean geese (Cara Cara).
After a gourmet Andean lunch, we descend through a "Polylepis" (Queuña) forest into the warmer Yanahuara valley. A private vehicle will then transport us to Ollantaytambo, where we board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. You will spend the night in a comfortable hotel, preparing for the highlight of the trip.
- Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
- Walking Time: 8–9 hours
- Highest Point: 4,646 m (15,242 ft)
DAY 03: Machu Picchu Citadel – Return to Cusco
Today, you fulfill the dream of visiting Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast, we take a short bus ride to the gates of the Incan citadel. Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour private tour, visiting the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Quarters, and the Main Plaza.
Optional Add-ons:
If you book in advance, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for bird’s-eye views of the ruins. In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
