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Lares Trek 3 Days 2 Nights to Machu Picchu

Lares Trek 3 Days -- Cultural Immersion & Machu Picchu The Lares Trek 3-Day/2-Night is the shorter version of one of Peru's most culturally rich trekking experiences. This private trek takes you through the heart of the Lares Valley, where remote Quechua communities continue to live...See more

Lares Trek 3 Days — Cultural Immersion & Machu Picchu

The Lares Trek 3-Day/2-Night is the shorter version of one of Peru’s most culturally rich trekking experiences. This private trek takes you through the heart of the Lares Valley, where remote Quechua communities continue to live much as they have for centuries — weaving vibrant textiles, farming potatoes at extreme altitude, and herding llamas and alpacas across the highland grasslands.

Unlike purely scenic treks, the Lares route offers deep cultural immersion combined with stunning mountain scenery. You visit traditional villages, interact with local families, and witness textile weaving techniques passed down through generations — experiences that other treks simply cannot offer.

Why Choose the 3-Day Version?

The 3-day Lares Trek is ideal for travelers who want the cultural highlights of the Lares Valley in a shorter timeframe. You still experience the signature elements — community visits, hot springs, mountain passes, and Machu Picchu — while saving a day compared to the 4-day version.

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Duration

3 Days

Group Size

2-12

Language

English / Spanish

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Tour Highlights

Preparing for Your Lares Trek Adventure

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is an exciting journey through some of the most remote and culturally rich areas of the Peruvian Andes. Proper preparation will help you make the most of this experience. Here are essential tips to ensure you are ready for the trek ahead.

Physical Training

Begin your training at least a few weeks before departure. Incorporate regular cardio exercises such as hiking, running, or swimming to build endurance. Focus on leg strength for ascending and descending mountain passes. Aim for at least three to four hikes of varied lengths and elevations to simulate trail conditions. The highest point is Mantanay Pass at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft on Day 2.

Acclimatization in Cusco

Plan to arrive in Cusco at least two full days before the trek begins. Cusco sits at 3,400 m / 11,152 ft, so your body needs time to adjust. During this time, stay hydrated, eat light meals, avoid alcohol, and take it easy. Coca tea is a traditional Andean remedy that many trekkers find helpful. Proper acclimatization makes a significant difference on the trail.

What to Pack

Your main luggage stays at your hotel in Cusco. For the trek you pack a duffel bag (7 kg / 15 lbs maximum) carried by horses, plus a daypack you carry yourself. Essential items include warm layers, a waterproof rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, water bottle, and personal toiletries. A detailed packing list is provided after booking.

Meals and Dietary Needs

Our chef prepares all meals on the trail using fresh ingredients. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific diets with advance notice. Meals include breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea with snacks, and dinner. Bring your own trail snacks if you prefer to have extra energy food during the hike.

Weather and Clothing

Mountain weather changes rapidly. Mornings are often clear and warm, but temperatures drop significantly at altitude and after sunset. Night temperatures at camp can reach below freezing. Dress in moisture-wicking layers that you can add or remove throughout the day. A good quality rain jacket is essential year-round.

Health and Safety

Our guides carry first-aid kits with emergency oxygen and have training in high-altitude safety protocols. An emergency horse is available if needed. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended. If you take any prescription medication, bring enough for the entire trip plus extra days as a precaution.

Include/Exclude

  • Hotel pickup & drop-offPrivate transport from Cusco hotel
  • Professional bilingual guideEnglish/Spanish-speaking guide for entire trek
  • All mealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner prepared by professional trek chef
  • Camping equipment4-season tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, toilet tent
  • Horsemen & horsesTo carry camping equipment and up to 7kg personal items
  • First aid kit & emergency oxygenSafety equipment carried by team
  • Boiled water & hot drinksTea, coffee, hot chocolate throughout
  • Train ticketsOllantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and return
  • Machu Picchu entryEntrance ticket and guided tour
  • Bus to Machu PicchuRound-trip bus Aguas Calientes to MP
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes1 night accommodation with breakfast
  • Sleeping bagAvailable to rent for $25
  • Trekking polesAvailable to rent for $15
  • Travel insuranceStrongly recommended
  • TipsOptional but appreciated
  • Personal expensesSouvenirs, snacks, extras
  • Huayna Picchu or MP MountainAdditional ticket required

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco - Lares Valley - Community Visit - Hot Springs - Camp
Day 2 Camp - Mountain Pass - Descent - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Day 3 Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

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Adults
$795.00
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Lares Trek 3 Days 2 Nights to Machu Picchu

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Frequently Asked Questions

How physically difficult is the Lares Trek, and how should I prepare?
The Lares Trek is rated challenging (4.0 out of 5). Day 2 is the hardest, with approximately 14 km of hiking and two mountain passes including Mantanay Pass at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft. Begin training at least a few weeks before departure with regular cardio such as hiking, running, or swimming. Focus on leg strength for the varied terrain. If you hike regularly and have reasonable fitness, you will manage well with proper acclimatization.
What documents do I need for the Lares Trek?
You must carry your original passport — the same one used when booking your trek. This is required for entry to Machu Picchu and for train tickets. If you renew your passport before travel, contact us immediately so we can update your booking details. Students with a valid ISIC card may be eligible for discounted Machu Picchu entry.
How far in advance should I book?
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek does not require government permits, so availability is more flexible. However, we recommend booking at least 14 days in advance to guarantee guide availability, train tickets, and Machu Picchu entry. During peak season (May–September), booking further ahead is advisable.
How many days should I spend in Cusco before starting the trek?
We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least two full days before the trek to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400 m / 11,152 ft). Use this time to explore the city, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol. Proper acclimatization significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness on the trail.
What is altitude sickness and how is it managed on the trail?
Altitude sickness can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue at elevations above 3,500 m. Our guides are trained in altitude management and carry first-aid kits with emergency oxygen. We maintain a steady pace with regular rest stops. Drinking plenty of water and coca tea helps. The highest point is Mantanay Pass at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft on Day 2.
What gear is provided and what do I need to bring myself?
We provide spacious 4-season tents (shared by 2 people), three-inch thick inflatable mattresses, a dining tent with tables and chairs, a full kitchen tent, and a portable toilet tent. You need to bring your own sleeping bag (or rent from us), daypack, warm layers, rain gear, sun protection, and personal items. A detailed packing list is provided after booking.
What is the duffel bag weight limit?
Peruvian regulations limit each duffel bag to 7 kg (15 lbs) to protect the welfare of the horses. This includes your sleeping bag, extra clothing, and personal items. You carry a light daypack during the hike with water, snacks, camera, rain jacket, and sun protection. Our team will weigh bags at the trailhead.
What are the meals like on the trail?
Our chef prepares fresh meals daily including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea with snacks, and dinner. Meals feature a mix of Peruvian and international dishes using fresh ingredients. We accommodate all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergies — just let us know when booking.
What are the toilet facilities like on the trail?
We provide a private portable toilet tent exclusively for our group at each campsite. During the hiking portions of the day, there are occasional basic facilities along the route, or your guide will identify appropriate rest stops.
What is the weather like on the Lares Trek?
Mountain weather is very unpredictable. Expect warm conditions in sheltered valleys during the day and cold temperatures at high altitude and at night (potentially below freezing). Rain is possible year-round but most likely from November to March. Dress in layers and always carry a rain jacket. The dry season (May–September) offers the most stable conditions.
Is there phone or internet access on the trail?
There is no cell phone signal or Wi-Fi on the Lares Trek until you reach Aguas Calientes on Day 3. Our guides carry a satellite communication device for emergencies. We recommend disconnecting and enjoying the experience — you will have Wi-Fi at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not included but is strongly recommended. Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking up to at least 5,000 m, trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and personal belongings. We can provide documentation of trek details for your insurance provider if needed.
What happens on the Machu Picchu day?
On Day 4, you take an early bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu. Your private guide leads a comprehensive tour of approximately two hours covering the main temples, plazas, and terraces. Afterward you have free time to explore on your own. You then take the bus back down, board the train to Ollantaytambo, and return to Cusco by private transport.
Where does my main luggage stay while I am on the trek?
Your main luggage can be stored securely at your hotel or at our office in Cusco. You only take a duffel bag (7 kg max) for the trek, which is carried by horses. Everything else stays safely in storage until you return.
Is tipping customary, and how much should I tip?
Tipping is not compulsory but is customary and appreciated by our guides, chef, porters, and horsemen. A general guideline is USD 30–50 total for the guide and USD 20–30 total shared among the support staff for the entire trek. Tips can be given in USD or Peruvian soles at the end of the trek.

Terms & Conditions

Essentials – What to Take With You

  • Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
  • Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (30–40 L)
  • Water storage: 2–3 L (Camelbaks are HEAVILY encouraged)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag rated to at least −15 °C (can be rented for USD 45)
  • Trekking poles (can be rented for USD 15)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper
  • Good rain gear
  • Swimsuit and small towel for the Lares hot springs on Day 1

What to Put in the Duffel Bag

As a local tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag during your briefing and include the services of horsemen to carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your gear. This allowance covers your sleeping bag, mattress, and any extra clothing you may need. All bags will be weighed prior to acceptance. If your gear exceeds this limit, you will need to carry the additional weight in your day pack. From the 7 kg allowance, allocate 2 kg for your sleeping bag and 1 kg for your sleeping pad, leaving you with approximately 4 kg for your personal belongings.

  • 2–3 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants
  • 4–5 sets of undergarments
  • 4–5 sets of hiking socks
  • Fleece / Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket – highest campsite temp around 0 °C
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Comfortable shoes/sandals for camp
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Battery charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least −15 °C – This can be rented from us for USD 45

Toiletries

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

What to Put in the Day Backpack

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40 L for hiking during the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag carried by horsemen.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, we will then provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp
  • Wool hat and gloves
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece or warm layer
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Personal First Aid kit and personal medications
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Valuables

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