Hiking lovers near the lakes around Quiswarani in the lares trek route to Machu Picchu

The Classic Lares Trek

4 Days & 3 Nights
Starting from US$600 per person
Accommodation Icon
Camps & Hotel Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 12 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
4,700 m / 15,420 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty

The Epic Andean Experience Trek

Lares Hot Springs - Pachacutec Pass - Huaran - Maras Salt Mines - Machu Picchu
Accommodation Icon
Camps & Hotel Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 12 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
4,700 m / 15,420 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty

Our exciting four-day trek from Lares to Machu Picchu offers a magical and breathtaking experience that you’ll never forget! It’s a wonderful option for those who want to enjoy an off-the-beaten-path trek and see incredible scenery while in great company.

Along the trail, you’ll find rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views of the Andes mountain range's snow-capped peaks. If you’re interested in Andean Culture, this trail is the perfect choice. You’ll get to visit various countryside communities where they raise sheep, llamas, and alpacas and get up close and personal with the communities.

The Classic Lares Trek to Machu Picchu through Quiswarani, Hot Springs, Maras Salt Mines Map Day by Day (4D/3N) The Classic Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days Map
  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Before You Go
  • Packing List
  • Pricing
  • Enquire Now
  Overview

Our Classic Lares Trek is the perfect option for those who want to escape large crowds, hike among stunning scenery, and witness rural Andean life up close. You can choose this trek whether you travel alone, with a partner, or in a group.

The path is intense but not as extreme as others. Along the way, rivers will roar by your side, and impressive waterfalls will appear in front of you, catching you by surprise and helping you relax along the rushing waters. You’ll also see teardrop ponds of different colors: blue, green, and turquoise.

You’ll stop off at different small communities and share some special moments with the people who live there. You’ll get to learn some of their customs and traditions and witness how they live off the land in these rural parts of the world.

After these magical few days in the mountains, you’ll finish 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 your guide and then by yourself as you uncover its secrets and feel its amazing energy. Don’t miss out on this epic trek!

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day 01

    Cusco | Calca - Lares Hot Springs - Cuncani - Willkikasa - Quiswarani

    Visit Lares Hot Springs before embarking on our hike. Stop at Pacchayoc waterfall before heading to our camp for the night in the community of Quiswarani.

  • Day 02

    Quiswarani - Qoyalay Lake - Pachacutec Pass - Cancha Cancha

    Trek to the highest point at the Pachacytec Pass before heading to our camp in Cancha Cancha. Spend time with local families and learn their customs and traditions.

  • Day 03

    Cancha Cancha - Huaran - Maras Salt Mines - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

    Hike to Huaran in the morning before visiting the Maras Salt Mines. Enjoy dinner in Ollantaytambo, and end the day with the train journey to Aguas Calientes for the night.

  • Day 04

    Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

    Explore the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu and then take the train to Ollantaytambo. Our transport will take you to your accommodation in Cusco.

What's it like

Highlights

  • Enjoy one of the best alternative routes to Machu Picchu.
  • Escape the large crowds on this off-the-beaten-path trek in peace and quiet with just the sounds of nature to accompany you.
  • Take a dip in the medicinal and relaxing Lares Hot Springs to give your muscles some TLC before you start hiking.
  • Hike through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world in the middle of the Andes.
  • Immerse yourself in the local culture as you spend time with rural Andean communities and learn their customs and traditions.
  • Visit the fascinating and unique Maras Salt Mines.
  • End your epic journey with a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu.

Why Travel with us

  Itinerary
Day 01

Cusco | Calca - Lares Hot Springs - Cuncani - Willkikasa - Quiswarani

Highlight of the day: Relaxing in the hot springs and visiting local families.

A Relaxing Start to Your Trip

Meals Icon
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Meals
Accommodation Icon
Camp Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
7 km / 4.35 miles Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
4-5 hours Walking Time
Starting Elevation Icon
3,800 m / 12,467 ft Starting Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
4,400 m / 14,436 ft Highest Elevation
Campsite Elevation Icon
3,850 m / 12,631 ft Campsite Elevation

We’ll pick you up early to begin our adventure in the Sacred Valley. We’ll stop in Calca before continuing to the Lares Hot Springs. You’ll have some time to relax in the medicinal waters before our transport takes you to the starting point of the hike in Cuncani. We’ll hike to the Pacchayoc waterfall and enjoy some lunch.

This afternoon, we’ll trek to the Willkikasa Pass and enjoy some gorgeous views before we go down to our camp for the night in Quiswarani. There you’ll get to spend time with local families and see how they live in this remote region before enjoying dinner and heading to your tent.

This exciting journey begins at 5:00 am. with a pickup from your accommodation. You'll witness the city waking up to the world as we drive toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We'll stop off after an hour and a half of driving to visit the local market in Calca and stock up on last-minute supplies, like snacks, fruit, or water. We'll then make our way for two more hours until the Lares hot springs and be spoiled with an energizing breakfast.

After breakfast and with the incredible view of the towering mountains in the background, we'll dip in the thermal waters at any of the pools, ranging in various sizes and temperatures. These pools' volcanic waters are therapeutic and help treat bone and muscle illnesses. It's also said to relieve stress and headaches.

After some rest, we'll continue driving to the hike starting point in Cuncani (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). Here, we'll meet our trekking team of horsemen and chefs, who'll accompany us on the route. They will transport your luggage on horses, so the only thing you'll need to worry about is enjoying the trek!

Soon, you'll find yourself in front of the impressive Pacchayoc waterfall, a true gift of Mother Nature, and keep walking until you reach an area filled with gorgeous little lakes. There, you'll enjoy a sumptuous lunch made by our chef right in the middle of the mountains! Later, we'll proceed to the Willkikasa pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), the day's highest point. From here, we'll trek downhill for an hour and a half to the campsite for the night in Quiswarani.

You'll have plenty of time to explore the village and learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the people from this rural area. We'll also see the school where children speak Quechua, their native language. If you like, you can bring toys, or other school supplies for them, which will be very appreciated, as they live far away from the nearest town or city.

We'll enjoy warming hot drinks while the sky darkens and the starry constellations begin to show themselves. Finally, we'll have a tasty dinner, and you'll be able to stargaze before heading to your tent to rest.

Please note: You won't have access to your items during the day, so carry what you need in a daypack.

There, you’ll enjoy a fantastic Andean cultural experience

Day 02

Quiswarani - Qoyalay Lake - Pachacutec Pass - Cancha Cancha

Highlight of the day: Witnessing the beautiful scenery and learning local customs and traditions.

The Day of Stunning Views and Local Andean Culture

Meals Icon
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Meals
Accommodation Icon
Camp Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Challenging Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
11 km / 6.84 mi Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
7-8 hours Walking Time
Starting Elevation Icon
3,850 m / 12,631 ft Starting Elevation
Min. Elevation Icon
3,850 m / 12,631 ft Min. Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
4,700 m / 15,420 ft Highest Elevation
Campsite Elevation Icon
3,950 m / 12,959 ft Campsite Elevation

We’ll wake you up early for a hot drink to get you going and be on our way. First thing, we’ll walk to the highest point of the whole trek at the Pachacutec pass to soak in the stunning views all around. Then we’ll keep walking to our lunch spot.

Afterward, we’ll walk two more hours to our camp in Cancha Cancha. You’ll see the locals’ handmade textiles and spend some time with the friendly people in the community. Then it’s time for dinner and bed.

Today, you’ll wake up around 5:30 am with a hot drink to get you going. The people from the town will already be taking their llamas and alpacas out to graze at this early hour. Breakfast will be served as soon as we finish getting our gear ready. We’ll fill our water bottles and get our snacks to start the day with plenty of energy for the hike ahead.

There’ll be a 4-5 hour ascent toward the highest point on the whole trek, the Pachacutec Pass at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft. We’ll hike upward in a zigzag pattern to make the hike uphill at this high altitude more manageable. The landscapes here will astound you, so make sure you have your camera at the ready. You'll spot the stunning lake of Qoyalay and the impressive Qanchispaccha (seven waterfalls).

We’ll soon find ourselves above the clouds once we get to the Pachacutec Pass, from where you can enjoy a beautiful 360-degree view. Right in front of you, you’ll see the majestic mountains of Pitusiray and Qolqe Cruz. Take this opportunity to capture some fantastic photos because soon, we’ll begin our hike downhill. We’ll walk for half an hour on a descent down the slope to where we’ll enjoy our lunch. Don’t give up just yet; we still need to walk two more hours!

We’ll find our campsite in the village of Cancha Cancha (3,950 m / 12,959 ft). 85% of the houses here are made with traditional techniques and materials, such as stone walls and thatched roofs. Our support team will set up the tents, which means you’ll be free to mingle with the friendly locals. Afterward, your guide will take you to one of the community houses to learn all about the lifestyle of these peoples’ remote regions. You'll also see some traditional hand-made alpaca and llama wool textiles. Later on, you'll enjoy hot drinks and another nourishing dinner before retiring to your tent.

Day 03

Cancha Cancha - Huaran - Maras Salt Mines - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Highlight of the day: Descending from the cold high altitude to the warm Sacred Valley and visiting Maras Salt Mines.

Savor the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Meals Icon
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Meals
Accommodation Icon
Hotel Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
9 km / 5.59 mi Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
4 hours Walking Time
Min. Elevation Icon
2,040 m / 6,693 ft Min. Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
3,950 m / 12,959 ft Highest Elevation
Accommodation Elevation Icon
2,040 m / 6,693 ft Accommodation Elevation

Enjoy the last leg of your trek this morning through beautiful scenery on a route toward the Sacred Valley. Our trek ends in Huaran, where we enjoy lunch and say goodbye to our trekking team of horsemen and cooks.

This afternoon, we’ll take you to visit the fascinating Maras, Salt Mines before continuing to the quaint town of Ollantaytambo. We’ll enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and then catch the train to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu, where we’ll spend the night in a hotel.

Just like every morning, our team will wake you up with a hot drink to start the day in the best way possible. Once you’re ready, we’ll be on our way with the last leg of the trek. We'll walk 4 hours downhill along a path where you'll see herds of sheep, llamas, and alpacas again. It’s beautiful to see them grazing in their natural habitat. We'll pass by fields of potatoes, fava beans, and other Andean products. Take this great opportunity to learn more about Andean agricultural techniques that play such a huge role in the lives of these communities.

Then, we’ll start descending to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You'll feel the drastic change between micro-climates and notice different crops from those you saw in the higher altitudes. The Sacred Valley cultivates corn, quinoa, kiwi, peaches, avocados, and many other types of fruits. This area is full of history and Inca culture and was an extremely important part of their empire. We'll end this part of the tour in the small town of Huaran (2,920 m / 9,580 ft), where you'll say goodbye to the trekking team and enjoy a nutritious lunch made with local produce.

Our transportation will be waiting for us to drive through the Sacred Valley to the Maras Salt Mines at 3,000 m / 9.843 ft. This is a truly unique part of the world due to its nearly 3,000 small evaporation chambers that have been used since pre-Inca times to harvest salt. Thanks to the minerals in the salt, it has curative properties and turns a beautiful pink color. There’s a small shop at the mine where you can buy some of the pink salt if you’re interested. It’s great for cooking and makes it an excellent gift.

Afterward, we’ll continue for nearly 50 more minutes to the quaint town of Ollantaytambo, the last intact inhabited Inca town that exists. There, you'll see water canals, houses, and walls that are over five centuries old. Your guide will drive you around to see more of this small town until it’s time for dinner in a local restaurant. We’ll then board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. When we arrive at Aguas Calientes, you'll check in to a hotel. You can now relax and prepare for the most astounding day of the trip tomorrow.

Day 04

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Highlight of the day: Stepping foot for the first time inside the Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu.

Tour the World Wonder of Machu Picchu

Meals Icon
Breakfast Meals
Difficulty Icon
Easy Difficulty
Activity Duration Icon
2-5 hours exploring Activity Duration
Machu Picchu Site Elevation Icon
2,430 m / 7,972 ft Machu Picchu Site Elevation
Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation Icon
2,720 m / 8,924 ft Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation
Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation Icon
3,000 m / 9,843 ft Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation
Optional Activities (Difficulty - Duration) Icon
Moderate to Challenging / 2-4 hours Optional Activities (Difficulty - Duration)

The day has finally arrived to visit the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. Today you´ll wake up early to avoid the crowds and enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours through fascinating sectors of this mystical place. Afterward, you´ll have time to hike one of the additional mountains (if you booked your tickets in advance).

Later, we´ll return to Aguas Calientes and you can have lunch at a restaurant of your choice. Afterwards, we´ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, from where our private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Today is reserved for the glorious Machu Picchu. You’ll explore this magnificent feat of humankind, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and Historical and Cultural World Heritage Site.

After a great night’s rest, we’ll wake up for a quick breakfast while it’s still dark outside and get going to beat the large crowds. This way, you can enjoy the serenity of this place in the warm morning light. The entrance opens at 6:00 am, and we want to be there as one of the day’s first visitors.

You´ll take a guided tour of approximately two hours to see the magnificent architectural feats of the Incas. The guide will lead you through several key points of the citadel, including some stops to enjoy the spectacular citadel views and listen to updated, curious data from our guide, its history, and construction. You’ll be astounded by how they sustained an entire and planned city and sense their deep and bonded connection with nature.

You can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you have tickets in advance. Then, you’ll head back down to Aguas Calientes to grab lunch in a restaurant of your choice before heading to the station.

We’ll take the train for an hour-and-forty minutes ride to Ollantaytambo and then take our private transport back to Cusco. We’ll drop you at your hotel, where you can finally rest your legs and share the incredible experience you had in the Andes.

  Inclusions

At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.

What Is Included?

Permits & Entrance Tickets

  • Entrance Ticket for Lares Hot Springs
  • Entrance Ticket for Maras Salt Mines
  • Entry to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site

High Quality Service & Safety

  • Pre-departure Briefing - The day before the trip, at 5:00 pm you will meet your trekking guide.

    You’ll meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. There, we’ll provide you with the duffle bags, which our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.

  • Experienced Tour Guide - All our guides have professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness and passion, which will make your trip safe and comfortable.

    English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!

  • Private Camping Equipment

    You’ll have spacious dining and kitchen tents where you can enjoy your food without problems. In addition, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our horses).

  • Portable Travel Toilet
  • One Duffle Bag

    On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).

  • Medical Kit or First AID Kit - Our guides are trained to deal with basic emergencies.

    All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.

  • Extras Included in our Service - You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.

    We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.

  • 24/7 Customer Service - We have 24 hours a day telephone service.

    We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.

  • Satellite Phone - Each of our guides has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of emergency.

    Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. All of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains; however, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of an emergency.

Accommodation

  • Lodging in Campsites

    We have a series of campsites that offer you true comfort. Besides that, just like our ancestors, we have a profound link of affection and respect for our Mother Earth. Because of this, we are insistent that our campsites don’t generate any negative environmental impact. Remember that the accommodations are double and shared.

  • Our Sleeping Tents

    Salkantay Trekking uses the best equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Every 2 people will share Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents with a capacity for 4 people.

  • Comfortable Hotel in Aguas Calientes

    The last night of this trek is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes with a double or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.

Meals

  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 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 extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.

  • Water on the trail - You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle for us to give you boiled, filtered and refrigerated water.

    We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your hike, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).

  • Wake up tea - Every morning at campig we will provide you with hot coca tea.

    Every morning at the campsite, you'll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.

  • Tea Time or Happy Hour - Every evening, before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, cookies, coffee, tea, hot water, etc.

    Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!

  • Snacks on the trail daily - You will receive a bag with cookies, fruit and more, to be refilled each morning.

    Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.

  • One cloth snack bag per person

    To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we'll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.

  • Hygiene Products

    You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.

Transportation

  • Transport
    • Day 1: You'll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel in our private transportation to Lares Hot Springs and then to Cuncani, the trek's starting point.
    • Day 3: Transport from Huaran to Maras Salt Mines and then to Ollantaytambo.
    • Day 4: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
  • One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 4)
  • Train Tickets
    • Day 3: From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
    • Day 4: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Personal Belongings Transportation

    On days 1,2, and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.

What Is Not Included?

  • Extras and important equipment

    All our travelers need a sleeping bag to camp. Inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but highly recommended. If you do not have them, don’t worry, you can rent them with Salkantay Trekking.

    • Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
    • Inflatable mattress: US$ 20.00
    • Walking poles (pair): US$ 20.00
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain - If you want to visit this famous mountain it has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person (remember to book at least one month in advance).

    You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.

    • The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain- If you want to visit this famous mountain it has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person (remember to book at least one month in advance).

    Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance.

    • The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of 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 the norm on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.

  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control

    Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.

  Before You Go

We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.

How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?

It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek. You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek. Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:

Briefing or Informative Meeting

All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.

Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)

If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.

If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler's checks as forms of payment for the balance.

Duffel Bag or Canvas Case

You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will carry them, and the horsemen will hand them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).

A maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, and other personal items.

Can I store my luggage at your office?

Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.

Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.

Pick up of guests

Please note:

  • All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
  • Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
  • Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
  • Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.

Return to Cusco

Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!

  • In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
  • In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo (or Poroy). Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
  • Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
  • In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.

Note: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.

Group Tours

Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.

It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.

Strikes and demonstrations

Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.

Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.

Lost objects

Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.

  Packing List

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

ESSENTIAL

Valid Passport
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Insect repellent
Insect repellent
Personal Care Products
Personal Care Products

CLOTHING

Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Light footwear or sandals
Light footwear or sandals
Trekking pants (*)
Trekking pants (*)
Trekking socks
Trekking socks
Shorts
Shorts
Long sleeve t-shirts
Long sleeve t-shirts
Warm jacket
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Raincoat or rain poncho
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Neck gaiter or buff
Neck gaiter or buff
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunglasses with UV protection

EQUIPMENT

Sleeping bag (-15°C)
Sleeping bag (-15°C)
Trekking poles
Trekking poles
Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)

RECOMMENDED

Camera and charger
Camera and charger
Power bank
Power bank
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Bathing suit
Bathing suit
Towel
Towel
Flashlight
Flashlight
  Pricing

"The Classic Lares Trek" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.

2024 Land Cost

Group Price: US$ 600.00 per person.

Required Pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person.

Balance (Cusco): US$ 400.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).

This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.

Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 5%, which we ask the client to cover since it's due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.

Hotel

All the related treks to Machu Picchu end in or before Aguas Calientes, so you’ll spend the last night in a hotel in the town rather than camping (including a shared room in a standard 3-star hotel). If you need a hotel upgrade or prefer a single room, you can pay an extra fee. Please enquire for more details.

Extras & Upgrades

There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.

  • Huayna Picchu:  US$ 60.00
  • Machu Picchu Mountain:  US$ 60.00
  • Huchuy Picchu Mountain:  US$ 45.00
  • Single Supplement (Hotel at Aguas Calientes):  US$ 30.00
  • Extra Night at Aguas Calientes:  US$ 50.00
  • Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo):  US$ 70.00

Extensions & Offers

There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.

  • Rainbow Mountain:  US$ 100.00  US$ 80.00
  • Sacred Valley:  US$ 100.00  US$ 80.00
  • City Tour:  US$ 50.00 US$ 40.00

Additional Items

There are additional items you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.

  • Sleeping bag::  US$ 20.00
  • Inflattable mattress:  US$ 20.00
  • Walking poles (pair):  US$ 20.00

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.

Student Discount

US$20.00 off

Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to info@salkantaytrekking.com.

  Enquire Now

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge |  Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

Personal Details

Trip Details

Lares Trek Classic 4D
14 years and above
Below 14 years
7 + 3 =

Remember |  One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.

Note |  Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!

Feel free to reach us via email at info@salkantaytrekking.com or by calling us directly at (+51) 958 191 179

Every Day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Triunfo Street 346 - Main Square of Cusco, Peru

Customer Support
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