The Lares Trail to Machu Picchu covers 3 days and 2 nights. This path leads through high Andean areas with natural features like waterfalls and lakes. Travelers pass isolated groups in the Lares Valley, where people maintain traditional ways. The route includes Pisac Inca sites and ends at the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Peceros Expeditions designs this to fit those with shorter schedules. The highest point stands at 4,700 meters above sea level. Groups limit to 8 participants for closer movement.
Participants start from Cusco and head to Huaran by private transportation. From there, the walk begins toward Cancha Cancha. The first day involves steady climbing along rivers. Lunch uses ingredients from nearby fields, organic in origin. At camp, interact with local families who share daily routines. Guides from Peceros Expeditions, who lead visitors from many countries in different languages, translate and explain customs.
The second day brings steeper sections to Pachacutec Pass. Views include distant ice fields and animal groups like alpacas. Descent goes to Quiswarani, near waterfalls. Private transportation then takes to Ollantaytambo for the train to Aguas Calientes. The train allows choices: PeruRail with Expedition for standard seats or Vistadome for larger windows to see valleys, or Inca Rail with staff in two languages and light food. Pick what matches your travel style.
A hotel in Aguas Calientes provides rest after the walks. The third day focuses on the Inca City of Machu Picchu. An early bus ride leads to a guided visit covering living, farming, and ceremonial parts. Free time follows for personal looks. Return train and private transportation end in Cusco. A Peceros Expeditions representative follows the full plan, available for changes.
This trail differs by its focus on remote Andean living. People in the Lares Valley wear handmade clothes and tend herds. Such meetings add real glimpses into daily life. Peceros Expeditions ensures small sizes for these interactions. Compared to other paths, this one avoids crowded spots, offering quieter sections.
Meals throughout use fresh local elements, organic from highland farms. For different preferences, plates from other regions can be added, though this raises costs based on the choice; ask the reservations team at Peceros Expeditions. The agency owns all private transportation, with drivers holding high skills for mountain ways.
The challenging level comes from elevations and long walks. Preparation helps, like prior hikes in similar heights. Peceros Expeditions includes horses for urgent needs, like if someone feels unwell. This support makes the route accessible. The final Inca City visit happens twice in a way: first glimpse from afar if light allows, then full tour.
Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. using private transportation owned by Peceros Expeditions and driven by highly trained staff. Drive to Huaran to meet horsemen and horses. Prepare footwear and begin a 3.5-hour gradual ascent to Cancha Cancha at 3,900 meters. Lunch by the river includes dishes from local organic ingredients to restore energy. A representative from Peceros Expeditions stays aware of your location throughout.
Cancha Cancha remains a traditional community, sustaining itself as in past centuries. Roads do not reach here, and electricity arrived in December 2019. After tents setup and afternoon tea, visit a family home. Learn about village life through the guide’s translation. After dinner, the guide points out star patterns used in Andean farming, still followed today.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea Time, Dinner. Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building. Distance: 9 kilometers or 5.6 miles. Time: Approximately 3.5 hours. Difficulty: Moderate.
After breakfast, begin a 7-hour hike northeast from camp. The initial part involves strong ascents to Pachacutec Pass at 4,500 meters, the highest spot. Along the way, see ice fields, lakes, alpaca groups, valleys, and birds like falcons and geese. Descent takes 3 hours to Quiswarani at 3,700 meters. The path stays isolated, passing highland people in traditional dress with their animals. Interact in Quechua, with the guide translating and teaching words. Guides, with wide experience on these routes, provide detailed accounts of the area’s traditions.
Near seven waterfalls, approach Quiswarani. From there, private transportation drives 2 hours to Ollantaytambo. Board the train to Aguas Calientes for hotel stay. Choose PeruRail or Inca Rail; PeruRail Expedition offers basic travel, Vistadome adds views at $67 USD. Inca Rail includes refreshments and staff in two languages.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea Time, Dinner. 3-star Accommodation: Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu. Distance: 12 kilometers or 7.5 miles. Time: Approximately 7 hours. Difficulty: Challenging.
After breakfast at the hotel early, board a bus to the Inca City of Machu Picchu for sunrise if weather clears. The guide, knowledgeable in the routes, leads a two-hour tour of agricultural, residential, and religious sectors. A representative monitors the day. When done, bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). If train time allows, shop or see the museum or thermal springs.
Board the Expedition train at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. to Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba River, through narrow canyons with fast water. Look up to spot Wiñay Wayna on walls. Private transportation from Peceros Expeditions meets at the station for Cusco hotel arrival by 7:00 p.m. Upgrade to Vistadome at $67 USD for times like 4:22 p.m. or 4:43 p.m. Early trains set at booking. Huayna Picchu hike, if booked, unguided unless extra requested for cost; availability limited, notify early.
Meals included: Breakfast. Difficulty: Easy.
Lares Hike to Machu Picchu: Pricing and Availability
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Dry months May to September work for the Lares Trail to Machu Picchu as paths hold better without much rain, though prepare for cold evenings around 5 degrees Celsius. Wet season October to April greens the valleys but adds mud on descents. Fewer people join then. Peceros Expeditions advises on weather shifts to pack right, like extra layers for passes.
Train with 10-kilometer walks weekly on uneven ground to match the 7-hour days and 4,700-meter height. Add stairs for leg power. Drink water often to practice hydration. Arrive in Cusco early for altitude. Check with a doctor for lung or joint matters. The 3-day pace spreads effort, but fitness helps enjoy views without strain.
Bring passport for checkpoints at Machu Picchu, as it links to tickets. Student cards for lower rates need university name and photo. Peceros Expeditions gets Machu Picchu entries. Send copies at booking for approvals. Without match, entry stops, so confirm details early.
At 4,700 meters, some get dizzy or tired. Stay in Cusco days before to adapt, chew coca leaves if local. Kit has oxygen for quick help. Guides spot signs, suggest slow walks. If history of issues, doctor meds like for prevention. The trail’s gradual rise eases adjustment for most.
Pack rain jackets as valleys bring quick showers. Paths get soft, so shoes with grip. Camps have covers. Guides shorten breaks or adjust. Wet adds fresh smells to lakes. Peceros Expeditions checks forecasts, provides ponchos if needed for comfort.
Tents set by team before you reach, with mattresses for sleep. Sites near communities for interactions. Meals in shared spaces. Evenings cool, bags warm. Clean practices keep areas pristine. Short 3 days mean one camp night, focused on recovery.
Tell Peceros Expeditions at booking for no-dairy or plant-based; cooks use organics like potatoes. International like rice dishes add cost, consult team. Food fuels without upset. Boiled water safe. Overall, adapts to keep energy high.
In remote valleys, signals weak or none. Pass areas might text. Bring chargers. Guides radios for urgents. No connection lets focus on surroundings. Agency tracks via reps for outside needs.
Peceros Expeditions supplies guides and support, route-trained. Rules limit additions. Horsemen handle loads fairly. Multilingual guides meet group. Keeps everything coordinated safely.
Reach Peceros Expeditions soon for shifts; dates fixed on bookings, tough to change. Fees by time, like deposit if late. Slots for new. Insurance for illness. Agency suggests other dates if free.
Select PeruRail or Inca Rail; PeruRail Expedition basic, Vistadome $67 USD views. Inca Rail snacks and staff. Times 2:55 p.m. river way. Van waits Ollantaytambo. Request early at booking.
Huayna Picchu $75 USD, hour climb overlooks, alone after tour unless guided extra. Focuses on steep steps. Guides mention during visit.
No hard limits, under 18 parent sign and passport for rate. Seniors check stamina for challenges. Under 11 $40 USD less. Readiness key. Agency paces group safely.
Alpacas herds, falcons flying, orchids edges. Keep space protect. Guides tie to Andean ways. Rules preserve for others.
Up to 8 means guide time, no long waits sites. Better than big in others, smooths steep parts. Peceros Expeditions prioritizes quality.
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Important
PACKING LIST – 3 DAY LARES TREK
Must-Have Items:
Duffel Bag (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs):
Toiletries:
Day Backpack Essentials:
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