4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 47 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco worth booking?
4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a 96-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $847 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 47 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (47)
- Duration
- 96 hours
- From
- $847 per person
Enjoy a 4-day trek along a great and less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail called the Lares Trek. This high altitude trek will be enjoyed by hikers interested in interacting with the local communities and seeing the
What you get
- Pre-departure briefing
- Round Trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Horses to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker for the first 3 days of the trek. (This includes 2.5 kilos for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 2.5 kilos of personal items.
- Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
- Lunch
- Dinner
About this experience
Enjoy a 4-day trek along a great and less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail called the Lares Trek. This high altitude trek will be enjoyed by hikers interested in interacting with the local communities and seeing their way of life in the countryside.
What's included
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Round Trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Horses to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker for the first 3 days of the trek. (This includes 2.5 kilos for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 2.5 kilos of personal items.
- Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Cook who is responsible for preparing and serving all delicious Peruvian meals and snacks
- Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 4
- Van Cuzco - Lares Town (starting point of trek)
- Meals: 3B/3L/3D/3 snacks with typical menus (special dietary considerations available with prior notice)
- 1-night 3* Hotel Accommodation at Aguas Calientes
- Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
- Camping Accommodation during trek (including basic sleeping mattress & tent for 2 people)
- Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up
- First Aid kit & Emergency oxygen bottle
- Round Trip Tourist Train Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Not included
- Airport Pick-Up (please make your own way)
- Sleeping Bag (Rental $15 USD for the trek)
- Day 1 breakfast, day 4 lunch, bottled water
- Accommodation Drop-off in Cuzco
- Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
- Hot Springs Lares town (10 soles)
- Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (at an extra cost) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance
- Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (at an extra cost) must be booked at least 1 week in advance
- Small gift for communities
- Accommodation in Cuzco
- Tips (Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America, however it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, these are our recommended guidelines.) Guide: 40-60 soles per trekker Assistant Guide: 30-40 soles per trekker Horsemen: 60-80 soles for each horseman from the whole group Cook: 150-200 soles for the cook from the whole group
- Note: Prices for optional activities are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Please confirm these prices before departing on the trek.
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bamba Travel
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 7 years
- Note: There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco office the evening before your trek. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details
- Typical Meals on the Trek: On all of our Inca Trail Treks and Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu we search for the best cooks who put forth their best effort to provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain. All of our cooks pride themselves on their delicious specialty menus with the freshest local ingredients available. Every meal is prepared fresh with plenty of variety and an abundant quantity of food including a vegetarian option for every meal (please advise prior to departure). Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek. *Vegetarian Option Available Upon Request (please advise at least 2 days in advance). BREAKFASTS: Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, egg omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas and boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk. LUNCH & DINNER: First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes. Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chilli pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew). Desserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake and boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk. SNACKS: Boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate and milk with popcorn, cookies, crackers.
- Accommodation options: Days 1-2: Single travelers will share a tent with another traveler & couples will have a tent to themselves / Day 3: Single travelers will share a room with another traveler & couples will have a private room.
- Physical Requirements: This hike is difficult, good physical conditions are needed as most of the hike is at high altitudes of 4000 meters (don't forget to bring warm clothes).
- Departure dates for trek: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday (Daily departures with a group of 4 or more)
- Important: You must provide the following information upon booking: Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport), Date of birth, nationality, passport number, date of passport expiration, which must be valid for at least 6-months past the date of travel. Without this information, the local tour operator will be unable to make the booking. Please be aware that your complete and correct passport information must be provided. Absolutely no modifications can be made once your booking has been confirmed. Any changes or discrepancies in the information provided will result in a complete loss of permits and entrance tickets, for which you will be held responsible and will need to pay for again.
- Max 15, Avg 4
- If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)
- SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: Bring or Rent in Cuzco: hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sun glasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, gatorade which doubles or triples in price along the trail. Bathing suit for hot springs in Lares town (this activity is available at an additional price).
- DON'T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications.
- Travellers who booked their trip using one passport, then renewed or replaced it afterward, must carry the old passport they used to make the booking or a photocopy with them on the trip.
- You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers you will not be accompanied by a guide.
- *Please note that there is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to departure at 6 PM. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details. Meeting time: 6 PM Bamba Experience is located at: Calle Matara 242, Second Floor. Cuzco, Peru Emergency Contact: Ruth: +51 984 008 440 Sekwanele: +51 957 625 445
- As of June 11, 2022, all travelers over 18 years old must have three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. That means two regular doses plus a booster. Passengers from 12 to 17 years old must prove they are vaccinated with two doses. If they do not have a complete scheme, they must present the negative result of an RT-PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding in their country of origin.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 47 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
47 verified traveler reviews for 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour
Yhon was a very knowledgeable guide who answered all questions and provided a great experience through the beautiful Peruvian countryside. The tour provided enduring hikes and great sights.
via Tripadvisor
Best trekking in Machu Picchu
Fantastic experience! Cesar, our guide, a very experienced guide in all areas: Trails, Peru’s and the Inka history, culture, food, very organized, on time and good company. Delicious food too. Bamba Cusco took care of everything and solved any small problem immediately. We were taken good care of all the way and had four great and unforgettable days, thanks Bamba. Highly recommended
via Tripadvisor
Magical!!
Where do I start?? This was such a magical trek from start to finish! We were three- my 17 year old son and a close childhood friend (also 17). Our guide Francisco and porter John were absolutely fantastic taking us to a market, preparing meals and of course leading us through the Andes Mountains to Machu Picchu. Francisco has a way of explaining the history of the Andean people in such a way you feel transported back in time. He has a gift and it you are fortunate enough to have him as your guide you are in for a memorable time. I am already planning my next trip with him! Highly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you and your son, along with your friend, had such a magical trek to Machu Picchu. Francisco and John are indeed fantastic, and we’re glad they could enhance your experience with their knowledge and hospitality. Francisco's ability to bring the history of the Andean people to life is truly a gift, and we're happy to hear it made your journey memorable. We look forward to helping you plan your next adventure with him. Highly enjoyed and highly recommended – we couldn’t ask for better feedback! Thank you again!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful views!
The views were breathtaking! Both literally and figuratively. Would advise adjusting to the altitude 2-4 days prior as you climb to a maximum of 4400m on this hike. Would definitely suggest the hot springs in lares as well. Bring lots of warm clothing as it can be chilly at night. We modified day 3 to avoid the long downhill dusty bus road (with no significant views) to Ollantaytambo and took a bus instead (it was also warmer to tent there overnight). There were many adorable alpacas, llamas, horses and other animals along the way. Our chef Benny cooked delicious meals throughout the whole trek, and our guide Cesar was very supportive and let us hike at our own pace.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your detailed experience! We're thrilled that you found the views breathtaking and appreciated the beauty and challenges of the hike. Your advice on altitude adjustment and bringing warm clothing is invaluable for future travelers. We're glad you enjoyed the hot springs in Lares and found the modified itinerary for day 3 to be a good alternative. The presence of adorable alpacas, llamas, and other animals along the way must have added a special touch to your trek. Chef Benny and guide Cesar will be delighted to hear your kind words about their support and delicious meals. We hope to see you again on another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
A dramatic trek to Machu Picchu
We chose the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This route gave us two secluded days trailing over the Lares Pass then on to Ollantaytambo and Inca Trail. This trek gives you different views and perspective than the traditional Inca Trail.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're delighted you chose the Ultimate Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu combining the Lares Trek and the Express Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This unique route indeed offers two secluded days over the Lares Pass before joining the path to Ollantaytambo and the Inca Trail. It's wonderful to hear that you appreciated the different views and perspectives this trek provides compared to the traditional Inca Trail. We hope to have the pleasure of guiding you on another adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 96 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 7+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bamba Travel, who run 25 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.4.
See everything Bamba Travel runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco cost?
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Prices start at $847 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco take?
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Plan for about 96 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 47 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 7. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 96-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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Around 16 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 96-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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