20+ Years of Experience
ISO 9001 Certified
Locally Based in the Sacred Valley
The Route at a Glance
The Lares route extended to Machu Picchu. You get the cultural side of the trek, with its villages and quiet trails, and finish at the citadel with a guided visit. Best for travelers who want a gentle, culture-focused alternative to the more demanding routes to Machu Picchu.
- Distance
- 26.46 km
- on foot, 3 days
- Duration
- 4 days
- 3 nights
- Start
- 3,251 m a.s.l.
- Lares hot springs
- Highest point
- 4,723 m a.s.l.
- 15,495 ft · Day 2
Altitude comes from the route’s GPS track, while distance is measured along the trail.
Trek Highlights
- Meet the Andean families who live along the route.
- Camp at Cancha Cancha and Quiswarani.
- Also enjoy views of the Sacred Valley, plants and orchids.
- Then visit Machu Picchu with a guide.
Day 3 of 4
Cancha Cancha – Huarán – Aguas Calientes
A last walk down to Huarán, then the train to Aguas Calientes.
After breakfast and a visit with the villagers of Cancha Cancha, we set off at about 8:00 a.m. The walk then takes 4 to 5 hours, with views of the Sacred Valley, a variety of plants and orchids. We reach Huarán after midday for lunch, then drive to Ollantaytambo in private transport. Once there, be at the Ollantaytambo station and take the train to Aguas Calientes. Then we transfer to your hotel.
Highlights
- Visit with the villagers of Cancha Cancha.
- Views of the Sacred Valley, plants and orchids.
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Go by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
First, we travel from the end point of the trek to the Ollantaytambo train station by private transfer, about 1.5 hours. Then you take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Our preferred departure is at 3:37 p.m. (subject to availability). Passengers must be at the train station 30 minutes before departure for boarding. Ask us about later departures, which may be available.
Approximate schedule:
- 3:07 p.m. – Arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station.
- 3:37 p.m. – 5:03 p.m. – Expedition train, Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
- 5:03 p.m. – Transfer to your hotel.
- Overnight at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Altitude comes from the route’s GPS track, while distance is measured along the trail.
Day 2 of 4
Quiswarani – Cancha Cancha
A full day of Andean scenery and time with local families.
After a hearty breakfast, we walk for about 8 hours. Along the way you also enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes and spend time with the families who live in these high villages. Finally, we arrive in Cancha Cancha, where we camp for our second night.
Highlights
- Andean landscapes along the trail.
- Time with local families.
- About 8 hours of walking.
- Dinner and camp at Cancha Cancha.
Altitude comes from the route’s GPS track, while distance is measured along the trail.
Day 1 of 4
Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Quiswarani
A private drive to the Lares hot springs, a soak, then your first day on the trail.
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. and drive privately via Calca to the Lares hot springs, a trip of about 3.5 hours. Then, after a relaxing soak in the thermal pools, we start walking. Later, after about 8 hours on the trail and lunch after midday, we reach the Andean community of Quiswarani, where we set up our first camp.
Highlights
- Private transfer from Cusco to the Lares hot springs.
- Then a relaxing soak in the thermal pools.
- About 8 hours of walking, with lunch on the trail.
- Dinner and first camp at Quiswarani.
Altitude comes from the route’s GPS track, while distance is measured along the trail.
Day 4 of 4
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
A guided visit to the Inca citadel, then the train and the drive back to Cusco.
After breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, you’ll take a bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of approximately 2 hours. Explore the magnificent Inca citadel, discover its fascinating temples and ancient structures, and learn about the history and ingenuity of this extraordinary place.
The Machu Picchu entrance circuit is subject to availability at the time of booking. Depending on ticket availability, your visit may follow Circuit 1, 2, or 3, each offering a different perspective and route through the ancient citadel.
If you’d like to make your visit even more memorable, you can add the optional Huayna Picchu Mountain hike (please ask us for availability and pricing).
After your visit, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. We also recommend adding a lunch experience at one of the town’s carefully selected restaurants. Please ask us for details and pricing if you’d like to include this option.
In the afternoon, you’ll board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo, where our private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley or Cusco.
Highlights
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu, about 2 hours.
- Bus up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Return to Cusco or the Sacred Valley
Return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. Our preferred departure is at 1:37 p.m. (subject to availability). Passengers must be at the train station 30 minutes before departure for boarding. Ask us about later departures, which may be available.
Approximate schedule:
- 1:07 p.m. – Arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station.
- 1:37 p.m. – 3:05 p.m. – Expedition train, Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- 3:05 p.m. – Private transfer to your hotel: about 1 hour to the Sacred Valley or 2 hours to Cusco.
Upgrade Your Machu Picchu Train
Your program includes a standard panoramic train. Upgrade it for more windows, an open-air car or onboard entertainment.
Included
Expedition or Voyager Train
Comfortable seats and large windows. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.
Upgrade
Vistadome Train
Enjoy larger panoramic windows, comfortable premium seating, and onboard entertainment.
Upgrade
Vistadome Observatory Train
Everything in the panoramic experience, plus an open-air observatory car with unobstructed views.
Upgrades apply to the return train or the round trip, depending on your program. Price per person, subject to availability. Departure times depend on the train you choose and are confirmed when you book.
Pack light
What to bring
The bag you carry yourself while walking.
Sun and rain
- Sun hat and warm hat
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof poncho
- Warm jacket, scarf and gloves
- Insect repellent (minimum 20%)
Daypack essentials
- Water (two 600 ml bottles)
- Snacks
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- Headlamp or flashlight, with spare batteries
Documents and health
- Documents (original passport)
- Personal medication
Camera and power
- Camera / phone
- Power bank
Your sleeping bag is included. Also bring several pairs of socks, sandals for resting, a small towel, binoculars if you like, a walking stick (optional) and a swimsuit for the hot springs in Lares and Aguas Calientes. Pack your clothes and sleeping bag in plastic bags so that they stay dry. Bring cash in soles and/or US$, also for tips.
On the trail
Food and dietary needs
Vegetarian options are available on this trek. Moreover, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals are available on request with advance notice. Please tell us about any food allergies when you book, so we can confirm what we can arrange for you.
Traveling responsibly
We buy local products whenever we can, to support the local economy. In addition, on the trail we take care to recycle, reuse and avoid single-use plastic.
Our muleteers and mules
On this trek our muleteers carry the camping equipment and your large backpack with pack mules. They work under the same conditions as our porters on other treks, except for the 20 kg weight limit that applies to porters:
- Food: meals provided throughout the trek.
- Equipment: uniform provided.
- Animal care: load protectors on every mule.
- Shelter: accommodation for all our staff.
That is why your large backpack is limited to 6 kg (13 lb).
Tripadvisor · 2026 Reviews
What Our Travelers Say
Recent Tripadvisor reviews of Santu trips in Peru, posted in 2026.
However, this is Santu’s overall rating, not a rating specific to the Lares Trek.
“The experience was incredible; we were 3 families and we loved it. The level of food, the tents, the guides. A ten.”
“… Giuliana exceeded our expectations. She did an amazing job listening to our wants/needs, make recommendations and take care of all the steps along the way. We felt fully informed.”
“Giuliana who is an amazing travel agent who planned everything for Us and give us lots of great ideas and she came with an amazing package that it took care of all our needs …”