A peaceful journey through the Andes to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco – Huaca Casi – Lares Hot Springs – Huacawasi – Sondor

- Hotel Pickup in Cusco
- Breakfast stop in Calca Village
- Bus to Lares
- Visit to Lares Hot Springs
- Lunch
-Hike to Sondor (Campsite)
- Tea Time
- Dinner
- Bedtime

Day 2: Sondor – Sacsayllame – Aruray Cocha – Yurak Cocha – Pucara

- Breakfast
- Hike to Sacayllame
- Visit Aruray Cocha lagon
- Lunch
- Visit Yarak Cocha
- Arrive to Pucara (Campsite)
- Tea Time
- Dinner
- Bedtime

Day 3: Pucara – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes

- Breakfast
- Bus to Ollantaytambo
- Train to KM 104
- Lunch
- Hike to Wiñayhuayna
- Visit to the Sun Gate
- Hike to hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Dinner
- Bedtime

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Cusco

- Breakfast
- Bus to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- Free time to explore the ruins
- Return to Aguas Caliente (Hike or Bus)
- Enjoy Aguas Caliente Hot Springs (optional)
- Return to Cusco
- Hotel Drop Off

Itinerary – A Balanced Four-Day Rhythm of Walking and Rest

Day 1: Cusco – Huaca Casi – Lares Hot Springs – Huacawasi – Sondor

We will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 6:00 am, to head towards the village of Lares where we will begin our hike. During this trip, we will stop in the village of Calca, where you can visit the local market and purchase breakfast or any other supplies for the trek.

Your guide may recommend buying some extra bread to share with children you will meet along the journey. Upon arriving in Lares, you will be able to enjoy the hot springs while our cooks prepare a delicious lunch. After lunch, we will begin our trek to the first campsite in Sondor (3,800 m/ 12,467 ft above sea level).

For three hours you will hike uphill gradually. This will be a good workout and warm up for the next day when we reach the highest point of the hike. We will spend the first night in Sondor. Upon arrival the tents will be ready and you will have popcorn, sweets and something hot to eat before dinner.

Walking time: 6 hours
Transportation time: 4 hours
Daytime climate: Warm
Nighttime climate: Cold

Day 2: Sondor – Sacsayllame – Aruray Cocha – Yurak Cocha – Pucara

After a nutritious breakfast, we will begin the hike to the highest point, the Sacsayllame or Hucahuasi pass at 4,400 m. The hike will take about 2 hours and will be very steep going uphill.

Of course, a backup horse will accompany us so that everyone can reach the summit. During this trek, you will enjoy enormous mountains, a mosaic of farmland, and breathtaking views. Please note that we will reach high altitudes and the weather can be very cold.

After reaching the highest point, we will descend and pass by a beautiful lagoon before having lunch near the river. You can rest while our cooks prepare a delicious lunch for you. Then we will descend further through a forest where you can appreciate the “Queuñas” (Polylepis), a tree typical of Peru. This walk will take about 4 hours before we reach our camp at Pucara (3100m). A wonderful place where you will be served hot tea and snacks upon arrival before dinner.

Walking time: 8 hours
Transportation time: half an hour
Daytime climate: Hot
Nighttime climate: Cold

Day 3: Pucara – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes

Our journey begins early in the morning at 6 a.m., when a vehicle will take you to the village of Ollantaytambo. From there, you can take a tourist train to km 104. After arriving at km 104, the Inca Royal Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m), where our guide will tell us about the former function of this archaeological site.

Next, we will reach Wiñayhuayna (2650m), the most important archaeological site after Machu Picchu. After that, our trail continues to the Sun Gate “Inti Punku,” a beautiful viewpoint from where we can enjoy the sunset over Machu Picchu (2400m). Since we have to continue our walk to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will only spend a short time at the Machu Picchu sanctuary on the first day.

Transportation time: half an hour

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Cusco

We will leave our hotel for Machu Picchu after breakfast at around 5:30 a.m. by bus. We are leaving early because at this time of day there are fewer people. The morning is a good time to enjoy the peace, quiet and ancient spirit of the continent's most famous archaeological site.

After arriving at the citadel around 6:00 a.m., our guide will give us detailed information about Machu Picchu and the history and culture of the Incas. Afterwards, you will have enough free time to enjoy and explore the site on your own (for example, go to the Inca bridge, explore the variety of buildings, or climb Waynapicchu for an incredible panoramic view).

A bus will take you to Aguas Calientes. Here, you have the option of visiting the town's hot springs (S/ 10.00 soles). We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.

• Daytime climate: hot with mosquitoes
• Walking time: 2 hours
• Total distance: 4 hours

Reservations: As the number of trekking permits is limited to 250 per day (approximately 200 tourists and 50 trekkers), it is important to book well in advance, especially during the high season between May and September. In the low season between December and January, it is possible to purchase a ticket approximately 30 days in advance.

Inclusions – Carefully Included for a Smooth Four-Day Experience

Includes:

• Pre-briefing time at 17 hrs in our office 1 or 2 days before your date departure (It will be confirmed at the time of booking)
• A tourist bus from the hotel to Lares village
• Entrance to the thermal baths in Lares village
• Transport from Pucara to Ollantaytambo where the train station is situated
• Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
• 2 ways tourist bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and back to Aguas Calientes
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Collective tourist transfer from the train station in Ollantaytambo to the centre of Cusco (Plaza Regocijo / Few meters of Plaza de Armas or Marriott Hotel / Calle Ruinas, beginning of San Blas neighbourhood)
• Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
• Hostel with private room and bathroom in Aguas Calientes
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• High quality camping equipment (professional Eureka tents, extra light/4.5kgs for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/Option vegetarian)
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horseman and mules for all camping and personal equipment of the (up to 4 kg)

Excludes

• Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town
• Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes where the train station is situated; you can either pay the cost of $ 12.00 for the bus-Service or walk back to Aguas Calientes which will take you about an hour
• Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes town (it cost S/ 10.00 Nuevos soles)

Packing List – What to Bring for Mountain Trail

Travel Info – Helpful Details Before Your Four-Day Adventure

1. Briefings

   All briefings are done at our office at 5:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.

2. Pickups

   Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.

   Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through.

   They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.

3. Huaynapicchu/Machu Picchu Mountain

   Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.

   Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 1 hour to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM.

   Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.

   Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 2 hours to the top and another 1 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows – from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day treks, the Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.

   Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.

4. Machu Picchu Entrance Times

   Entry times to Machu Picchu are fixed and non-adjustable. Nevertheless, a grace period is typically granted to accommodate unexpected delays.

   Schedules (*)	Peak Season: Arrival Policy (**)	Low Season: Arrival Policy (**)
   06:00 am	Until 06:30 am	Until 06:45 am
   07:00 am	Until 07:30 am	Until 07:45 am
   08:00 am	Until 08:30 am	Until 08:45 am
   09:00 am	Until 09:30 am	Until 09:45 am
   10:00 am	Until 10:30 am	Until 10:45 am
   11:00 am	Until 11:30 am	Until 11:45 am
   12:00 pm	Until 12:30 pm	Until 12:45 pm
   01:00 pm	Until 01:30 pm	Until 01:45 pm
   02:00 pm	Until 02:30 pm	Until 02:45 pm
   03:00 pm	Until 03:30 pm	Until 03:45 pm

   (*) Entry time at the main gate of the Inca city of Machupicchu.

   (**) Entry at the control points of Machupicchu, Waynapicchu, and Huchuypicchu mountains does not have a grace period.

5. Health Concerns

   You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

   You are responsible for assessing whether a tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.

   Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

   If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.

   If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

6. Group Tours

   Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.

   Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.

7. Strikes

   Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.

   Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

8. Lost Items

   You are responsible for your items throughout the tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.

   Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whose it is.

9. Tips

   Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.

   Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is $20 USD per person per trek.

   For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.

10. Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.

    Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

11. Weather

    Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared.

    No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

    Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

    It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

    More Information About the Weather (BOTÓN)

12. Altitude Sickness

    As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.

    Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.

    With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.

    Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea.

    Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

    Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.

    Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.

    You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea.

    If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Xtreme Tourbulencia guides are trained to help you get through it.

13. Getting To Cusco

    The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

    The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LATAM tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any inclement weather will stop air traffic.

    Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

Hotels – Comfortable Stays Before and After the Trek

To begin, we’d like to suggest some accommodation options throughout Cusco. Although it’s a small city, more and more streets are becoming traffic-free pedestrian zones.

Therefore, we’ve selected comfortable and well-located hotels that also allow us easy access to pick you up. These are just ideas; you’re free to choose your accommodation.

Check out our hotels (BOTÓN)

FAQs – Common Questions About the Lares Route

1. What is the Lares Trek difficulty level?

   The Lares Trek is considered moderate to challenging, suitable for hikers with good physical fitness. The highest point reaches 4,450 meters, requiring proper acclimatization. Previous hiking experience is recommended but not mandatory.

2. How does Lares Trek compare to Inca Trail?

   Unlike the crowded Inca Trail, the Lares Trek offers authentic cultural experiences with fewer tourists. While both routes lead to Machu Picchu, Lares focuses more on living Andean culture and stunning mountain landscapes rather than archaeological sites.

3. What should I pack for the Lares Trek?

   Essential items include:

   • Warm sleeping bag (rated to -10°C)
   • Waterproof hiking boots
   • Layered clothing system
   • Rain gear and warm jacket
   • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
   • Personal medications
   • Camera and extra batteries
   • Water purification tablets

4. When is the best time for Lares Trek?

   The optimal trekking season runs from May through September during Peru’s dry season. These months offer the clearest mountain views and most stable weather conditions. The rainy season (November-March) can make trails muddy and dangerous.

5. Do I need permits for Lares Trek?

   No advance permits are required for the Lares Trek, unlike the heavily regulated Inca Trail. However, Machu Picchu entrance tickets must be purchased in advance, especially during peak season (June-August).

6. What accommodation is provided?

   The trek includes three nights of camping with professional-grade equipment. High-quality tents, sleeping mats, and dining facilities are provided. The final night is typically spent in Aguas Calientes hotels before the Machu Picchu visit.

7. Is altitude sickness a concern?

   Altitude sickness can affect anyone above 3,000 meters. Proper acclimatization in Cusco (2-3 days minimum) is essential. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and inform your guide of any symptoms immediately.

8. What meals are included?

   All meals from Day 1 lunch through Day 4 breakfast are included. Professional trek chefs prepare nutritious, high-energy meals using fresh local ingredients. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

9. How many people are in each group?

   Group sizes typically range from 2-12 participants to ensure personalized attention and minimal environmental impact. Smaller groups allow for better cultural interactions and more flexible itineraries.

10. What cultural experiences are included?

    The Lares Trek emphasizes authentic cultural immersion through:

    • Traditional village visits
    • Textile weaving demonstrations
    • Local family interactions
    • Ancient farming technique observations
    • Indigenous language exposure

11. Is travel insurance necessary?

    Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited in remote mountain areas, making evacuation insurance crucial for serious emergencies.

12. What fitness level is required?

    Participants should be capable of hiking 6-8 hours daily on uneven terrain while carrying a small daypack. Regular cardio exercise and practice hikes with elevation gain are recommended preparation activities.

13. Are guides included in the package?

    Yes, experienced bilingual guides accompany all groups. These certified professionals possess extensive knowledge of local culture, history, and mountain safety. Many guides are from local communities, providing authentic cultural perspectives.

14. What happens in case of bad weather?

    Weather contingency plans are always in place. While some rain is normal, severe weather may require route modifications for safety. Alternative activities and indoor cultural experiences can substitute outdoor activities when necessary.

15. How do I book the Lares Trek?

    Booking should be done through reputable local operators with proper certifications and insurance. Compare packages carefully, ensuring they include all mentioned services, equipment, and entrance fees. Book at least 2-3 months in advance for peak season travel.