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!
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Cristian M
September 2, 2025
First time camping and being that the Inka Trail I think it was mesmerizing. The guides were very supportive. Both Chino and Cati were very attentive to our health and livelihoods. Not only with us but with the group as a whole. The helping crew and the crew were exceptional . There were amazing sites along the way and overcoming the hardships of the hike was both spiritually and physically expansive.
Voyager559792
September 1, 2025
I had the best experience hiking the four days with Inka Trail Expeditions. The food was delicious, tents cozy and insulated. We got double sleeping pads and super warm bags. Most importantly, our guide Eder was fantastic! He took care of our every need, answered our many questions, and shared his extensive knowledge. I had a lingering cold when I started the hike that developed into acute bronchitis, but he stayed with me, gave me a "remedy," asked every store for miel, and even gave me cola and mentos from his pack! He went above and beyond to make sure I was okay. He also found out it was my birthday the day before the last night of camping and made sure I had a cake. A CAKE! At 12k feet... Amazing. But beyond his attentiveness, Eder shared his passion and knowledge of the trail with love and enthusiasm. If you decide to do the Inka Trail with this group (which I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE), ask for Eder as your guide!!! You will be taken care of from start to finish.
karyn h
September 1, 2025
The 2 guides, Jorge and Katy, were kind, helpful, patient, knowledgeable, and excellent at keeping the group on task. The porters, the cooks, the camp sites, were welcoming after a hard day of hiking. The size of the group was perfect for getting to know each other.
Tom H
September 1, 2025
Very well organized and supported. We had a group of 13 hikers who were supported by 18 porters, a chef and two guides. The food was restaurant quality and the overall help from the guides wonderful. Highly recommended.
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