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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with experience on long hikes and ability to handle multiple days above 3,500 m; prior high-altitude exposure recommended.
Wildlife
History
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.
Conservation
Groups are required to follow permit rules and avoid open fires; supporting local guides and community-run camps helps fund conservation and cultural programs.
Reserve your spot on the Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 48–72 hours in Cusco before the trek to reduce altitude sickness risk and adapt your breathing and sleep patterns.
Layer for big swings
Days can be warm and intense while mornings and nights are freezing—use a base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof shell.
Protect your feet
Sturdy, broken-in waterproof hiking boots and good socks prevent blisters on rocky, uneven Inca steps.
Carry small cash
Local markets, tipping guides, and hot spring entrance fees often require soles in small denominations.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for uneven Inca steps, rocky approaches and muddy sections.
Insulating layers (fleece/down)
Retain warmth during cold nights and high passes where temperatures drop quickly.
all
Lightweight rain jacket and pack cover
Protects you and your kit from heavy mountain showers common in the wet season.
summer
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on descents and help with balance on stone steps and slippery sections.