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The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days is one of the Alternative Treks available to the Machu Picchu Inca site. Along this route, you will be spoilt with amazing views of native forests, crystal lakes, and the Peruvian Andes. You will get the chance to meet the local Quechua people of Cuncany village, see native animals such as llamas and alpacas and sleep under the starriest skies. The Lares Trek 4 Days has been specially designed for people who could not book the oversubscribed Classic Inca Trail and as a result we offers the best less crowded Route and more authentic, peaceful trekking experience. This Lares Valley Hike 4 Days is a perfect Alternative Route to get into the beautiful site of Machu Picchu passing throughout the unique and spectacular landscape of Urubamba mountain range and sacred snow peaks of Colque Cruz which are still worshipped as gods for the Quechua people.
On this Lares Trek 4 Days, the Equipment is carried by mule and llamas rather than porter which make a huge different, giving trekkers the freedom to undertake these more challenging routes in the wilderness Mountains in Peru. Another part of the Lares Trail that makes a difference is that after the trek, you continue to Aguas Calientes Town and spend the night in a hotel in comfort, before ascending to Machu Picchu Inca complex the next day morning.
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5.30 am in our private tour bus and drive for approximately three hours to reach Lares town, the starting point of Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This hike combines beautiful views of local Quechua villages, deep valleys and scenic lakes, The Lares Trek will begin at a leisurely pace with a 3 hour uphill hike to our first summit of cuncani pass from there we will spoil colque Cruz mountain and cristal lakes below.After all those views we keep going downhill for 1 hrs to our lunch spot at yanacocha at an elevation of about 4000 m. After lunch we will continue along the mountain path downwards for another 1:30minutes stopping to take in the beautiful vistas and meet the local children. At approximately 5 pm we reach our campsite for the night, a small community run site in the remote village of Cuncani (elevation approx. 3800 m). After having a hearty dinner we will settle into our tents for the night to get some much needed sleep ahead of the following day’s early start.
WALKING DISTANCE: 8 km
STARTING ELEVATIOn: 3224 m / 10,853 ft
HIGHEST ELEVATION: 3800 m/ 13,853 ft
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast
ACCOMODATION: N/A
The second day of The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu starts with an early morning wake up call at 5 am with a hot cup of coca tea followed by a filling breakfast to prepare for the day’s trekking. We set out from the foothills of the Sicllaccasa Mountain following highland trails for approximately three hours. As we traverse along the edge of spectacular mountain ridge paths we will take in the snowy mountain peaks of the Chicon mountain taking a rest next to a stunning crystal clear aquamarine mountain lake to enjoy a refueling snack. We then continue climbing upwards until we reach the Lares Trek summit of the Sicllaccasa Mountain at 4800 m, where we will stop to enjoy the incredible scenery and take advantage of this spectacular photo opportunity. We then make a short 2 km descent past mossy green mountainside and a frozen waterfall to our lunch spot. After a hearty lunch we will follow the stream downwards for another three hours until we reach out campsite. We will then enjoy a dinner together before retiring to our tents for a well earned night sleep.
WALKING DISTANCE: 10 hours
STARTING ELEVATIOn: 3800 m / 13,853 ft
HIGHEST ELEVATION: 4800 m/ 15,231 ft
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMODATION: Camping
We wake at 6am, enjoying a lovely warm cup of coca tea and our breakfast before packing up and heading out for our last day’s adventure of The Lares trek to Machu Picchu. We descend into the valley for approximately four hours following the stream, wandering past llamas, meeting local Quechua people and exploring Incan ruins along the way. We will reach our lunch spot at a fish farm in the town of Pumahuanca, where we will say farewell and have the opportunity to thank the fantastic porters of The lares Trek to Machu Picchu. After a satisfying lunch and a quick siesta in the sun we will take a private tour bus back to Ollantaytambo train station. From there we will continue by train along a picturesque route to Aguas Calientes town, where we check into our hotels and enjoy a final group dinner together.
WALKING DISTANCE: 6 km
STARTING ELEVATION: 3615 m / 11,853 ft
HIGHEST ELEVATION: 2815 m/ 8231 ft
DIFFICULTY: Easy
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMODATION: Hotel
We wake early to catch a bus up to The Machu Picchu Inca site where we will have the chance to enjoy sunrise and experience the wonder of Machu Picchu in the morning light. You will enjoy a two hour tour from a local guide around this astonishing archeological site and then enjoy some free time to explore it further by yourself. During this time you may also opt to hike up to the Sun Gate, to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain or to the top of Macchu Picchu Mountain, the iconic mountain peaks that surround the site of Machu Picchu. After we will return to Machu Picchu Town by bus from where we catch our train to Ollantaytambo and then onwards private bus transportation back to Cusco. You will be dropped off at your hotel at approximately 6pm.
WALKING DISTANCE: Bus
STARTING ELEVATION: 2115 m / 6853 ft
HIGHEST ELEVATION: 2400 m/ 7231 ft
DIFFICULTY: Easy
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION: N/A
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Hiking the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a great decision. However, choosing the travel agency to guide you on this journey is even more important. The right agency can turn a simple hike into an intense cultural experience, while the wrong agency can lead to a mundane, even uncomfortable experience. Your adventure needs a partner who prioritises authenticity, safety, and positive impact, and that’s where Andean Path Travel excels.
Many companies offer the Lares Trek, but few embody its original spirit. Andean Path Travel stands out because they understand that this trek isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the people you meet along the way. Their deep, respectful relationships with the communities of the Lares Valley are their greatest asset. This means you won’t just see traditional weavers from afar; you’ll be welcomed into their homes and have genuine, spontaneous conversations with them. This commitment to authentic engagement ensures that your experience is respectful and genuine, not just a touristy performance.
What sets Andean Path Travel apart is its on-the-ground expertise. Their guides aren’t just employees; they’re local ambassadors of the culture you’ve come to discover. They share stories, history, and insights you won’t get from books, turning the trail into a living classroom. In addition, their operational excellence is unquestionable. They invest in high-end camping equipment, employ skilled trekking chefs who prepare amazingly delicious meals at high altitude, and carefully manage all permits and logistics. This allows you to focus entirely on the breathtaking scenery—from glacial lakes to high mountain passes—without any logistical worries.
In a fragile ecosystem like the Andes, how you travel matters. Andean Path Travel is based on a model of sustainable and ethical tourism. By choosing them, you actively contribute to the well-being of remote communities along the way. They ensure fair wages for porters and cooks, support local families by meeting them directly, and prioritise eco-friendly practices. This means your trip leaves a positive mark, preserving the beauty and culture of the Lares region for future travellers. You return home not just with photos, but with the feeling that your adventure made a difference.
Ultimately, trekking at altitude requires a provider that puts your safety and comfort first. This is where Andean Path Travel’s careful planning shines. Their teams are trained in first aid and altitude sickness prevention, so they organise small groups to ensure individual attention. From picking you up at Machu Picchu to saying goodbye, every detail is handled professionally and carefully. Choosing Andean Path Travel is not just selecting a tour; it’s investing in peace of mind, ensuring your dream trip is as safe and comfortable as it is unforgettable.
In short, for a Lares trek that combines deep cultural respect, operational excellence, and a genuine commitment to doing good, Andean Path Travel is the clear and responsible choice.
Yes, the Lares Trek ends with a visit to Machu Picchu. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Lares route takes you through beautiful Andean villages, hot springs, and mountain passes. After completing the trek, you travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then visit Machu Picchu with your guide the next day.
The Lares Trek is considered a moderate trek. It is suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness, even if they don’t have much trekking experience. The main challenge is the high altitude, with some passes reaching over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Our guides provide support, set an easy pace, and we also include acclimatization time to make the experience comfortable.
Many companies offer treks to Machu Picchu, but it’s best to choose one that is licensed, experienced, and highly rated. At Adean Path Travel Company, we specialize in small-group treks with personalized service, certified guides, quality camping equipment, and authentic cultural experiences. Our goal is to give you a safe, memorable, and well-organized journey to Machu Picchu.
Yes, the Lares Trek is very safe when done with a professional trekking company. Our experienced guides are trained in first aid and altitude management, and we carry oxygen and emergency equipment on every trek. The route itself is less crowded than the Inca Trail, offering a peaceful and secure environment to enjoy the Andes.
Yes, the Lares Trek includes Machu Picchu. After completing the mountain trekking route, you take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, and from there, we arrange your guided tour of the ancient citadel. It’s the perfect mix of cultural immersion in Andean life and the unforgettable wonder of Machu Picchu.