The Lares Trek offers a distinct four-day route to Machu Picchu, different from the Inca Trail. This trek crosses the Lares Valley within the Urubamba Mountain Range, with elevations from 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) to 4,800 meters (15,750 feet).
The journey goes through the Sacred Valley, connecting travelers with Andean culture. This path visits remote villages, allowing direct interaction with local families and observation of traditional life. The trek offers immersion into Andean culture by engaging with communities less visited by typical tourism. The route includes varied terrain, from valleys to high mountain passes. At 4,800 meters, wide views of surrounding peaks are available. The trek’s highest point presents a physical test, and completing it provides a sense of achievement. Guides manage the pace for safe travel. This guided trek ensures all operational details are handled for a safe experience. The dry season is best for clear skies.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu a four-day alternative route to the traditional Inca Trail. The trek navigates the Lares Valley within the Urubamba Mountain Range which has a fluctuating altitude between approximately 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) and 4,800 meters (15,750 feet).
The journey proceeds through the Sacred Valley providing a connection to the cultural aspects of the Andean people.
This route goes off the beaten path into remote local villages. It facilitates interaction with local families and observation of traditional lifestyles that have persisted for centuries. The trek allows for an immersion into Andean culture offering engagement with communities not typically accessed by mainstream tourism. The cultural dynamics of these communities are complex and this trek offers only a brief window into their reality. This component is a primary feature of the Lares Trek.
The route covers diverse landscapes from valleys to high mountain passes. Altitudes reach up to 4,800 meters (15,750 feet) where panoramic views of the surrounding peaks are available. The highest point of the trek presents a physical challenge the successful navigation of which provides a sense of accomplishment. Guides will manage the pace to allow for acclimatization and safe travel.
The descent from the Lares Valley leads toward Ollantaytambo at an elevation of 2,792 meters (9,160 feet). From this point the journey continues by train to Aguas Calientes located at 2,040 meters (6,692 feet). From here the objective is to reach the final destination Machu Picchu.
The initial view of Machu Picchu is a significant part of the experience. The Lares Trek offers a distinct method for reaching the site combining cultural exploration with trekking through varied Peruvian landscapes.
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is guided with all operational details planned for a safe experience. All necessary equipment such as sleeping bags is provided and participants are briefed for the journey. This trek is recommended for individuals seeking an authentic alternative to the conventional Inca Trail. The dry season is the optimal period for this trek due to clearer skies and better visibility.
This trek is a viable option for both experienced and novice hikers. The objective is to provide a trek that connects you to the landscape people and history of Peru.
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu begins early with pickup from hotels in Cusco, situated at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). The day starts with a 3.5-hour drive to the town of Lares which is at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,496 feet). During the transit through the Sacred Valley a stop is made in Calca at 2,928 meters (9,606 feet). The local market there allows for the purchase of any last-minute items.
Upon arriving in Lares there is an opportunity to use the natural hot springs. After this we will meet our muleteers and organize the equipment for the trek. The hike commences with a gradual ascent up the Lares Valley. The walk is surrounded by Andean landscapes characterized by mountains and valleys.
Around noon a break for lunch is scheduled at a spot along the trail. After lunch the trek continues through Andean farms where herds of llamas and alpacas are present. This part of the Lares Trek offers opportunities for interaction with local families providing insight into highland life.
By late afternoon the first campsite is reached in the village of Wacawasi at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,464 feet). Upon arrival tea or coffee and snacks are provided. As evening approaches a full dinner is prepared by the team. After a substantial dinner prepared by the team we’ll settle in and call it a day.
Details for ,day 1
The second day of the Lares Trek begins with an early breakfast at the Wacawasi campsite. The day’s objective is the ascent to the highest point of the trek the Puerto Pass at 4,420 meters (14,498 feet). The climb is gradual and takes approximately four hours. The route is through a high-altitude landscape with llamas and alpacas.
At the Puerto Pass we will pause to view the valley below. The guide will explain the Andean tradition of Apacheta. This is a ritual where travelers stack stones as an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for a safe journey. This practice connects the trek to Inca cultural roots. After the pass we need to get our bearings for the descent.
Following the break the descent begins towards the lunch location. The trail leads to a lagoon where a freshly prepared meal is served. The quiet surroundings offer a place to rest before continuing.
After lunch the descent continues into the Mantanay Valley an area noted for its native Queuña trees. These trees are adapted to the high altitudes between 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) and 4,300 meters (14,104 feet). The trek through this valley is characterized by natural tranquility and local biodiversity.
By late afternoon the second campsite in the Mantanay Valley is reached. A warm meal is provided and there is time to rest. The evening is spent in the highland atmosphere in preparation for the next day.
Details for day 2
The third day of the trek starts with breakfast at the Mantanay Valley campsite. Afterward the descent begins towards Yanahuara Village, located at approximately 2,870 meters (9,416 feet) in the Sacred Valley. The trail goes downhill for about three hours with views of the surrounding landscapes. The hike passes through a highland forest environment.
Upon reaching Yanahuara Village a break is taken for lunch. This is the point to part ways with the muleteers and chef whose support was integral to the trek.
After lunch private transport is boarded for the trip to the Ollantaytambo train station. The drive through the Sacred Valley provides a final view of the region’s culture. At the station a train is taken to Aguas Calientes. The train ride is about one hour and forty-five minutes and offers views of Andean villages and the tropical forest. Once we have our gear we can hit the road to the train station.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes we will check into our hotel. The accommodation includes a private ensuite room for rest before the final day. In the evening the town can be explored and a local restaurant selected for dinner.
Details for day 3
The fourth day of the Lares Trek begins with an early breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes. A 25-minute bus ride follows up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, situated at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet). The guide will assist with the security controls for entry into the citadel.
Upon entering Machu Picchu it is common for morning clouds to obscure the view which then gradually clear to reveal the ruins as the sun rises. This moment is a key part of the experience.
The guide will lead a detailed tour of the citadel. The tour covers the history and cultural significance of Machu Picchu visiting the main temples terraces and ceremonial sites. This provides a deeper understanding of Inca civilization and architecture. After the guided tour there is free time for independent exploration.
For those with pre-booked hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain the guide will coordinate the timing. Both hikes offer different views of the citadel and surrounding area.
Alternatively it is possible to walk to the Sun Gate which does not require a permit and is free to access. The Sun Gate is the entry point for the Inca Trail and provides a panoramic view of the site. Another option is to visit the Inca Bridge a less-frequented path.
After exploring Machu Picchu the bus is taken back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon the train is boarded for the return to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station based on ticket availability. The train ride offers a final view of the Andean scenery.
Upon arrival at the train station a representative will provide transport back to the hotel in Cusco concluding the Lares Trek.
Details for day 4
What to Expect on your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
“Cusco Tours” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.
Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.
We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.
At “Cusco Tours,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.
To ensure a more personalized experience at “Cusco Tours,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.
Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “Cusco Tours” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.
We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!
Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “Cusco Tours” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“Cusco Tours” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.
We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.
Ready for an authentic adventure? Our highly-rated Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is available on any date that works for you, as long as we have a minimum of two explorers. Solo travelers are always welcome to join an existing group!
Group Adventure: Connect & Explore Join a vibrant group and share the experience.
Minimum of 2 people needed to start a new group.
Private Journey: Personalized & Exclusive For a more intimate experience tailored to your pace.
Heads up: Deduct $30 USD per person from private tour prices if you prefer to arrange your own Aguas Calientes accommodation. The group discount for 5+ people is already factored into these private rates.
We love making adventures accessible. Check out these ways to save:
Customize your comfort and adventure:
We go the extra mile to ensure your journey is smooth and memorable. Your trek includes: