It is moderately challenging with daily hikes over high passes. No prior trekking experience is required, but a basic fitness level helps.
The Lares Valley and Machu Picchu over four days of Andean culture and scenery. From $490 per person.
Experience the living culture of the Lares Valley on this 4-day trek to Machu Picchu with INKANET ADVENTURE, through remote villages famed for their handwoven textiles.
Hike past glaciers, lakes and waterfalls with grazing llamas and alpacas, relax in the Lares hot springs, then finish at Machu Picchu for a sunrise visit and guided tour.
Walk through remote villages where Andean traditions and master weaving thrive, meeting local families along the way.
Cross high passes past turquoise lakes, waterfalls and snow-capped summits, with llamas and alpacas grazing below.
Soak in the soothing Lares thermal baths before the trek begins.
Reach Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the legendary Inca citadel.
Connect with Quechua communities famed for their colorful handwoven textiles.
Horses, a chef, camping gear and a hotel in Aguas Calientes keep you well looked after.
Your complete day-by-day itinerary for the Lares to Machu Picchu 4 Days, with distances, altitudes, meals and what to expect each day.
A 5:30 AM start visits a Sacred Valley viewpoint and the Calca market before reaching Lares (3,100 m) and its hot springs. A gentle two-hour walk reaches the Vilcabamba bridge for lunch, then three hours to camp at Wacahuasi (3,750 m) among welcoming villagers.
A three-hour climb to the Sacsallaully Pass (4,646 m) gives panoramas of valleys, snow peaks and Aruray Cocha lake, with Andean wildlife along the way. You descend past glacial lakes and Queuña forest to camp at Mantanay (3,850 m).
The easiest day descends about an hour to Yanahuara, then a short drive to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town. After lunch the early-afternoon train carries you to Aguas Calientes (2,000 m) for a hotel night and final briefing.
An early 5:00 AM hike up lets you enter Machu Picchu among the first for the sunrise and a two-hour guided tour, with optional Huayna Picchu, then the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 PM.
Exactly what is covered in your Lares to Machu Picchu 4 Days tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Lares to Machu Picchu 4 Days day the most rewarding possible.
Spend a day or two in Cusco (3,400 m) before this high-altitude trek. Hydrate well, eat light, drink coca tea and avoid alcohol. Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit throughout.
The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.
Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.
The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 14 travelers | US $490 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $466 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $441 / pp | Automatic group discount at checkout |
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Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
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