There are many ways to visit the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. However, there is a lesser known route that goes through the picturesque Lares Valley. This route is famous for the numerous glacier lagoons. Even though the Lares Trek does not directly end at Machu Picchu, it is still a great option to take while vacationing at Cusco.
The main attractions of the Lares Trek are the Lares hot springs, the Kiswarani waterfalls, and the trekking route to Machu Picchu. It usually takes 3 days to traverse the Lares Valley. The fourth day mainly consists of a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Lares Trek does not require special permits. Due to its relatively high altitude, you will need to spend some days in Cusco city before attempting the trek. By doing this, you will help your body to acclimate to the Andean environment, thus avoiding suffering from altitude sickness.
The best time to hike the Lares Trek is during the dry season, between April and October. During this season, the Lares Trail is easier and safer to walk on due to the lack of rain and mist.
At Andean Luxury we are committed to provide the best tours and treks in the region of Cusco. Whether you want to visit the incredible Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, or explore the sinuous trekking routes of the Andes, we are your best option.
Explore the beautiful Lares Trek to Macchu Picchu accompanied by our expert team of professional tour guides. We also offer group tours to the most famous destinations of the region, such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Rainbow Mountains of Cusco, and Machu Picchu. You can also check our Ausangate and Salkantay Treks. Explore the marvels of the Cusco region with us.
Cusco hotel transfer
5:00 am
Our adventure starts when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am. Then, we will board our private vehicle to drive to the Lares hot springs. Once we arrive there, you can bathe in the healing waters of the hot springs. Also, we will have a light breakfast there before starting the trek.
After breakfast, we will prepare our equipment and then begin the famous Lares Trek. On the first section of the trek, we will hike through the “Potato Valley”, an area known for its numerous native potato farms. After walking for around 2 hours, we will stop for lunch at Kiswarani town.
After lunch, we will participate in a traditional ceremony dedicated to the llamas, which are pack animals native to the Andes mountains. Then, we will hike to the Kiswarani waterfalls. After appreciating the natural beauty of this place, we will set up our campsite nearby. Before going to sleep, we will have a delicious dinner.
We will leave our campsite near Kiswarani after breakfast. Then, we will hike to the highest point of the Lares Trek, the Condor Mountain Pass, which is located at 4,680 meters (15,354 feet) above sea level. Once we have crossed this point, we will visit the “El Mirador” viewpoint, from where we will be able to get astonishing views of the Lares Valley.
We will stop near “El Mirador” to have lunch. Then, we will hike to Cancha Cancha town, where we will set up our tents, have dinner, and spend the rest of the night relaxing and preparing for the next day.
After having breakfast, we will leave our campsite. Afterwards, we will hike to Huaran town, where we will stop for lunch. Then, we will board our private vehicle and drive to the Maras Salt Mines. This place is famous for its numerous pink salt ponds.
After exploring the Maras Salt Mines, we will go to Ollantaytambo town, where we will have dinner at a local restaurant. Then, we will board a train to Aguas Calientes town, the entry point to Machu Picchu.
The train trip takes around 2 hours to complete. The train tracks follow the course of the Urubamba river, the main source of water of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once we arrive at Aguas Calientes, our staff will transfer you to your hotel room. Then, you will be free to explore the town and visit its famous hot springs.
On this day, we will visit the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We will leave the hotel after having breakfast. Then, we will board a bus to the citadel. After passing the security checkpoints, we will finally enter Machu Picchu.
Then, you will have a complete guided tour of the archaeological site. You will visit the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intithuatana, among other Inca marvels. If you have booked an entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain, we will guide you to the respective trailhead.
After exploring Machu Picchu, we will board a bus to return to Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will have time to have lunch at a local restaurant. The cost of the lunch is not included in the tour price. Later, in the afternoon, we will board a train to return to Ollantaytambo.
After arriving at Ollantaytambo, our staff will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco city. We will be arriving there around 10:00 pm.
