Private Tour
4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Overview
Available languages
4 days
Mobile ticket
This remote and rarely visited region offers the trekker an insider´s view into traditional Andean life – a timeless world where farmers plant their crops on the lands their ancestors tended and watch over herds of llama and alpaca beneath the sacred snow-covered peaks they worshipped as gods. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the Inca trails from the time of the Inca Empire. Today, the trail is still in use by farmers, who are Inca descendants. The Lares Trek connects the communities of Cancha Cancha, Quisuarani, Cuncani and Lares with life in the Sacred Valley. On the third day, we’ll take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, having a full day to explore the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and climb Huayna Picchu mountain the last day.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What to bring for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu:
Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, tops, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, thermal underwear, light long pants, gloves, poncho, rain jacket)
Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
Sun block, factor 35+ recommended
Head lamp
Sunglasses and sun hat
Camera with spare batteries – batteries run down faster at high altitudes
Binoculars
Book to read (you will have some time at every camp to read your favorite book)
Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
Bug repellent
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Cusco - Huaran - Accopate
Accommodations
Camping
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Huaran
We will pick you up early from your hotel to take you to the beginning of the trek at Huaran (9,840 ft) in the Sacred Valley; it is 1 ½ hours by private bus. We will pack the horses and start to walk northward. The trail climbs gently following the Cancha Cancha river towards the community of the same name. On this walk along the river we will see cultivated fields and pass through old Polylepis forests. This type of vegetation is very interesting for a wide assortment of bird life, and the valley itself is very impressive. We will have lunch half way through the hike. We will pass by the village of Cancha Cancha. on the way to our camp. After a total hike today of around 6 hours we will reach our campsite for the night at Acopata.
Accopata - Quishuarani
Accommodations
Camping
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Day 2: After an early breakfast we will continue up hill. After 2 ½ hours we will reach the highest point of the trek: Pachacutec Pass is at 15,678 ft. The view from here is overwhelming. The Pitusiray and Sahuasiray snowcapped mountains will be right in front of us. Now we will hike downhill for 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot, next to a captivating lake. After lunch we will descend for another 1 ½ hours into the valley. We will pass by several glacial lakes along the way. Also we can see herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep. It is also possible to see Gray Brocket Deer, Viscachas, Andean Geese, the rare Giant Coot, Puna Hawks and the impressive Andean Condor. Tonight we camp at Quishuarani village, which has typical stone houses
Quishuarani - Lares Host Springs - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Accommodations
Overnight at B&B in Aguas Calientes
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Lares Hot Springs
Today we follow another valley and climb up to the second pass at Willcaccasa mountain for 2 to 3 hours. Again the view of the Andes, turquoise lakes and its beautiful valleys are impressive. After the pass we walk downhill for 1 ½ to 2 hours, passing many gourgeous lakes. This takes us to Cuncani village. We then continue downhill for 2 to 3 hours towards the Lares Valley and its hot springs, where we can have a well deserved soak. This is also our lunch spot. Now that we are fully relaxed, we will get in our private van, which will be waiting for us, for the 3 hour drive to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft). We will have dinner in Ollantaytambo. After dinner, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival you will check in to your room at the bed and breakfast.
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Machu Picchu
You will have breakfast at your hotel before we take a bus along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent citadel. Once there you will be given at 2 hour walking tour of the site. After your Machu Picchu experience, you will have some time to explore before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Duffle bag for your personal gear
Tour guide
Dining tent with tables and chairs
One night at one B&B accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
Horse to transport 8 kg of your personal gear
Chef
Pillow
Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
Emergency horse in case we need it
Kitchen tent
Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek
Mattress
Four-person tent for every 2 people.
Sleeping bag – you can rent one from us - $30.00
Day 4 Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Tips for the crew (guide, chef, wranglers)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS
Pickup included
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience!!
pifpafzoom,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00January 2026 Just came back from a 4 day trek (finishing in Machu Picchu) with « Action Peru trek » and couldn’t say enough good things about the quality of service, staff and care they provide. Way above our expectations. If you’re looking for an exceptional company to plan a trek with…. Machu Picchu, Salkantay, Lares, sacred Valley, or just.. Peru…. don’t hesitate. Our guide Christian Pena was attentive, extremely knowledgeable in all things history, geography and flora as well as being flexible and open when we threw « curve balls » at him. We were taken by the hand and accompanied step by step. Everything is included, you just have to enjoy. Yes you can plan each detail of your trek on your own: transport, transfers, visits, equipment, guides etc… but it’s a lot of little details… and I doubt you will get as much value as you will with Action Peru trek.
Incredible Company with Caring Employees
Lucinda N,Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We added Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain to our Inca Trail adventure. Ali, our fun guide was so knowledgeable about the Inca Trail and Culture. Chef Andrea’s meals were delicious! A great team for an amazing time at Machu Picchu.
Direct contact with nature, enchanting places
roberto p,May 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unique and unforgettable experience, we spent two days camping and one night in a hotel, I must say that you only have an experience like this once, everything organized to perfection, direct contact with nature, snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, meetings with different animal species etc beautiful beautiful beautiful. The food was very good and plentiful from breakfast to dinner. The guys took care of us for the entire duration of the trek, thank you. Thanks also go to the guide Nilton with his knowledge about the Inca people and nature. I learned many very interesting things, thank you very much.
Peru or Peru not, there is no try.
O7658YGgraceh,Jan 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Trip of a lifetime! Wonderful way to experience Peru. Our trek crew was kind and hardworking and incredibly helpful. We were well-cared for and able to see the beauty of the sacred valley in a unique way.
Lares Trek Peru
3katyd,Oct 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My two sisters and I trekked the four day and three night Lares trek with Action Peru Treks and we were so happy with everything from the time we emailed them until our last day in Cusco. These guys take their job seriously and the main reason we’ve chosen them is because they are an indigenous tour company in Peru. Make you a favor and book your Peru trek with Action Peru. You won’t regret!
Lares Trek
nicholaswait,Dec 1, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just returned home after an epic adventure to Machu Picchu. I hiked the Lares trek and this was an amazing trekking experience with Action Peru Treks. We loved every minute of our adventure with our awesome guide, chef and horseman. We did not see any other groups doing this trek which was amazing. I highly recommend Action Peru to anyone who is planning a trek to Machu Picchu.
GREAT LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
Thomasdgn22,Dec 1, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The four day and three night Lares trek was an amazing experience. My friends and I were the only ones on the trekking group. We spent 3 days on a trek that ended at Machu Picchu. During our trek we could see many communities of the Peruvian Andes, Alpacas and llamas. This is a challenging trek, especially because of the altitude. Our guide Christian from Action Peru Treks was excellent and very accommodating. We had a chef who provided us nutritious meals for the whole trek and we also had Jorge as our horseman. This was a great alternative to the crowded Inca Trail.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 2021
ryancB903MB,Nov 30, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My two friends and I hiked the 4 day Lares trek to Machu Picchu a week ago with Action Peru Treks and we had a great time during our 4 day trek. We had amazing meals every day cooked by our chef in the middle of no where. We had Christian as our guide and he was very knowledgeable and caring the whole time. Thank you so much everyone for such a great trek to Machu Picchu.
A unique experience
mareikesch,Nov 20, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were looking for a less touristy hike in the Andes and finally came across the Lares Trek. This one is still rather unknown but that is exactly why it is breathtakingly beautiful. The crew of Action Peru Treks were extremely accommodating, the food was delicious and here too they responded to individual needs. Our guide (Sabi) is from the mountains and could help us with any questions. He was also fun and it was just fun to hike with him. The hike is strenuous, as you are also traveling at extreme altitude, yet you lack nothing and the crew always provided enough motivation. Communication in advance with Roxner and his team also went smoothly. All questions were answered and even a small logistical change of plans was addressed. Only the payment options are not quite optimal, so there are fees for bank transfer as well as Paypal, which are in addition to the regular Trek price. Furthermore, there were relatively clear tips on how to deal with the topic of tipping, which we had not previously calculated as much. A bit more transparency regarding all costs incurred (including fees and tips) would have been desirable here. All in all, it's an expensive pleasure, but it's worth it because of the amazing scenery! We would definitely do it again!:)
Extraordinary. Beyond our expectations.
Sofie A,Nov 18, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Action Peru Treks. We wanted an extended hike, so, they put two hikes together for us, the Lares Trek for 4 days and 3 nights and the MachuPicchu for 1 more day and night. We were out for 5 days and 4 nights. Then they added a 3 day and 2 nights to the Floating Islands. THANK YOU FOR accommodating our requests! We were blown away. The scenery on the hikes were beyond our expectations. Who knew lamas would be everywhere. Our guide Ronald, and Chef Pancho, were both incredibly talented people. They made an incredible team and gave us an experience of a lifetime. I can't thank you both enough. Ronald has 18 years experience on these hikes, we felt well looked after and safe. Pancho's food was unbelievable. We have no clue how he was able to create such feasts in the middle of nowhere. We thank you both. We were three women in our group, and felt honoured to have such an adventure. THANK YOU! I highly recommend to see Peru with Action Peru Treks. THANK YOU!
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