Lares Trek - An Inca Trail Alternative
The Lares Trek is one of the most popular alternative treks for travelers to Cusco. This thrilling eight-day journey blends history with outdoor activities. Hike trails that immerse you in the natural beauty and the enduring spirit of the Incas. To top it all off, visit Machu Picchu, the heart of South America's most iconic pre-Columbian empire.
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DAY 1 | Arrival in Cusco
Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco. Upon your arrival at the Airport in Cusco, our transportation service and a representative are ready to escort you to your selected hotel.
DAY 2 | Cusco | Day at leisure Free day to enjoy the city of Cusco, or add an optional day tour while you get acclimated to the altitude before the trek starts.
DAY 3 | Cusco - Lares - Huacahuasi In the morning, you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco and transferred to the hot springs of Lares, approximately 4 hours away. Marvel at the beautiful landscapes along the way, and upon arrival, enter the hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties. Afterward, enjoy lunch before starting the hike to the camp in Huacahuasi. Upon arrival at the camp, are greeted with coffee, and then dinner is served. Finally, free time to rest and continue the journey the next day.
DAY 4 | Huacahuasi - Ypsaycocha - Patacancha Start the day with breakfast at the camp and then continue the hike, leaving Huacahuasi towards Patacancha. This section, which ascends to 4,400 meters, offers views of stunning landscapes such as Mount Veronica and its surroundings. Have lunch along the way and continue the hike downhill to reach the camp in Patacancha (3,650 m.a.s.l.). Upon arrival at the camp, you are greeted with coffee, and then dinner is served. Finally, you have free time to rest.
DAY 5 | Patacancha - Pumamarca - Ollantaytambo - Sacred Valley Have breakfast at the camp and then continue the hike towards the archaeological site of Pumamarca, where you can see terraces, channels, and various Inca constructions. Resume the hike towards Ollantaytambo and have lunch along the way. Briefly explore the streets of Ollantaytambo before getting on the van that takes you to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
DAY 6 | Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco Our transportation service picks you up from your hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley) and transfers you to the Ollantaytambo train station. This transfer is shared with other passengers. *Please note that the pickup window is up to 30 minutes as a shared transfer. Embark on PeruRail's Expedition train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes station (Machu Picchu Town) and receive assistance upon your arrival. Your return trip to Ollantaytambo station will also be on the Expedition train. Each journey lasts about one and a half hours, and schedules are subject to availability. Aguas Calientes, located on the slopes of Machu Picchu, features a lively craft market, various restaurants, and lodging options. Just a 25-minute bus ride away is Machu Picchu, an impressive architectural and engineering marvel believed to have been a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu translates to "Old Mountain," which enchants visitors with its historical grandeur and natural beauty. After the visit, travelers return by bus to Aguas Calientes to begin the journey back to Cusco. This tour is shared with other passengers. *Remember to confirm your reservation as soon as possible to proceed with the purchase of tickets in advance due to the limited capacity of the citadel. The specific circuit to visit Machu Picchu and schedule will be selected according to availability at the time of reservation confirmation. You can check the circuits by visiting this link: https://acortar.link/TQYAEj Enjoy a delicious set lunch menu at Café Inkaterra while taking in the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota River. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of Andean cuisine and contemporary trends, resulting in a fusion-style meal with a distinctive flavor. After your train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, a transfer will be waiting for you at the train station to take you to the selected hotel in Cusco. This transfer will be shared with other passengers. *Please note that as it is a shared transfer, the waiting time from the train arrival is up to 30 minutes before departing to Cusco.
DAY 7 | Cusco | Day at leisure Free day to enjoy the city of Cusco.
DAY 8 | Cusco | Departure Our transportation service and a representative pick you up to take you from your selected hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco.
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2025 Prices in US$ :
per person rate will go down with more people. Ask for triple rates. Included
Things to bring on the trip
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