→ Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu

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.

Day 01: Cusco - Lares - Pascana - Quishuarani
Day 02: Quishuarani - Condor Pass - Cancha Cancha
Day 03: Cancha Cancha - Huaran - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Day 04: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 | Lares

Cusco - Lares Hot Springs - Quishuarani Beginning of the Andean Adventure

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.

Maximum altitude: 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
Distance: 8 km / 4.97 mi
Duration: 5 hours
Meals: Lunch, water, snack, tea and dinner
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Accommodation: Camping in Quishuarani (3,650 m / 11,975 ft)

Day 2 | Lares

Quishuarani - Condor Pass - Cancha Cancha The Most Challenging Day of the Trek

7 waterwalls after Condor Pass - Lares Trek

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.

Maximum altitude: 4,300 m / 14,107 ft
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, tea and dinner
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging
Accommodation: Camping in Cancha Cancha (4,300 m / 14,107 ft)

Day 3 | Lares

Cancha Cancha - Huaran - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu Transition to the Sacred Citadel

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.

Maximum altitude: 4,300 m / 14,107 ft
Distance: 9 km
Duration: 4 hours approximately
Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)

Day 4 | Lares

Full Day at Machu Picchu The Grand Finale: Sunrise at the Lost Citadel

Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary at Lares Trek 4 days

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.

Maximum altitude: 4,750 m / 15,583 ft
Duration: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

What's Included?

Informational briefing, one day before your trip
Entrance ticket to Lares Hot Springs
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Inca citadel
Certified professional guide (English/Spanish) on your Lares Trek
Certified professional guide (English/Spanish) at Machu Picchu
Consettur bus up and down to Machu Picchu
Expedition train tickets: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Lares, and from Ollantaytambo to your hotel
Complete medical kit: Includes emergency oxygen bottle
24-hour service: Phone support throughout the trip

Equipment and Accommodation

Private campsites in Quishuarani, Cancha Cancha
2-star hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Duffel bags with up to 5kg (11.02 lb) capacity, carried by our team
4-season tents for 4 people, accommodating 2 people per tent, clean and secure
Camping equipment: dining, tables, chairs and kitchen equipment (all carried by our porters and horses)

Food and Services

Professional chef specializing in mountain cuisine with assistant
Complete meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian and vegan options available)
Boiled and filtered water from the first lunch
Morning coca tea, served in your tent each morning
Daily tea time with popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate and more

What's not Included?

First day breakfast: USD $5-10 approximately
Last day lunch and dinner: USD $20-25 in Aguas Calientes
Sleeping bags
Trekking poles
Personal clothing and equipment
Travel insurance
Tips for staff (optional)
Additional expenses due to force majeure

Additional Services

Vistadome train upgrade: USD $80 per person (return only)
Sanctuary Lodge buffet lunch: USD $40 per person (includes drinks)
Huayna Picchu entrance: USD $75 per person (advance booking required)
Machu Picchu Mountain entrance: USD $75 per person (advance booking required)
Additional horse: USD $120 per person (complete trip)
Additional luggage: USD $140 per 15 kg / 33 lbs (complete trip)

What to Bring?

Original passport
Day backpack
Complete rain gear or poncho
Gloves (thin gloves for walking and thermal gloves)
Trekking pants
Breathable and quick-dry shirt
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Hiking socks
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Swimsuit
Comfortable shoes / sandals
Cold weather jacket
Long-sleeve fleece / sweater
Wool hat
Hiking boots
Cap, hat and bandana
Casual mountain clothing for evenings
Photo/video cameras and chargers
Binoculars
Reusable water bottle (hydration packs recommended)

PRICES

Why Choose the Lares Trek 4 Days?

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:

Interact with authentic Andean communities
Enjoy natural Lares Hot Springs
Walk through less crowded landscapes
Experience the living culture of the Andes
Access Machu Picchu with smaller groups
Avoid the permit restrictions of the traditional Inca Trail

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!