BEST Lares Trek 3 Days

A DETAILED ITINERARY of Lares Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu

Experience Peru’s most breathtaking scenery with the Lares Valley Trek 3 Days! Hike through high peaks, glaciers, and rivers in cozy hotels.

BRIEFING OF LARES TREK 3 DAYS: Our Lares route guide explains the entire tourist circuit. All questions are welcome. The briefing is at 6 pm one day before starting the trek at the reception of your hotel. The visit to the splendid domains of Lares is one of the most spectacular for finding native peoples made up of communities of Inca descent. At the same time, we meet several herds of Andean camelids, such as llamas and alpacas, on our outdoor hiking adventure.

Day 01: Cusco – Huacahuasi – Patacancha – Ollantaytambo

Discover the remote beauty of the Peruvian Andes on a 3 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu! Hike through vast mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and lush valleys for an unbelievable experience. Explore the Andes of Lares Andes Valley through the Ipsay Pass, heading to the Patacancha Valley and Ollantaytambo.

At 05:30 in the morning, towards Pisac, Calca, ascend towards the Andes and reach the Lares district in the Huacahuasi area.

Already from Huacahuasi, we walked along the paths of Lares to conquer the IPSAY Pass. The panoramic views at every step are magnificent of the terrain and the area, with excellent photographic angles of the snow-capped neotropical mountains. We descend the Ipsay Pass towards the lagoon to border the Andes Mountain range and have a broad panoramic view of the Andes of Patacancha.

Throughout this day’s Lares Trek 3 Days circuit, we find several herds of alpacas and llamas in different areas, such as walking near the snow-capped peaks or grazing on different slopes. Each photo and video shot is beautiful to remember the Lares area with the colorful llamas and alpacas.

In the Patacancha sector, our tourist vehicle awaits us to descend towards the Sacred Valley to go to Ollantaytambo and spend the night in the hotel near the train station (a 40-minute trip).

Summary of the hiking experience through the Andes of Lares

• Departure from Cusco: At 5:30 am – Overland trip from Cusco to Huacahuasi 3,872 m/12,703 ft.
• Travel from Patacancha to Ollantaytambo “the trip takes about 40 minutes.”
• Maximum height: 4,400 meters / 14,435 feet.
• Minimum height: 2,851 meters/ 9,353 feet.
• Hiking distance: 14 km / 09 miles.
• Estimated duration of hiking: 05 hours “03 hours of ascent and 02 hours of descent”.
• Difficulty: Challenging to moderate.
• Food: 01 Box lunch + Dinner in a tourist restaurant.
• Overnight: Ollantaytambo “Sacred Valley” Hotel 03 stars

Day 02: Premium Short Inca Trail Walking to Machu Picchu

Today, we continue the adventures towards the Short Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu, thus having the experience of walking inside the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu via Inti Punku.

At the time indicated by the tour guide, they go to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train service to travel to kilometer 104 of the railway “starting place of the Inca Trail via Chachabamba.”

INFORMATIVE DATA ON THE TRAIN SERVICE

• Train service: Outbound Journey
• Train company: INCA RAIL
• Travel route: OLLANTAYTAMBO TO KM 104 (1 hour and 20 minutes of trains ride)
• Class: The Voyager 41
• Departure: 06:40
• At Station: 06:10 – Otherwise, you may not be allowed to board.
• KM 104 Arrival: 07:50

SHORT INCA TRAIL DATA:

• Explore three Inca sites:
  • Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Inti Punku
• Hiking distance: 11 km / 6.14 miles.
• Trail elevation: KM 104 2,000 meters / 6,550 feet.
• Minimum altitude: 2.250 meters /7f,240 feet
• Maximum size: 2,720 meters/8,920 feet (the Sun Gate)
• Physical grading: Moderate to Challenging
• Trekking hours: 05-hour
• Difficulty: Moderate-easy.
• Meals: Box lunch.
• 01 bus ticket: Mapi to Aguas Calientes
• Overnight: Aguas Calientes – a 03-star hotel

Enjoy the spectacular view of Machu Picchu from the Intipunku ruins until you reach the house of the Inca watchman of Machu Picchu. We board the tourist bus in the afternoon to go to Aguas Calientes to rest in our hotel.

IMPORTANT TO MENTION: It is forbidden to bring plastic bottles or any plastic to the hiking trails; bring canteens or reusable bottles for the care and protection of nature, etc.

Day 03: Tour Machu Picchu 2hrs. – Return to Cuzco

After walking the Lares Trek 3 Days, we have a guided tour of Machu Picchu. We explore the agricultural and residential sectors of the ruins of Machu Picchu. We have 02 hours of a guided tour of the circuit designated by the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, we travel back to Cusco via Poroy. From Poroy, we leave in the Kondor vehicle until we reach Cusco.

The 03-day trek through Lares to Machu Picchu does intend for vacationers who quickly get to know the Andes and the Inca trails offered by the Cusco region to have more time and continue exploring other tourist attractions.

Summary of the Machu Picchu Day

• Breakfast at the hotel at 06:00
• Bus service to Machu Picchu (up and down)
• Two-hour guided tour inside the archaeological park of Machu Picchu
• In the afternoon, board your train service to the POROY train station.

Train service information: [Inbound journey]

• Train company: INCA RAIL
• Service: MACHU PICCHU TO OLLANTAYTAMBO (1 hour and 50 minutes of train ride).
• Class: The Voyager 44
• Departure: 14:30
• At Station: 14:0 – Otherwise, you may not be allowed to board.
• Ollantaytambo arrival: 16:04
• Cusco arrival by transport: 17:50

When you get to the OLLANTAYTAMBO train station, be met at the train arrivals area. Just look for a KONDOR PATH TOURS sign with your name.” Group name: Lares Trek 3 Days

INCLUSION for Lares Hike 3 Days

• Outdoor activities in the Andes of Lares
• An official tour guide fluent in English.
• First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen tank
• All local taxes generated by the Lares Trek 3 Days circuit
• Day-One: LARES
  • Private transportation from the hotel to Huacahuasi is the “beginning of the adventure.”
  • Also, transport from Patacancha to Ollantaytambo “after the walk.”
  • Entrance tickets to the Lares Trek circuit 3 days
  • Food: Box Lunch and Dinner
  • OLLANTAYTAMBO: 01 night in a hotel with 03 stars in Ollantaytambo (HOTELS: Sol de Ollantay or Sol Natura based on a DOUBLE or Matrimonial room). Check-In: from 06:00 to 22:00 Hrs | Check-Out: 05:00 to 11:00 Hrs.
• Day 2: SACRED INCA TRAIL
  • Train from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104: By Inca Rail – Class: The Voyager 41 – Trai departure: 06:40
  • Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail with Machu Picchu
  • Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
  • Food: Box Lunch “carried by travelers.”
  • AGUAS CALIENTES: 01 night in a Hotel 03 star in Aguas Calientes (HOTELS: El Santuario Machupicchu, Waman Hotel Machu Picchu, or Hotel Retama Machu Picchu based on a DOUBLE or Matrimonial room). The rooms include private bathrooms with hot showers, Wi-Fi, buffet breakfast. Check-In: 11:00 Hrs | Check-Out: 10:00 Hrs.
• Day-3: MACHU PICCHU
  • Breakfast: At the hotel
  • Round-trip bus tickets
  • Private guided tour in Machu Picchu for 2 hours
  • Train from MACHU PICCHU to OLLANTAYTAMBO: By Inca Rail: Class: Voyager 44 – Train Departure at 14:30
  • Private transfer from POROY to CUSCO

🙂 Optional: Go to the pricing button and click it for service upgrades. 

Is it not included in the Lares Trek 3 Days circuit?

• Water for walks. Prohibits carrying plastic bottles; bring reusable bottles to have a green planet.
• Breakfast on day 01, Lunch and Dinner on day 03
• Tips for the crew, guide, drivers, etc.

Frequently asked questions for the Lares Trek 3 Days

We are sure you already know many trekking routes that can reach Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay Trek, the Classic Inca Trail, and the Inca Jungle Trek, and we also have lesser-known routes, such as the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.

This trekking route takes you through less explored sites surrounded by beautiful landscapes in the Peruvian Andes, visiting lakes, glaciers, and virgins, and walking along with llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.

What is the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek is an alternative trek to Machu Picchu, and you can choose the 4-day or 5-day adventure tour. This trek is perfect for those travelers who prefer a more cultural interaction, visit uncrowded routes and explore remote mountains where llamas and alpacas are the locals.

How many days does the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu last?

For the Lares Trek, you can choose the 4-Day Lares Trek  and 5-day  Lares Trek options:

The 4-day Lares Trek begins in the district of Lares. We will visit the thermal medicinal waters of Lares and walk through picturesque and beautiful Andean villages to finish the expedition to Machu Picchu.

The 5-day Lares Trek follows the same route as the 4-day Lares Trek and includes the Short Inca Trail trek at the end instead of just traveling to Machu Picchu by train.

Where is this Lares Trek tour located?

It is located in the eastern Andes, in the district of Lares, approximately 150 km – 93 miles from Cusco. The hike begins at the hot springs of Lares (3250 m / 10662 ft), a 3-hour drive from Cusco. This district belongs to the province of Calca.

At what altitude is the Lares hike?

• When we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, we will be at 3399m / 11151ft.
• The lares hot springs are at 3250 m / 10662 ft.
• The first camp of the Lares Trek is located at 3750 m / 12303 ft.
• The highest point is Condor Pass at 4700 m / 15354 ft.
• The Lares Trek’s second camp is at 2700 m / 8856 ft.
• The final destination is Machu Picchu at 2430 m / 7972 ft.

What is the best time of the year to visit Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

The climate of Lares Trek is the same as the city of Cusco. The average temperature during the day is 10 ° C to 21 ° (50 ° F – 70 ° C). At night it is usually colder, reaching temperatures of 0 ° C (30 ° F).

The entire Cusco region has only two seasons; we do not have summer, winter, autumn, or spring in the Andes; we only have rainy and dry seasons:

• In January for the Lares Trek: this month starts with the rainy season; this is the month we expect the rainiest days and an average of 16 to 17 days of rain in the whole month. During this season, the nights are not as cold; on the trail, we will see much less of other trekkers, and the landscape is more beautiful, green, and mysterious, so your experience will be more enjoyable.
• Lares Trek weather in February: This month, we will have less rain than in January; we expect heavier rains. As in January, Lares Trek is the route to hike during the rainy season.
• Lares Trek weather in March: This month, we still have rain, but with less intensity, and the temperature is warmer; it is harvest season, so we will see local people working, and we can share with them; we will also see the children going back to school, really, a unique experience that other treks do not have.
• Lares Trek weather in April: This month, we will only have occasional rainfall, the day is sunnier, and the night is more incredible.
• Weather in Lares Trek in May: The professional team of Kondor Path Tours recommends you travel this month, as it is the beginning of the season of little rain, sunny days, and cold nights.
• Lares Trek weather in June: During the day, the temperature is 21 ° C (70 ° C), and at night it could reach below 0 ° C (30 ° F). The mornings are cold and fresh, and we can see snow-capped mountains.
• Weather in Lares Trek July: The temperature during the day is 21 ° C (70 ° C), and at night it can get below 0 ° C (30 ° F). In the mornings, it is much colder due to the fall of frost; it can rain; therefore, we must carry the necessary equipment.
• Lares Trek climate August: this month is celebrated in the Andes; the day of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is usually made offerings and ceremonies to the earth; if you wish, you can participate and be part of these ancestral ceremonies. And thus have a different experience in the Peruvian Andes.
• Lares Trek weather in September: this month marks the beginning of spring. Therefore, the landscapes become greener; we will see more migratory birds in the lagoons, the day will be warmer, and the night is not so cold.
• The climate of Lares Trek October: this month begins the rainy season, but sometimes the rains are delayed to have very sunny days and greener landscapes, and the night is not so cold.
• Lares Trek Weather November: This month, we expect more rain than in the previous months, so we should bring the right equipment, we will have very sunny days and greener landscapes, and the night is not so cold.
• Weather Lares Trek December: This month, we must consider that the weather is more changeable; we expect much more rain. In Machu Picchu, it is almost always cloudy.

What exciting places will we find in Lares Trek?

Thermal medicinal waters of Lares: These thermal waters are highly therapeutic; although it is true that on many tourist routes in Cusco, we will find thermal waters of all times, these waters are unique and are recommended to soothe muscle aches; we recommend you try them. The temperature of these waters ranges from cold to scorching (36 ° C – 44 ° C or 96 ° F – 112 ° F). Pure volcanic water contains many minerals locals consider good for bones, stress, muscles, and headaches.

Waterfalls of The temperature of these waters go: Beautiful 07 waterfalls near the village of The temperature of these waters goes the first day.

• Laguna Azul: Known to locals as K’oyalay, this beautiful Andean lake is located at 3750 m / 12303 ft.
• Llamas and Alpacas all along the Lares trekking route: On the first day, you will see herds of llamas and alpacas grazing high in the mountains.
• The majestic flight of the Condor: At 4700 m / 15354 ft, it is the highest mountain pass on the Lares trek and is so named because sometimes we can see the Andean Condor and other birds—spectacular views from here.
• Canchacancha Village: Located at 2700m / 8856 ft, this remote village is 4 hours from the closed route; here, we can stock up on supplies for the trek.
• Salineras de Maras: On the hike, you will be able to visit these beautiful pools where medicinal salt is extracted, as well as see the archaeological site of Moray,
• Ollantaytambo: “Inca Citadel of the Last Living” as the locals still use the original Inca streets, gates, and even water channels that run from the time of the Incas
• Machu Picchu: After our trek of several days, we will visit the beautiful lost city of the Incas.

What is the best itinerary for the Lares Trek?

All trekking trails lead to Machu Picchu; the best itineraries with different experiences are:

• Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Kiswarani Village
• Day 2: Quiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Community
• Day 3: CanchaCancha – Huaran- Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
• Day 4: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas)

This itinerary will allow you to hike from Lares to Machu Picchu instead of going back and forth.

How to book the Lares Trek 3 Days?

The best way to have a unique travel experience, contact us by any means, and we will make a memorable trip for you.

Kondor Path Tours is an agency specializing in adventure treks that will make your trip the most exciting and safe for you and your friends.

How to prevent altitude problems in the Lares Trek?

We cannot avoid altitude sickness; no matter your age, fitness, or experience, altitude sickness can affect anyone, even experienced hikers. The best way to prevent this is to arrive at least two days before the trek departure, rest in Cusco before the tour, eat lightly, and drink plenty of water; you should also bring altitude medicine.

When is the best time to do the Lares Trek and visit Machu Picchu?

Unlike Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail, Lares Trek is available all year round due to heavy rains.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, when it is the dry season, April and November are the dry months, and the weather is expected to increase.

Why visit and take the Lares Trek 3 Days circuit?

It is to experience walking through the mountains with a view of the snow-capped mountains and then entering the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. On the third day, we visit the spectacular Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the morning, and in the afternoon, we return to Cusco. Welcome to the 3-day Lares Trek route to see the last descendants of the Incas grazing their alpacas and llamas in the remote Andes region.

Cost Lares Trek 3 Days

Explore Peru’s breathtaking mountains up close on a 3 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu! From handmade villages to wild, pristine beauty, this trek offers an unforgettable experience of the Andes.

PRICES PER PERSON [USD] 2023. We carry out this trekking circuit through Lares Machu Picchu only as a private service.

• Solo travel is $999.
• 02 participants $765. “Prices reduce if there are more people in your group.”
• 03 participants $690.
• 04 participants $600.
• 05 participants $585.
• 06 participants $545.
• 07 participants $535.
• 08 participants + $499.

Lares Trek 3 Days: Item Upgrade

TRAIN SERVICES

PERU TRAINS By PeruRail / PER PERSON

+$90. Vistadome train (round trip: OLLANTAYTAMBO – MACHUPICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO)
+$498.00 Hiram Bingham train (Inbound Journey: Train MACHUPICCHU – POROY)

EXTRA TICKETS

+$75 Huayna Picchu
+$75 Montaña
+$60 RE-ENTRY TO MACHU PICCHU

HOTEL “OLLANTAYTAMBO”

In Ollantaytambo’s Inca and Colonial population, we have several hotels to spend the night pleasantly within the Sacred Valley and then continue the trip to the jungle or the Andes of Cusco. Here we show you the hotel alternatives in Ollantaytambo to improve the service at the request of travelers.

PER PERSON

Sol Natura Hotel – 3-Star Hotel
+$20. Suite MWB/ DWD Comfort Superior

Pakaritampu Hotel – 3-Star Hotel
+$36. Doble
+$47. Superior

El Albergue de Ollantaytambo Hotel “The hotel is inside the train station.”
+$26. Estándar
+$75 Superior Jardín
+$85 Superior Balcón or Casita

HOTEL “AGUAS CALIENTES”

The most suitable hotels in Aguas Calientes, Peru; there are options to upgrade to a premium hotel! At Kondor Path Tours, we try to make it easier by searching and focusing on our experience and travelers’ experiences.

PER PERSON

Gringo Bill’s Machupicchu – 3-Star Hotel
+$25. DBL/MATRIMONIAL
+$43 Suite

Inti Punku Machupicchu – 3-Star Hotel
+$25. Standard
+$33. Superior
+$39. Junior Suite
+$63. Senior Suite

Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu – 3-Star Hotel
+$29. Traditional
+$35. Superior
+$45. Suite

Taypikala Boutique Machupicchu – 3-Star Hotel
+$35. Standard SGL/DBL
+$80 Suite

Jaya Suite Machupicchu – 3-Star Hotel
+$40.

El MaPi ByInkaterra – 4-Star Hotel
+$69. Superior Deluxe SGL or DBL
+$91. Suite SGL o DBL

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – 5-Star Hotel
+$244. Superior
+$271. Superior Deluxe
+$298. Junior Suite
+$389. Junior Suite Deluxe
+$488. Suite
+$555. Inkaterra Suite

Discounts

This applies to the following services
Machu Picchu Fee

College students$20 off

* Kondor Path Tours operates the Lares Hiking Trail 3 days

HOW TO BOOK THE LARES TREK 3 DAYS CIRCUIT?

3 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu –

1st. STEP

2nd. STEP | First down payment.