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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Lorena R
October 8, 2025
Vine a Perú con una amiga y elegimos hacer el circuito 2 a Machu Pichu con guía, yo no soy de hacer trakking y fue bastante duro para mí ,pero el grupo y sobretodo nuestro guía Javier lo hicieron increíble . Lo súper recomiendo fue una experiencia única
RachelE
October 3, 2025
We had a great experience at the Lares Trek with our guide Yisus and chef Victoriano! Yisus is a very caring guide & with a lot of knowledge about the surroundings and history. We were gladly suprised about the wunderful meals Victoriano could cook with limited gear. It was the perfect trip for us, thanks to those two new friends.
Hugh M
September 29, 2025
Myself and my girlfriend had an unbelievable trip. We had the best tour guide, Eder who was very knowledgeable, helpful and great fun to be around. He made the trip very memorable. The company is very well organised, from the buses to and from Cusco, the accommodation, and the food. Every day we had 3 great meals cooked by our personal chef Richie. We would like to thank Eder, Richie, and our horseman for making our trip unforgettable!
edel r
September 28, 2025
Muy buena la atención del equipo de porteadores de Inka Trail, excelente el guía Amilcar. El moso un personaje entrañable. Amilcar, un guía preparado, empático y muy atinada su logística, llevo muy bien al grupo, dándole libertad a cada uno de manejar su ritmo y llegar todos a completar la travesía con éxito y un gran disfrute paso a paso a pesar del esfuerzo. Maravilloso. Gracias.
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