3-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – Trip Details
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
This Andean Mountain adventure through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu begins early with your pickup at 5:00am from the Cusco hotel. Then drive to Huaran, 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(3,900m/12,800ft) 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.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
- Distance: 9kms / 5.6 miles
- Time: 3.5hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
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 (4,500m /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 our campsite located by the Quiswarani community at 3,700m/12,139ft. 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 the Quechua (the Incas’ language). Your guide will act as your interpreter to translate and teach you some Quechua language.
When you arrive at the spectacular seven waterfalls, you are almost to Quishuarani! 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.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- 3* Accommodation: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
- Distance: 12kms / 7.5 miles
- Time: 7hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Challenging
DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
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.
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.
***IMPORTANT:
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 or 3:20, 4:22, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE 3-DAY TREK FROM LARES TO MACHU PICCHU?
Included
- Transfer from the airport to hotel (this can be done on any date).
- Private transportation from the hotel to the Huaran trailhead
- Local licensed guide, fluent in English
- Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes with a van transfer back to Cusco
- Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archeological Complex
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- 3* Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included
- 4 person EUREKA TIMBERLINE tent for every two trekkers
- Comfortable foam mattress
- Delicious gourmet meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency – In case of illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Boiled water to fill in your bottles
- Transfer back to Cusco only for our group
- Interaction with the local kids and community people
- Backpack rain cover
Not Included
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Hiking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (professional poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD- (Tent for solo travelers only)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade -$67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43pm)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of SAM TRAVEL PERU
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel or Train
- VISTADOME TRAIN from Machu Picchu back to Cusco/Poroy: $67 USD per person
- La Cabaña Hotel: $40 USD per person
- Tierra Viva Hotel: $70 USD per person
- El Mapi Hotel: $120 USD per person
- Additional Night in hotel in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on choice and availability)
PRICES
The best Lares Hike Machu Picchu is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants!
Group Price
- Our best price its $497 USD per person.
Private service price
- 2 Persons – $597 USD per person
- 3 Persons -$577 USD per person
- 4 Persons – $559 USD per person
- 5 Persons – $537 USD per person
- 6 Persons -$497 USD per person
- 7+ Persons -$477 USD per person
***Price based on number of people due to the fact that this trek is not in as high of demand as the 4 day Lares Trek, thus it usually has a smaller group of 2 to 4 persons.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7kgs, we will provide you a duffel bag in which you can put your things in.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 or more: $30 USD- All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal Tent- $30 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade -$67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco/Poroy at 4:43pm)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain  -$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Single supplement- $40 USD per night (for solo travellers with single room)
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the Cusco airport to hotel
- DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
- EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14lb. like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
- BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
- EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price, which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
- SMALL PILLOW
- BEST ITINERARY operated by Lares Trek specialist only
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL?
SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet and by many blogs like: Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
OUR PACK HORSES
The 3 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu with SAM Travel Peru is a life-changing experience with a fully portered trek, where your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority. We make sure that you get the best experience for your adventure in Peru, while you interact with the locals, explore fantastic sites and re-discover remote ancient Inca towns. Our pack horses will carry your gear and are well cared for!
OUR COOKS ON THE LARES TREK
The food on the trek has been highlighted by all our clients as delicious and abundant gourmet style meals. Peruvian and international cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic produce. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies of any kind, we can cater to your needs.
OUR EQUIPMENT
Our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our equipment are what really makes SAM Travel Peru stand out from all the competitors…. For all our adventure hikes we include the following items:
- OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- OUR MATS: They are used to separate and insulate you from the ground. They are comfortable.
- AIR MATTRESSES: They can be rented for $15 USD.
- OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal time. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers.
- OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.
- DUFFEL BAGS: These will be provided at briefing time, the night before the trek.
- MORE: Pillows, backpack, rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower and the biochemical camping toilet, are provided on the trek.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support our local communities, not only employing them but also by going back to our own grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
IMPORTANT INFO
Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the 3 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to trek’s start. Look for our representative holding an orange SAM Travel Peru board at the exit from the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 207 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the 3 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more conveneint for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE LARES HIKE MACHU PICCHU
FIRST, to book your 3 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click this link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase any Machu Picchu tickets without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
*** We will need copies of each participants’ passport at the time of booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the 3 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA .
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of samtravelperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your 3 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON LARES TREK?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have copies of both your old and new passports to make the change. Before you change your passport, keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu, or get on the train.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON LARES TREK?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually takes between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
HIKING LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 40 litre backpack is sufficient.
WHAT DOES THE TRAIL LOOK LIKE IN THE PEAK SEASON?
Our 3 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is unique to us and an out of the way location, even during high season. We will only occasionally encounter another group.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TREK?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance will be required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places we visit and the local people.
PACKING LIST
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR LARES TREK 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU?
- Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring reusable, not disposable bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (this can be rented from SAM Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR LARES TREK 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU??
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 lbs. This weight limit includes your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 pairs hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing suit for the thermal waters (optional)
- 2 fleece tops/ thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, bring them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, but you might prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery charger – there is no electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — please ask for them
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – this can be rented from us
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch stop. Please bring your reusable water bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, extra drinks & tips
