4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Depart Cusco early and drive into the Sacred Valley, stopping to enjoy the Lares Hot Springs (thermal baths) en route. Relax in these volcanic hot pools amid mountain scenery.

After a picnic lunch at Lares, begin trekking from the trailhead at Kiswarani. Hike past the Seven Waterfalls of Kiswarani, marveling at cascading falls and alpine lakes. By late afternoon, reach your first campsite near a small village (around 3,800 m altitude) beside a pristine lake.

Enjoy a warm welcome from our crew, a delicious hot dinner, and a night under the starry Andean sky.

TREK: A quiet day hike. The route takes hikers through two attractive weaving communities. Let your heart take you away as you experience Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas in all its glory during our spectacular 4-day Lares Trek!

DATA OF DAY 1 OF LARES TREK

Wake up to sunrise over the Andes and a hot breakfast. Today’s trek ascends to the highest point, Condor Pass (4,680 m/15,354 ft), also known as Pachacutec Pass.

The climb is challenging but rewarding—you’ll zigzag up with llamas grazing around and be greeted by jaw-dropping 360° views at the summit. Take in the sight of snow-capped Mount Pitusiray and the surrounding peaks above the clouds.

After celebrating this achievement (and catching your breath), descend into the valley. In the afternoon, arrive at Cancha Cancha, a traditional Andean village with no modern technology.

Here you camp for the night and immerse yourself in village life—our guide can introduce you to local families so you can learn about their weaving and farming lifestyle.

Hiking DATA

Enjoy your final morning on the trail with a gentle downhill hike. You’ll notice the climate growing warmer and greener as you enter the Sacred Valley via Huaran.

Trek past potato fields and follow streams to the trail’s end near the town of Huaran. A private transfer takes you to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes (the gateway to Machu Picchu).

En route, time permitting, we stop at the Maras Salt Mines or other viewpoints so you can experience more of the region’s culture. In the evening, arrive in Aguas Calientes and check into a comfortable hotel—a hot shower and a real bed await, a luxury well-earned after 3 days of trekking! Rest up tonight, because tomorrow is the big day.

Lares Trek (Day 3): DATA

Trekking: The Huaran sector offers a gratifying view of the Andean valleys reaching the Sacred Valley. The hike is moderate to easy and enjoyable.

Rise early for a 30-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu citadel. Enter the gates for a guided tour of the ancient ruins at the best time of day, as the morning light illuminates the terraces and temples.

Your expert guide shares the history and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have ample time for photos and to soak in the sublime atmosphere of Machu Picchu—a moment you’ll treasure forever.

Afterward, descend to Aguas Calientes for your train back to Cusco (arriving in the evening with plenty of time to rest). This marks the end of a fantastic journey along the 4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, full of memories and achievements that will last a lifetime.

DATA FROM THE FINAL DAY OF THE LARES TREK: 4 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU

• Pick-up time at the hotel: 07:00
• At 07:10, board the vehicle from Aguas Calientes to the ruins of Machu Picchu
• Entrance time and guided visit to Machu Picchu: 08:00
  • 2-hour guided tour
  • There is no free time or reentry to the citadel of Machu Picchu. The tourist circuit of Machu Picchu chosen at each moment must be followed without disturbing the other tourist circuits of Machu Picchu.
  • If the client requires more time in Machu Picchu, they must buy a new entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• The tour ends at approximately 10:00

Lares Trek vs. Inca Trail—Which Is Right for You?

Both the Lares Trek and the Classic Inca Trail lead to Machu Picchu, but they offer very different experiences. Here’s how they compare and why the Lares Trek is an excellent choice for many travelers:

• Permits & Availability: The Inca Trail requires a government permit with limited spots per day, often selling out 6+ months in advance. Lares Trek permits are not necessary—you can book this hike on short notice without worrying about permit lotteries. This makes Lares a stress-free alternative, especially if Inca Trail permits are complete.
• Crowds: The Inca Trail is famous but can be crowded, with hundreds of hikers starting each day during peak season. In contrast, Lares is a quieter trail. You might not see any other tourist groups for most of your hike. If you crave solitude in nature and an “off the beaten path” vibe, Lares delivers.
• Scenery & Culture: The Inca Trail is renowned for its Inca ruins along the route, dense cloud forest, and the iconic Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek showcases more high-mountain scenery: gorgeous lakes, snowy peaks, and rural villages. Lares is rich in living culture—you spend time among indigenous people in their own communities, something the Inca Trail doesn’t provide as directly. Many travelers find the cultural immersion on the Lares route a deeper connection to Peru’s heritage. (And don’t worry, you still visit Machu Picchu on the last day via train so that you won’t miss the grand finale!)
• Difficulty: Both treks are considered moderate to challenging. The Inca Trail’s highest point (Dead Woman’s Pass) is ~4,215 m, while Lares Trek’s Condor Pass is around 4,680 m, so Lares reaches a higher elevation. However, the Lares Trek’s pacing can be more forgiving—you can take your time and even ride a horse if needed on tough portions. Our itinerary is designed for gradual altitude acclimatization, and our guides ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable. Overall, if you’re reasonably fit, you can conquer either trek; expect a bit of a challenge (and huge rewards at the finish line).
• Amenities: On both treks, you’ll camp in tents for most nights (with professional guides, cooks, and porters/horsemen supporting you). Lares Trek has the bonus of hot springs on Day 1 before Machu Picchu, adding comfort to the experience. Inca Trail hikers camp all the way until reaching Machu Picchu. If the idea of a hot soak and a real bed sounds appealing midway through your adventure, Lares is the way to go!

In summary, the Inca Trail is iconic for its history and ruins, but the Lares Trek offers an authentic Peruvian mountain experience with fewer crowds and no permit hassles.

Many consider it the best alternative trek to Machu Picchu—equally beautiful and often more rewarding for those interested in culture and community.

A Journey for Every Traveler—Adventure Your Way

One of the great advantages of the Lares Trek is its flexibility and personal touch. Traveling with family? Our crew loves helping kids engage with local children at village schools and arranging pony rides or shorter hike options if little legs get tired. Prefer a luxury experience?

We can arrange glamping-style camps with extra comforts, private guides, and even portable hot showers. You’ll enjoy gourmet meals prepared by our trekking chef and personalized service throughout the trek. Solo backpacker?

Join a small group and meet like-minded adventurers—with groups averaging just 4–6 people, you’ll feel like you’re hiking with new friends rather than a crowd. Our trained guides, horsemen, and support staff handle all logistics (from carrying gear to cooking delicious meals), so you can focus on the trail and the breathtaking surroundings.

Safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. We provide quality camping equipment, spacious tents, sleeping pads, and pack horses to carry heavy gear, so you hike with only a daypack.

Each Kondor Path guide carries a first aid kit and oxygen during the Lares Hike to Machu Picchu and is well-versed in high-altitude trekking protocols (verified). You’ll be well looked after every step of the way, from the moment we pick you up in Cusco to the moment you return.

Ready for the trek of a lifetime? The 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is more than just a hike—it’s a cultural immersion and an epic adventure rolled into one. Challenge yourself with high passes and rugged trails, connect with the warmth of local communities, and stand in awe at majestic Machu Picchu.

This journey offers memories your family and friends will cherish forever. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience. Book your 4-day Lares Trek now and let the adventure begin!