The Lares Trek 4 days is the best alternative to the Inca Trail for those seeking an authentic experience in the Peruvian Andes. This Lares to Machu Picchu trek of 4 days and 3 nights takes you through the spectacular Sacred Valley, connecting with traditional Andean communities and unparalleled mountain landscapes.
Starting at the Lares Hot Springs, located 3 hours from Cusco, the Lares Trek 4 days crosses the Huacawasi Pass at 4,300 meters altitude, descending towards Ollantaytambo for the final access to Machu Picchu. This best alternative to the Inca Trail is less crowded but equally impressive, ideal for travelers who want to experience the living culture and tradition of the Andes.
During the 42-kilometer journey, you'll visit highland villages where life continues as it has for centuries, with inhabitants who preserve ancestral Inca customs, traditional textiles, and ancient agriculture alongside llamas and alpacas. The Lares to Machu Picchu adventure culminates with sunrise at the lost citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Lares Trek 4 days begins at 5:00 AM with pickup from your Cusco hotel. The bus journey to Calca takes 45 minutes, followed by an additional 2 hours to the famous Lares Hot Springs, where you'll enjoy a picnic and can relax in the natural thermal pools surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks.
The first day's hike is uphill for 4 hours until reaching Quishuarani, a traditional village where you'll have free time to learn about ancestral weaving techniques and enjoy local hospitality. The afternoon includes tea and dinner with views of snow-capped peaks.
After an energizing breakfast, we begin the longest day of the Lares Trek 4 days. The route continues northeast through the valley, passing stone houses with thatched roofs. After half an hour of level walking, we ascend 2.5 hours to Pachacutec Pass, the highest point with spectacular views of the Pitusiray snow-capped peaks.
We continue along a narrow trail for 1 hour to an isolated area with glacial lakes where we'll have lunch. Finally, in the afternoon, we descend to the next valley with waterfalls until reaching Cancha Cancha, our overnight campsite.
After a delicious breakfast in the mountains, we start the 3-hour hike to the small Cancha Cancha river until reaching the village of Huaran. From here we take local transport to Ollantaytambo, a perfectly preserved Andean town where you'll have time to explore before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
Arriving in Aguas Calientes marks the end of the Lares Trek 4 days and the beginning of anticipation for visiting Machu Picchu. We'll spend the night in a hotel in the town of Machu Picchu.
The culminating day begins early with the bus at 6:00 AM to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to witness the spectacular sunrise. You'll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour with our expert guide, with sufficient free time for you to take photos or videos during the tour.
Visitors with Huayna Picchu entrance tickets (limited to 400 people daily, extra cost) can ascend this sacred mountain (2,720 m / 8,890 ft) in approximately 2-3 hours. Afterwards, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and transport back to Cusco.
The Lares Trek 4 days offers a unique experience that combines adventure, culture, and nature. Unlike the traditional Inca Trail, this best alternative to the Inca Trail allows you to:
The Lares to Machu Picchu route provides an authentic cultural immersion while maintaining the same spectacular finale at the ancient citadel. This best alternative to the Inca Trail is perfect for travelers seeking a more intimate and culturally rich experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Book your Lares Trek 4 days and live an unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian Andes!
Inca Trail Machu Picchu 4 days Inca Trail Machu Picchu 2 days Inca Trail Machu Picchu 1 days Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu 3D Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu 5D Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu 2D Luxury Inca Trail 4 days
Short Inca Trail + Salkantay 6 days Classic Inca Trail + Salkantay 7 days
Salkantay Machu Picchu 5 days Salkantay Machu Picchu 4 days Salkantay Machu Picchu 3 days Salkantay & Humantay lake 2 days
Choquequirao 4 days Choquequirao 5 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 7 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 8 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 9 days
Inca Jungle Machu Picchu 3 days Inca Jungle Machu Picchu 4 days
Manu Cultural Area 3 days Manu Cultural Area 4 days Manu, Reserved Zone 5 days Manu Reserved Area 6 days Manu Reserved Area 7 days Manu Park, Pakitza 8 days
Inca Trail + Cachicata 5 days Lares Machu Picchu 4 days Cachicata Machu Picchu 4 days Sacred Valley Machu Picchu 3 days
Inti Raymi 2026 Machu Picchu Full Day Humantay Lake Rainbow Mountain Palcoyo Mountain 7 lakes of Ausangate Classic Sacred Valley Sacred Valley VIP Chonta, Condor Viewpoint Cusco City Tour Cusco - South Valley
DominArturo R
November 1, 2025
Recorrí el Camino Inca en 2 días en una inolvidable experiencia que superó mis expectativas, ya que solo anticipaba el disfrute del trekking en montañas con naturaleza imponente, pero gracias al acompañamiento del guía Henrry Chauca, esta aventura se enriqueció por la amplia y detallada información histórica que ofrecía sobre la cultura Inca, lo que me permitió valorar este exigente camino como lo hicieron los mensajeros –Chasquis- del imperio Inca. El profesionalismo del guía Henrry facilitó disfrutar cada minuto y crear recuerdos del viaje gracias a las fotografías y lo aprendido sobre Machu Picchu, en un ambiente de comodidad y seguridad. Espero repetir mi visita.
Lana H
October 29, 2025
At the end of an amazing 4 day trip walking the Inca Trail and Machu Pitchu. Our guide Johann was excellent in looking after us and leading the way. His knowledge of the trail and the history was inspiring, in particular when at Nachu Pitchu. Many thanks.
Cristian C
October 29, 2025
Un experiencia maravillosa, muchos paisajes para disfrutar, y el equipo que nos acompaño muy profesional y la comida fue excelente, y una mención especial a nuestro guia Johan que nos acompaño y contesto todas nuestras preguntas y fue una fuente de información increíble
Marianella F
October 29, 2025
Lana H 1 aporte 0 Amazing Inca Trail oct de 2025 • Solitario At the end of an amazing 4 day trip walking the Inca Trail and Machu Pitchu. Our guide Johann was excellent in looking after us and leading the way. His knowledge of the trail and the history was inspiring, in particular when at Nachu Pitchu. Many thanks. Traducir opinión Escrita el 29 de octubre de 2025 Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones. Cristian C 3 aportes 0 Una experiencia maravillosa, para hacer obligatoriamente oct de 2025 • Pareja Un experiencia maravillosa, muchos paisajes para disfrutar, y el equipo que nos acompaño muy profesional y la comida fue excelente, y una mención especial a nuestro guia Johan que nos acompaño y contesto todas nuestras preguntas y fue una fuente de información increíble Escrita el 29 de octubre de 2025 Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones. Marianella F 7 aportes 0 INOLVIDABLE Y RECOMIENDO AMPLIAMENTE! oct de 2025 • Pareja Experiencia inolvidable! Johan fue nuestro inigualable guía en esta travesía espectacular y ampliamente recomendable. No solo por su conocimiento y responsabilidad sino por su calidez y empatia para nosotros los turistas.
Demonstrating our commitment to quality, we hold ISO 9001 certification, ensuring excellence in our services.
With ISO 14001, we prioritize environmental sustainability, reducing our impact on the planet.
We're honored to be recognized with the Traveler's Choice Award in 2025, a testament to our dedication to exceptional travel experiences.
We are an official agency and tour operator, ensuring a unique and high-quality travel experience to the destinations of your choice in Cusco and Peru.
Copyright © Inka Trail Expeditions Peru 2012 - 2025 | All Rights Reserved.
Powered By Inka Trail Expeditions Peru.
