OVERVIEW

Hike a sacred path that is packed with history, flora, and fauna; furthermore, this 18-mile path is to access Machu Picchu more especially and significantly, the next day you wake up early, take a bus to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise.

Our company AB Expeditions includes Professional highly trained, educated, and passionate tour guides to lead the groups of Lares trek for 4 days and answer all questions, horses that will help to carry all the needed camping gear and personal belongings; a professional chef who deliver hot restaurant-style meals at each camping site to guarantee delicious food and to ensure you have plenty of energy to appreciate the amazing landscapes that 4-day lares trek offers.

Why should you hike the Lares trek 4-day hike with us?

• The best route. We offer you the best route which is Kiswarani to Huaran. You will see, hot springs, waterfalls, local people, lakes, glaciers, Llamas, alpacas, and amazing landscapes.
• We don’t overload our pack horses. We stand as the only Travel Agency offering Lares Trek 4 days, distinguished by our commitment to preventing the mistreatment of animals. In practice, this translates to our pack horses bearing a load that does not exceed 50 kilograms (equivalent to 100 pounds).
• Our horsemen are treated with respect. They receive all their equipment for free from our Company AB Expeditions to work on the Lares trek 4 days. We provide them a fair salary, a decent tent with a pad, proper meals, trekking shoes, hiking pants, and a Winter hut. We care for their health, well-being, and the health of their families, and we are committed to social projects to improve their lives
• Small groups.  02 to 08 people maximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that take bigger groups.
• Top-notch equipment. We provide you with Eureka Tent, Mountain wear Sleeping bags, Black Diamond trekking poles, and sleeping pads. We only use top brands and quality to guarantee ache-less nights up in the mountains.
• Satellite phones. Our guide brings the satellite phone all the time. We want you to stay in touch with your loved ones at all times.
• Portable toilets. We provide you with an Eco-friendly, comfortable & clean Toilet.
• Transportation: Each of our vans has approvals from the Ministry of Transport. Each of them has a first aid kit, oxygen supply, and a GPS system to navigate at speeds exceeding 90 kilometers per hour. Moreover, our drivers have extensive and well-credentialed driving licenses.
• Hotel to Hotel service.  Direct pick-ups and drop-offs from your hotel in Cusco. We will never leave you stranded before or after our Lares trek!
• We are a reliable Travel company, practical, punctual, welcoming individuals or groups. Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor.
• 100% Local Company. AB Expeditions is A 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully licensed Lares trek operator.
• Highly Trained Guide. Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continual professional development. We love showing what a fascinating and amazing Ausangate in Peru is.
• Ground logistics. Transportation, Private lands permits, Machu Picchu tickets, bus tickets.  We book, secure, and deliver all minuscule details of your hike for you.
• We pay on time. At AB Expeditions, our hormen, guides, driver, and Cooks receive their salaries as soon as they finish their job.
• We offer a group discount. If you are more than 3 people, we will give you discounts. Send us an email.
• Your return train ticket on day 4 is at 02:55 pm from Aguas Calientes. Therefore you arrive to Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any tour the next day.
• We include 7 kilograms of your personal belongings.
• Horses carry all the equipment and supplies so you can travel light.
• We don’t share our group of Lares trek 4 days with other companies.
• Our itinerary of Lares trek 4 Days is specifically designed to get used to the altitude.

 Lares Trek 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Lares Town – Lares Hotspring – Kiswarani – 7 Water Falls – Qoyalay.

Our guide will pick you up from the reception of your hotel at 6:30 AM, allowing you 30 minutes to enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Following this, we will begin our adventure on the 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. We will drive for about one hour to Calca, where we will explore the local market and learn about the daily life in the Sacred Valley. From Calca, we will continue driving for another two hours until we reach Lares Hot Springs, passing through the highest point on the road at 4,275 meters (13,891 feet). Along the way, we will be treated to breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. After enjoying the stunning scenery, we will proceed to Lares Hot Springs, where our cook will prepare lunch.While our professional chef prepares a delicious meal, you may choose to take a relaxing bath in the hot springs.

After lunch, we will drive to Kiswarani, the starting point of our adventure. Kiswarani is a remote area where local people still wear traditional clothing and maintain an ancient lifestyle, similar to that of the Incas. The area offers magnificent views of the mountains and the river. From Kiswarani, we will hike to the Seven Waterfalls of Kiswarani. The trail begins gradually, but becomes steeper as we approach the waterfalls. We will take time to marvel at the beauty of the falls before continuing on our hike to the Qoyalay campsite, located on the shores of Yanacocha Lake at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet). Upon arrival, our staff will set up the camp, and we can take a moment to relax by the lake and appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings.

• Altitude Gain: 385 m / 1263 ft.
• Altitude Loose: 0 m / 0 ft.
• Hiking Distance: 4 km / 2.48 miles.
• Campsite Elevation: 3930 m (12795 ft)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Accommodation: Tents.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 2: Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha

 After enjoying our delicious breakfast we will start walking at 06:30 a.m. We hike up to the Condor  pass at (at 4200 meters 13.779 feet, the highest pass of our hike) where we have the unparalleled landscapes and the amazing glacier, wallatas (Andean geese) swim in the clear blue waters. Upon arrival at the summit of Condor Pass, our guide will serve you a well-deserved cup of coca-tea, and you can take some time to rest while your  guide performs a spiritual offering ceremony to the sacred mountains of Sawasiray. From there we hike down to the lakes, We will have our delicious lunch close to these beautiful lakes watching Andean ducks, and queullas. 

The second day is spectacular trekking through the Huaran mountain range, we will have many chances to spot a number of Andean bird species, including Andean condors, hawks and swallow. We will walk 15 kilometers during this day hiking (9 miles).

• Campsite Elvation: 3,742 m / 12,2 ft
• Highest altitude: 4735m / 15,541 ft
• Distance: 16 km/ 9,942 miles
• Duration:  8 hours
• Accommodation: Tents
• Difficulty: Difficult.

Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu

 We walk down through the Cancha Cancha valley for about 3 hours. This town has pleasantly warm weather. On the way down we will observe corn and potatoes farm irrigated by water from the glaciers of the amazing snow peaks which dominate the valley and feed the river Urubamba, which they venerate and called Wilkamayu or the Sacred River, after having our lunch, we will take a bus for 20-minutes to the Inca village of Ollantaytambo, where we will catch the train to Machu Picchu where we overnight in a hotel.

• Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
• Duration: 4 hours
• Accommodation: Hotel of 3 stars in Aguas Calientes town.
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu  – Cusco

This is the day you have been waiting for. We will wake up early to take the bus to Machu Picchu. It takes 30 minutes. Once at the checkpoint, we will show our Passports and the ticket. Then Our private guide will take you to the guardhouse where you will take a postcard picture of Macchu Picchu. After taking the classical picture, you will follow Circuit 2.

Your guide will spend around 2 hours explaining the highlights of Machu Picchu.   Afterward, you will have time to explore by yourself the ruins and hike Huayna Picchu if you have booked this option. (This is a separate entrance ticket that costs $65 per person). Finally, you will return to Aguas Calientes and take a train back to Ollantaytambo, and then a bus back to Cusco. Once in Cusco, we will transfer you back to your hotel.

• Highest altitude: 2452m / 8,044 ft
• Duration: 3 hour of guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Difficulty: Easy

INCLUSIONS

Included

• 7 kilograms of your personal belonging.
• Horses to carry all the camping gear.  
• Meal service at the campsites (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks). With options for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose Intolerance and any food allergy.
• Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Hotel of 3 stars in Aguas Calientes( Tara Machu Picchu or similar).
• Round trip Train ticket Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo.
• Private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Entrance to hot springs in Lares.
• Satellite Phone for all the Lares Trek.  
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel.
• Private tourist transport Cusco – Kiswarani (the starting point of the walk).
• Private van From Huaran to Ollantaytambo.
• English-speaking guide with conduct radio communication during the 4 day Lares trek.
• Foam mattresses.
• Professional chef
• Large dining tent with chairs and tables, all cutlery.
• kitchen tent
• Portable environmental biodegradable toilet (The Pett).
• 4 season Tents for two people (tent with capacity for 3 people used as doubles – Eureka Timberland).
• Expeditions train From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes at 12:55 pm.
• Expeditions train ticket back to Ollantaytambo. (14:55 or 15:20 Hrs.)
• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
• Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
• Pre-departure Lares trek briefing, presented by the tour guides at 6:00 p.m. at the office a day before your departure.
• Wake-up tea. Hot herbal tea is brought to your tent, each morning before breakfast.
• A duffle bag, where you put your 7 kg / 14 pounds of personal items per person (personal care, personal items, and sleeping bag are within this 7 kg / 14 pounds).
• We provide hot water bins each day to help our clients clean and feel good at night.
• Rain Poncho to cover you from the rain.
• Two-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback (your cook will provide clean water after each meal)
• Day pack covers to keep you dry your belongings.

Not Included

• Last lunch on the day 4th in Aguas Calientes.
• Trekking poles: $15
• Sleeping bags: $20
• Gratuity for guides, cooks, and horsemen.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO UPGRADE

• Huayna Picchu Moutain: $65
• Machu Picchu Mountain: $65
• Vistadome Train:

1. One way Vistadome Ticket is $60
2. Round trip Vistadome ticket is $80

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW TO BOOK THE LARES 4 DAY TREK WITH AB EXPEDITIONS?

In order to book your Lares trek 4 days with us, Click on the BOOK NOW button above, then select the day of your departure, then fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment which you can do with your Credit card or debit Card.

On the booking platform, you will also find the extras. The Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Vistadome train, and Machu Picchu Mountain. Those options have to be booked in advance, because as the Macchu Picchu tickets are sold out fast. However, walking sticks can be rented here in Cusco 1 day before your trip.

When your Machu Picchu tickets are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

WHAT CIRCUIT IS INCLUDED TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU IN YOUR LARES TREK 4 DAY?

We buy the Circuit 2 – Ruta Clasico Diseñada for our Lares Trek 4 Days, so you willl visit with our guide the upper part and lower part of Machu Picchu. This is circuit is recommended because you will visit the whole Inca City.

WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

The Outstanding balance can be made in cash one day earlier your trip in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal at least one week prior to your trip(a 7% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card only Visa(5% service fee applies).  Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.

HOW HARD IS LARES TREK 4 DAY HIKE?

We categorize Lares Trek as ‘moderate’ mainly due to its elevation rather than challenging terrain. Although it’s not a stroll in the park, the ascents and descents are more gradual in comparison to alternative trek to Machu Picchu, offering a relatively easier trekking experience.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Yes! During the Lares 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your Machu Picchu 4-day hike.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian Law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to Lares trek 4 days (if you are 18 or over, you need to have valid student cards).

All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.

For children from 2 to 11 years old, a discount is $40 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy to info@abexpeditions.com

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE ALTITUDE AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In order to avoid the altitude sickness, we highly recommend you to arrive to cusco at least 2 days in advance. The first day, walk around the city visiting some museum, local market or you take City tour to visit some inca site located outside of Cusco. The second day, you can hike to Cristo Blanco. It is 3 km from Cusco and it is uphill there you will see how fit you are or you can take the Sacred valley to visit some inca site.

Also the first day, try to eat soft food, not heavy food. If you eat a lot, the instead the oxigen goes to your brain, it will go to the stomach then you might get altitude sickness.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Yes it is possible. However we have to buy another Machu Picchu ticket and we have to pay a penalty to change train ticket. The extra cost to change the departure date is $100 per person. 

CAN I START THE ITINERARY IN HUARAN AND END IN KISWARARY INSTEAD OF THE OTHER WAY AROUND?

Yes, we can arrange the itinerary to start in Huaran and end in Kiswarary. However, please let us know when you book so we can arrange for horsemen from specific locations. We can’t change the itinerary at the last minute because we book the horsemen in advance.

I SEE THERE ARE MANY ITINERARIES. COULD YOU ARRANGE A DIFFERENT ITINERARY BASED ON THE OPTIONS ON YOUR WEBSITE?

Yes, we can arrange your trip based on the different itineraries. However, you need to let us know when you make your booking because each itinerary requires us to hire horsemen from different towns. There are more than three itineraries for hiking the Lares trek, and each one follows a unique trail and offers different landscapes.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE  LARES TREK 4 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your Lares trek 4 days permit. Your passport will be checked at the Machu Picchu checkpoint, and when you board the train.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Lares trek 4 days permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY LARES TREK 4 DAYS?

Yes, you can stay in sacred valley. We recommend you pisac or Calca.But, if you stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, there will be an extra cost of $30 total.

IF I CANCEL MY LARES 4 DAY HIKE. DO I GET ANY REFUND?

In case our country closes its borders, we refund you all the deposit. But if you don’t make our country for whatever reason, you get sick or miss your flight or there is a strike or natural disaster. You will lose USD $150 automatically. Once the Machu Picchu permit is bought they become non-refundable or transferable, The entity in charge of issuing the Machu Picchu permits is the Ministry of culture of Peru, and Peru Rail which is in charge of train ticket. They don’t provide any refund.

We understand that nothing is for granted and things may change in a minute, therefore we will do our best to be reasonable and charge you only for things that we have already spent.

THINGS TO KNOW

• There more than 3 routes to hike the Lares trek. The route that our itinerary describe is Kiswarary, Cancha Cancha and Huaran so you will follow that route. However, if you want to choose different route, let us know please because we are flexible and we can change your route.
• This 4-day Lares trek to Machu Picchu is no recommended for travelers with back problems
• You will have a guide during your Lares hike and on the Machu Picchu tour.
• Daily departures with a group of 2 or more.
• Many treks to Machu Picchu are closed in February due to the bad landslides. But we still organize trips to Lares in February because it is a safe place. You only need to be prepared for the rain.
• There is no access to a wheelchair.
• DON’T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, insurance card, and personal medications.
• This trek will have a maximum of 8 travelers

DUFFLE BAG

We will give you a duffel bag at our office at the end of your briefing. Our horses will carry them and you will have access to them only at the campsites. Put your clothes and other personal items that you won’t need hiking. Things like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and rain gear should be in your day pack. The duffel should weigh 7kg.

STRIKES

Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our Lares trek to Machu Picchu hike and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your hike to Machu Picchu continues as planned with some changes.

If the strike happens on the first day of your Lares 4-day tour, we will take you to trailhead the night before your start date.

If the strike happens the day that you finish your Lares trek 4-day hike in Machu Picchu. We will send our vans to Hidrolectrica. So you will need to hike extra 2 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. Then we will drive 7 hours to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 11:00 pm.

RETURNING FROM MACHU PICHU TO CUSCO.

Returning from  Machu Picchu to Cusco needs a lot of logistics. But it is already organized by us.

Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for about 30 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes. Then Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Our guide will give you your train tickets. Make sure to get to the train station 30 minutes earlier.

• The estimated time on the train is 1 hour and a half from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• The estimated time on the train is 3 hours and a half from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

Once at the train station, our tranfer will wait for you with AB Expeditions logo. He/She will then tranfer you back to Cusco then to your hotel.

• The estimated time from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is 1 hour and half.
• The estimated time from Poroy to Cusco is 40 minutes.

LARES TREK  WEATHER

The weather is unpredictable in the andes. Dry season Lares valley is from April to October and rainy season from November through March, but this does not stop rain from falling in dry season or the sun from coming out in rainy season so just be prepared. No matter what season you are hiking 4 day Lares trek to Machu Picchu, make sure that you get rain gear such as: a rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves.

The Lares trek to Machu Picchu involves various microclimates. You might experience 4 season in only one day too. So you must be prepared. Layers are the key since they are easy to adapt to different temperature changes. Be prepared with down jacket since the early morning and evening will be cold.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you to get a travel insurance because if you cancel your 4 day Lares tours in a last-minute it can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable Machu Picchu permit. Also when you get sick or hurt while you are far away from home, it can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This hike is Moderate, it’s highly recomeded to be in a average physical condition; The Lares Trek elevation changes make the hike tough as there is one pass during your hike.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

During the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, solo travelers will be paired to share a tent with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a tent to themselves.

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING

There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco Office one day before your departure to Lares trek 4 days at 6pm. You will meet your guide and He will give you detailed information about your trek, a list of what to bring, rental equipment or questions in general. Our office is located at: Marquez Street 250, Second Floor. Office 03. Cuzco, Peru.

TIPPING

Tipping is common on Lares tours 4 day. On the third day we board our van, we will say goodbye our amazing Horsemen and profesional chefs. This is the time that you will give a tip for all of them please. Anything extra is always really appreciated. Please know that tipping is not Mandatory and that you should never feel forced into this.

Usually our customers pool their tipping money together for the chef and porters. For your tour guide, you tip after your guided tour at Machu Picchu. You decide the amount of money based on your experience with them. Soles is better for Our Horsemen and Chefs. Guides can receive U.S. dollars or Soles without any problem.

• Tips could be for our Horseman:  40 – 60 soles.
• Tips could be for our Cook: 110 – 140 soles.

 TYPICAL MEALS ON THE TREK

We train our cooks every year on the low season to provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain, with specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients available on all of our Treks to Machu Picchu. Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek.

*Vegetarian, vegan, gluten fee and more Options Available Upon Request (please let us know at the time of booking).

Breakfasts:

Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas, Thick oatmeal with large fresh chunks of sweet apples. and boiled water for hot teas, coca tea, 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 (chili pepper chicken), escabeche de Pollo (marinated chicken), or ajiaco de ulluco (spicy ulluco stew).

Desserts:

Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake, peach.

Snacks:

candies, cookies, juice, crackers and a variaty of peruvian fruits such as: Banana, Chirimoya, Granadilla, Apple, orange, Mandarine,

WHAT TO BRING FOR LARES TREK 4 DAYS 

• Original Passports: If you have changed your passport since booking the tour, bring both the old and new passports.
• Student Identity Card: If you have applied for a student discount, bring your original International Student Identity Card.
• Sleeping Bag: A high-quality sleeping bag rated for -10°C is recommended. Alternatively, you can rent one from our office for $20 for the duration of the trip.
• Waterproof Walking Boots: Ensure you have good quality, comfortable, and well-worn-in waterproof trekking boots. Comfort is crucial, so choose lightweight footwear.
• Waterproof Clothing: A plastic poncho is advisable and can be bought in Cusco.
• Backpack: Carry a backpack with a change of clothes for the entire trek.
• Rain Gear: Pack rain gear, including a jacket and pants if possible, or a rain poncho. Plastic ponchos are available for purchase in Cusco.
• Footwear: Strong, waterproof trekking boots are recommended. Additionally, bring sandals or jogging shoes for added comfort at camp.
• Warm Clothing: Bring warm clothes such as a jacket and fleece, as well as thermal clothing for sleeping.
• Sun Cream: Pack hydrating cream or after-sun lotion for your face and body.
• Insect Repellent: Use a repellent with a minimum of 20% DEET. Note that there is no reported risk of malaria.
• Handkerchiefs and Toilet Paper: Bring these for personal use.
• Flashlight/Headlamp: Include a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, as batteries deplete faster in cold weather.
• Camera: Bring a camera along with extra film and batteries, as cold conditions can reduce battery life.
• Hat or Cap: Pack a hat or cap for sun, rain, and cold protection.
• Sunblock: Use sunblock to protect your skin.
• Snacks: Bring personal snacks like biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fresh fruits, or muesli. Although we provide a daily morning snack and a comprehensive meal service, personal preferences might not always align with our offerings.
• Water Container: Bring a water container and water for the first morning. Note that plastic water bottles are no longer permitted at Machu Picchu; opt for plastic or metal containers instead.
• Small Towel: Pack a small towel.
• Swimsuit: Include a swimsuit in your gear.
• Cash: Carry cash in soles.
• Camping Pillow: For a comfortable sleep
• Basic Medicine: Always carry a basic first aid kit that includes items such as Panadol, medicated plaster, and medicated oil.
• Rain Pants: These should be lightweight to ensure they dry quickly after getting wet.
• Sun Hat: Due to the intense sunlight in the Andes, a hat will provide essential protection.
• Gloves: Weather conditions can change rapidly, and it may snow in the passes. In winter, it can also get quite cold.
• Insect Repellent: The valley is known for its many mosquitoes.