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A five-day trek combining the quieter Lares route with a section of the Inca Trail leads through high Andean passes, community camps, and Inca sites before arriving at Machu Picchu. This itinerary balances cultural encounters, dramatic mountain scenery, and guided logistics for a less-crowded approach to the citadel.
A five-day trek combining the quieter Lares route with a section of the Inca Trail leads through high Andean passes, community camps, and Inca sites before arriving at Machu Picchu. This itinerary balances cultural encounters, dramatic mountain scenery, and guided logistics for a less-crowded approach to the citadel.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Salkantay Trekking · Cusco, Cusco
Morning light slices across Andes ridgelines as your group gathers at a mountain pass, oxygen thin and the trail already humming with wind and distant streams.
challenging.
5 days.
Good aerobic fitness with experience on long hikes and ability to handle multiple days above 3,500 m; prior high-altitude exposure recommended.
Yes—permits are required and limited; operators obtain them in advance, so book at least three months ahead, especially in high season.
The route reaches ~4,700 m; altitude can cause headaches and fatigue—acclimatize in Cusco, hydrate, ascend slowly and notify guides of symptoms.
This tour includes porters, an expert chef, meals on the trail and a personal duffel allowance (up to 5 kg), as listed in the itinerary.
Children aged 12 and over may participate with a responsible adult; the trip is not recommended for younger children or those with significant health issues.
The Lares valleys have been inhabited since pre-Inca times and connect to Inca trade routes that fed the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu administrative network.
Groups are required to follow permit rules and avoid open fires; supporting local guides and community-run camps helps fund conservation and cultural programs.
Salkantay Trekking operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
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