Why Choose Our Lares Valley Trek to Machu Picchu

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

Experience one of the most rewarding alternative treks to Machu Picchu on our 4-day Lares Trek through the Peruvian Andes. This scenic route combines spectacular mountain landscapes, high-altitude lakes, traditional Quechua communities, alpaca and llama herds, natural hot springs, and a memorable journey to Machu Picchu.

Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Lares Trek offers a more cultural and less-traveled experience through remote Andean valleys. Along the route, you will walk through communities where traditional farming, weaving, and Quechua culture remain an important part of everyday life.

The journey reaches high mountain terrain before descending toward the Sacred Valley and continuing by train to Aguas Calientes. On the final day, you will explore Machu Picchu with your professional guide before returning to Cusco.

This Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a combination of Andean culture, mountain scenery, outdoor adventure, and Machu Picchu in one carefully planned itinerary.

Why Choose the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

The Lares Trek is more than a mountain hike. It is an opportunity to experience the landscapes and living culture of the Peruvian Andes before reaching Machu Picchu.

Authentic Andean Culture

Walk through traditional highland communities and learn about the daily life, agriculture, textiles, and traditions of Quechua-speaking families.

Spectacular Mountain Landscapes

Trek through dramatic valleys surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and high-altitude Andean scenery.

Lares Hot Springs

Relax in the natural thermal baths of Lares, an ideal way to experience the region and recover after your journey through the mountains.

A Less-Traveled Alternative

For travelers who want an alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, the Lares route provides a different perspective of the Andes, combining nature and culture before reaching Machu Picchu.

Small-Group Experience

Travel with a small group and a local professional guide, allowing for a more personal and flexible trekking experience.

Machu Picchu

The adventure culminates with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites.

Day 2: Kiswarani – High Mountain Pass – Andean Lakes – Cancha Cancha

We will leave Cusco at 06:00 am for your Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu picchu . We will be driven for about 2 hours to the valley of Calca where we will have breakfast, from where we keep going by our private van to the highest pass of this road at 4275 meters 13.891 feet. From there we will observe wonderful views of the snowcapped mountains, after enjoying the amazing views we keep driving to lares hot spring where we meet our horseman and have lunch before the trek begins. while our professional chef prepares our delicious lunch we can take a bath in the hot spring which is an option.
Then we hike to Kiswarani waterfall, where our staff will set up our first camp at an altitude of 3600 meters 11.811. We will hike around 7 kilometers during this first part of the trek (3.72 miles). On the way, we will see Andean farmers wearing their typical costumes and their animals such as alpacas and llamas.

• Campsite Elevation: 3930 m (12795 ft)

• Hiking distance: 7 km/4.35 miles

• Duration: 3 hours

• Accommodation: Tents.

• Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 1 Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Kiswarani Waterfalls

Day 4 Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We walk down through the Cancha Cancha valley for about 3 hours. This town has pleasantly warm weather. On the way down we will observe corn and potatoes farm irrigated by water from the glaciers of the amazing snow peaks which dominate the valley and feed the river Urubamba, which they venerate and called Wilkamayu or the Sacred River, after having our lunch, we will take a bus for 20-minutes to the Inca village of Ollantaytambo, where we will catch the train to Machu Picchu where we overnight in a hotel.

• Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft

• Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles

• Duration: 4 hours

• Accommodation: Hotel of 3 stars in Aguas Calientes town.

• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3 Cancha Cancha – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

This is the day you have been waiting for. We will wake up early to take the bus to Machu Picchu. It takes 30 minutes. Once at the checkpoint, we will show our Passports and the ticket. Then Our private guide will take you to the guardhouse where you will take a postcard picture of Macchu Picchu. After taking the classical picture, you will follow Circuit 2.
Your guide will spend around 2 hours explaining the highlights of Machu Picchu. Afterward, you will have time to explore by yourself the ruins and hike Huayna Picchu if you have booked this option. (This is a separate entrance ticket that costs $65 per person). Finally, you will return to Aguas Calientes and take a train back to Ollantaytambo, and then a bus back to Cusco. Once in Cusco, we will transfer you back to your hotel.

• Highest altitude: 2452m / 8,044 ft

• Duration: 3 hour of guided tour in Machu Picchu

• Difficulty: Easy

After enjoying our delicious breakfast we will start walking at 06:30 a.m. We hike up to the Condor pass at (at 4200 meters 13.779 feet, the highest pass of our hike) where we have the unparalleled landscapes and the amazing glacier, wallatas (Andean geese) swim in the clear blue waters. Upon arrival at the summit of Condor Pass, our guide will serve you a well-deserved cup of coca-tea, and you can take some time to rest while your guide performs a spiritual offering ceremony to the sacred mountains of Sawasiray. From there we hike down to the lakes, We will have our delicious lunch close to these beautiful lakes watching Andean ducks, and queullas.
The second day is spectacular trekking through the Huaran mountain range, we will have many chances to spot a number of Andean bird species, including Andean condors, hawks and swallow. We will walk 15 kilometers during this day hiking (9 miles).

• Campsite Elvation: 3,742 m / 12,2 ft

• Highest altitude: 4200m / 15,541 ft

• Distance: 16 km/ 9,942 miles

• Duration: 8 hours

• Accommodation: Tents

• Difficulty: Difficult.

What's Included

• Professional English-speaking trekking guide

• Private transportation according to the itinerary

• Machu Picchu entrance ticket

• Round-trip train tickets according to the itinerary

• Hotel in Aguas Calientes

• Camping equipment

• Comfortable sleeping mattress

• Professional cook and camping kitchen equipment

• Meals during the trek as specified in the itinerary

• Horse and mule support for camping equipment

• Emergency horse

• First-aid kit and emergency oxygen

• Boiled drinking water

• Rain poncho

• Transportation back to Cusco

• Machu Picchu guided tour

Pero debemos verificar cada elemento con tu operación real antes de publicarlo.

Not Included

• International flights

• Airport transfers unless specified

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses

• Breakfast on Day 1, if applicable

• Lunch on the final day, if applicable

• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance, unless specifically requested

• Tips for guides, cooks, horsemen and staff

• Personal trekking equipment

• Additional hotel nights

WHY CHOOSE INCA LAND ADVENTURES?

Inca Land Adventures is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. Inca Land Adventures is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.

Prices : 2026 Per Person

1 Person US$1250.00 Per Person
2 people : US$850.00 per person
4 people : US$800.00 per person
6 people : US$750.00 per person

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lares Trek

Is the Lares Trek difficult?

The Lares Trek is generally considered a moderate to challenging high-altitude trek. The difficulty depends on the itinerary, altitude, weather conditions and individual fitness level. Proper acclimatization in Cusco before starting the trek is strongly recommended.

How high does the Lares Trek reach?

The highest point depends on the specific Lares Trek route. Our itinerary reaches approximately [4200] meters / [13,700] above sea level.

Is the Lares Trek a good alternative to the Inca Trail?

Yes. The Lares Trek is an excellent alternative for travelers interested in Andean culture, mountain scenery and traditional communities. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Lares route offers a different cultural and landscape experience.

Does the Lares Trek include Machu Picchu?

Yes. Our 4-day itinerary culminates with a guided visit to Machu Picchu.

Do I need an Inca Trail permit for the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek itself does not require the same limited Inca Trail permit system used for the Classic Inca Trail. However, Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train arrangements are subject to availability and current regulations.

Can I do the Lares Trek year-round?

The Lares route can generally be operated throughout the year, but weather conditions vary considerably in the Andes. The dry season usually offers more stable trekking conditions, while the wet season can bring more rain.

What is the best month for the Lares Trek?

The best time depends on your priorities. Travelers looking for drier conditions generally prefer the May–September period, while the shoulder months can offer a balance between weather and fewer visitors.

Our 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu takes you through the high Andes of Peru, where you can experience traditional Quechua communities, mountain landscapes and the famous Lares hot springs before continuing to Machu Picchu.

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