Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
The Lares Trek (often called the "Weaver’s Way") is the premier cultural alternative to the classic Inca Trail. This 4-day journey takes you through remote Andean valleys, glacial lakes, and traditional Quechua villages where local life has remained unchanged for centuries.
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 (03B, 03L, 03D + 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 4th 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)
$600
Itinerary
Ultimate 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: The Cultural Weaver’s Way
Embark on an unforgettable 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, the premier alternative to the crowded Inca Trail. This expertly crafted itinerary offers a deep dive into Andean culture, visits to remote Quechua weaving villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery, culminating in a comprehensive Machu Picchu tour.
Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Kiswarani Waterfall
Experience local traditions and natural thermal baths.
- Departure from Cusco: Your Lares Valley hike begins at 6:00 AM. We enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to Calca, stopping for a fresh Andean breakfast.
- Panoramic Andean Views: Cross a spectacular mountain pass at 4,275m (13,891 ft), offering world-class photo opportunities of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
- Lares Hot Springs: Arrive at the famous medicinal thermal baths. After a relaxing soak, meet your trekking team, including our professional chef and horsemen.
- The Hike Begins: A 3-hour moderate ascent leads to the Kiswarani Waterfall. Along the way, observe local farmers in traditional red ponchos tending to herds of alpacas and llamas.
- Campsite Elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
- Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Village
Summit the highest point of the Lares Trail.
- The Ascent to Condor Pass: Today is the highlight of your trekking adventure in Peru. We climb to the summit of Condor Pass (4,700m / 15,419 ft), the highest point of the journey.
- Glacial Landscapes: From the top, enjoy 360-degree views of turquoise glacial lakes and the towering Sawasiray peaks. Keep an eye out for Andean Condors and wallatas (Andean geese).
- Spiritual Connection: Participate in a traditional coca leaf offering to the Apus (mountain spirits) with your expert guide.
- Descent to Cancha Cancha: We trek downhill past cascading waterfalls to the isolated village of Cancha Cancha—the only village in the valley without road access, preserving an authentic way of life.
- Campsite Elevation: 3,750 m (12,303 ft)
- Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging/Strenuous
Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
From remote mountains to the Gateway of Machu Picchu.
- Scenic Descent: Hike through the lush Cancha Cancha Valley. As the altitude drops, the landscape changes to semi-tropical "Cloud Forest" terrain, passing organic corn and potato farms.
- Ollantaytambo: The Living Inca City: After lunch, a private transfer takes you to Ollantaytambo. Explore the ancient stone streets of this historic Inca stronghold.
- Train to Machu Picchu: Board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The rail journey follows the Urubamba River, offering stunning jungle views.
- Overnight Stay: Relax in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes to recharge for the grand finale.
- Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 m (6,561 ft)
- Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles (Hiking)
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
Unveiling the Lost City of the Incas.
- Machu Picchu Sunrise: Take an early bus to the Machu Picchu citadel. Your guide will lead you to the famous "Guard House" for the iconic postcard view of the ruins.
- Guided Tour (Circuit 2): Experience a comprehensive 2-hour tour of the Main Plaza, the Sun Temple, and the Sacred Sundial. Circuit 2 is the most complete route, ensuring you see all the Machu Picchu highlights.
- Optional Huayna Picchu Hike: For those seeking more adventure, climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (must be pre-booked) for a bird's-eye view of the ruins.
- Return to Cusco: Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take the train back to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer to your Cusco hotel.
- Machu Picchu Elevation: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
Difficulty: Easy (Walking tour)
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.
