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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is the premier alternative hike to the Inca Trail for those looking to explore less frequented paths. This remarkable trek will take you through Andean villages, local schools, and alongside llamas and alpacas, all while you enjoy breathtaking views of majestic mountains and icy glacial lakes. Tours depart daily year-round!
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu takes you away from the crowded trails, allowing you to meet and interact with members of traditional Andean communities and explore the Andes in solitude. You will learn about life in these isolated villages, become acquainted with their culture and traditions, walk alongside llamas and alpacas, and even visit a local school. The trek culminates with your Illapa Peru Trip, spending an unforgettable day exploring Machu Picchu.
Depart from Cusco at 4:30 AM by van to the renowned Lares Hot Springs, arriving around 8:00 AM. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself directly in the medicinal thermal pools with varying temperatures beneficial for bones, muscles, stress relief, and relaxation, all while enjoying stunning mountain views. Following this, enjoy an energizing breakfast prepared by your trekking chef.
Your adventure begins with a 4-hour hike to the village of Cuncani, where you will savor a fresh lunch made with local ingredients. After lunch, continue hiking for 3 hours, passing beautiful Andean lakes, waterfalls, and incredible mountain vistas until you reach the village of Kiswarani. Upon arriving at our campsite, your tents and a warm cup of tea will be waiting for you.
Wake up early with a cup of coffee or tea and begin packing for the most challenging day of the Lares Trek. After breakfast, embark on a 4-hour uphill hike to Paso Cóndor at 4,700 m / 15,354 feet. Along the way, enjoy stunning lakes where you might spot Wallatas (Andean geese or ‘agapornis’) swimming in crystal-clear waters. Upon reaching the summit, you will be directly facing Ausangate, allowing you to fully appreciate the Chilca Valley, where numerous alpacas graze along the hills. The experience is so awe-inspiring that it can feel reminiscent of the Kilimanjaro Trails in Africa. After capturing excellent photographs, continue with a gradual 2-hour downhill hike (in some sections, the trail may still be somewhat challenging to follow) to our lunch spot in the Chilca Valley. The views here are always breathtaking, featuring waterfalls, green hills, and distant snow-capped mountain peaks.
After enjoying lunch and a short nap, proceed to the day’s second pass, Paso Vicuña, at 5,300 m / 17,388 feet. It will take approximately 1.5 hours at a slow pace to reach the summit of this higher pass. Along the way, you may spot condors and vicuñas if we are fortunate. Once at the mountain’s peak, enjoy one or two cups of traditional coca tea provided by your porters. Then, undertake another 1-hour downhill hike to our campsite by Yana Cocha Lake, where you can enjoy our famous daily happy hour with hot beverages. This is the perfect evening spot to observe the famous Incan constellations and stargaze.
Begin the day with a beautiful mountain view and a delicious breakfast. Prepare for the final 4-hour downhill hike from the highlands to the Sacred Valley. First, bid farewell to the last remaining village, which still practices Incan traditions, isolated from modern technologies. Along the way, observe various ecosystems, from the colder highlands where only potatoes are cultivated, to the fertile soils of the Sacred Valley where maize is the primary crop.
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu concludes in a small village called Huaran (2,700 m / 8,856 feet), from where a private bus will take you to Salineras and Ollantaytambo, known as the “Last Living Inca City” or sometimes referred to as the “World Capital of Native Americans.” Take some time to explore these ancient streets and the water canal that has been in use since the Incan era. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo before taking the 7:00 PM train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a 3-star hotel.
Enjoy your final day by waking up early at your hotel, having breakfast, and taking the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the spectacular sunrise over the ancient citadel. Your tour guide will lead an additional hike before commencing a 2-3 hour guided tour of the city. The guide will take you to the most important sites, explaining the history, mysteries, and incredible Incan technology used to build Machu Picchu. Later, you will have time to explore on your own or undertake additional hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu; both mountains require advance reservations. After finishing with the citadel, take the bus back from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), and then board the exclusive Vistadome panoramic trains to return to Ollantaytambo and your private van back to Cusco. You will be dropped off at your hotel around 7:30 PM.
“Illapa Peru Trip” 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 “Illapa Peru Trip,” 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 “Illapa Peru Trip,” 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 “Illapa Peru Trip” 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 “Illapa Peru Trip” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“Illapa Peru Trip” 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.
The 4-Day Lares Trek is a journey through the Lares Valley in the Cusco region, taking you across mountains, lagoons, and traditional Andean communities, offering a unique cultural and scenic experience.
The trek is of moderate difficulty. While not as demanding as some other routes in the region, the altitude and long daily hikes can be challenging, so good physical condition is recommended.
The highest point is Paso Apuchata, reaching 4,450 meters above sea level, which may affect those not acclimated to high altitudes.
While some prefer trekking independently, hiring a local guide is recommended as they are familiar with the route and can provide valuable cultural and environmental insights.
The optimal time is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is more stable and rainfall is minimal. However, the trek can be done year-round with appropriate rain gear.
Yes, acclimating to the altitude is important. Spend a few days in Cusco or undertake shorter hikes to help your body adjust and prevent altitude sickness.
Bring layered clothing suitable for cold and rainy conditions, including thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, and sturdy trekking boots.
Daily hikes range from 6 to 8 hours, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions, typically involving uphill and downhill sections on rugged terrain.
Organized tours usually offer hot meals including soups, rice, pasta, vegetables, and sometimes meat or chicken. Vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.
While the trek is not as strenuous as others, it is not recommended for young children due to the altitude and length of daily hikes. Older children in good physical condition may enjoy the experience.
Campsites are set up in designated areas along the route, usually near Andean villages or serene natural spots, allowing interaction with nature and local culture.
To prevent altitude sickness, acclimate in Cusco, stay hydrated, hike at a moderate pace, and consider chewing coca leaves or taking specific medications like sorojchi pills.
If trekking with an agency, they typically provide all necessary equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking utensils. If trekking independently, you must bring your own gear.
No, most parts of the trek lack phone and internet connectivity. It is advisable to inform friends or family before starting the trek.
During the trek, you will visit traditional Andean communities, observe shepherds with their alpacas and llamas, and learn about rural life in the Andes. You can also relax in thermal baths at certain points along the route.
Recommendations for the 4-Day Lares Trek (Recommendations)
The 4-Day Lares Trek is a stunning alternative to the Inca Trail, offering the chance to connect with Andean communities and enjoy incredible landscapes. As this is a demanding trek, consider the following recommendations:
Choose the Right Route
There are several routes for the Lares Trek. Some start in different villages, such as Lares or Huacahuasi, and offer varying levels of difficulty. Research to find the one that best suits your physical condition and preferences.
Hire a Guide or Join an Organized Tour
While it is possible to trek independently, hiring an organized tour allows you to better understand local culture and reduces logistical burdens, as meals, transportation, and equipment are included.
Prior Acclimatization
As with other treks in Cusco, altitude is a significant factor. Ensure you acclimate well by spending a few days in Cusco before starting the trek.
Careful Planning
Before starting, make sure you have sufficient food, proper equipment, and check the weather conditions, as the weather can change rapidly in this region.
Climate on the 4-Day Lares Trek (Climate)
The climate in the Lares Valley can vary significantly throughout the day, especially depending on the season.
Clothing Tips
Proper attire is essential to handle the sudden temperature changes and altitude during the 4-day Lares Trek.
Layered Clothing
Dress in layers to easily adjust to temperature changes. Wear a breathable long-sleeved base layer, a thermal layer to retain heat, and a waterproof jacket to protect against wind and rain.
Waterproof Trekking Boots
The terrain can be rough and, during the rainy season, wet. Ensure you wear trekking boots that are waterproof and provide good ankle support.
Essential Accessories
Do not forget to bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect yourself from the cold, especially during mornings and nights when temperatures drop significantly.
Restrictions on the 4-Day Lares Trek (Restrictions)
Be aware of certain restrictions or warnings before embarking on this adventure.
Recommended Age
Due to the altitude and physical difficulty, this trek is not recommended for young children under 10 years old or elderly individuals without prior trekking experience.
Health Conditions
Individuals with respiratory or cardiac issues should consult a doctor before attempting this trek, as the extreme altitude can exacerbate these conditions. Most of the trek occurs at altitudes exceeding 3,800 meters.
Physical Preparation for the Lares Trek (Physical Preparation)
The 4-Day Lares Trek is physically demanding, primarily due to the altitude.
Pre-Trek Physical Condition
It is advisable to be in good physical shape before embarking on this trek. Engage in cardiovascular exercises, such as running or hiking on inclined terrains, to build endurance and leg strength.
Acclimation Hikes
Before undertaking this trek, try to complete other hikes at moderate altitudes, such as the Rainbow Mountain or the Humantay Lagoon trek, to help your body adjust to the reduced oxygen levels.
Health Recommendations for the Lares Trek (Health)
Taking care of your health during the 4-day trek is crucial due to the climate, altitude, and physical effort involved.
Constant Hydration
Carry enough water to stay hydrated regularly, as altitude can cause faster dehydration. Drinking small amounts frequently is more effective than consuming large quantities at once.
Prevent Altitude Sickness
Extreme altitude can lead to altitude sickness. Bring coca leaves, commonly used by locals to combat symptoms, or consult with your doctor about medications for soroche.
Sun Protection
Even in cold weather, the sun at high altitudes is intense. Use sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from UV rays.
Altitudes on the 4-Day Lares Trek (Altitudes)
The Lares Trek involves high-altitude hiking, which can impact your physical performance if you are not acclimated.
Temperatures During the Lares Trek (Temperatures)
Temperatures can vary dramatically throughout the 4 days of the trek.
