Luxury Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
Trek through the weaving villages of the Lares Valley with the comforts of a boutique camp: real beds, hot showers, a massage at the end of each day and meals by our executive chef. Over three days you camp beside the Qoyalaycocha lagoon, cross the Pachacutec Pass at about 4,700 m (15,420 ft) below the glaciers of Pitusiray and Sahuasiray, and spend a night in the Quechua village of Cancha Cancha.
Then you swap the tent for the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and finish with a private tour of Machu Picchu and lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Small groups of 2 to 8 guests, with private departures on request. From US$2,000 per person.
Overview
Luxury Lares Trek Overview
The Lares Trek is the cultural alternative to the Inca Trail. Instead of Inca ruins, it crosses high Andean valleys where Quechua families still herd llamas and alpacas, wear traditional dress and weave textiles by hand. It needs no Inca Trail permit and runs year-round, including February, when the Inca Trail is closed.
Our luxury version keeps the route quiet and the effort real, but changes how you rest. Your walk-in tent has a raised bed with a mattress, linens and a duvet; a private shower tent has hot water every afternoon; a massage therapist travels with the group; and dinner is served in a heated dining tent. Horses carry your duffel bag, so you hike with a light daypack. After the trek, you take the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and spend a night at the Inkaterra before visiting Machu Picchu.
Luxury Highlights
- Glamping with real beds. Walk-in tents with raised bed frames, mattresses, premium linens and duvets, plus hot water bottles at night.
- Hot showers and daily massages. A private shower tent with gas-heated water and an afternoon massage at each camp.
- Camp by the Qoyalaycocha lagoon. Your tent faces the water on the first night, after passing the Seven Waterfalls.
- The Pachacutec Pass. The highest point of the trek, at about 4,700 m (15,420 ft), with views of the Pitusiray and Sahuasiray glaciers and a traditional offering to the mountain spirits (apus).
- A night in Cancha Cancha. Camp in a Quechua weaving village and visit a weaver’s household in the evening.
- A night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Gardens, the UNU Spa with its eucalyptus sauna, and dinner at the hotel restaurant.
- Machu Picchu and lunch at Belmond. A private guided tour of the citadel, then lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, steps from the entrance.
Luxury vs Standard Lares Trek
| Luxury Lares Trek 4 Days | Lares Trek 4 Days | |
| Route | Pampa Corral, Qoyalaycocha, Pachacutec Pass, Cancha Cancha, Huaran | Huaran, Cancha Cancha, Pachacutec Pass, Quishuarani, Lares hot springs |
| Camping | Walk-in tents with real beds, hot showers, massage | Standard camping |
| Night 3 | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel | 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Train | Vistadome both ways | PeruRail Expedition |
| Day 4 lunch | Belmond Sanctuary Lodge | Not included |
| Group | 2 to 8 guests | Up to 12 travelers, or private |
| Price from | US$2,000 per person | US$640 per person (group) |
Prefer a lower price? See our Lares Trek 4 Days. Would you rather walk into Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail? See the Luxury Inca Trail 4 Days.
Trip Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Luxury Lares Trek 4 Days |
| Duration | 4 days, 3 nights (2 nights glamping, 1 night at the Inkaterra) |
| Group size | 2 to 8 guests; private departures on request |
| Distance | About 33 km (20 mi) |
| Highest point | Pachacutec Pass, about 4,700 m (15,420 ft) |
| Camps | Qoyalaycocha lagoon and Cancha Cancha |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
| Start and finish | Hotel pickup in Cusco; drop-off at your Cusco hotel |
| Season | Year-round; driest from May to October |
| Permits | No Inca Trail permit needed; Machu Picchu ticket included |
| Price | From US$2,000 per person |
Who This Trek Is For
The luxury Lares Trek suits travelers who want time with Andean communities and high mountain scenery, but sleep better in a bed and value a hot shower. It’s also a good option if Inca Trail permits are sold out or you’re traveling in February. You need moderate fitness: the climb to the Pachacutec Pass is long and high, however comfortable the camp.
Why Book Your Luxury Lares Trek with Ali Peru Treks
- Locally owned operator. We are based in Cusco. See our official certifications and permits.
- Local teams. We hire muleteers from Quishuarani and Cancha Cancha and buy supplies from local families.
- No plastic bottles. We refill your reusable bottle with purified water throughout the trek.
- Traveler reviews. Read what travelers say about us on Tripadvisor.
Itinerary
Luxury Lares Trek 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco, Calca Market, Pampa Corral, Quishuarani and the Qoyalaycocha Lagoon
Your luxury Lares Trek expedition begins with the ultimate touch of exclusivity. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (11,154 ft / 3,400 m) in our private high-end van for a comfortable drive toward the Sacred Valley. Our first stop will be the authentic Calca Market (9,596 ft / 2,925 m), a vibrant local hub where you can explore, buy traditional products, and immerse yourself in the colorful Andean culture.
Afterward, we will continue with a scenic two-hour drive to Pampa Corral (11,154 ft / 3,400 m), the official starting point of our hike. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a gourmet breakfast masterfully prepared by the executive chef of Ali Perú Treks. This will be the perfect opportunity to meet your main expert guide and the professional support team who will ensure your well-being throughout this elite journey.
After breakfast, we begin a two-hour ascent toward the community of Quishuarani (12,631 ft / 3,850 m). Along this trail, local flora and fauna will unfold before your eyes in an atmosphere of absolute peace. In Quishuarani, you will enjoy a restorative gourmet lunch designed to recharge your energy, followed by a moment of rest with hot drinks and a privileged view of the mountains.
In the afternoon, we continue our hike with a gradual two-hour ascent. We will pass by the spectacular Seven Waterfalls, a landscape of breathtaking beauty, until reaching the mystical Qoyalaycocha Lagoon (13,451 ft / 4,100 m). Upon arriving at the campsite, our chef will be waiting for you with a hot drink service (tea time). Your luxury walk-in tents, equipped with our exclusive trekking beds, are strategically placed directly facing the lagoon, allowing you to take in the majestic scenery from the comfort of your room.
To wrap up this first day of adventure, treat yourself to a soothing hot shower and a professional relaxing massage inside our luxury glamping facilities. Finally, we will serve a gourmet dinner under the vast, starry Andean sky, preparing your body and mind for the wonders of the days ahead.
| Day 1 | Details |
| Drive | About 2 hours from Calca to Pampa Corral |
| Hiking time | About 4 hours |
| Lunch | Quishuarani, about 3,850 m (12,630 ft) |
| Camp | Qoyalaycocha lagoon, about 4,100 m (13,450 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Day 2: Pachacutec Pass, Accopata and Cancha Cancha
Following a restorative night in your real trekking bed, your day begins at 5:00 AM as the first golden rays of sun reflect off the serene Qoyalaycocha Lagoon (13,451 ft / 4,100 m). Our dedicated team will arrive at your tent door with freshly brewed coffee or traditional coca tea. A gourmet, high-energy breakfast will be served shortly after at your table, meticulously prepared to fuel you for the most exhilarating and rewarding day of the expedition.
Today’s legendary challenge starts with a steady 3-hour ascent toward the majestic Pachacutec Pass (15,420 ft / 4,700 m). Upon reaching the summit the highest point of our trek you will be rewarded with an awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramic view of the Pitusiray and Sahuasiray glaciers: a moment of pure triumph. At the peak, your expert guide will lead a sacred Andean ceremony to honor the Apus (mountain spirits) for a safe and successful passage.
After conquering the summit, we begin our descent into the glacial valley of Accopata. In this secluded paradise with dramatic mountain vistas, our executive chef will have a dining tent and gourmet lunch waiting for you. After enjoying a world-class culinary experience and a brief restorative rest, we continue our journey for 2 more hours, hiking through alpine tundra and alongside crystal-clear streams until we reach the remote village of Cancha Cancha (12,303 ft / 3,750 m).
Cancha Cancha is a living museum and the most isolated community in the valley; here, the locals still speak the ancient Quechua language and wear vibrant, hand-woven traditional clothing. Upon arrival at our luxury camp, you will be greeted with a warm smile and a refreshing hot towel. After your daily professional massage and a steaming hot shower, you will indulge in an exquisite “Gala Dinner.” Tonight, we sleep in the heart of this ancestral community, protected by the starlight and the brilliance of the Milky Way.
| Day 2 | Details |
| Hiking time | About 5 hours (3 up to the pass, 2 after lunch) |
| Highest point | Pachacutec Pass, about 4,700 m (15,420 ft) |
| Camp | Cancha Cancha, about 3,750 m (12,300 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner |
| Difficulty | Challenging (the pass day) |
Day 3: Cancha Cancha to Huaran, the Vistadome Train and the Inkaterra
Your final morning in the wilderness begins at 6:00 AM with the peaceful sounds of the Cancha Cancha community awakening. After a specialized gourmet breakfast prepared by our executive chef, we begin our final descent. For 4 hours, we follow the winding “Weaver’s Trail” downhill toward the lush Sacred Valley. As we lose altitude, the landscape transforms from rugged alpine tundra to fertile cornfields and fruit orchards.
Upon reaching the village of Huaran (9,317 ft / 2,840 m), we will celebrate the successful completion of our trek with a farewell lunch table. This is a heartfelt moment to say goodbye to our dedicated horsemen and chefs who have made this expedition possible. From Huaran, our private premium van will transport you on a 45-minute scenic drive to the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo.
At Ollantaytambo, we board the exclusive Vistadome Train. Relax in your seat as you enjoy panoramic views of the Urubamba River through floor-to-ceiling windows. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be escorted to the world-renowned Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
This evening, exchange your trekking boots for total relaxation. Explore the 12-acre cloud forest gardens, home to the world’s largest collection of native orchids, or visit the Unu Spa for an Andean sauna experience. Dinner will be a fine-dining event at the hotel’s signature restaurant, overlooking the rushing Vilcanota River, providing the perfect restful prelude to your visit to Machu Picchu.
| Day 3 | Details |
| Hiking distance | About 9 km (5.6 mi), downhill |
| Hiking time | About 4 hours |
| End of trek | Huaran, about 2,840 m (9,320 ft) |
| Transport | Private van to Ollantaytambo, Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes |
| Overnight | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, dinner at the hotel |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Day 4: Private Machu Picchu Tour, Lunch at Belmond and Return to Cusco
The most anticipated day of your journey begins with an early gourmet breakfast at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Surrounded by the symphony of exotic birds and the mystical cloud forest mist, you will prepare for your grand encounter with the Incan masterpiece. Accompanied by your expert private guide, we will take a short shuttle bus ride up the winding road to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (7,972 ft / 2,430 m).
As you pass through the main gates, you will witness the “Lost City of the Incas” bathed in the soft, ethereal morning light. Your private, luxury-led tour will explore the most significant sectors of the citadel: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Royal Quarters. Your guide, a specialist in Andean history, will unveil the architectural secrets and spiritual mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site, ensuring an intimate experience away from the large tour groups.
To celebrate the culmination of your trek, we have arranged a premium lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Located directly next to the citadel, this world-class restaurant offers a sophisticated buffet and à la carte options featuring local flavors and international delicacies. This allows you to dine in luxury immediately after your visit, soaking in the energy of the mountains without having to rush back down to town.
In the afternoon, we descend to Aguas Calientes to board the Vistadome Train for a scenic return journey to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, your private Ali Perú Treks transfer will be waiting to whisk you back to your hotel in Cusco (11,154 ft / 3,400 m). You will return not just with photographs, but with the spirit of the Andes transformed by an ethical, authentic, and truly unique luxury experience.
| Day 4 | Details |
| Machu Picchu altitude | About 2,430 m (7,970 ft) |
| Return | Bus to Aguas Calientes, Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, private van to your Cusco hotel |
| Meals | Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Included
What’s Included in the Luxury Lares Trek
Included
Team
- Lead guide: an English-speaking guide specializing in Andean history and mountain safety
- Executive chef and kitchen assistant
- Massage therapist traveling with the group for daily sessions
- Muleteers and horses for all camp equipment and your duffel bag
Glamping and Comfort
- Walk-in tents with real beds: raised frames, mattresses, premium linens and thermal duvets
- Private hot shower tent with gas-heated water and private toilet tent at each camp
- Heated dining and lounge tent with chairs and tableware; limited charging for small devices
- Hot water bottles at night and warm water for washing every morning
- Professional adjustable trekking poles with rubber tips
- Duffel bag for up to 10 kg (22 lb) of your belongings, carried by horses
Permits and Tickets
- Lares Valley community entry fees
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
Transport
- Vistadome Observatory Train: Vistadome Observatory panoramic train service from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Vistadome Observatory Train: Vistadome Observatory panoramic train service from Aguas Calientes station (Machu Picchu Pueblo) directly to Poroy station (Cusco).
Accommodation and Meals
- One night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
- On the trek: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners, afternoon tea and daily snacks
- At the hotel: dinner on Day 3 and breakfast on Day 4
- Lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge on Day 4
Safety
- Emergency oxygen, pulse oximeters and first aid kits
- Radio or satellite communication
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance (required)
- Sleeping bag (rental available)
- Hiking boots, rain gear and personal clothing
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (book three to four months ahead)
- Extra drinks and snacks in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for your guide, chef, massage therapist and muleteers
- Anything not listed as included
Packing List
Luxury Lares Trek Packing List
Pack for freezing nights at Qoyalaycocha, strong sun and wind on the Pachacutec Pass and warmer, insect-prone lowlands from Day 3. Horses carry your duffel bag (up to 10 kg / 22 lb), given to you at the briefing; you carry a daypack. We provide your bed, pillow and linens, so the allowance is for your clothes, toiletries and sleeping bag. For more detail, see our Peru trekking gear list.
Daypack Essentials
- Original passport, the same one you booked with
- Daypack of 25 to 30 L; bags larger than 25 L can’t go into Machu Picchu
- Water: at least 2 liters in reusable bottles or a hydration bladder (we don’t use plastic bottles)
- Hiking boots, waterproof and broken in, with high ankle support for the descent from the pass
- Rain gear: a waterproof jacket or a good poncho
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses
- Cash in Peruvian soles in small bills for tips and handicrafts in Cancha Cancha
- Headlamp for camp and the early starts
- Snacks such as chocolate, dried fruit or electrolytes for the climb
In Your Duffel Bag
- Sleeping bag rated to at least –15°C (5°F), or rent one from us
- Warm layers: merino base layers, a thick fleece and a good down jacket; the first night at Qoyalaycocha is the coldest
- Waterproof gloves and a wool hat (chullo) for the pass
- Clothing: 3 moisture-wicking T-shirts, 2 pairs of hiking pants, thermal underwear and 5 pairs of wool socks
- Camp shoes: light sneakers or sandals
- Power bank; charging at camp is limited
Health and Personal Care
- Insect repellent for Day 3 and Machu Picchu
- Lip balm and moisturizer; the air at altitude is very dry
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes and toiletries (we provide biodegradable soap for the showers)
- Personal prescriptions, any altitude medication your doctor recommends, and a blister kit
For Your Machu Picchu Day
Inside Machu Picchu, bags may be no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in), and walking sticks, umbrellas and food are not allowed. Your guide will tell you where to leave your trekking poles.
Travel Info
Luxury Lares Trek Travel Information
Pre-Trek Briefing
At about 6:00 PM the evening before the trek, your lead guide visits your hotel in Cusco to give you your duffel bag, review the weather and confirm your pickup.
Altitude and Acclimatization
The trek reaches about 4,700 m (15,420 ft) at the Pachacutec Pass and camps at about 4,100 m (13,450 ft) on the first night. Arrive in Cusco two to three days before the trek. Read our guides to acclimatizing in Cusco and altitude sickness.
Fitness
The trek is moderate to challenging. Regular cardio, such as hiking, swimming or cycling, in the weeks before your trip will help. If you have a heart or respiratory condition, check with your doctor before booking. Your guide carries emergency oxygen and a pulse oximeter and sets a relaxed pace on the pass.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required. It should cover trekking up to 5,000 m (16,400 ft), medical emergencies, emergency evacuation (including by helicopter) and trip cancellation or interruption. We’ll ask for your policy details at the briefing.
Permits and Booking
The Lares Trek doesn’t need an Inca Trail permit; we pay the community fees. Your Machu Picchu ticket, train and hotel are booked when you confirm. Book four to five months ahead to secure the Inkaterra and the train, and three to four months ahead if you want Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Weather and Best Time to Go
The Lares Trek runs year-round. The dry season, from May to October, brings clear views of the glaciers and very cold nights. From November to April, expect afternoon rain and greener valleys. The Lares Trek is a good alternative in February, when the Inca Trail is closed.
Connectivity
There is no cell signal or Wi-Fi on the first two days of the trek.
Map
Luxury Lares Trek Map and Elevation Profile
The drive goes from Cusco down to Calca in the Sacred Valley and up a side valley to Pampa Corral. The trail climbs past Quishuarani and the Seven Waterfalls to the Qoyalaycocha lagoon, crosses the Pachacutec Pass between the Pitusiray and Sahuasiray massifs, and descends through Accopata to Cancha Cancha. Day 3 follows the valley down to Huaran, near Calca.


Price
Luxury Lares Trek 4 Days Price
| Service | Price per person |
| Luxury Lares Trek 4 Days (minimum 2 travelers) | US$2,000 |
The price includes everything listed under What’s Included. Solo travelers can join a departure or book a private trek; a single supplement may apply for a private tent. Private departures for your group only are quoted on request.
Ready to plan your luxury Lares Trek? Contact us with your dates and group size.
Faq
Luxury Lares Trek FAQs
It follows a different route (Pampa Corral to Huaran, with camps at Qoyalaycocha and Cancha Cancha) and adds real beds, hot showers, daily massages, an executive chef, the Vistadome train, a night at the Inkaterra and lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
Walk-in tents with raised bed frames, high-density mattresses, cotton linens and thermal duvets, instead of an inflatable pad on the ground.
Each camp has a private shower tent with a portable gas-powered water heater. You can shower every afternoon when you reach camp.
Yes. A professional massage therapist travels with the group and offers sessions every afternoon.
Three-course menus with local ingredients, from fresh trout to lomo saltado, plus vegetarian and vegan options.
No Inca Trail permit is needed. We pay the community fees and book your Machu Picchu ticket.
It’s the hardest part of the trek: a steady three-hour climb to about 4,700 m (15,420 ft), taken at a relaxed pace.
Your guide carries emergency oxygen and a pulse oximeter to check your oxygen level, and we provide coca tea and snacks. Acclimatizing in Cusco for two to three days beforehand helps most.
Up to 10 kg (22 lb) in the duffel bag we give you, carried by horses.
No. Bring one rated to –15°C (5°F) or rent one from us.
At the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Yes, on Day 4, after your Machu Picchu tour.
The PeruRail Vistadome, with panoramic windows and an onboard show, from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back.
Usually 2 to 8 guests. Private departures are available on request.
Yes. You can join a departure or book a private trek. A single supplement may apply for a private tent.
Yes. The route crosses Quechua villages, and in Cancha Cancha we visit a weaver’s household to learn about their techniques.
Not on the first two days.
May to October for clear skies. The trek runs year-round, including February.
No. They need a separate ticket, booked three to four months ahead, for an extra fee.
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