A quieter high-altitude alternative to the classic Inca Trail, the 4-day Lares Trek links hot springs, Quechua communities and the Patacancha valley before delivering you to Machu Picchu at dawn. Expect high passes, alpine lakes and authentic village life.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks over the Andean ridges as your minivan climbs out of Cusco, leaving the city’s stone streets for a quieter world of pastures and glacial peaks. By mid-morning you reach Lares, where steam rises from hot springs and llamas graze, and the trail unfurls into a sequence of stone paths, communal fields and high mountain passes that challenge both heart and lungs.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Requires good cardiovascular fitness and experience with long days at altitude; able to hike 6–8 hours on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Lares valley has been a Quechua habitation zone for centuries; terraces and stone corrals reflect pre-Columbian agricultural techniques still in use.
Conservation
Travel through communal lands requires low-impact behavior; stick to established paths, pack out waste, and support local guides and artisans to keep benefits in the valley.
Reserve your spot on the 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 1–2 days in Cusco before departure to reduce altitude sickness risk and avoid strenuous activity the day before the trek.
Pack for rapid weather change
Bring a waterproof outer layer and warm insulating mid-layer; temperatures can swing from strong sun to freezing wind at passes.
Limit your pack weight
Horses carry up to 7 kg per trekker—bring only essentials and use provided duffel allowances to keep your daypack light.
Book Huayna Picchu early
If you want to climb Huayna Picchu after the Machu Picchu visit, reserve that additional ticket at least two weeks in advance.
Waterproof shell (jacket & pants)
Keeps you dry and windproof on high passes and during Andean showers.
Insulated sleeping bag (to −5°C or lower)
Cold nights at 3,800–4,400 m require a warm sleeping system for comfort and safety.
winter
Sturdy trekking boots
Support and traction for rocky trails, muddy descents and stream crossings.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on steep descents and aid stability on uneven high-altitude terrain.