Cultural Trek | Max 8 People | 4,500m at Pachacutec Pass | Camp 1 Night at 3,900m + Hotel

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3-Days & 2-Nights

The 2026 Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Built for travelers who want mountains, culture, and the citadel without the Inca Trail permits. Ideal for fit hikers who prefer remote Andean villages over crowds, with two nights camping at 3,800 m and one full day exploring Machu Picchu. Cross Pachacutec Pass 4,400 m, visit authentic Quechua weaving communities, soak in Lares Hot Springs, and enter Machu Picchu through Aguas Calientes for a guided sunrise circuit. A trek that combines real village life with the world wonder.

Lares Trek Highlights

Pachacutec Pass 4,400 m
360º views of peaks, lakes, and the Sacred Valley. No crowds.
Authentic Quechua Villages
Visit Huacahuasi and Cuncani. Meet weavers. Share coca tea with local families. Real Andean life.
Lares Hot Springs
Natural thermal pools on Day 1. Three temperatures, mountain views. Best way to start.
Camping at 3,800 m
Two nights in 4-season tents with thick mats. Hot dinners under the stars. Proper acclimatization.
Scenic Train to Aguas Calientes
Panoramic train through the Sacred Valley on Day 2. Rest before Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Circuit 2
Full guided tour on Day 3. Upper terraces and classic viewpoints included. No 4am hike.
No Inca Trail Permits
Depart any day. No lottery. Book last-minute and still reach Machu Picchu.
Small Groups Max 8
Better pacing, more guide time, real village interaction.

3 Days / 2 Nights

Duration

Cultural Trek | Max 8 People | 4,500m at Pachacutec Pass | Camp 1 Night at 3,900m + Hotel

Type

Cusco

Location

Book Now

+51 992 126 224 info@orangenationperu.com

Response Time: max. 2 hours Response Rate: 100%

Trail Map

map lares trek to machu picchu 2023 - Orange Nation Peru

Service Level Comfortable camping with spacious 4-season tents and thick sleeping mats. Private chef for the group. Emergency horse on trail. Private transport with dedicated driver. All Machu Picchu tickets, train seats, and bus transfers handled by your guide.

Group Size Max 8, Avg 4. Better pacing and real time with your guide in the villages.

Difficulty Moderate to challenging hike. You’ll reach 4,500 m at Pachacutec Pass. Solid acclimatization and some pre-trek training highly recommended. One of the most cultural alternative trails to Machu Picchu, with less altitude gain than Salkantay or Ausangate.

Travel Style Adventure, hike, cultural immersion, train, 1 night camping, 1 night mid-tier hotel in Aguas Calientes with option to upgrade, shuttle bus to Machu Picchu.

Lares Valley to Machu Picchu Cultural Trek

The 2026 Lares Valley Trek, built around authentic Quechua communities and direct access to Machu Picchu without permits. Designed for travelers who want real Andean culture, not crowds. Cross Pachacutec Pass 4,400 m with 360º views of glaciers and turquoise lakes. Sleep one night in Cancha Cancha 3,900 m, one of Peru’s most isolated villages. Share coca tea with weavers, walk with llama herds past the Seven Waterfalls, and descend by train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Finish with a full guided tour of Machu Picchu via Circuit 2 with your guía local from Cusco. Culture, not crowds. Three days and villages you’ll never forget.

Why Choose Orange Nation

Orange Nation Peru is a family-owned travel agency and local tour operator based in Cusco. We are a 100% Cusqueñian Company operating without shareholders. Our dream is to create small, personalized treks operated strictly by local professional staff catering to high-quality service.

We are a responsible and sustainable tour operator. Our staff are our extended family, and we ensure they are supported with fair salaries. Without them, we couldn’t offer the best experiences to our clients.

Small Groups
The 3-day Lares Trek moves through remote communities and over Pachacutec Pass 4,500 m. To ensure safety, pace, and real cultural interaction, group sizes never exceed 8 people. This allows for careful monitoring at altitude, unhurried time in villages, and a quieter experience on the trail.
Top Tour Guides
Professional, English-speaking guides from Cusco with degrees in tourism or history, specialized in high-altitude safety and deeply knowledgeable about Quechua culture, weaving traditions, and Inca history. All guides are WFR trained and carry satellite communication. Your guide manages every ticket, train, and transfer from Cusco to Cusco.
Our Cooks
Even at 3,900 m, fresh meals are prepared for energy and recovery. Expect abundant Peruvian and international cuisine made by professional chefs who accommodate all dietary needs and allergies. Cooked in camp, with hot soup waiting after each day’s hike.
Premium Equipment
Quality gear is essential for safety and rest at altitude.
- Tents
  We use high-quality 4-season tents designed for 4 people, but shared by only 2, giving you extra space for comfort and gear storage at 3,900 m.
- Mats
  Thick foam mats are provided for insulation. Air mattresses available for rent.
- Dining
  Weather-ready dining tents equipped with tables and chairs for a proper meal at altitude.
- Extras
  Includes duffel bags, pillows, rain covers, and portable toilets for added comfort and hygiene.

Orange Nation Peru understands the importance of choosing a reliable and professional operator for such a significant journey. We invite you to review our guest feedback and Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor to see why travelers consistently recommend us for their Andean expeditions.

3-Day vs 4-Day

3-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Duration 3 Days / 2 Nights.
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging / High Altitude.
Distance ∼21 km / 13 miles.
Best for Culture Seekers / Time-Limited Travelers.
Lodging Yes 1 Night Camping + 1 Night Hotel..
Details Trek through Cancha Cancha and Quiswarani. Cross Pachacutec Pass 4,500 m. Visit weaving families and see the Seven Waterfalls. Train to Aguas Calientes on Day 2. Full Machu Picchu tour on Day 3.
Access Direct route to Machu Picchu with one high pass and deep cultural immersion. No permits needed.

4-Day Lares Trek

Duration 4 Days / 3 Nights.
Difficulty Moderate / High Altitude.
Distance ∼33 km / 20 miles.
Best for Travelers Wanting More Villages.
Lodging Yes 3 Nights Camping.
Details Adds a second pass and extra village nights. Includes Lares Hot Springs. Train to Aguas Calientes on Day 3. Machu Picchu tour on Day 4.
Access Extended cultural circuit with additional communities and slower pacing.

The main difference is time and comfort. The 3-day trades one extra camping night for a hotel in Aguas Calientes and faster access to Machu Picchu. The 4-day adds villages and Lares Hot Springs. Both avoid Inca Trail permits. The 3-day is the express cultural route with a proper bed before Machu Picchu.

Who it’s perfect for

Cultural Travelers
Who want to meet Quechua families, see traditional weaving, and learn about Andean life, not just walk past ruins.
Photography Enthusiasts
Looking for portraits in Cancha Cancha, llama herds under glaciers, the Seven Waterfalls, and Machu Picchu without 4am starts.
Time-Limited Trekkers
Who have 3 days and want both a real trek and a full Machu Picchu experience, without rushing.
Quiet-Seekers
Who prefer empty trails, small villages, and no permit lotteries over the Inca Trail or Salkantay crowds.

Other Expeditions to Consider

Classic Inca Trail
For trekkers wanting the archaeological route to Machu Picchu, the 4-Day Inca Trail remains the only trek that enters through the Sun Gate. Permits required.
Salkantay Trek
For high-altitude adventure seekers, the 5-Day Salkantay crosses 4,630 m and descends through cloud forest to Machu Picchu.
Ausangate Grand Circuit
For expedition-grade trekking, the 6-Day Ausangate covers five passes above 4,900 m, Lake Sibinacocha, and Rainbow Mountain at sunrise.

Full Itinerary

Distance 9 km / 5.6 mi.
Max Altitude 3,900 m / 12,800 ft.
Time 3.5 hrs approximately.
Difficulty Moderate.
Meals Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner.
Sleep Cancha Cancha Campsite ∼3,900 m.

This Andean Mountain adventure through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu begins early with your pickup at 5:00am from your Cusco hotel. Then drive to Huaran where we meet your horsemen and horses. Time to get ready, boots on, and begin our first 3 hours gradually ascending to Cancha Cancha. Along the way, your lunch will be served next to the river, replenishing your energy for the trek ahead with a delicious meal prepared by your trekking chef.

Cancha Cancha 3,900 m / 12,800 ft is one of the most isolated and traditional communities, self-sustaining as it has been for hundreds of years. There is no road to the community and they were recently connected to electricity in December 2019. After settling into your tents and having afternoon tea, you will have the opportunity to visit a local family. You will learn all about life in a traditional Andean village, with the guide as your interpreter. After dinner, the guide will show you the Inca constellations on which they depended for their agricultural guidance and still do to this day.

Day 1 Highlights

First night camping at 3,900 m.
Cancha Cancha village visit with local family.
Isolated valley with no vehicle access.
Inca constellations stargazing with your guide.

Here are some useful Quechua phrases for the Lares Trek

1. Napaykullayki (Na-pie-koo-ya-kee)

Meaning: Hello / I greet you with respect.
Why use it: It’s the most polite way to enter a village or a home. It’s warmer than a simple “hola” and shows immediate respect for the local culture.

2. Allillanchu? (Ay-yee-yan-choo)

Meaning: How are you? / Are you well?
Why use it: This is the universal icebreaker. The “chu” at the end makes it a question. You’ll almost always hear a smiling “Allillanmi!” (I am well!) in return.

3. Yusulpayki (Yoo-sool-pie-kee)

Meaning: Thank you / May God reward you.
Why use it: As we discussed, this is the most common way to say thanks in the Cusco region. Using this after a weaver shows you their work or after a meal is a sign of deep appreciation.

4. Munayllaña! (Moo-pie-ya-nya)

Meaning: How beautiful!
Why use it: You’ll see incredible textiles and stunning mountain views in Lares. When a local shows you a poncho they spent months weaving, saying “Munayllaña” is the best compliment you can give.

5. Tupananchiskama (Too-pa-nan-chis-ka-ma)

Meaning: Until we meet again.
Why use it: Quechua doesn’t really have a word for “goodbye” because the culture believes we are always connected. Instead of a final “bye,” use this to say “until the next time our paths cross.”

6. Iman sutiyki? (Ee-man soo-tee-kee)

Meaning: What is your name?
Why use it: The Lares trek is all about the people. Asking someone their name is the first step toward a real conversation rather than just being a “gringo” passing through.

Distance 12 km / 7.5 mi.
Max Altitude 4,500 m / 14,800 ft.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner.
Sleep Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu or similar in Aguas Calientes ∼2,040 m.

Feeling all revved up to begin our second day and after a delicious breakfast, we begin our 7-hour hike northeast. It starts out as an intense walk, accomplishing high passes on our way to the highest point of our trek at Pachacutec Pass 4,500 m / 14,800 ft. Motivating you along the trail for this intense part of the trek are the views of glaciers, remote lakes, alpaca herds, rugged valleys, and spectacular mountain vistas. Keep your eyes on the sky for the Caracara Falcons and Andean Geese.

After enjoying the summit, we descend for 3 hours until we reach the Quiswarani community at 3,700 m / 12,139 ft. On the way, we will be taking an isolated trail where we will see indigenous highland people in their traditional outfits herding their llamas and alpacas. The local indigenous people will interact with you in Quechua, the Incas’ language. Your guide will act as your interpreter to translate and teach you some Quechua.

When you arrive at the Spectacular Seven Waterfalls, you are almost to Quiswarani. Finally, we arrive to Quiswarani, take our transportation for 2 hours to Ollantaytambo, and then the train to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel.

Day 2 Highlights

Pachacutec Pass 4,500 m, highest point of the trek.
Glacier, lake, and alpaca views on high Andean plateau.
Caracara Falcons and Andean Geese sightings.
Isolated trail through Quechua-speaking communities.
Spectacular Seven Waterfalls near Quiswarani.
Quiswarani village visit.
Private transport to Ollantaytambo.
Scenic train to Aguas Calientes.

Distance 4 km / 2.5 mi inside Machu Picchu.
Max Altitude 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
Meals Breakfast at hotel.
Sleep Your Cusco hotel.

Today is the day, Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss. The guide will give you a tour of about two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu. Learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.

Important Your Machu Picchu ticket is for Circuit 2, the most complete route. It covers the upper and lower terraces, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Rock, Inca house, and the classic viewpoints. Circuit 2 tickets sell out fast. It is important to book months in advance to secure your ticket. If Circuit 2 is sold out at the time of booking, we can offer a mix of Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 so you still see the main highlights and classic photo spots. We will confirm which circuit you have at booking.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch not included. Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing, or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look up high on the steep canyon wall. Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. Expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain, this tour will not have a guide.

Day 3 Highlights

Sunrise at Machu Picchu with first bus.
Circuit 2 guided tour: Temple of the Sun, Sacred Rock, terraces.
Learn Machu Picchu’s 3 sectors: agricultural, residential, religious.
Free time in Aguas Calientes.
Expedition train along Urubamba River.
View of Wiñay Wayna from train
Private transfer back to Cusco.
Optional Huayna Picchu hike, unguided, if booked in advance.

Useful Information

Upgrade to Vistadome Train 2:55pm, 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm for $67 USD per person. Panoramic windows and dance show onboard.
Early trains available by request at booking.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes are unguided and must be booked months ahead. Cost $75 USD.
No Inca Trail permits needed for this route. Depart any day.

Included

Transit
Airport pickup and transfer to your Cusco hotel on any date. Private round-trip van from your hotel to Huaran trailhead and from Kiswarani to Ollantaytambo train station. Private van transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your Cusco hotel on Day 3.
Pro Guide
Local licensed guide, fluent in English. Trained in high-altitude safety, WFR certified, and expert in Quechua culture and Andean history. Your guide handles every ticket, train, and transfer from Cusco to Cusco.
Permits
All entrance fees included Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex with Circuit 2 entry.
Portage
Up to 7 kg of personal gear carried by the horse support team. Includes clothes, sleeping bag, and extras. Personal duffel bag provided for your luggage on horses.
Sleep
Spacious 4-season EUREKA TIMBERLINE tents designed for 4 people, shared by only 2. Comfortable foam mattress provided. One night camping at 3,900 m.
Hotel
One night in 3* hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, luggage storage, and buffet breakfast included.
Camp
Full camp setup dining tent, kitchen tent, and private toilet tent at Cancha Cancha campsite.
Rescue
Dedicated emergency horse available if you need to ride due to fatigue or altitude. Emergency oxygen bottle and comprehensive first aid kit on all treks. Satellite communication carried by guide.
Dining
Professional chef-prepared meals using local ingredients. 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 1x dinner, plus afternoon tea. All dietary requirements catered for. Boiled water provided daily to fill your bottles.
Trains and Buses
Round-trip Expedition train ticket Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and return. Round-trip bus tickets Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu
Private 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with Circuit 2 entry. Admission ticket included.
Cultural
Interaction with local kids and community families in Cancha Cancha. Your guide translates and facilitates.
Extras
Backpack rain cover provided.

Not Included

Meals
Breakfast on Day 1 before pickup, and lunch on Day 3 in Aguas Calientes after Machu Picchu tour.
Sleeping Bag
$20 USD per person per trek. Clean, -15°C rated, provided if needed.
Air Mattress
$20 USD per person per trek. Therm-a-Rest upgrade for extra comfort at 3,900 m.
Trekking Poles
$15 USD per pair per trek. Adjustable professional poles available to rent.
Single Tent
$30 USD per trek. Private tent upgrade for solo travelers.
Train Upgrade
Vistadome Train Upgrade $67 USD per person for return to Cusco at 4:43pm. Includes panoramic windows and onboard show.
Huayna Picchu Mountain
$75 USD per person. Must be requested at booking. Limited permits. Unguided hike.
Insurance
Travel insurance required for all treks above 4,000 m. Must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Tips
Tips for the crew, guide, cook, and horsemen. Discretionary but appreciated. We recommend 80 to 120 soles per trekker for the full team.

Pricing

This trek departs any day of the week with a minimum of two people.

No. of People | Price

Price includes personal pack horse carrying up to 7 kg of your gear. Duffel bag and liner provided.
Large Eureka 4-person tents provided for every 2 trekkers.

Discounts

Group
$30 off per person for groups of 5 or more when booked together.
Student
18 to 25 years old $30 USD off. Student card required at booking with name, university, photo, and expiration date. Subject to government approval.
Youth
Under 18 years old $30 USD off. Passport copy required at booking.
Under 11 years old $40 USD off. Passport copy required at booking.

Upgrades

Sleeping Bag
-15°C rated sleeping bag rental available for $20 USD per person per trek. Clean and warm.
Air Mattress
Therm-a-Rest upgrade available for $20 USD per person per trek for extra comfort at 3,900 m.
Poles
Professional collapsible trekking pole rental available for $15 USD per pair per trek.
Solo Tent
Private tent supplement available for $30 USD per trek for solo travelers.
Vistadome Train
Upgrade to Vistadome Train for return to Cusco at 4:43pm $57 USD per person. Panoramic windows and onboard show.
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu permit $75 USD per person. Must be requested at booking. Limited availability. Unguided.
Hotel Upgrade Aguas Calientes
Single supplement for standard hotel $40 USD per night for solo travelers with single room.
La Cabaña Hotel $50 USD per person.
Tierra Viva Hotel $90 USD per person.
El Mapi Hotel $120 USD per person.
Extra Night Aguas Calientes
Additional night from $60 USD per person depending on availability.

Added Value

Airport
Private arrival transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel included on any date.
Duffel
Duffel bag and waterproof liner provided for horse transport.
Portage
Up to 7 kg personal gear carried by horse support team included.
Sleep
High-density foam mattress and camping pillow provided.
Safety
Emergency oxygen bottle and comprehensive first aid kit included. Dedicated emergency horse on standby throughout the trek.
Water
Boiled drinking water provided daily at camp to refill your bottles.
Rain
Orange Nation rain poncho included.
Itinerary
Best 3-day Lares route operated by Machu Picchu specialists. No permit lottery. Direct access.

Note Extra blankets for the tent are not included in the trek price.

2026 Lares Trek Packing List

Prepare for cold nights at 3,900 m, Pachacutec Pass at 4,500 m, and strong high-altitude sun with this essential trekking checklist.

Essentials

Passport
Original passport must match your 2026 booking details. You need it for train and Machu Picchu entry.
University ID
Original card required for student discount eligibility. Must show name, photo, and expiration date.
Daypack 30L to 40L
With integrated rain cover for daily essentials. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu.
Boots
Sturdy hiking boots with deep-tread ankle support. Must be broken in. Trails are rocky and uneven.
Water
2 to 3 L capacity carried in reusable bottles or hydration system. Supply your own water until the first lunch spot.
Headlamp
Required for early starts, campsite after dark, and Machu Picchu bus line.
Cash
Peruvian soles in small bills for drinks, snacks in Aguas Calientes, and gratuities for your crew.
Duffel Bag Carried by Horse
As a direct local operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and include a horse team to carry up to 7 kg or 14 lbs. This limit includes your 2 kg sleeping bag, 1 kg mattress, and 4 kg personal gear. All bags are weighed. By Peruvian law, a duffel must not weigh more than 7 kg to protect the horses. If you need more, you carry the extra weight in your daypack.
Thermals
Base layers suitable for freezing nights at 3,900 m. 2 fleece tops or thermals recommended.
Down Jacket
Rated to -15ºC for high-altitude wind and cold. Essential for Cancha Cancha night around 3ºC.
Sleeping Bag
-15ºC rated. Rentals available from Orange Nation for $20 USD per trek if needed.
Hiking Clothes
2 t-shirts, 2 hiking pants at least, 4 sets undergarments, 3 sets hiking socks.
Bathing Suit
Optional for Aguas Calientes hot springs on Day 3.
Footwear
Lightweight camp shoes or sandals for evenings at camp and hotel.
Winter Gear
Waterproof gloves and insulated warm hat. Temps drop fast after sunset at Cancha Cancha.
Toiletries
Personal hygiene items, quickdry towel, face moisturizer, wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste. We provide small towels and warm water each day to wash.
Power
High-capacity portable battery bank for charging devices. No electricity on trek until Aguas Calientes hotel.
Soap
Small bottle of soap for washing. We provide warm water each morning and evening.
Plastic Bags
Large waterproof bags provided at the office for organizing gear. Please ask for them.
Trail Daypack Carried by You
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40 L for hiking in the day. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Rain Gear
GORE-TEX shell jacket or high-quality waterproof poncho and pants. Weather changes fast in the Andes.
Sun Protection
SPF 50+ sunscreen, sun hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. UV is extreme at 4,500 m on Pachacutec Pass.
Wool Hat
For early mornings and high pass. You lose heat fast above 4,000 m.
Fleece
Mid layer for variable temperatures during the day and for Machu Picchu sunrise.
Trekking Poles
Highly recommended for steep ascents, descents, and Pachacutec Pass. Rentals available for $15 USD per pair.
Water
Supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we provide cold boiled water at every meal. Bring your reusable bottles.
Snacks
Chocolate bars, cereal bars, or dry fruits for energy between meals.
Camera
With extra battery. Cold drains batteries fast, especially at Machu Picchu sunrise.
Medication
Altitude medication and any personal prescriptions.
First Aid
Band aids, moleskin, and blister care for your pack. We carry a comprehensive first aid kit and oxygen.
Sanitation
Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and small plastic bag for waste. Leave no trace on the trail.
Insect Protection
Light repellent. Minimal bugs at altitude but present near Aguas Calientes and lower valleys.

Trail Tips

Battery Life
Keep phones and batteries warm in jacket pocket or sleeping bag to preserve charge. Cold kills them.
UV Protection
Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially on Pachacutec Pass 4,500 m and at Machu Picchu.
Hydration
Drink at least 3 L of water daily to prevent altitude sickness.
Layering
Use adaptable clothing for freezing mornings at Cancha Cancha and strong sun by midday.
Dry Bags
Keep clothing in duffel waterproofed against rain, river crossings, and camp condensation.
Acclimatization
Move slowly on Day 1. One night at 3,900 m helps, but listen to your body. Your guide monitors everyone.

Circuits & Safety

The 3-Day Lares Trek balances real Andean culture with safe altitude. You cross Pachacutec Pass 4,500 m on Day 1, sleep lower at 3,900 m in Cancha Cancha, and descend to Aguas Calientes on Day 2. Climb high, sleep low reduces altitude risk.

Altitude
One night at 3,900 m after 4,500 m pass. We recommend 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco first.
Emergency
Guides carry oxygen, full first aid kit, and satellite comms. Emergency horse travels with the group. WFR trained.
Guides
Certified English-speaking guides set pace, check health daily, and make weather calls. They handle every ticket, train, and transfer.
Machu Picchu Circuit 2
Full guided tour on Day 3. Classic postcard viewpoint and complete walk through the citadel.
Weather & Terrain
Guide adjusts timing for snow, rain, or wind. Pachacutec Pass may be bypassed in bad weather. Trails are rocky and steep.
Group Size
Max 8 travelers for close supervision on the pass and in remote villages.
Risk Note
Trek operates 2,800 m to 4,500 m with one night at 3,900 m. You need good health and fitness for cold, remote terrain, and moderate to challenging hiking at altitude.

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3-Days & 2-Nights

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Our Reviews

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

Travelers' Choice
2025

5.0

Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

Couples

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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3-Days & 2-Nights