A quieter alternative to the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek threads high passes, hot springs and remote Quechua villages before delivering you to Machu Picchu. This private 4-day route blends cultural encounters with high-altitude trekking.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light cuts across the high Andean pasture as your group gathers at Cusco’s pickup point, breath visible in the cold air and llamas waiting patiently with packs. The road threads through the Sacred Valley—terraced slopes, market towns and the first glimpse of snow-dusted peaks—before you slip off the asphalt and into the quiet of the Lares Valley.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and previous multi-day trekking experience recommended due to daily ascents and high passes
Wildlife
History
The Lares Valley has been a corridor of Andean life for millennia; many communities maintain pre-Columbian weaving patterns and agricultural terraces that predate Spanish contact.
Conservation
Local operators often use biodegradable soaps, designated campsites and pack-out policies to limit impact; respect local grazing areas and follow guidelines to protect fragile puna ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights Private Tour 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 doing easy activity before the trek to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Pack light but smart
You can stow up to 7 kg with llamas/porters—bring a warm sleeping layer, rain shell and essentials in a small daypack.
Footwear and traction
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and grippy soles are recommended—expect wet, rocky trails.
Bring passport and permits
Original passport is required for Machu Picchu entrance and sometimes for train boarding—keep it safe and accessible.
Waterproof hardshell jacket
Keeps you dry during afternoon rains common in the wet season and blocks wind at high passes.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for steep, rocky and often muddy trail sections.
Insulating midlayer (down or synthetic)
Warmth for cold mornings and nights above 3,500 m where temps drop quickly.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on long descents and provide stability on loose or wet terrain.