Peru
Peru – Lares Trek with Llamas to Machu Picchu
Peru – Lares Trek with Llamas to Machu Picchu
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Demanding
Overview
This tour combines the lives of Quechua communities with the magic of the Inca Trail. You'll hike with llamas through the highlands of the Lares Valley, meet local families, and learn about their weaving techniques. Then, from kilometer 104, you'll follow the Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna and through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu.
The Lares Trek combines a spectacular high Andean hike with authentic encounters in traditional Quechua communities. Llamas carry your luggage – just as in Inca times – while you walk past glacial lakes, high passes and grazing herds of llamas and alpacas. The route leads through the Mantanay Valley with its polylepis forests and waterfalls to the lakes of Auroray Cocha and over the Huayruruyoc pass to the community of Patacancha. Here, families still farm and weave as their ancestors did, and you learn about their daily life and time-honored textile techniques. On the third day, the train takes you to Aguas Calientes, and the next morning you explore Machu Picchu at sunrise on a guided tour. We travel in small groups of up to 12 people with experienced local guides.
Tour Code
Tour language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Itinerary
Day 1
Trekking with Llamas to Auroray Cocha
Campsite Auroray Cocha (4,150 m / 13,615 ft)
10 km / 6.2 mi · 6–7 h · max. 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 am and drive through the Sacred Valley to Urubamba (2,870 m / 9,416 ft) for breakfast and last supplies. From there, we continue to the community of Yanahuara-Pucara (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), the starting point of our trek. The trail climbs gently through the Mantanay Valley to Misky Uno (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), with magnificent mountain views, native polylepis trees and streams fed by waterfalls. Along the way, we often pass llamas and alpacas grazing peacefully. After the first lake, Yuraq Cocha, we continue up to Auroray Cocha (4,150 m / 13,615 ft), where we camp for the night. Today you cover 10 km (6.2 mi) in 6–7 hours of hiking.
Trekking with Llamas to Auroray Cocha
Day 1
Campsite Auroray Cocha (4,150 m / 13,615 ft)
10 km / 6.2 mi · 6–7 h · max. 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 am and drive through the Sacred Valley to Urubamba (2,870 m / 9,416 ft) for breakfast and last supplies. From there, we continue to the community of Yanahuara-Pucara (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), the starting point of our trek. The trail climbs gently through the Mantanay Valley to Misky Uno (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), with magnificent mountain views, native polylepis trees and streams fed by waterfalls. Along the way, we often pass llamas and alpacas grazing peacefully. After the first lake, Yuraq Cocha, we continue up to Auroray Cocha (4,150 m / 13,615 ft), where we camp for the night. Today you cover 10 km (6.2 mi) in 6–7 hours of hiking.
Day 2
Trekking with Llamas to Patacancha
Campsite Patacancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft)
10 km / 6.2 mi · 6–7 h · max. 4,300 m / 14,108 ft
After a hearty breakfast, we gradually ascend to the Huayruruyoc pass (4,300 m / 14,108 ft), with breathtaking views of the shimmering lake and the surrounding mountains. From the pass, we descend past a series of lakes that are home to many bird species and stop for lunch at Puka Cocha. In the afternoon, we continue to the community of Patacancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), home to Quechua-speaking families who have preserved their ancestral traditions of farming and herding. We spend the night here. Today you cover 10 km (6.2 mi) in 6–7 hours of hiking.
Trekking with Llamas to Patacancha
Day 2
Campsite Patacancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft)
10 km / 6.2 mi · 6–7 h · max. 4,300 m / 14,108 ft
After a hearty breakfast, we gradually ascend to the Huayruruyoc pass (4,300 m / 14,108 ft), with breathtaking views of the shimmering lake and the surrounding mountains. From the pass, we descend past a series of lakes that are home to many bird species and stop for lunch at Puka Cocha. In the afternoon, we continue to the community of Patacancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), home to Quechua-speaking families who have preserved their ancestral traditions of farming and herding. We spend the night here. Today you cover 10 km (6.2 mi) in 6–7 hours of hiking.
Day 3
Patacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Hotel, Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
After breakfast, you get to know the daily life of the local families and learn about their weaving techniques, passed down through generations – a warm and personal encounter. Our private transport then takes us to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we board the train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). After checking into your hotel, you have time to relax or explore the town before dinner.
Patacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Day 3
Hotel, Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
After breakfast, you get to know the daily life of the local families and learn about their weaving techniques, passed down through generations – a warm and personal encounter. Our private transport then takes us to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we board the train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). After checking into your hotel, you have time to relax or explore the town before dinner.
Day 4
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) to enjoy the citadel in the quiet of the early morning and watch the sunrise over the ruins. Your guide then leads you on a tour of its most important buildings and temples; our entry slot is between 6:00 and 10:00 am. Afterwards, you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Day 4
After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) to enjoy the citadel in the quiet of the early morning and watch the sunrise over the ruins. Your guide then leads you on a tour of its most important buildings and temples; our entry slot is between 6:00 and 10:00 am. Afterwards, you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Price from
€810.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Trek Briefing: Briefing at your hotel two days before departure, where you also receive your duffel bag.
Professional Guide: Bilingual local guide (English and Spanish) with deep knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history, traditions, flora and fauna; two guides for groups of more than eight.
Permits & Entrance Fees: Entrance fees for the local communities and Machu Picchu.
Llamas & Horsemen: Llamas carry your duffel bag (max. 6 kg / 13 lb) as well as tents, food and cooking equipment.
Camping Equipment: Spacious 4-person tents (Eureka Timberline SQ 4XT) shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, dining and kitchen tents.
Meals & Chef: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners prepared by our chef, plus daily afternoon tea; vegetarian and special diets on request.
Hygiene & Drinking Water: Warm water and biodegradable soap every morning and afternoon; filtered and boiled drinking water from Day 2.
Transportation: Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead and from Patacancha to Ollantaytambo station, private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
Train & Bus Tickets: Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes round trip; bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu round trip on Day 4.
Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (double room); upgrades on request.
First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including emergency oxygen on Days 1 and 2.
Taxes & Fees: All taxes and permit fees included; no hidden costs.
What's not included
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
Meals: First breakfast in Urubamba on Day 1 and last lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 4.
Sleeping Bag: Available for rent – see options.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for the crew (guide, chef, horsemen) are optional and appreciated; personal expenses are not included.
Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: Choose this option when booking if you want to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu. As availability is limited, booking in advance is recommended.
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
High (up to 4,300 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – challenging: Two days of hiking with about 10 km (6.2 mi) and 6–7 hours per day at high altitude, with steady climbs and descents. Good fitness and sure-footedness are required.
Altitude – high: The highest point is the Huayruruyoc pass at 4,300 m / 14,108 ft; the first campsite at Auroray Cocha lies at 4,150 m / 13,615 ft. We recommend arriving in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) at least two days before the trek to acclimatize.
Culture & nature – balanced: Glacial lakes, high Andean landscapes and llama herds, combined with Quechua culture in Patacancha and the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Camping, hotel & llamas: Two nights in tents and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Llamas carry your duffel bag (max. 6 kg / 13 lb); you only carry a light daypack.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Optional
Sleeping Bag
€25.00
per person
Wayna Picchu (Huayna Picchu)
Steep, narrow stone stairs with exposed sections and drop-offs – a head for heights and sure-footedness are required. Limited availability, booking in advance is recommended.
€75.00
per person
Machu Picchu Mountain
Long, steep stone stairs with some drop-offs – a head for heights is recommended. Limited availability, booking in advance is recommended.
€75.00
per person
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€20.00
per person
Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€25.00
per person
Groups of 6 or more: contact info@silvertip.at for special rates and tailor-made options.
Notes on the trip
Regulations
Entry times are strictly enforced by the Ministry of Culture. We secure permits for the 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM slot to ensure the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Good to know
Acclimatization: We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek.
Small groups: Departures with 4 to 12 people; private treks on request.
What to bring
Daypack: A comfortable backpack for your daily essentials.
Original Passport: Mandatory; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, plus sandals or light shoes for camp.
Clothing: Rain jacket and pants or a poncho, a complete change of clothes, warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) and thermal clothing for the cold nights.
Protection: Sunscreen, after-sun cream, hat and insect repellent.
Gear: Metal or Nalgene water bottle, headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit and medications, small towel, toilet paper and optional walking poles (must have rubber tips).
Extras: Snacks, camera with spare batteries (they drain faster in the cold) and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.