A four-day Lares Valley trek that combines high passes, turquoise lagoons, authentic Quechua villages and a final arrival at Machu Picchu. Ideal for fit hikers seeking culture and quiet trails away from the main Inca Trail.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn arrives as a cold hand across the high Andes, and you step out under a sky of pale fire. The Lares Trek threads between stone terraces and grazing alpacas, climbing through villages that still speak Quechua and slope toward a skyline of glaciers. By evening, camps sit beneath constellations used for planting; by day, turquoise lagoons and a dramatic pass test your lungs and focus.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Requires good cardiovascular fitness and previous multi-day hiking experience; comfortable carrying a daypack and walking 5–8 hours per day at altitude.
Wildlife
History
The Lares corridor has long been a transhumance and trade route for Quechua communities; many trails predate Spanish contact and connect living traditions to the Sacred Valley.
Conservation
Travel here supports village economies but also stresses fragile alpine ecosystems—stick to trails, pack out waste, and use local guides to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend at least 48 hours in Cusco before the trek to reduce altitude sickness risk and allow your body to adapt.
Pace the Pachacutec Pass
Break the ascent into steady segments and keep a conservative pace—short breaks beat fast pushes at 4,500 m.
Pack sun and cold protection
High-altitude UV is intense; bring broad-spectrum sunscreen and a warm insulating layer for nights.
Respect local customs
Ask before photographing people and support village vendors to contribute directly to local livelihoods.
Insulated down jacket
Warmth for sub-freezing nights and wind on high passes.
fall
Sturdy mid-ankle hiking boots
Support and traction on rocky, sometimes muddy alpine trails.
Water purification tablets or filter
Useful for topping up from streams if water stops are limited.
Lightweight trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on steep descents and stabilize on uneven terrain.