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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Lucie B
February 3, 2026
What a magical experience! Yisus and the porters, as well as the agency and of course our group have been simply amazing. I am vegetarian and the food was sooo good! Healthy, love-filled… The 4 day Inca Trail is highly recommended and the professional organization and team-effort was outstanding. Thank you :D
Chiara V
January 30, 2026
I cannot recommend enough this company that gave me the best hike of my life. After my 4 days to the Inca trail, I can say how impressed I was for the excellent organisation, the cure for the details and the hardworking attitude of all the team. A big thanks to our guide Yisus whom knowledges of the Inca, empathy, professionalism and smiles, made the hike smooth and even more enjoyable. He always made sure all of us were going to our own pace and offered support and encouragement everytime we need it. Without the porters Julio, Sixto, Anastacio, Zony, Aaamilkar and the leader of the porters Jose Luis our trekking would have not been the same. Harworking men who brought all our equipment and took care of us with simple gestures like warm water in the morning and hot teas throughout the day. Also, together with the chef Benigno, they offered us wonderful and rich Peruvian dishes multiple times a day. Gracias and see you next time for other unique trekking!
Lois W
January 23, 2026
Tuvimos el viaje de toda la vida, guiados por Percy e Iza, junto a un increíble equipo de porteadores y chef Julio. Percy e Iza trajeron tanta pasión, calidez, humor y ánimo suave durante todo el viaje - eran tan conocedores de la historia de la civilización inca, y siempre supimos exactamente qué esperar del camino por delante. El chef de comida que preparó Julio fue nada menos que increíble. Este fue un viaje tan especial. ¡Recomendaré este equipo al 100% a todos los amigos y familiares que viajen a Perú!
Nancy J
January 23, 2026
Wilson was an amazing guide, he gave clear instructions the day before the hike and thoughtfully adjusted the timing of the tour so we could enjoy the Inca ruins with fewer crowds and still have a good amount of time at Machu Picchu. He was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and having a guide from the Inca community added a deeper, more authentic perspective to the history and culture we were experiencing. The 1-day Inca Trail itself was stunning with beautiful scenery throughout the trail and we were even lucky enough to spot an Andean bear along the way. Highly recommend this tour if you’re short on time but still want to experience the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu together.
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