4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu via Sicllakasa Pass
The 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu combines three days of hiking through the remote Lares Valley with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes and a guided visit to Machu Picchu on the final day. Beginning and ending in Cusco, the complete route covers approximately 31 km (19.2 miles) on foot.
The trail passes through Pumahuanca, Puyoc, the Sicllakasa Pass, Cuncani, and the Lares hot springs. Its highest point reaches 4,830 m (15,850 ft), making this a moderate-to-challenging trek recommended for acclimatized travelers with good physical fitness.
Along the way, you will hike through high-altitude valleys, camp beneath the Andes, and learn about daily life in a traditional Quechua community. After reaching Lares, private transportation takes you to Ollantaytambo for the train to Aguas Calientes. The Lares route therefore reaches Machu Picchu through a combination of hiking, road transportation, and train travel—not by walking directly into the citadel.
The package includes professional guides, a trekking crew, meals on the trail, camping equipment, mule support, transportation, train and bus tickets, Machu Picchu admission, and one night in a three-star hotel. Small groups are limited to eight travelers, with private departures also available.
Tour Highlights
- Hike from Pumahuanca into the remote Lares Valley
- Camp near Puyoc surrounded by high Andean scenery
- Cross Sicllakasa Pass at 4,830 m (15,850 ft)
- See alpine lakes and the snowcapped Urubamba mountain range
- Visit Cuncani and learn about local weaving traditions
- Relax in the natural hot springs of Lares
- Ride the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Stay overnight near Machu Picchu
- Tour Machu Picchu with a professional guide
- Choose between a small-group or private departure
The leading competitors use several different Lares routes, including Cancha Cancha, Kiswarani, Huaran, and Maras. Your page should emphasize its actual Pumahuanca–Puyoc–Sicllakasa–Cuncani route so travelers understand exactly what they are booking.
Itinerary
4 Day Lares Trek Itinerary
Click any day to expand/collapse
Day 1
Cusco – Pumahuanca – Puyoc Camp
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. and travel by private vehicle to Pumahuanca, where you meet the trekking team and prepare for the first day of hiking.
The trail begins with a gradual climb through a quiet Andean valley. As the elevation increases, the vegetation changes and sections of native Polylepis forest appear along the route. Your guide will set a steady pace and allow time for water and rest stops.
After lunch on the trail, we continue toward Puyoc. This final section is more demanding because of the elevation, but it also provides wider views of the surrounding mountains. At camp, the crew will have the tents ready and serve a warm dinner.
Day 1 details
- Hiking distance: Approximately 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Hiking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
- Highest elevation: 4,300 m / 14,107 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Accommodation: Tent camping at Puyoc
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Pumahuanca
- Polylepis forest
- Upper Lares Valley
- Puyoc camp
Day 2
Puyoc – Sicllakasa Pass – Cuncani – Lares
After an early breakfast, we begin the most demanding section of the trek. The trail climbs steadily toward Sicllakasa Pass, the highest point of the entire route.
Reaching the pass at 4,830 m (15,850 ft) requires patience rather than speed. From the top, weather permitting, you can see glaciers, high Andean valleys, and sections of the Urubamba mountain range.
We then descend past alpine lakes toward Cuncani. The terrain becomes easier as elevation decreases, although some sections may be steep or slippery. After reaching the community area, we continue by vehicle toward Lares and the local hot springs, where you can rest before dinner.
Day 2 details
- Hiking distance: Approximately 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Hiking time: Approximately 8–9 hours
- Highest elevation: 4,830 m / 15,850 ft
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Accommodation: Tent camping near Lares
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Puyoc
- Sicllakasa Pass
- High Andean lakes
- Cuncani and Lares
Day 3
Lares – Cuncani Area – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we spend part of the morning in the Cuncani area. Depending on local arrangements, you may visit a family home and learn how wool is prepared, colored with natural materials, and woven into traditional textiles.
Following the final walking section, we meet the support team for lunch and say goodbye to the muleteers and trekking crew. Private transportation then takes us through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo.
In the afternoon, we board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes. The railway follows the Urubamba River as the dry Andean scenery gradually changes into cloud forest. Upon arrival, you will check into a three-star hotel and receive the final details for the Machu Picchu visit.
Day 3 details
- Hiking distance: Approximately 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Hiking time: Approximately 3 hours
- Highest elevation: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Accommodation: Three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Lares
- Cuncani community area
- Ollantaytambo
- Aguas Calientes
Day 4
Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast, we travel from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Your guide will accompany you through the official circuit assigned to your entrance ticket and explain the history, construction, and function of the Inca citadel.
The guided visit usually lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the assigned circuit and current visitor regulations. Because each circuit follows a fixed route, the archaeological sectors and viewpoints included may vary.
After the visit, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Ollantaytambo. A driver will be waiting at the station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival is generally expected at approximately 7:00 p.m., depending on the confirmed train schedule.
Day 4 details
- Machu Picchu elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Guided visit: Approximately 2.5–3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate walking with stone steps
- Return: Train and ground transportation
- Meals: Breakfast
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
- Ollantaytambo
- Cusco
Inclusions
What Is Included
- Pre-trek briefing in Cusco
- Hotel pickup and final drop-off in Cusco
- Private transportation to the Pumahuanca trailhead
- Transportation from Lares to Ollantaytambo
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide
- Assistant guide when required by the group size
- Trekking chef, muleteers, and support team
- Pack horses for camping equipment and food
- Personal duffel allowance of up to 7 kg / 15 lb
- Two nights of tent camping
- Four-season tents and sleeping mats
- Dining and kitchen equipment
- One night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners
- Drinking water from lunch on Day 1
- Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the assigned circuit
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Satellite communication equipment for remote sections
What Is Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Lunch and dinner on Day 4
- Cold-weather sleeping bag
- Trekking pole rental
- Inflatable air mattress
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket
- Vistadome or other train-class upgrade
- Hotel accommodation in Cusco
- Flights or transportation to Cusco
- Travel and medical insurance
- Additional drinks and personal snacks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for the guide, chef, muleteers, and driver
Optional equipment and mountain tickets should be requested when booking and remain subject to availability.
Packing List
Lares Trek Packing List
Documents and Trekking Equipment
- Original passport used for the reservation
- Valid physical student ID if a discount was approved
- 20–30-liter daypack with rain cover
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
- Trekking poles with rubber tips
- Cold-weather sleeping bag
- Reusable bottle or hydration bladder with at least 2-liter capacity
- Headlamp with spare batteries
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking hiking shirts
- Comfortable hiking pants
- Thermal base layers
- Warm fleece or sweater
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat or cap
- Several pairs of hiking socks
- Comfortable clothing for the hotel night
- Swimsuit and small towel for the Lares hot springs
Personal Items
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Blister treatment
- Hand sanitizer and basic toiletries
- Phone or camera
- Portable charger
- Small amount of cash in Peruvian soles
Large suitcases should remain at your Cusco hotel. The pack horses carry a maximum of 7 kg (15 lb) of personal belongings during the trekking portion, while you carry your passport, water, rain gear, sun protection, medication, and other daily essentials.
Price
Tour Prices
Prices are in US dollars and apply per person.
Small-Group Tour
| Travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 people | US$645 |
| 4 or more people | US$625 |
| Eligible children or students | US$595 |
This service may be shared with other confirmed travelers and has a maximum group size of eight. The group follows the scheduled itinerary, while the guide adjusts the walking pace when necessary for safety.
Private Tour
| Travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 people | US$795 |
| 4 or more people | US$745 |
| Eligible children or students | US$735 |
The private option provides a guide and trekking team assigned to your party. Rest stops and the daily walking pace can be adapted within the confirmed route, campsite arrangements, and train schedule.
Pricing conditions
- A minimum of two travelers is required.
- Prices are stated per person.
- Student discounts require a valid physical university card and approval during booking.
- Child eligibility and required documents must be confirmed before payment.
- Optional tickets, equipment rentals, and train upgrades are not included.
- Availability depends on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train seats, and operating conditions.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lares Trek
Does the Lares Trek go to Machu Picchu?
Yes. The tour includes Machu Picchu, but the hiking trail does not reach the citadel directly. After completing the Lares section, you travel to Ollantaytambo and continue by train to Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu on Day 4.
Is the Lares Trek the same as the Classic Inca Trail?
No. The Lares Trek travels through high Andean valleys and rural communities, while the Classic Inca Trail follows a regulated archaeological route and enters Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. The Lares itinerary combines hiking with road and train transportation.
Do I need an Inca Trail permit?
No Classic Inca Trail permit is required for the Lares route. However, you still need a dated Machu Picchu entrance ticket and confirmed train reservations. These services have limited availability, so booking early remains important.
How difficult is the four-day trek?
The tour is moderate to challenging because of its altitude and consecutive hiking days. The hardest section is Day 2, when you walk approximately eight to nine hours and cross Sicllakasa Pass at 4,830 m (15,850 ft). Technical climbing experience is not required.
How far do I walk?
The complete trekking portion covers approximately 31 km (19.2 miles). The distance is divided across the first three days, with the longest section occurring on Day 2.
How many days should I spend acclimatizing?
Spend at least two or three full days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before departure. Travelers arriving directly from sea level should not begin this trek immediately.
Can a solo traveler join the tour?
A solo traveler may join an existing confirmed small-group departure. A minimum of two participants is required to open a new departure. Private service for one traveler would require separate confirmation and pricing.
Is this trek suitable for children?
The current recommended minimum age is 16. Younger travelers should only participate after the operator has reviewed their hiking experience, acclimatization plan, health, and ability to camp in cold conditions.
Can I complete the Lares Trek without a guide?
The Lares Valley is not regulated in the same way as the Classic Inca Trail, but independent hiking is not recommended for inexperienced visitors. The area contains multiple route variations, remote sections, limited signage, high mountain passes, and few services. This package includes a guide, transport, camping logistics, meals, pack animals, train reservations, and Machu Picchu admission.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Vegetarian and other dietary requests may usually be accommodated when provided before departure. Travelers with allergies, celiac disease, or strict dietary requirements should submit detailed information during booking so the trekking kitchen can confirm what can be prepared safely.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, provided tickets are available and the entrance time is compatible with your assigned Machu Picchu circuit. These tickets are not included and should be requested when booking.
What happens if the weather affects the trail?
The guide may adjust walking times, rest stops, transportation, or parts of the schedule when weather creates unsafe conditions. Rain, fog, strong wind, and cold temperatures are possible throughout the year.
What is the best time to take the Lares Trek?
May through October generally offers drier hiking conditions. April, May, September, and October can provide a balance between weather and visitor numbers, while the wetter months require stronger rain protection and flexible expectations.
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John Taqquere
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Travel specialist in Machu Picchu
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