Our classic Lares trek is the perfect option for those looking to escape the large crowds, delve into stunning landscapes, and experience rural Andean life up close. This tour is ideal whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group.
The trek, though challenging, is less extreme than others, allowing you to enjoy the adventure without excessive difficulties. Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by roaring rivers and amazed by the impressive waterfalls that appear before you, offering moments of awe and relaxation in their turbulent waters. Additionally, you can admire teardrop-shaped ponds with vibrant colors: blue, green, and turquoise, adding a touch of magic to your journey.
We will make stops in various small communities to share special moments with the local inhabitants. You can observe the rhythm of life and the daily activities of these places, experiencing their ancient customs and traditions firsthand.
After these enchanting days in the mountains, you will culminate your trek with a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World: the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Explore this incredible site with the company of an expert guide who will reveal its secrets and allow you to feel the astonishing energy of the place.
This epic trek is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, culture, and nature. Take it!
What to Expect on This Trek?
- Enjoy one of the best alternative routes to Machu Picchu.
- Get away from the large crowds on this unique and off-the-beaten-path journey, accompanied only by the sounds of nature in peace and tranquility.
- Relax in the medicinal Lares Hot Springs to give your muscles some care and relief before starting the trek.
- Walk through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world amidst the Andes.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture while spending time with rural Andean communities and learning about their customs and traditions.
- Visit the fascinating and unique Maras Salt Mines.
- Complete this epic journey with a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu.
Day by Day
Get ready to discover, day by day, the wonders that await you on this fascinating route. As you progress, each day will take you to small Andean communities where you will share unique moments with the local inhabitants, learning about their ancient customs and traditions.
You will culminate this incredible adventure with a visit to the majestic Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, exploring its secrets and absorbing the mystical energy of one of the most iconic sites in the world. Every step on this route is designed to offer you an unforgettable experience that blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and the excitement of exploration.
Day 1 Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Cuncani – Willkikasa – Quiswarani
NOTE: Visit the Lares hot springs before beginning our trek. Rest at the Pacchayoc waterfall before heading to our camp in the community of Quiswarani, where you will spend the night.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. |
| Accommodation | Camp |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Walking distance | 7 km / 4.35 miles |
| Walking Times | 4-5 hours |
| Starting Elevation | 3,800 m / 12,467 ft |
| Altitude of the camp | 3,850 m / 12,631 ft |
| Highest Elevation | 4,400 m / 14,436 ft |
This exciting adventure begins early at 5:00 a.m. from your accommodation, allowing you to witness the city waking up as we head towards the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas. After an hour and a half of travel, we will stop at the local market in Calca to buy snacks, fruits, water, and other last-minute supplies. Then, we will continue our journey for two more hours until we reach the Lares Hot Springs, where we will enjoy an energetic breakfast.
After breakfast, you will immerse yourself in a relaxing bath in the hot springs, surrounded by the incredible view of the towering mountains. You can choose between pools of different temperatures, all with medicinal volcanic waters that help treat bone and muscle diseases and are also believed to combat stress and headaches.
After this rejuvenating rest, we will head to the hike’s starting point in Cuncani, 3,800 meters above sea level. Here, you will meet our team of muleteers and cooks, who will transport your luggage by horse, allowing you to enjoy the hike without worries.
Soon, we will find ourselves in front of the impressive Pacchayoc waterfall, a true gift from Mother Nature. We will continue our journey until we reach an area filled with small, beautiful lagoons, where you will be surprised with an abundant lunch prepared by our cook right in the middle of the mountains. After lunch, we will continue ascending to the Willkikasa Pass, the highest point of the day, at 4,400 meters above sea level.
From there, we will descend for an hour and a half until we reach the camp in Quiswarani, where we will spend the night. You will have time to explore the village and learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the inhabitants of this rural area. Additionally, we will visit the local school, where the children speak Quechua, their native language. If you wish, you can bring toys or other school supplies, which will be greatly appreciated, as they live far from the big cities.
We will enjoy some hot drinks at nightfall as the sky darkens, followed by a tasty dinner under the stars. Finally, you will return to your camp to rest and regain energy for the next adventure.
Remember that you will not have access to your luggage during the day, so carry what you need in a backpack.
Day 2 Quiswarani – Qoyalay Lagoon – Pachacutec Pass – Cancha Cancha
Walk to the highest point at Pachacutec Pass before heading to our camp in Cancha Cancha. Spend time with the local families and learn about their customs and traditions.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. |
| Accommodation | Camp |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Walking distance | 11 km / 6.84 miles |
| Walking Times | 7-8 hours |
| Starting Elevation | 3,850 m / 12,631 ft |
| Altitude of the camp | 3,950 m / 12,959 ft |
| Highest Elevation | 4,700 m / 15,420 ft |
Today, we will wake up early, around 5:30 a.m., with a hot drink. At this time, the villagers will have already taken their llamas and alpacas out to graze. After preparing our luggage, we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast, pack our snacks, and fill our water bottles to energize the day’s hike.
Today’s ascent will be approximately four hours to the highest point of the trek, the Pachacutec Pass, located at 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) above sea level. We will climb in a zigzag pattern to make the ascent more manageable. The landscapes here are breathtaking, so keep your camera handy. Along the way, you will admire the Qoyalay Lagoon and the Qanchispaccha (seven waterfalls), offering views worthy of being captured.
Upon reaching the Pachacutec Pass, you will receive a 360-degree panoramic view. In front of you, the majestic mountains of Pitusiray and Qolqe Cruz will rise. Take the opportunity to snap some fantastic photos before starting the descent.
We will descend for half an hour down a slope until we reach the place where we will enjoy our lunch. But don’t give up yet; we still have two more hours of hiking.
Our final destination today is the camp in the village of Cancha Cancha, situated at 3,950 meters (12,959 feet). Here, 85% of the houses are built with traditional techniques and materials, with stone walls and thatched roofs. Our staff will set up the tents, giving you time to interact with the friendly locals. Then, your guide will take you to one of the community houses to learn about their daily life in these remote regions and to see some traditional handmade textiles made from alpaca and llama wool.
Later, you will enjoy hot drinks and a comforting dinner before retiring to your camp to rest and recharge for the next adventure.
Day 3 Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
In the morning, hike to Huaran before visiting the Maras Salt Mines. Enjoy dinner in Ollantaytambo and end the day with a train ride to Aguas Calientes to spend the night.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. |
| Accommodation | Hotel |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Walking distance | 9 km / 5.59 miles |
| Walking Times | 4 hours |
| Starting Elevation | 2,040 m / 6,693 ft |
| Altitude of the camp | 2,040 m / 6,693 ft |
| Highest Elevation | 3,950 m / 12,959 ft |
Every morning, our team will wake you up with a hot drink, starting the day in the best possible way. Once you’re ready, we will descend for four hours along a path that allows you to observe flocks of sheep, llamas, and alpacas grazing in their natural habitat. We will pass through fields of potatoes, beans, and other Andean products, giving you a unique opportunity to learn about the traditional agricultural techniques used in these communities.
We will continue descending into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will feel the drastic change between microclimates and notice different crops than those at higher altitudes. Crops such as corn, quinoa, kiwi, peaches, avocados, and many other fruits are grown in the Sacred Valley. This place, full of Inca history and culture, was vital to their empire. We will end this part of the hike in the small village of Huaran, located at 2,920 meters (9,580 feet) above sea level. Here, you will say goodbye to the trekking team and enjoy a nutritious lunch with local products.
Our transport will take us through the Sacred Valley to the Maras Salt Mines at 3,000 meters (9,843 feet). This is a unique place globally, with about 3,000 small evaporation ponds used since pre-Inca times to harvest salt. Thanks to the minerals from a spring, this salt has healing properties and acquires a beautiful pink color. If you are interested, there is a small shop where you can buy pink salt, which is ideal for cooking and perfect as a gift.
Afterward, we will continue our journey for about 50 more minutes to the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, the last inhabited and intact Inca city. Here, you can see water channels, houses, and walls over five centuries old. Your guide will take you to explore this small city further until dinner time at a local restaurant. Then, we will board the evening train to Aguas Calientes, the village at the base of Machu Picchu. Once in Aguas Calientes, you will check into a hotel to relax and prepare for the most fantastic day of the trip tomorrow.
Day 4 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Explore the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu and then board the train to Ollantaytambo. Our transport will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Activity Duration | 2-5 hours exploring |
| Machu Picchu Citadel Elevation | 2,430 m / 7,972 ft |
| Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation | 3,000 m / 9,843 ft |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation | 2,720 m / 8,924 ft |
| Optional Activities | Moderate to Challenging (2-4 hours) |
Today is reserved for the glorious experience of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a Historic and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. After a restful night’s sleep, we will wake up early for a light breakfast before dawn, preparing to start our visit and avoid the large crowds. We aim to be among the first to enter, taking advantage of the serenity of the place under the warm morning light. The gates open at 6:00 am, and our goal is to experience the mystical atmosphere of Machu Picchu in its initial tranquility.
We will have a guided tour of approximately two hours, exploring the magnificent architectural feats of the Incas. Our guide will take us through key points of the citadel, revealing fascinating facts about its history and structure. We will enjoy spectacular views and marvel at the incredible planning that sustained an entire city in harmony with nature.
If you have secured your tickets in advance, this is the ideal time to ascend Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Otherwise, around noon, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to have lunch at a restaurant.
Then, we will take a train back to Ollantaytambo, a journey of approximately one hour and forty minutes, followed by our private transport back to Cusco. Once there, we will take you to your accommodation so you can rest and share this fantastic experience in the Andes with your loved ones.
What’s Included?
- Pre-departure Briefing
The afternoon before the hike, you will meet with your guide and trekking group to receive orientation about the trip. The meeting is at 5:00 pm in our office or your hotel. - Experienced Tour Guide
Our official tour guides speak English and Spanish and have professional training and certification. We select them for their experience, responsibility, and passion for exploring and proudly sharing our culture and history. On each trek, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your journey without worries. - Private Camping Equipment
You will have spacious dining and kitchen tents to enjoy your meals without problems. We also provide tables, chairs, and kitchen utensils (all carried by our horses). - Portable Travel Toilet
- Duffel Bag
For the hike, you will receive a duffel bag to carry your items up to a maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag). The horses will transport it for you. - First Aid Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides are trained in first aid. We conduct mandatory training for them every February. The guide will always carry a first aid kit and oxygen to handle emergencies (altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.). If necessary, we will evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and ensure you reach a clinic for treatment. - Additional Services Included in Our Program
Attention to detail sets us apart. You will receive a cover to protect your backpack on the trail and a rain poncho. - 24/7 Customer Service
We provide 24-hour telephone assistance to facilitate communication and preparation with the agency before your trek. - Satellite Phone
Our main priority is the peace of mind of our clients. All our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, but making a phone call to a doctor, hospital, or friend will help you feel more secure. For this reason, every Salkantay Trekking guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from any location in the mountains in case of an emergency. - Accommodation in Campsites
Our campsites offer you true comfort. Additionally, we have a deep bond and respect for Mother Earth, just like our ancestors. Therefore, we ensure that our campsites do not hurt the environment.
The accommodations are double and shared. - Best Camping Tents
Salkantay Trekking uses the best equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Every two people will share Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents with a capacity for four people. - Hotel in Aguas Calientes
On the last night of this trek, you will sleep in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while visiting Machu Picchu.
The accommodation is in double and triple rooms. - Meals (4 breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners)
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no additional cost). Let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on the reservation form, and remind your guide during the briefing. You will enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks, and snacks. - Water for the Hike
We will provide boiled, filtered, and cold water during the Hike, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need an empty bottle or camel bag (we recommend a 2-liter capacity). - Wake-Up Tea
Every morning at camp, you wake up with coca tea. We will bring it to your tent to warm you up before you start the day. - Tea Time or Happy Hour
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a snack. - Daily Snacks on the Route
Every morning, we will provide you with snacks on the trail (local fruits, cookies, chocolates, candies, etc.). - Snack Bag (per person)
We will give you a cloth bag for your snacks to avoid using plastic bags that pollute the environment. - Hygiene Products
Before each meal, we will give you a small towel and soap to clean your hands.
Transport
- Private Transport
- Day 1: ou will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel in our private transport to the Lares hot springs and then to Cuncani, the Hike’s starting point.
- Day 3: Private transport from Huaran to the Maras Salt Mines and then to Ollantaytambo.
- Day 4: Private transport from the Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Train Tickets
- Day 3: From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 4: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- One-way Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 4)
- Transport of Personal Belongings
On days 1, 2, and 3, the pack mules will carry all the camping equipment and your allowed luggage (7 kg / 15.4 lb). The muleteers will take care of your duffel bag and personal items.
Permits and Entrances
- Entry Ticket to the Lares Hot Springs
- Entrance Ticket to the Maras Salt Mines
- Entrance Ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological
What Is Not Included?
- Extras and Important Equipment
You will need a sleeping bag for camping. Trekking poles (with rubber tips) are optional but highly recommended. If you don’t have them, don’t worry; you can rent them from Salkantay Trekking.- Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
- Trekking poles (pair): US$ 20.00
- Huayna Picchu Mountain
You can climb the famous mountain seen in photos behind the Machu Picchu site. It takes 45 minutes to ascend and can be scary if you fear heights. You can do this hike after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Due to high demand, the entrance ticket must be issued at least a month in advance. There may be changes to protect your safety due to weather conditions.- The Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket costs an additional US$ 60.00 per person.
Learn more on our blog about Huayna Picchu Mountain, where we provide all the information to help you decide if this magical mountain is for you.
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket costs an additional US$ 60.00 per person.
- Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is another mountain surrounding the archaeological site. It has less steep and broader trails, making it visually more manageable than Huayna Picchu, and it takes an hour and a half to reach the top. This hike requires an entrance ticket that we can reserve in advance.- The Machu Picchu Mountain ticket costs an extra US$ 60.00 per person.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
- Personal hiking clothing and gear
- Travel insurance
- Tips for our staff
Tipping is customary on any Machu Picchu tour. Although we pay good wages to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering their hard work. Generally, group members pool their tips to distribute among the muleteers and cooks. - Additional Costs or Delays Beyond Our Control
Landslides, lousy weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety issues, illnesses, pandemics, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, force majeure, etc.
Traveling in a Group
Traveling in a group during the Salkantay hike can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Travelers joining a group tour meet people of various ages, physical abilities, and cultural backgrounds, all sharing the same passion for adventure and exploration.
Joining a group tour means understanding that everyone will have their own pace on the trail. Some walk faster, while others prefer to take their time and enjoy the scenery. The beauty of this dynamic is that there is always someone nearby to talk to, share experiences and motivate each other.
At certain moments of the journey, the group may express a desire to modify the route. For example, some may want to stop longer to enjoy panoramic views, while others may suggest moving faster to reach the next destination before nightfall. In these situations, the guide is always present to listen to the group’s opinions and make informed decisions that benefit everyone.
Traveling in a group adds a unique dimension to the experience. It teaches flexibility, respect for different paces, and teamwork to achieve common goals. Ultimately, travelers gain incredible memories of the landscapes explored and the satisfaction of sharing the adventure with amazing people worldwide.
What Should I Bring for the Lares Trek?
Hello, adventurer! If you’re preparing for your trek along the Lares route in Cusco, here’s a list of things you shouldn’t forget to bring with you:
- Valid passport: Essential for entry to certain places and any emergency.
- Extra money: I recommend bringing Peruvian soles for additional expenses.
- Personal medications: Remember your usual medicines and any treatment you need.
- Water bottle or Camelbak: Stay hydrated throughout the hike. Purification tablets are optional.
- Sunscreen SPF 70+ or higher: Protect your skin from the intense UV rays of the mountains.
- Insect repellent: Avoid annoying bites during the hike.
- Personal hygiene products: Include everything necessary to maintain personal hygiene during the trip.
- Hiking boots/shoes: Waterproof and comfortable for long-distance walking.
- Lightweight shoes or sandals: To rest your feet at the end of the day.
- Hiking pants: Lightweight and durable, preferably waterproof.
- Hiking socks: Keep your feet dry and comfortable.
- Thermal pants: For cold nights in the mountains.
- Shorts: For warmer days and rest activities.
- Waterproof gaiters: Useful to cross rivers or walk on wet terrain.
- Long-sleeve shirts: Protection against sun and insects.
- Thermal jacket: Stay warm on cold nights.
- Waterproof jacket: Protect yourself from the rain.
- Waterproof poncho: Keep your backpack and gear dry in case of rain.
- Wool or waterproof gloves: Protect yourself from the cold at high altitudes.
- Hat that protects face and neck: Keep the sun off your face and neck.
- Wool hat: For cold nights.
- Neck scarf or buff: Protect your neck from wind and cold.
- Sunglasses with UV protection: Protect your eyes from intense solar radiation.
- Medium-sized hiking backpack: Large enough to carry all essentials during the day.
- Camera with charger: Capture the most memorable trip moments.
- External battery: Keep your devices charged during the hike.
- Snacks: Energy bars, electrolytes, nuts, and energy gels to keep your energy up.
- Towel: Dry and comfortable for after a bath.
- Flashlight: Useful for illuminating the campsite or trails at night.
Be sure to review and adapt this list according to your personal needs and the specific conditions of your adventure on the Lares route. Enjoy the hike!
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure and discover the hidden treasures of the Lares Route? Remember that you can explore our other packages with the Lares route on our website, SalkantayTrekking.com. Find out which tour best suits your tastes and preferences. Don’t wait any longer, and book your trek today. Experience the magic of Machu Picchu and experience live moments that will remain engraved in your memory forever!
You may also be interested in:
- Lares Trek or Salkantay Trek? | We’re cracking open the treasure chest to Machu Picchu.
- Lares Trek To Machu Picchu Experience And Highlights
- 10 Reasons to Visit Lares Trail
- Getting to Machu Picchu: Inca Trail or Lares Trek
- Lares, the sacred water route
- InstaPost: 8 pictures to discover the magic of the Lares trail
- Specialists of Salkantay Trekking have studied the Lares trail in order to improve the route for tourists in 2020
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