The Lares Trek is a peaceful alternative to the Inca Trail, offering a unique cultural experience through remote Andean villages, scenic mountains, lakes, and valleys. This less-traveled route starts in Huaran and ends in Cuncani, allowing for an authentic and tranquil journey. Due to high altitudes, cold weather gear like gloves and a hat is essential. On Day 3, travelers take a van from Lares Village to Ollantaytambo, then a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
The Lares Trek is a scenic and culturally immersive alternative to the classic Inca Trail. This unique route, starting in Huaran and ending in Cuncani, offers an off-the-beaten-path experience through remote Andean landscapes. Along the way, trekkers pass through traditional Quechua communities, high mountain passes, glacial lakes, and quiet valleys rarely visited by other groups. The area’s isolation brings peace and authenticity, with minimal crowds and a chance to observe life much as it was centuries ago. Due to high altitudes, the weather can be cold even in the dry season so warm clothing is essential. On the third day, the journey continues by bus from Lares Village to Ollantaytambo, then by train to Aguas Calientes for the visit to Machu Picchu.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 4-Day
Day 1: Cusco – Maras Salt Mines – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
Your adventure begins early with a 5:00 a.m. pickup. The first stop is the stunning Salt Mines of Maras, followed by breakfast in Huaran, the trailhead. From there, a gentle 3-hour hike takes you to the remote Andean village of Cancha Cancha, where you’ll enjoy lunch and interact with the local community. After a short 2-hour afternoon hike, you arrive at the campsite for tea, dinner, and stargazing guided by Inca constellation stories.
- Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
- Meals: B, L, Tea, D
- Accommodation: Campsite
Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Pachacutec Pass – Quishuarani
Today’s trek is the most challenging, with a 4-hour hike up to the highest point: Pachacutec Pass (4,700m). After celebrating your summit, descend to a scenic glacial lake for lunch and rest. A further 2-hour descent brings you to Quishuarani, where you’ll meet locals, see waterfalls, and rest at camp.
- Distance: 14 km / 10.3 miles
- Meals: B, L, Tea, D
- Accommodation: Campsite with full comforts
Day 3: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Hike 3 hours to Hullkiccasa Pass (4,200m), then descend to the Cuncani community, where you’ll visit a local school. After lunch and a relaxing soak in Lares hot springs, take a van to Ollantaytambo. Enjoy dinner in town before taking the evening train to Aguas Calientes and resting in a hotel.
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Meals: B, L, D
- Accommodation: 3★ Hotel
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
Catch an early bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided 2-hour tour of the iconic citadel. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with permit). By 12:30 p.m., descend to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo and bus back to Cusco, with final drop-off at your hotel.
- Meals: B
This trek offers a unique combination of cultural immersion, scenic trekking, and the awe of Machu Picchu—all with fewer crowds.
Includes
- Pick up from your hotel
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9 or more trekkers
- Chef, porters and horseman
- Excellent buffet style
- 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners and 3 snaks. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian foodplease let us knows.
- Dining tent with confortable tables and chairs
- 4 person tent used by only 2 trekkers
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items.
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kitPrivate Transportation by bus cusco to Lares and huaran to Ollantaytambo
- Expedition tourist claseTrain from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- 3 star Hotel at aguas calientes on day 3 with private room(hot shower, wifi and storage where you canleave your luggage while you visit Machupicchu)
- Round trip bus ticket(Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu- Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- 2 hour guided tour of Machupicchu
Return transportation by tourist train from Aguas calientes to Ollantaytambo then van back to your hotel in Cusco
Does Not Include
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Inflatable sleeping pad
- Trekking poles
- lunch and dinner on Day 4
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machupichu Mountain
- Travel Insurance (for the duration of your trip). You are strongly recommended to take out for the duration of your trip.
- Tips
Absolute Essentials
- Passport: Original, valid (copies not accepted)
- Student ID: Only if booked with a student discount
- Trekking Boots: Comfortable, broken-in
- Daypack: Lightweight, max 25L, carried daily
Water Storage: Min. 2L (Camelbak or bottles)
Items for Your Daypack (Carried Daily)
- Hat & sunglasses
- Rain gear (poncho or jacket)
- Warm layers (fleece or long sleeves)
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer & toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid: band-aids, moleskin
- Headlamp/torch
- Camera & extra batteries
- Snacks (bars, chocolate)
Extra cash (small bills for toilets, tips, souvenirs)
Items for Your Duffel Bag (Max 7kg including sleeping gear)
- Sleeping bag & air mattress (can be rented, ~3kg total)
- Comfortable camp shoes
- Warm jacket, hat, gloves
- 2–3 t-shirts (preferably moisture-wicking)
- 1–2 hiking pants
- 4 sets: underwear & hiking socks
- 1 fleece
- 1 down jacket (for cold nights)
- Quick-dry towel, soap, wet wipes
- Toothbrush & toothpaste, face moisturizer
- Battery charger/power bank
- Plastic bags (for separating wet/dirty clothes)
Note: Be prepared for varying temperatures and conditions—layering is key.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – Price & Booking Summary
Group Service:
- US$540 per person
Private Service:
2 people: US$640 pp
3 people: US$600 pp
4 people: US$570 pp
5+ people: US$540 pp
Prices include a 3-star hotel on night 3 and mules to carry up to 7kg of personal belongings.
Discounts
- Student Discount: US$30 (with valid ISIC card)
Under 18s Discount: US$30
Equipment Rental (Optional)
- Walking Poles (pair): US$15
- Sleeping Bag: US$20
- Inflatable Mattress: US$20
- Single Tent Supplement: US$30
Optional Extras (Must Book in Advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain Climb: US$75
- Huayna Picchu Mountain Climb: US$75
- Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo): US$50
- Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: Varies by hotel type
How to Book
Send an Email or Fill Out Booking Form
Include:
- Main and backup departure dates
- Personal details: Full name, passport number, gender, nationality, date of birth
- Student Discount: Send valid ISIC scan at booking
Deposit Payment:
- US$200 per person (Lares Trek only)
- US$275 per person (Lares Trek + Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)
Permits are limited; choose either 7–8 a.m. or 10–11 a.m. slot (may affect guided tour schedule)
Quinoa Expeditions – Important Information (4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu)
Arrival & Briefing:
You'll be picked up from the Cusco airport (send flight details 14 days in advance). Pre-trek briefing is held the night before at 6 p.m. at your hotel or Quinoa office.
Luggage:
You can store your main luggage at the office or hotel. You'll receive a duffel bag (7kg limit) for the trek, carried by pack horses. Bring a personal daypack (30–40L).
Booking Process:
- Complete the booking form with passport details.
- Send scanned passports.
Pay a US$211 deposit per person (via VISA or PayPal).
Balance Payment:
- Pay in cash (USD or PEN) upon arrival or by PayPal/VISA (+5.5% fee).
Passport Requirement:
Bring your original passport (must match booking info). If you renew it, bring both old and new passports or pay a $25 update fee.
Altitude Sickness:
Acclimatize in Cusco 1–2 days. Remedies: water, coca tea, and oxygen (carried by guides).
Trek Conditions:
The route is quiet, even in high season. If unable to finish, Quinoa Expeditions assists you to safety (costs apply). No refunds are provided.
Tips:
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. It’s a way to reward good service.
This trek offers a personalized, remote experience with professional support, cultural immersion, and a visit to Machu Picchu.
Why Choose Quinoa Expeditions
Quinoa Expeditions is a 100% locally owned Cusqueñian travel agency and tour operator, founded on years of experience and a passion for authentic Andean adventures. Our mission is to offer personalized, small-group treks and tours with a strong focus on quality, responsibility, and sustainability.
Locally Rooted & Responsible
Entirely run by locals with no outside shareholders.
We ensure fair wages and respectful treatment for all our staff—our extended family.
Committed to giving back through community service projects and local employment.
Small Group Policy
Max 8 people per group to ensure a more intimate and personalized experience, far from the crowds.
Top Guides
Professional, fun, and fluent in English.
Hold degrees in fields like archaeology, history, tourism, and anthropology.
Passionate about Inca culture and constantly expanding their knowledge.
Well-Cared Pack Animals
Fully supported treks with mules to carry your gear.
We prioritize the health and humane treatment of our pack animals.
BuffetTrekking Cuisine
Delicious and abundant meals crafted by expert cooks using local and international ingredients.
We cater to all dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies, etc.).
High-Quality Equipment
4-season EUREKA or Doite tents (4-person tents used for 2 people) with extra space.
Foam and inflatable mattresses for better comfort (inflatable available for rent).
Complete camping setup: dining tent, chairs, tables, duffel bags, and biochemical toilet.
Extras: hot showers, survivor T-shirts, rain covers, and more.
Community Commitment
We invest in local communities through education, donations, and hiring.
Proud to strengthen ties with highland villages and promote sustainable tourism.
Choose Quinoa Expeditions for a life-changing trekking experience, where every step supports local people, respects nature, and delivers exceptional service and cultural authenticity.
