Lares Trek to Machu Picchu & Panoramic Train - 4 Days

From £459£115 per day Save 6%

Who is this trip for

Genders

  • Female47%
  • Male53%

Average age

33
12 Min99 Max

Start / End

  • Cusco
  • Cusco

Physical rating

4/5

Group size

2 - 12

Meals included

10

Highlights

  • Relax in the natural hot springs of Lares with stunning mountain views
  • Explore the salt mines of Maras and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu and return on a vistadome panoramic train
  • Meet traditional Andean families in remote mountain villages

Talk to a travel expert

Our experts are ready to perfect your trip with personalised advice on itineraries, transfers, and local tips.

Email UsCall Us: 0208 004 8886
Recommended

Free Brochure

Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.

Summary

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is the top alternative to the Inca Trail, combining remote Andean villages, turquoise lakes, glaciers and waterfalls. Meet local families, trek with llamas and alpacas, relax in hot springs, and finish with a guided visit to Maras Salt Mine and Machu Picchu. A panoramic Vistadome train ride back makes this journey even more unforgettable.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Cusco – Calca - Puyas de Raymondi - Lares Hot Springs – Blue Lagoon

    • 14 km / 8.7 mi
    • 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
    • 6 Hours

    We’ll pick you up early from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco or from accommodations near Pisac and head toward Calca to explore its lively market. From there, visit the Inca site of Ancashmarca before continuing into the highlands to see the rare Puyas de Raimondi plants. By mid-morning, we’ll arrive at the Lares Hot Springs, where you can soak in the thermal pools while your trekking chef prepares a hearty breakfast with mountain views. Afterward, stop at a women’s weaving cooperative to learn about traditional Andean textiles. In the afternoon, begin the hike from Pampacorral, passing alpacas, potato fields, and waterfalls. Pause in Kiswarani for a freshly prepared lunch, then continue toward the Blue Lagoon campsite at 3,900 m. By evening, settle into camp and enjoy a well-earned dinner under the stars.

  • Day 2

    Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Canchacancha Village

    • 16 km / 10 mi
    • 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
    • 10 Hours

    Wake up with a warm drink and enjoy breakfast in camp. Today’s hike takes us past lakes and grazing llamas as we climb to Condor Pass (4,750 m), the highest point of the trek. From the top, take in sweeping views and join a short Andean offering ceremony. After lunch in Acopata, we’ll descend to the village of Canchacancha (3,750 m) to camp. The evening is yours to meet local families, here you can experience firsthand their traditional lifestyles passed down from the Incas, sample traditional food, and see how they raise guinea pigs, llamas, and alpacas. Finally, by the evening, our chef will have prepared dinner for us to enjoy together before a well-earned night's rest.

  • Day 3

    Canchacancha – Huaran– Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

    • 10 km / 6.2 mi
    • 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
    • 5 Hours

    After breakfast, take a short walk through Canchacancha to visit homes and the village school. Then begin the 4-hour descent into the Sacred Valley, where the scenery shifts from potatoes to corn and avocado fields. In Huaran, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing by private vehicle to the salt ponds of Maras and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. After exploring its ancient streets and enjoying dinner, we’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes for a comfortable hotel stay.

  • Day 4

    Machu Picchu - Vistadome Train - Cusco

    • 6 km / 3.7 mi
    • 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
    • 2-3 Hours

    After an early hotel breakfast, we’ll ride the bus up to Machu Picchu and enter as the first light reaches the citadel. Explore the main temples, terraces and plazas with your guide on a 2–3 hour tour. If booked in advance, you may also hike Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu. Later, return to Aguas Calientes for some free time before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo, where private transport will bring you to Cusco by evening.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    2 nights camping, 1 night hotel

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 4, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 3

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Sep 25

    from £459
  • Oct 25

    from £459
  • Nov 25

    from £459
  • Dec 25

    from £459
  • Jan 26

    from £459
  • Feb 26

    from £459
  • Mar 26

    from £459
  • Apr 26

    from £459
  • May 26

    from £459
  • Jun 26

    from £459
  • Jul 26

    from £459
  • Aug 26

    from £459
  • Sep 26

    from £459
  • Oct 26

    from £459
  • Nov 26

    from £459
  • Dec 26

    from £459
  • Save 6%
    Sat 27 Sep 2025 > Tue 30 Sep 2025
    6+ spaces of 12 left
    £486Best offer£459
    Solo Room from +£34
  • Save 6%
    Sun 28 Sep 2025 > Wed 1 Oct 2025
    6+ spaces of 12 left
    £486Best offer£459
    Solo Room from +£34
  • Save 6%
    Mon 29 Sep 2025 > Thu 2 Oct 2025
    6+ spaces of 12 left
    £486Best offer£459
    Solo Room from +£34
  • Save 6%
    Tue 30 Sep 2025 > Fri 3 Oct 2025
    6+ spaces of 12 left
    £486Best offer£459
    Solo Room from +£34

Customer reviews & ratings

(4.8 out of 5)
Based on 93 reviews
  • Good experience away from the crowds

    We were only 4 in the group (plus 4 team members) and had the entire trek for ourselves - no crowds at all. The Lares trek really is “off the beaten track”. I especially liked the first camp site next to a lake and the second day of hiking (across the condor pass). The guide Edwin was fantastic - friendly, fun, helpful and knowledgeable. Our cook Carmelo was also great, surprising us every day with what he can create on the track. Great service all around from the team. The whole trip was well organised, communication with the provider was great. They even offered free airport transfer from your accommodation on the days after the trip. The only thing worth noting is that you only camp twice (the third night is in a hotel) and on day 3 you spend some time on the tour bus & train - so this is not 4 days of hiking experience. For me personally this was a good mix, but next time I will probably go for a longer hiking trek. The Lares trek gets you closer to the remote communities and away from the crowds of the Inka trail or Salcantay trek - can recommend!

    Heiko Nov, 2019 Verified
  • Lares Trek - wonderful 4 days with a fantastic team

    We had a great trek with Luis (the tour guide) and the team within the 4 days. The trek was perfectly organized and it was amazing how all and everything worked together ! A real wonderful experience. We were only 2 people (and 4 from the team; Guide, cook, co-cook and porter with hordes) and had an "exlusive" tour :-) We were so happy with the team and felt within this 4 days like a great patch-work-family. We can highly recommend. The level of hiking is challenging due to the altitude but manageable :-) THANKS to all for this nice days !!!

    Christine Nov, 2019 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What should I pack?

    A detailed packing list is included in our brochure, you can download this on this page!
  • Anna's profile
  • Petra's profile
  • Livvy's profile

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Get In Touch

Why book with us

  • Help Change The World

    We collaborate with local businesses and communities.

  • Best Price Guaranteed

    We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!

  • You're In Good Hands

    We work with trusted tour operators around the world.

  • You're spoilt for choice

    We have the best choice of adventures on the market.

Similar adventures

Was this page helpful ?

If you need information about a tour or a booking, please contact us instead.