- Itinerary
Full 4-Day Itinerary Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Lares trek / Cusco – Famous Thermal Baths – Kiswarani Waterfall
We will pick you up at 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to begin the adventure. After a journey through spectacular landscapes, you will arrive at the Lares hot springs, where you can relax in the volcanic waters.
The hike begins at 3,200 meters above sea level, with the support of horses and muleteers. You will pass through the village of Kiswarani, where you will learn about the life of Andean communities and participate in a ceremony with llamas, animals sacred to the Incas.
In the afternoon, you will continue ascending to the camp, where you will enjoy a hot dinner under a starry sky before resting in your tent.
- Elevation: 3,224 / 10,853
- Distance: 7km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2: Lares Trek / Quiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Village
Wake up to a hot drink and unique views of the Kiswarani Valley. After a hearty breakfast, begin the ascent to Paso del Cóndor (4,680 m), where the clouds part to reveal 360° landscapes with mountains, lagoons, and herds of llamas and alpacas.
After lunch at a viewpoint, we continue descending to Cancha Cancha, an Andean community where life is still preserved as it was in Inca times: stone houses, thatched roofs, and an environment without electricity or cars. Here you can live with local families and share moments with the children of the village before resting under a starry sky.
- Elevation: 3,824 / 10,853 feet
- Distance: 8km
- Difficulty: challenging
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Lares Trek / Cancha Cancha – Maras Salt Mine – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Start the day with a hot breakfast and a visit to the village school, where lessons are still taught in Quechua, the language of the Incas. Then you will embark on a 4-hour descent through fields of potatoes, beans, and quinoa, sharing with families who still keep ancestral farming techniques alive.
The trail continues to the Sacred Valley, where the climate becomes warmer and the crops change to corn, fruits, and avocados. After saying goodbye to the muleteers, we will visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines, in operation since Inca times, with more than 3,000 mineral salt pools that stain the mountain white and pink.
The day continues in Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca town, where you will walk through its streets and canals before dining at a local restaurant. Finally, you will take the train to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, to rest and prepare for the big day.
- Elevation: 3,224 / 9,553 feet
- Distance: 5 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
The most spectacular day is day four because you’ll finally get to see Machu Picchu. You’ll need to get up early to join one of the first buses for the 30-minute trip up to Machu Picchu (about 5:30 a.m.). The breathtaking Sunrise will be visible above the ruins.
You will be taken on an educational two-hour tour by your guide. You’ll then get some free time to explore on your own and, if you’d like, trek Huayna Picchu (this requires a separate admission ticket and costs $75 per person). You’ll board a two-hour train return to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon. Once you return to Cusco via bus, we will transport you to your accommodation.
- Meals Included: Only Breakfast
- Included
- Pick up: From the airport (send fly details).
- Local Guide: Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
- Briefing: We will have an information session and briefing held in our office or hotel at 6:30 PM on the night before your trip starts. Briefings will last 20-30 minutes but we are always available for questions. You will receive a travel bag at this briefing, the contents of the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Permits and Machu Picchu: All permits are guaranteed according to availability. As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.
- Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag.
- Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions or preference for a train service, please let us know. Additionally, your bus ticket from Aguas Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes will be included.
- Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, and two person dormitory tents
- Hotel: This trek includes a one-night 3-star the third day hotel in Aguas Calientes. We have a selection of hotels, great service and accommodation (if you have any suggestions let us know).
- Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on third day. Lunch the last day is not included.
- Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.
- Travel bags: Our travel bags will be delivered to you, where you will carry your clothes and other personal items, sleeping bags and a mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos.
- Transfers: Free roundtrip airport transportation.
- First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
- Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.
- Satellite Phones: For us security is very important, and keeping our customers safe is our priority. We have satellite phones for emergencies or any situations that may require them.
- Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price.
- Not Included
- Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. This trek has a duration of about 50 minutes and is quite the walk. It has a cost of 75 USD, and for us to be able to get permission for this mountain, you must let us know a month in advance due to its popularity.
- Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest: Inflatable air mattress : $ 15 Walking sticks: $ 10 Sleeping bag: $ 20
- Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb.
- Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.
- Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek.
- Prices
Only group services are offered for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (from 2 persons). Then, we’ll open this service for you with a minimum of 2 people.
Price per person
$550
Only Tours
- Student discount
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The student discount applies only to people who present their valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Children under 17 years of age or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of the university card. For children 17 and under, we need a passport copy for booking.
Discount: $ 30 off per person - Additional Items
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Huayna Picchu Mountain: $ 75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $ 75 per person
- Packing List
- Passport
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Face moisturizer
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (IPhone)
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- FAQs
Where is the located of the Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days?
The 5-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking and rewarding hikes in the world. Unlike its 4 day counterpart, this 5 day trek offers a much more comfortable experience – while still providing ordinary trekkers with plenty of opportunities to explore the ruins of ancient Inca civilizations, exhale some of the purest mountain air around and admire views that few have seen before. Along the 5 day trail you will pass through lush valleys, undisturbed ruins, stunning cloud forests and snow-capped peaks you will experience a host of different climates and landscapes as your journey reaches its ultimate reward – Machu Picchu! For those who want a more immersive experience complete with awe-inspiring visuals and a few extra challenges along the way make sure to choose 5 Days on the Inca Trail. You’ll be glad you did!
How long does it take to hike the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days?
Taking the 5-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is the pinnacle of adventure travel experiences. Not only does this unforgettable trek reward its participants with stunning panoramic views and unique insight into ancient Incan culture, but it also brings with it a myriad of benefits that go beyond just a photo opportunity. It offers physical exercise, tapping into both your hamstring strength as well as your endurance, as each day’s trek can take 4 to 6 hours. By starting early in the morning and crossing pass after pass, you get to experience about 5 climate zones -from blistering cold to tropical heat- all within one week. You’ll find yourself doing more than just walking too: sharing with locals their customs or even taking a bath in natural hot springs. Furthermore, 5 days gives you enough time for decent adaptation for wilderness hiking; for instance, slowing down your heart rate and breathing rate by 5%. A 5 Day Inca Trail hike is truly something that you will never forget! So why not start planning your own personal journey today? The rewards are most certainly worth it. With some advanced preparation, taking a 5 day hiking journey along the Inca Trail promises enjoyable memories and powerful lessons that may very well stay with you throughout your life! Make sure to plan ahead and really make the experience something special! Enjoy every moment!
How many miles is the Lares Trek to machu picchu 4 days?
Anyone who is considering the 5-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu should plan to arrive in Cusco at least 1 or 2 days in advance of their trek. This will allow them to acclimate to the high altitude and avoid any potential health problems. trekkers should also be aware that the Inca Trail is a very strenuous hike, and they should be in good physical condition before attempting it. The 5 day Inca Trail hike is an amazing experience, but it is not for everyone. Those who are not prepared physically or mentally may find themselves struggling on the trail. By arriving in Cusco 2 or 3 days in advance, trekkers can ensure that they are ready for the challenge and able to fully enjoy the experience.
- Lunch included
- Overnight in Cusco
Why should I hike the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days?
The 5 day Inca Trail hike is one of the most arduous and rewarding journeys that can be undertaken. It takes dedicated adventurers 5 days to complete the 42 mile trek, which includes not only breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and lush Peruvian jungles, but a variety of unique ruins from ancient Incan architecture too. But those 5 days are filled with much more than just sightseeing. The hike begins at the town of Ollantaytambo, situated in the Sacred Valley, and heads northeast towards Machu Picchu through mountain passes and valleys. Along the way, hikers will ascend over 3 major mountains including “Dead Woman’s Pass” – an especially grueling climb standing at 13,780 feet in altitude. Although it takes 5 days to cover this course from start to finish, hikers are rewarded by incredible moments of awe while they take in both their physical accomplishments and postcard-worthy landscapes alike. With dedication and plenty of preparation, any adventurous spirit can complete this 5 day journey—full joys and tragedies—and be left with lifelong memories.
The 5 Day Inca Trail is a journey unlike any other! From its famous climactic end-point—Machu Picchu—to its unforgiving paths up even higher terrain, it promises an experience that adventurers everywhere shouldn’t overlook! A 5 Day journey to discover one of South America’s great wonders is definitely worth your time! So why not make plans to join us on the 5 Day Inca Trail Hike today? There’s never been a better time than now.
How difficult is the 4 Day Lares Valley Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Inca Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world, and it is also one of the most challenging. The trail is located in Peru, and it stretches for more than 26 miles. hikers who attempt the Inca Trail must be prepared for a strenuous hike, as the trail includes several steep sections. In addition, altitude sickness is a common problem on the Inca Trail, as the trail reaches a height of more than 13,000 feet. However, despite these challenges, the Inca Trail is an incredibly rewarding experience. The trail takes hikers through some of the most stunning scenery in Peru, including mountains, valleys, and forests. In addition, the trail ends at Machu Picchu, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. For many people, the Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it is well worth the challenge.
What are the best times of year to hike the Lares trek to Machu Picchu?
Are you planning on hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? If so, congratulations! This is sure to be an amazing and unforgettable experience. But before you set off on your 5-day trek, there are a few things you should pack in your backpack.
Essential: Immigration card, Small backpack), Water bottles, Mountain shoes (light by recommendation), Passport, Student card (if you booked as a student)
Travel bag: Absorbent shirts, walking pants, Warm jacket preferably, feather, Sun hat, Flashlight for personal use, Waterproof jacket, Garbage bag (for garbage), Sleeping bag preferably feather
Toiletries: Repellents, Gel alcohol, Toilet paper, personal medication, Sunscreen
Are there any dangers I should be aware of when hiking the Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days?
Day 1: Wayllabamba Camp – Maximum Altitude (2600m/ 8530ft) – Sleeping Altitude (2600m/ 8530ft) 7km/ 4.3 miles
Day 2: Lluluchapampa Camp – Maximum Altitude (3800m/ 12467ft) – Sleeping Altitude (3800m/ 12467ft) 11km/ 6.8 miles
Day 3: Phuyupatamarca Camp – Maximum Altitude (4125m/ 13533ft) – Sleeping Altitude (3600m/ 11811ft) 15km/ 9.3 miles
Day 4: Hotel in Aguas calientes town – Maximum Altitude (3600m/ 11811ft) – Sleeping Altitude (2040m/ 6693ft) 12km/ 7.5 miles
Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco – Maximum Altitude (2400m/ 6693ft)
Where can i book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days Trek?
FIRST, to book your Classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, please fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or by clicking here.
Please have the following information on hand (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We will be unable to purchase an Inca Trail permit unless we have the following information:
Personal data (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
Gender
Number on a passport
Date of Birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality
*** We need copies of each participant’s passport to book Inca Trail permits!
SECOND, in order to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person. You can deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols at the top of our home page, or on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
Where is the Balance?
If you want to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our Cusco office (in US dollars or Peruvian soles). To withdraw money, there are numerous ATMs located throughout the historical district. You can also pay online with Paypal }, but there is a 5.5% service fee charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance via PAYPAL.
