Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days – 2026

Summary:

Embark on a spectacular 3-day adventure through the Peruvian Andes, blending raw nature, ancient culture, and the majesty of Machu Picchu. The journey begins in the remote village of Lares, where you’ll relax in medicinal hot springs before trekking past glacial lagoons and traditional communities that still preserve ancestral customs.

Conquer the high pass at 4,600m surrounded by snow-capped peaks before descending into the lush Urubamba Valley to catch the train to Aguas Calientes. The experience culminates with a magical sunrise visit to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This is the perfect expedition for those seeking an authentic connection with nature and history away from the crowds.

Day 01: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Wacahuasi

Your journey begins with a 5:30 AM pick-up for a scenic drive to the Sacred Valley, stopping at a panoramic viewpoint and the vibrant local market of Calca. We then continue to Lares (3,100m), the trailhead of our adventure. Before trekking, enjoy a therapeutic soak in the medicinal hot springs (28°C–34°C) and meet your dedicated team of chefs and muleteers.

The hike starts with a gentle 2-hour walk to Vilcabamba for a fresh, chef-prepared lunch. In the afternoon, we ascend for 3 hours to the traditional village of Wacahuasi (3,750m). Along the way, you’ll be welcomed by local children in colorful Andean dress. After settling into camp, enjoy “tea time” and a cultural talk by your guide. Note: Nights are cold (dropping to -5°C), so warm layers are essential for a cozy evening under the stars.

Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours.

Total distance: 11 km.

Altitude of our camp: 3,750 meters above sea level.

 Day 02: Wacahuasi – Paso Sacsallaully – Yanahuara – Aguas Calientes

We begin at 6:00 AM, ascending for three hours to the majestic Sacsallaully Pass (4,646 m). This summit offers breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks and the turquoise Aruray Cocha lake. Keep your camera ready for Andean wildlife, including vicuñas, alpacas, and native birds like the Andean Goose and the Caracara falcon.

The descent leads us through ancient Queuñal forests to the shores of Lake Yuraccocha for a scenic Andean lunch. As we continue toward Yanahuara, the landscape shifts dramatically into a lush, temperate valley. From here, a private vehicle transfers us to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes. The day concludes with a delicious dinner and a restful night in a comfortable hotel, perfectly prepared for tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours.

Total distance: 18 km.

Altitude of our AC accommodation: 2,000 meters above sea level.

 Day 03: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

We begin at 5:00 a.m. with a scenic ascent to the citadel, ensuring we are among the first to enter. This early arrival offers a rare opportunity to witness the majestic sunrise over the ruins before the crowds arrive. Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour tour of the most significant temples and palaces, followed by free time to explore the mysteries of the sanctuary at your own pace. (Optional: Hike Huayna Picchu mountain for an additional 60 USD).

In the afternoon, we descend to Aguas Calientes for our train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to Cusco. We expect to arrive around 8:00 p.m., concluding the journey with a drop-off directly at your hotel.

Include:

• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Private transportation from Cusco to Lares (the starting point of the trek).
• Professional English and Spanish guide.
• Meals: 2 breakfasts / 2 lunches / 2 dinners.
• Cooking equipment and cook.
• Mule driver and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment, and passengers’ luggage).
• Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
• One night’s hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Double tents with capacity for three people.
• Tents (mattresses, chairs), dining tent, and kitchen tent.
• Oxygen bottle.

Not Include:

• Sleeping bag, available for rent at our office ($20.00 USD for the entire trip).
• Trekking poles, available for rent at our office ($20.00 USD per pair for the entire trip).
• Lunch on the third day and breakfast on the first day.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain (optional, $40.00 USD).

Recommendations:

• Bring your original passport (with an expiration date of at least 7 months).
• ISIC card or student ID, if applicable (must be sent at the time of booking).
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from the agency at an additional cost).
• Hiking boots and sandals (very important).
• Trekking poles (can be rented from the agency, additional cost).
• Warm clothing: layers for varying temperatures, especially at night. Thermals/gloves/scarves: wool socks/wool hat for cold nights, T-shirts for the entire hike.
• Headlamp (very important).
• Camera and spare batteries.
• Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses.
• Personal medical kit.
• Insect repellent.
• Rain gear: a good raincoat and rain pants and a plastic rain poncho.
• Toilet paper.
• Small towel.
• Extra money for drinks and tips, souvenirs, etc. (soles or dollars).
• Swimwear for the hot springs (optional).
• Water bottle (1 liter recommended).

Net Rates in USD – Minimum 02 passengers.

Guide: Inglés/Español/Portugués 

Terms & Conditions

1.- Detailed information about the experience, as well as refund policies and/or terms and conditions of service, is attached. Please read all terms and conditions carefully. If you have any additional questions, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

2.- Rates:

• Rates valid until December 2026 – Rates are expressed in US dollars (USD).
• Rates are subject to change without prior notice depending on availability and rates. Please consult your DMC
• Peru Agency executive before confirming availability.
• Rates are per person based on a minimum of two travelers.
• Rates include credit card payment fees.

3.- It is the responsibility of each passenger to have the required documents for their trip, which must be valid (with more than six months validity after the end of their visit to our countries) and in good condition. As a general rule, these include, for each passenger, a passport, identity card, for countries that exceptionally allow entry with this document in lieu of a passport, visas where required, for countries in transit and countries of destination, and certificates of certain vaccinations, for countries that require them. The passenger’s travel document must be the same as the one used to confirm their reservation.

4.- Check-in and check-out times are set by each hotel. In general, rooms are available for check-in from 2:00 p.m. and check-out must be before 10:00 a.m. Late check-outs may incur additional charges. It is important to follow the recommendations of the assistant accompanying you at the time of check-in at the hotel and/or ask the hotel for the respective times if they are not posted at the reception desk.

5.- Requests for double rooms (double bed or two beds), triple rooms, extra beds, and/or cribs are subject to confirmation by each hotel.

6.- Triple rooms in some destinations and hotels consist of two double beds, which means that guests must share these beds.

7.- Tourists are obliged to behave in a manner that respects the rights of individuals, the environment, and the cultural and natural heritage of our countries, as well as the multi-ethnic conditions, beliefs, customs, and ways of life of the inhabitants of the localities they visit.

8.- It is strictly prohibited to engage in conduct that interferes with the safety and comfort of other group participants, such as the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The use of female or male escort services (prostitution) is not tolerated during a trip, and the use of minors for this type of service is punishable by the Peruvian authorities. DMC PERU AGENCY protects the integrity of minors and adolescents, and if such behavior is detected, it will proceed to inform the competent authorities.

Itineraries. – The itineraries have been planned with great care, although for operational reasons, climatic factors, political factors, or any other eventuality, it may be necessary to change the sequence of activities in the itinerary or the specified route; such cases are exceptional and passengers will be informed. In order to improve the tourist experience, the order of the excursions may be varied.

Services not included. – Passengers are responsible for all administrative procedures such as: obtaining and updating passports, visas, travel insurance, payment for excess baggage, beverages, laundry service, communication (calls, faxes, emails, etc.), domestic and international airport departure taxes, tips, or other services and fees not specified in the itinerary.

Unused Services. – Some services may be interrupted or canceled due to weather conditions, force majeure such as acts of nature, social unrest, strikes, etc., or other circumstances beyond the control of hotels, airlines, other suppliers, or DMC PERU AGENCY. No refunds will be made as a result of such interruptions or cancellations beyond our control. DMC PERU AGENCY will assist the passenger at all times and modify the itinerary for the passenger’s benefit, as well as provide ongoing assistance.

VAT exemption on accommodation sales for non-residents. – Foreign visitors (non-residents in Peru are exempt from these taxes) are exempt from these taxes on accommodation and meals in hotels. Our quotes already include this exemption. The only valid documents for the exemption are your PASSPORT + ANDINE MIGRATION CARD, which must have the entry stamp to Peru with a minimum of 60 days prior to the date of entry and during your stay at the hotel.

Insurance. – We recommend that passengers obtain travel cancellation, repatriation, and international medical insurance to cover any inconveniences that may arise during the trip. We also suggest consulting with your doctor to update your vaccinations and review any medical concerns regarding international travel.

Airline Tickets. – 100% payment must be made in order for tickets to be issued. Fares are subject to availability and the final price is only guaranteed upon purchase of the ticket; refunds, permitted/non-permitted changes, and applicable/non-applicable penalties are in accordance with airline policy. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable in case of cancellation.

Luggage Responsibilities. – DMC PERU AGENCY recommends that all passengers arrive in Peru with their own travel insurance, and that it includes coverage for lost luggage. DMC PERU AGENCY cannot be held responsible for:

• Lost or delayed luggage during domestic or international flights, as well as carry-on items or personal items.
• Items left behind by passengers in hotels, vehicles, or places visited during the trip.
• We recommend that our passengers do not include any valuable items in their checked luggage during transfers and flights.

Reservation Policies. All reservations must include the following information about the passenger(s) or group:

1. Full first and last names.
   b. Nationalities.
   c. Passport or identity card number.
   d. Date of birth.
   e. Gender.
   f. Dietary restrictions (allergies, intolerance to certain products, vegan, vegetarian, etc.), if any. Passengers are solely responsible for any consequences arising from the omission of information about their physical or medical conditions, among others.
   g. Airline reservation code if the passenger makes the reservation on their own or through an agency other than DMC PERU AGENCY.
   h. Passport/ID number is REQUIRED to issue tickets for tourist attractions, bus tickets, train tickets, and/or airline tickets.
   i. Passengers must have a valid passport to enter our countries. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Peru.

Definition of Group Size. – INDIVIDUALS or FITS: Up to 15 passengers. If there are more passengers, please send a quote as a group.

Individual Reservations (FITs)

DMC PERU AGENCY requires a non-refundable payment of USD 200.00 at the time of booking to confirm entry to Machu Picchu and train reservations to Machu Picchu. The total amount is due 15 days before the start of the travelers’ excursions.

If the reservation includes the payment of airline tickets, the full amount must be paid at the time of confirming the reservation.

Group Reservations:

The sales executive at DMC PERU AGENCY will indicate the payment terms to be met in accordance with the suppliers involved in the file.

Payment constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth in this document, as well as those indicated in the quote or booking confirmation.

Payment Methods (For Groups or FITs)

• Bank Transfer: Payments must be made to the following bank account in Lima, Peru, BANCO DE CREDITO DEL PERU – MIRAFLORES BRANCH. ACCOUNT NUMBER: 285-11840622-1-90. ACCOUNT NAME: AMARA EXPERIENCE E.I.R.L. SWIFT CODE: BCPLPEPL.
• We accept all credit and debit cards at no additional cost.
• Other payment alternatives include Western Union or Money Gram transfers. If you wish to pay using this option, please inform your sales representative so that they can provide you with the relevant information.
• All transfer fees are borne by the sender and must include the DMC PERU AGENCY file code as a reference.
• We also request a copy of the payment confirmation issued by the bank via email.

Cancellations and/or Refunds. – Requests for cancellations and refunds must be made in writing and include all relevant information. We will respond immediately after consulting with the service providers, indicating the respective charges for cancellation or termination of services. The request will be processed on business days.

Cancellation Fees. – Cancellation fees tend to increase as the arrival date approaches. DMC PERU AGENCY will do its best to keep these fees as low as possible.

Child Policies. – Discounts will only apply to children under 10 years of age when visiting tourist attractions.

Hotel discounts are applied according to the policies of each hotel and/or provider.

Liability Clause. – DMC PERU AGENCY shall not be held liable for any injury, death, loss, delay, inconvenience, or damage to personal belongings in connection with the provision of any goods or services due to force majeure: passenger illness, government restrictions, acts of civil war, insurrection or rebellion, strikes or other criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, food poisoning, mechanical failure of the aircraft or other means of transport, or delays in departure or arrival times. DMC PERU AGENCY is not responsible for the error or omission of any supplier (such as accommodation or the Transportation Company) if the customer makes a reservation on their own with a service provider other than DMC PERU AGENCY. The necessary support will be provided in accordance with our competencies.

DMC PERU AGENCY reserves the right to take photographs or film recordings of any of its trips and to use such photographs or film recordings for promotional and/or commercial purposes.