A pass at 4,700 m beats the crowd. This 5-day Ultimate Lares trek routes you along the calmer Lares trail to UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, and you’ll arrive in the afternoon with a chance to see the city with fewer people. I love that the itinerary mixes Andean village life and Lares Hot Springs with Machu Picchu, not just ruins on repeat. One consideration: Day 2 is the real test, with the Condor Pass summit at altitude, so you’ll want a steady pace and a bit of fitness.

What makes this trip feel doable (and safe) is the crew setup. You get hotel pickup in Cusco, all transport while trekking, a small group (max 12), and a working team that often includes guides like Manolo, Sara, Elias, Rosmel, and Eddy, plus camp chefs such as Augusto, Oscar, Tiburcio, and others praised for feeding people well. The only drawback worth planning for is that you’re still doing a multi-day trek with real elevation, and you’ll need to pack smart for a horse-carry system.

Lares Trek + Machu Picchu: the key reasons this itinerary wins

• Quieter Lares route to Machu Picchu instead of the busiest paths
• Hot springs at the start to ease your muscles before hiking
• A high pass day that includes Condor Pass at 4,700 m
• Two nights camping with comfortable equipment, plus hot tea on waking (in past trips)
• Machu Picchu almost empty thanks to an afternoon arrival on Day 4
• Small group size (up to 12) with a full support team

Cusco morning logistics: early start, then the real Andes

You should expect a very early day. The tour lists a meeting time of 4:30 am, and Day 1 starts with hotel pickup around 5:30 am. That gap usually comes down to getting everyone collected and routed correctly, but the main point is simple: this trek is built for early starts because the hiking and train timing don’t wait.

From Cusco, you’ll drive toward the Sacred Valley area first, with a stop at a local market. Then you head into the Lares region, which is the whole point of this itinerary: you trade the most crowded routes for a calmer trail through smaller communities and high valleys.

Day 1 Lares Hot Springs, Kiswarani village, and that lake campsite

Day 1 is designed like a gentle on-ramp. You start with a drive to the Sacred Valley, then you reach the famous Lares thermo-medicinal baths by about 8:00 am. You’ll jump straight into medicinal pools set at different temperatures—great for sore bones and tense muscles, and also a practical way to help your body feel better before you start hiking.

After breakfast, the trek begins uphill for about 2 hours until Kiswarani village, then another 2 hours to camp. Your first campsite is on the bank of a beautiful blue lake around 3,750 m, with tents set up and a hot cup of tea waiting for you. At this altitude, the evenings can feel sharp even when the days are bright, so bring layers you’re comfortable sleeping in.

One of my favorite parts of this kind of first day is the pacing: you’re not trying to win a race. Past groups have also highlighted how the crew keeps mornings moving smoothly (hot tea, clear instructions), and that matters when you’re adjusting to altitude.

What to watch: Day 1 is labeled easy, but you’re still walking at 3,750 m. Keep your effort moderate and don’t sprint to “make up time.” Poco a poco wins here.

Day 2 Condor Pass at 4,700 m and Cancha Cancha’s Quechua-only life

If Day 1 is your warm-up, Day 2 is the day that earns the bragging rights. After waking with coffee or cocoa, you’ll hike uphill for about 4 hours to Condor Pass (4,700 m). Then you explore at the summit before starting a 3-hour descent through steep, dramatic scenery.

This is also where the Lares route gets culturally interesting. Your campsite is at Cancha Cancha (3,750 m), described as the only village in the Lares Valley completely isolated from modern technology: no drainage system, no electricity, no computers, no internet, and no cellphone service. The language there is Quechua.

That’s not just trivia. It changes the feel of the day. The trip becomes less about passing through set-piece sights and more about seeing how people live in places that are still remote. Also, if you care about doing tourism that feels human-scale, this is one of the reasons this itinerary gets such strong recommendations.

Day 2 distance is listed at 16 km and duration about 7 hours (with the altitude included in that math). That’s a long day, and it’s why the tour asks for moderate physical fitness.

What to watch: Even if you’re an experienced hiker, Condor Pass can slow you down. Hydrate, move steadily, and keep an eye on your breathing. If you feel unusually dizzy, it’s okay to ask your guide to adjust pace.

Day 3 From Huaran to Ollantaytambo: sacred valley walking with a historic payoff

Day 3 starts with another quiet village morning, with coffee or tea. After breakfast, you walk downhill for about 4 hours. The trek part concludes in Huaran (2,700 m), and then you switch to private transport.

Then comes a smart change of pace: from Huaran you take a private bus to Salineras and Ollantaytambo, including time to explore. Ollantaytambo is often called the last living Inca city, and you’ll spend time in the ancient streets and specifically the Inca water channel that’s said to have been in use since Inca time.

In a lot of tours, day three can feel like a blur. Here it acts like the bridge day: you’re still active, but you’re also setting up the big Machu Picchu logistics.

The day ends with dinner at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo and a night in a hotel, which you’ll likely appreciate after two nights of camping.

What to watch: This day is labeled easy, but you’ll still be at altitude and you’re transitioning between hiking and transport. Comfortable shoes and a calm pace still matter.

Day 4 Train to km 104, Chachabamba ruins, Wiñay Huayna, and your first Machu Picchu view

Day 4 is where the whole trip starts to feel like it’s “clicking” into Machu Picchu time. You start around 6:00 am from your hotel. Then you walk to the train station and take a 1 hour 30 minute train ride along the Urubamba River from Ollantaytambo to km 104 at Chachabamba, in a cloud forest zone.

From there, the hike begins. Your first stop is Chachabamba, an Inca ruin. Then you continue for about 4 hours to Wiñay Huayna (“the place that never gets old”). A packed lunch and refreshments are provided.

After that, you keep walking to the Sun Gate for your first major glimpse of Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate, it’s about 1 hour downhill into the city itself. The timing is a key advantage here: you arrive in the afternoon, so you’ll often experience Machu Picchu with fewer crowds than the early-morning rush.

Then you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Dinner is included, and you spend the night in a hotel.

What to watch: You’ll be walking for hours again, but the emotional payoff makes it easier. Still, you’re not on a flat stroll. Treat it like hiking, not like sightseeing.

Day 5 Early buses, sunrise potential, and how the guided tour works

You’ll start early again. The plan is an early breakfast and buses up to the citadel so you can catch sunrise on a clear day. Your guide then leads a 2 to 3 hour tour of Machu Picchu, focused on key areas and how to read the site.

After the guided portion, you’re free to explore on your own or choose an added climb: Huayna Picchu or Montaña. Important detail: tickets for those extra climbs must be booked far in advance, and they’re not included in the base entry.

Then the logistics part kicks in. Your guide will show you how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (lunch not included). After lunch, you’ll take the Panoramic train and bus back to Cusco. The TreXperience team meets you off the train and returns you safely to your hotel.

What to watch: Sunrise depends on weather. If it’s cloudy, you’ll still see Machu Picchu, but don’t gamble your expectations entirely on sky conditions.

Food and camp comfort: why the crew scores so high

This is one of those trips where the food changes how you feel about the whole trek. The itinerary includes 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, and it also includes a Pachamanca cooking demonstration. That’s not just a fun cultural extra; it’s a way to understand why people in the region cook the way they do in mountain settings.

In multiple past trips, the camp kitchens got called out as a highlight. People have mentioned meals being varied and plentiful, and even birthday cakes made on trail in the middle of camping conditions. You might also notice hot tea shows up at camp mornings, and guides provide clear, repeatable instructions so you aren’t constantly guessing what comes next.

Gear-wise, the trek includes two nights of camping in the mountains with comfortable equipment, plus duffle-bag handling: your personal stuff up to 7 kilos is carried by horse. That setup helps you keep your own pack lighter, which matters a lot when you’re walking at altitude.

What to watch: If you tend to feel cold, consider the optional help: the tour notes you can request guidance for items like a mattress, sleeping bag, and trekking poles. If you already own trekking poles, that can simplify your packing.

Price and value: why $980 can feel fair on this route

At $980 per person, you’re paying for more than “a hike.” You’re getting:

• Hotel pickup and full transport during the trek
• Two nights camping with equipment, plus a hotel night in Ollantaytambo and one in Aguas Calientes
• Meals across five days (breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
• The camp team (guides, porters/chefs/horse support)
• Included Machu Picchu entrance (with optional extra climbs not included)
• Duffle-bag carry up to 7 kg for personal gear

For many hikers, the biggest value is that Machu Picchu isn’t tacked on like a separate add-on. The train timing, the guide tour inside Machu Picchu, and the bus logistics are integrated into the trip flow. When you add that the Lares portion is built as a quieter alternative, it starts to make more sense why this package costs what it does.

What to watch: The price doesn’t cover optional climb tickets (Huayna Picchu or Montaña) and lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 5. If you want those climbs, plan ahead so you don’t end up paying extra last-minute.

Pace, altitude, and who should pick this trek

The trek is rated easy on Day 1 and Day 3, but moderate to challenging on Day 2. The highest point is Condor Pass at 4,700 m. That combination (high point plus a long day) is the main thing to think about.

If you can handle steady uphill hiking and you’re comfortable with altitude—slow breathing, slower pace—you’ll likely enjoy this. The tour also specifies moderate physical fitness.

Where this trek really shines is for people who want fewer crowds and more human-scale travel: the quiet Lares route, village life, and that remote-feeling Cancha Cancha night. People have also praised safety and care on small-group treks, including solo travelers.

Who might struggle: If you have significant knee or ankle issues, long descents and stairs on the Machu Picchu side could be harder than expected (especially if you choose extra climbs). You might want to rethink the pace or pick a gentler format.

Quick tips that make your trek feel smoother

• Pack for cold nights at altitude. Campsites sit around 3,750 m, and nights can feel crisp.
• Don’t over-pack. The 7 kg duffle system keeps you from hauling unnecessary weight yourself.
• If Machu Picchu matters to you early, remember you have a sunrise-capable morning, but clarity depends on weather.
• If you’re vegetarian, say it when booking. The tour notes a vegetarian option is available.
• For the best experience, trust the crew. Past groups praised how guides set expectations day-by-day and kept everyone moving safely.

Should you book Ultimate Lares Trek & Inca Trail (5 days)?

Book it if you want Machu Picchu with a side of real Andean life. This itinerary stands out because it starts with Lares Hot Springs, then takes you through quieter villages and a high pass day, and finally delivers Machu Picchu with timing that can feel less hectic.

Skip it (or rethink) if you’re looking for a short, low-stress hike. Day 2’s Condor Pass at 4,700 m plus the long walking hours is the deal-maker, and it’s not a “just stroll” type of day.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys small group travel, good camp food, and fewer crowds at major sights, this is a strong choice. And if you’re the type who likes options at Machu Picchu, plan your extra climb tickets early so you don’t lose that flexibility.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour lists a start meeting time of 4:30 am. Day 1 pickup from your hotel is described as around 5:30 am.

What is the highest altitude on this trek?

The highest point is Condor Pass at 4,700 m.

How many nights will I camp, and where do I stay?

You camp for 2 nights in the mountains. You then stay 2 nights in 3-star hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.

What meals are included?

The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.

Is the Machu Picchu entrance fee included?

Yes, Machu Picchu admission is included. Extra options like Montaña or Waynapicchu are optional and not included.

Is there a guided tour at Machu Picchu?

Yes. Your guide leads a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour on Day 5, then you have time to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña (tickets needed).

What luggage can I bring for horse carry?

You can place personal items in a duffle bag up to 7 kilos for horse transport.

Can the tour accommodate vegetarian diets and children?

A vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult.