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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N
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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N

Duration : 3 Días - 2 Noches
Type Service
Customized Private Tour
Difficulty
challenging
Availability
The whole year
Language
EN / ES

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers trekkers a unique opportunity to hike their way through the Sacred Valley to the gates of the Inca Citadel, starting with a relaxing dip in the volcanic thermal baths in the mountain town of Lares.

Along the trail you will pass by shimmering glacial lakes, skyscraper mountains and herds of resident llamas and alpacas. Aswell as encountering some of the most isolated indigenous communities of the Valley that keep the ancient Inca traditions alive.

Book now for an Andean adventure of a lifetime, full of jaw-dropping views and native Peruvian culture!

Route Highlights

Lares Huacahuasi Sacsallaully Pass Laguna Auroraycocha Ollantaytambo Machu Picchu Aguas Calientes Huayna Picchu
Price per traveler
From $ 693
$770 SAVE 10%
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Awards of tripadvisor

Travelers' Choice 2025

5.0
Based on 2,470 reviews

Overview of the tour

  • Day 1 : Cusco – Calca – Lares – Wacahuasi 
    • Night of camping at Wacahuasi
  • Day 2 : Huacahuasi – Sacsallaully Pass – Yanahuara – Aguas Calientes
    • Night of hotel in Aguas Calientes town
  • Day 3 : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco

DAY 1 – CUSCO – CALCA – LARES – HUACAHUASI 

The Lares trek to Machu Picchu begins with pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30am.

After a 1-hour drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you’ll briefly stop in the town of Calca to visit the local market and take breakfast. From there your private transport will drive you a further 2-hours through a picturesque Andean valley to the town of Lares at 3,100m / 10,170 ft. Here you will be greeted by our chef and horses man who will accompany you throughout the hike. You will also be treated to a relaxing dip in the thermal baths of Lares, where the volcanic water reaches temperatures of 34 ° C. Allowing its therapeutic waters to rejuvenate your body and mind.

The first day of the trek will start with an opportunity to acclimatise along a 2-hour stretch of flat trail to the bridge of Vilcabamba. Delightfully, your chef will be waiting there with hot tea to warm your chilly bones and a delicious lunch to re-energise you for the afternoons’ trek.

After lunch you will continue along the trail for a further 3-hours, gradually ascending to camp in Huacahuasi at 3,750 m / 12,303 ft. Along the way, you will encounter a number of local communities and herds of their resident alpacas. The local Andean residents will be wearing the traditional clothing of the mountains and will speak in the native Quechua dialect, offering you a rare insight into the native way of life in the Andes. 

In late afternoon you will arrive in the majestic village of Huacahuasi to set up camp, enjoy a hearty dinner, and sleep under the starlit Andean sky.

  • Food : Lunch and Dinner
  • Estimated walking time : 5 hours
  • Total distance : 11 km
  • Accommodation : Camping
  • Altitude of accommodation : 3,750 m / 12,303 ft

DAY 2 – HUACAHUASI – SACSALLAULLY PASS – YANAHUARA – AGUAS CALIENTES

Day 2 of the tour to Machu Picchu will be the most challenging. Therefore you will awake with the first light of dawn for a freshly cooked breakfast amidst the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. 

The trail begins ascending through sweeping Andean landscapes, dotted with colorful native flora and herds of grazing alpacas and llamas. The sacred creatures of the Inca empire, were once sacrificed in honour of the Inca Gods. However these days they tend to serve the local people of the region, who keep them for clothing, food, fuel and transportation. 

After traversing up the valley for 3-hours, you will reach the highest point of the tour, the Sacsallaully Pass at 4,646 m / 15,242 ft, where the mountains seem to touch the sky. At the viewpoint on the summit, you will be treated to spectacular views of the valley below and the glistening waters of Laguna Auroraycocha at 4,470 m / 14,665 ft. Here you can take the souvenir photos you have been waiting for, before descending for an hour to the shores of the Lagoon to appreciate a well earned lunch.

The afternoons’ hike consists of a 4-hour descent through magical cloud forests, woodlands of Queuña (tree of the Incas) & alongside another stunning lagoon named Yuracocha. Upon arrival at the cosy settlement of Yanahuara at 2,780 m / 9,120 ft, you’ll be greeted by your driver and private transport, ready to transfer you to the town of Ollantaytambo.

At the train station in the town, you will board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The 1 hour 45 minute train ride will treat you to glorious scenes of snow capped mountains, Inka farming terraces and of course remarkable Inka ruins. Afterwhich you will once again be greeted by your tour guide who will check you in to your hotel in the town, treat you to a delicious restaurant dinner, and leave you to sleep the night away in a comfortable hotel bed.

  • Food : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Estimated walking time : 8 hours
  • Total distance : 18 km
  • Accommodation : Hotel
  • Altitude of accommodation : 2,000 m / 6,562 ft

DAY 3 – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU TOUR – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

After taking breakfast in your hotel, your guide will meet you at reception and escort you the bus station where you will board the tourist bus to Machu Picchu. The scenic route from Aguas Calientes takes you on a 30 minute bus ride up the mountainside to the entrance of the Inca citadel or we can also do the hiking to Machu Picchu by an original inca trail for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once inside, you will be taken on a 3-hour tour of Machu Picchu, journeying through its rich history, as you make your way through the Inca city with your personal tour guide. Aswell as visting the famous sites of the temple of the sun, the central plaza and the stepped terraces, you will have plenty opportunity to take the bucket list photos you came for atop the panoramic viewpoint of Machu Picchu.

Before boarding the bus back down the mountain, your guide will also allow you time to explore the mysteries of the sanctuary alone.

Once you have regrouped with your guide and taken the bus back to Aguas Calientes, there will be time to take lunch in one of Machu Picchu towns’ many restaurants (optional extra), before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. There you will be greeted by your guide and private transportation who will take you on the 2-hour drive back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco is approximatley 6.30pm.

*There will also be time to climb Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain in this tour after your guided tour of the Inca citadel. However please be aware, this will be an extra cost of $75 USD per person and will involve an extra 2-hours hiking. Return to Cusco will therefore be aboard a later train and arrival time in Cusco will be approx 8.30pm.*

3-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu inclusions

Included

  • Briefing at your hotel in Cusco the night before the trek
  • Private transport from hotel in Cusco to Lares
  • Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide
  • All camping equipment : 3 person tents (with enough space for belongings)
  • Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners (All prepared by our chef)
  • Sleeping Bag, trekking Poles.
  • Vegetarian/vegan and special diets requested.
  • Private transport from Yanahuara to Ollantaytambo.
  • 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes 3***
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Bus ticket : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
  • Train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo 
  • Private transport to Cusco from Ollantaytambo.
  • Oxygen and first aid kit

Not Included

  • Breakfast in Calca on first day
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes on third day
  • Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain : $ 75 USD (upon client request)
  • Optional entrance to thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (S / .12 soles)
  • Gratuities / Tips for the guide, porters and cook

Recommendations to bring

  • Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months
  • Valid Student ID card (if student booking)
  • Good quality walking boots or shoes
  • Sandals for down time (very important)
  • Baselayers of varying temperatures, especially for the night
  • Thermals, gloves, scarves, wooly hat
  • Good quality trekking socks to avoid blisters
  • Raincoat or long poncho (for rainy season)
  • Waterproof trousers (for rainy season)
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Long trousers
  • Shorts suitable for hiking
  • Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude
  • Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid on the trail
  • Headlamp/Torch (very important)
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Medicine/personal effects (eg. contact lense liquid)
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Camera or phone camera
  • Portable battery charger
  • Toilet paper (not usually found on trail)
  • Small travel towel
  • Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars
  • Swimming suit for the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (optional)

Price and Options

OPTION 1

PRIVATE SERVICE
$770
$693 USD
Per person
“ALL INCLUDED”

(Exclusive for Groups of 2 to 3 people)

OPTION 2

PRIVATE SERVICE
$670
$603 USD
Per person
“ALL INCLUDED”

(Exclusive for Groups of 4 to 5 people)

OPTION 3

PRIVATE SERVICE
$620
$558 USD
Per person
“ALL INCLUDED”

(Exclusive for Groups of 6 to 8 people)

Packing List

ESSENTIAL ITEMS:

  • Original Passport
  • VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student)
  • Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru)
  • Good quality backpack (medium sized)
  • Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres
  • Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons)

FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:

The horses and the train have a luggage limit of 7kg. We therefore recommend only bringing essentials with you to Machu Picchu.

  • 3 Long sleeve shirts
  • 3 Breathable t-shirts
  • 3 Sets of underwear
  • 3 Pairs of socks
  • 3 Hiking trousers
  • 1 Shorts (suitable for hiking)
  • 1 Fleece
  • 1 Waterproof coat and pants (for rainy seasons)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sandals – In case you want to visit the hot springs in Machu Picchu town
  • Small quick-drying travel towel
  • Portable battery charger for your phone and cameras

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Facial moisturiser
  • Insect repellent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.

ITEMS TO TAKE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:

We recommend taking a backpack into the citadel, however please be aware that bags of more than 25 liters will not be allowed. Larger backpacks will need be stored outside the gates of the citadel.

  • Water canteen
  • Sun hat
  • Rain clothes
  • Camera or phone camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips

Map

image 11

Additional Information

VISTADOME TRAIN FIRST CLASS OR INCA RAIL 360º TRAIN : For an additional payment of $40 USD per person, you can upgrade your tour package to the Vistadome class train or the Inca Rail 360º train for the return journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The upgrade is subject to the availability of trains on the dates you wish to travel.

VISTADOME TRAIN

EXPEDITION TRAIN

DISCOUNTS:
* Foreign tourists with a student card, under 25 years old, current expiration date of the same year, get a discount of $ 30 USD..

For more information write to us by email: machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com or to WhatsApp +51 995050803

  • Extra tickets will need to be purchased to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
  • There are limited number of spaces available per day, so we recommend requesting booking the tickets in advance
  • Once the mountain tickets are sold out for that day, there are no options available for extra tickets
  • The cost to climb the Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain is $ 75 USD per person. This will be added to the total cost
  • Those hiking Inca Trail that wish to do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, will also be charged an extra $ 75 USD
  • IMPORTANT: Before requesting tickets to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, check availability by contacting us!
mountain huayna picchu
machu picchu huaynapicchu montana

  • Departure dates: We have groups for the Lares trek every day of the year. But it is more advisable to make this trek between the months of April to December, since the months of January, February and March are the rainy season in Cusco.
  • WHY CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU VIAJES PERU?
    • We are a local tour operator based in Cusco with 15 years of experience as a Tour operator 100% Cusquenian Company.
    • We have all the Authorizations and licensed by the Peruvian government as proof that we are an official tour operator.
    • We have the Best Tour guides (Fluent in English and Spanish): We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional, licensed and degrees by the Peruvian government and speak fluent English and Spanish. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about Incan heritage and history.  Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurately and recognized theories in Incan and Andean cultures.
    • Small groups & Personalized and High-quality service (Customized Private Tour), This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
    • No hidden prices or Surprises/ We Never Pass you onto another operator as most travel agencies do here. We will depart even if you are a group of 02 persons (Departure of tours is 100% guaranteed).
    • We never share services with other companies as most travel agencies do here to Minimize cost
    • We are a Sustainable and eco-friendly tour company, Machu Picchu Viajes Peru has always believed that we should “give back” to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we socially support and employ these communities.
    • We are committed to social projects and improving living conditions for the children of Peru.
    • Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering to Personalized and High-quality service.
    • We treat our team of porters the best with a HOUSE for them to sleep in and proper equipment, wages, and health insurance for everyone
    • Master Chefs The best in the Cusco region
    • The food provided on our treks is the best( buffet Style and plenty of food)
    • The best Equipment for the Inca Trail and alternative treks.
    • Our tourist transports are exclusively for our services, which are completely reliable, comfortable, safe and with all the necessary authorizations.

    “Machu Picchu Viajes Perú” We know how important it is to trust a trustworthy honest operator to create the adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Take a look at our reviews and certificates of excellence in ( Tripadvisor )

Where does the tour start and end?
  • All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
  • All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
  • The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
  • To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
  • For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
  • The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
  • The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
  • We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?

The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.

Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
  • CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
  • SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
  • The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April  the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.

What are customers saying about Us

At Machu Picchu Viajes Perú, our goal is to create the best possible experience for all our clients. Proof of our commitment is reflected in our customer recommendations.

Our rating on TripAdvisor

4.9/5 Based on 2,469 reviews
See all reviews
Lawrence R | Jan 2026
5.0

A very personal experience

Our guide and driver could not have been more helpful. The bus was just for us but was modern, clean and tidy. The visits to the archaeological sites and the weavers were fascinating and breaks were timed around our needs. I can't recommend this outing too highly.

Doug C | Jan 2026
5.0

Sacred Valley, Machu Pichu, Rainbow Mountain

We spent 3 full days with Domingo combining the 2-day Sacred Valley/Machu Pichu tour with 1-day Rainbow Mountain, both originated in Cusco. The entire trip was awesome! Domingo provided everything we could as and more for our small group. He was punctual, helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to travel with. His experience and local knowledge was evident as he (and our drivers) guided us across and through these cultural and geographic spectacles. Domingo provided insight we couldn't have achieved on our own, while giving us our space to explore and enjoy the surrounding at our own pace. Domingo also provided technical assistance if required, such as assisting us with train schedules. Domingo help make this trip a marvelous and memorable adventure..

Agos B | Jan 2026
5.0

An unforgettable tour

Excellent planning and accompaniment of the whole team. A lot of professionalism on the part of agents and guides. The only thing we didn't like was the little lunch option. While the buffet was optional, there were no other options either or told us in any previous village if we wanted to buy our lunch beforehand. We were practically forced to buy that lunch which by the way we found expensive.

Meena G | Dec 2025
5.0

Above and Beyond! The Best Way to See Peru

Our 14-day trip to Peru with Machu Picchu Valjes was absolutely seamless from start to finish. Traveling to a new continent with children where there is a language barrier can be daunting, but this team made us feel completely at home. From the moment we landed until the moment we departed, we had professional, prompt guides and drivers by our side.

Mitzi A | Dec 2025
5.0

Positive experience for private tour

Very pleasant, clear and close experience from the point of view of doubts for quotation, simple and totally secure contract and international payment process, very personalized treatment and quick responses after payment and contract for the logistics of the activity, I highly recommend it, all the team very prepared and extremely friendly.

Our rating on Google

4.9/5 Based on 120 customer
See all reviews
Maggie Cerrotta | Sep 2025
5.0

Excelente experiencia!!! Realmente es un lugar maravilloso donde se conjuga la naturaleza con el ingenio del inca. Ademas nuestro guia Yorgan nos acompaño a traves de estos dos dias brindando sus excelentes conocimientos academicos como asi tambien su respeto, compromiso y calidez en su trabajo!!!! Excelente!!!! La proxima pensamos recorrer el camino del inca de 65 km!!!! La empresa Machu Pichu Viajes es muy recomendable, horarios, los guias en gral. diempre muy atentos como asi tambien los hoteles muy buenos!!! Hermoso viaje en familia!!!

Avis Bosso | Jul 2025
5.0

Excellent travel agency we are very happy to find them. we're all had wonderful time in this trip. Their service were so professional and helpful. I will 💯 % to recommend this agency. Special thanks for miss blossom she makes our trip so unforgettable. This is the trip of the life time .…

claudio strasorier | Abr 2025
5.0

Excelente empresa donde su gran cualidad es la comunicación antes durante y después del programa de viajes. Hicimos Cusco y Machu Picchu con yorgan el guía que con su humildad y robustez estos 4 días hizo una muy buena experiencia..las unidades de traslado los choferes, la ayuda en la gestión de entradas fueron de gran valor agregado..gracias seguro que volveremos

Jennifer Lewis | Feb 2025
5.0

this tour was a highlight of our trip to Peru! Our guide William was so knowledgeable, kind, and patient and took probably 100 fantastic photos of us. this was a day to remember and a highlight of our trip to Peru. having your company coordinate everything made it so much easier and was such a relief. thank you!

Turistas en Machu Picchu

4.9/5 Reviews

Over 10,000 travelers served
Why Travel with "Machu Picchu Viajes Peru"?

More than a trip, we create authentic experiences in Peru

We specialize in designing personalized trips to Machu Picchu and the main destinations in Peru, combining impeccable organization, personalized attention, and deep local knowledge.

Proven Experience

Years of experience operating routes such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and cultural tours, with packages throughout Peru.

Specialized Local Team

Certified guides and trained staff who guarantee quality service and professional support.

Safe and Official Operations

Company registered and authorized by official tourism entities in Peru.

Commitment to the Community

We work with local providers promoting sustainable development and responsible tourism.

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru Awards

Awards and Recognitions

National and international distinctions that support our commitment to quality and excellence in every experience.

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru Awards

Travellers' Choice Awards

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a highly recommended company on Tripadvisor, ranked as one of the best tour operators nationwide, winner of the 2025 Excellence Award.

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru Awards

Certificates and Authorizations

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a company fully authorized by the Peruvian government, certifying us as a legally established company with multiple excellence certificates.

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru Awards

Sustainable and Responsible

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru meets the highest social and environmental standards in the tour operator market, meaning we practice sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism.

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