Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Peru with the Lares Trek, an alternative trek to Machu Picchu. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Andes, pass through traditional Andean villages, and explore ancient Inca ruins. This extraordinary journey offers stunning landscapes, fascinating cultural interactions, and an exhilarating hike culminating in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Perfect for trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, this tour combines nature, history, and local traditions for an unparalleled, immersive adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco, Peru
Location: Cusco
Arrival Day
Day 2: Cuzco - Wakawasi, Peru
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Cuzco to Lares Town & Trek to Wakawasi (3,850 m) (L/D)
Today, you will be picked up at your accommodation between 5:00- 6:00 am and transferred by bus to Lares Town (2,900 m). You will get the opportunity to relax in the Hot Springs (at an extra cost) before starting your 6-hour trek. You will hike a zigzagging climb to reach the town of Wakawasi (3,850 m). There, you will enjoy beautiful views of glaciers, wildlife, and local communities. You will have the chance to meet local families that live in harmony with nature.
Note: Today, you will hike for about 6 hours (14 km).
Day 3: Wakawasi - Patacancha, Peru
Location: Patacancha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Patacancha Town (3,800 m) (B/L/D)
Today, you will trek up for about 4 hours to the top of Ipsayccocha Pass (4,400m) where you will enjoy a peaceful moment before stepping down for 40 minutes until your lunch stop next to the lake. You will continue 3 more hours to Patacancha town (3,800m) where you will get the chance to camp surrounded by llamas, alpacas and amidst native crop plantations.
Note: Your today's trekking will be about 15 km (8 hours).
Day 4: Patacancha - Aguas Calientes, Peru
Location: Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Ollantaytambo & Train to Aguas Calientes (B/L/D)
Today, you will walk for 4 hours until Ollantaytambo. After lunch, you will take off on a train that will lead you to Aguas Calientes, where we will overnight in a hotel. Your guide will give you indications for the next day. If you have time, stroll through the streets where you will find many cafes, plenty of shops and places to relax.
Note: Your today's trekking will be about 12 km (4 hours).
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cuzco, Peru
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco (B)
This morning, you will take the bus early at 05:30 am to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) so that you will enjoy the mysterious city as the mist dissipates in the early morning light. You will get the opportunity to have a 2-hour guided tour of the spectacular archaeological site and learn more about the history of the place. You will then explore this incredible city on your own. You will also be able to climb the Huayna Picchu Peak (to book in advance at an extra cost). You will then head towards Aguas Calientes by bus where you can visit the local marketplace next to the train station before returning to Ollantaytambo. From there, you will take a bus back to Cuzco arriving around 08:00 pm. You will be dropped off at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the accommodation of your choice.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4N in various accommodations during the trip
2Nights camping during the trek (including basic sleeping mattress &; tent for 2 people)
1 Night in 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
1 Night in Hostel of your choice in Cuzco -
Transport
Van Cuzco - Lares town (starting point of the trek)
Round Trip tourist train Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Round Trip tourist bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
Cuzco pick-up, various transfers
Cuzco accommodation pick-up -
Meals
3B / 3L / 3D (with 3 Snacks)
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Activities
Active adventure
Trekking to Machu Picchu -
Guides
Professional bilingual guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
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Extras
Briefing, entry fees, services during trek
Pre-departure briefing
Machu Picchu entrance fees
Foam sleeping mat
Cook who is responsible for preparing and serving all delicious Peruvian meals and snacks
First aid kit ; emergency oxygen bottle
Horses to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker for the first ...more ...less
What's Not Included
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Other meals / Drinks
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Bottled water
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Accommodation drop-off in Cuzco
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Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
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Airport pick-up/drop-off (please make your own way)
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Sleeping Bag (Rental $15 USD for the trek)
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Hot springs Lares Town (10 soles)
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Tips
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Small gift for communities
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Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (200 soles) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance
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Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (200 soles) must be booked at least 1 week in advance
Mode of Transport
Travel by van from Cuzco to Lares town, followed by trekking and a train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights in various accommodations during the trip, including a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes and camping in scenic locations surrounded by nature.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect on the third day of the trek?
On the third day, you will trek up for about 4 hours to the top of Ipsayccocha Pass, then descend for 40 minutes to your lunch stop next to the lake. You will continue trekking for 3 more hours to Patacancha town, where you will camp surrounded by llamas, alpacas, and native crop plantations. ...more ...less
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What is the itinerary for the second day of the trek?
On the second day, you will be picked up at your accommodation between 5:00-6:00 am and transferred by bus to Lares Town. You can relax in the hot springs (at an extra cost) before starting a 6-hour trek to Wakawasi, where you will enjoy beautiful views of glaciers, wildlife, and local communities. ...more ...less
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
You will enjoy 4 nights in various accommodations during the trip, including a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes and camping in scenic locations surrounded by nature.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes active adventure activities such as hiking and trekking.
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Will there be a guide during the trek and Machu Picchu tour?
Yes, a professional bilingual guide will accompany you during the trek and the Machu Picchu tour.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, along with 3 snacks.
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What should I do upon arrival in Cuzco on the first day?
Upon arrival in Cuzco, you should find your own way to your accommodation for the night. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Cuzco on your own.
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What happens on the fourth day of the trek?
On the fourth day, you will walk for 4 hours to Ollantaytambo. After lunch, you will take a train to Aguas Calientes, where you will stay overnight in a hotel. You can explore the town, which has many cafes, shops, and places to relax.
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided by van from Cuzco to Lares town, and there is a train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
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What is the plan for the fifth day at Machu Picchu?
On the fifth day, you will take an early bus to Machu Picchu to enjoy the site as the mist dissipates. You will have a 2-hour guided tour and then explore the site on your own. You can also climb Huayna Picchu Peak (at an extra cost). Afterward, you will return to Aguas Calientes and then to Cuzco, where you will be dropped off at Plaza San Francisco.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs include airport pick-up/drop-off, other meals and drinks, bottled water, accommodation drop-off in Cuzco, guide for bus and train transfers, hot springs in Lares Town (10 soles), tips, small gifts for communities, sleeping bag rental ($15 USD), and optional treks like Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain Hike.
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Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
5 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Patacancha, Aguas Calientes
Tour operator:
Tour code:
58277
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-90
