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The Lares to Machu Picchu Trek (4 Days) is an off-the-beaten-path route. This trek is one of the best alternatives to the Classic Inca Trail. Unlike others, the Lares to Machu Picchu Trek is a combination of nature, culture, and adventure.
This trek offers beautiful views and takes you through the rich pastoral regions of the Urubamba mountain range. We will cross snow-capped peaks and subtropical valleys. You will be rewarded with views of scenic lagoons, natural hot springs, and Inca ruins.
The local people you will meet in the Lares Valley have preserved their traditions and customs. They continue the tradition of weaving, creating colorful garments with llama and alpaca wool. Local families here are known for growing various types of potatoes.
The Lares Trek is an experiential journey, allowing you to closely observe the customs and homes of the Andean people.
This is a high-altitude trek, with the highest point at 3,150 meters (10,335 ft) above sea level. We recommend spending enough time in Cusco to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. To make the most of your time in Cusco, you may want to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas or take a hike to Inkilltambo for an overview of Inca history.
Why choose Tayra Tours Cusco?
We are a fully local tour operator in Cusco. Our guides are locals and have extensive knowledge of the region’s culture and history.
If you would like to book a private tour, feel free to contact us. We will design a personalized trekking plan based on your preferences.
Booking: Due to the limited number of trekking permits, 250 people per day (around 200 tourists and 50 trekking staff), it is important to book well in advance, especially during the high season (May–September).
During the low season (December–January), it is possible to get a ticket with about 30 days’ notice.
At around 6:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel and head to the village of Lares, where we will begin the hike. Along the way, we will make a stop in the village of Calca, where you can visit the local market and buy breakfast or other supplies for the trip.
Your guide may recommend that you buy some bread to share with the children you will meet during the hike. Upon arrival in Lares, we will visit the hot springs, where you can enjoy the warm water while our chefs prepare a wonderful lunch. After lunch, we will begin our hike to the first camp in Sondor (3,800 m / 12,467 ft).
For three hours, you will hike gradually uphill. This will give you a good workout for the next day, when we reach the highest point of the trek. The first night will be spent at the home of the muleteers who will accompany us during the journey. Upon arrival, the tents will be set up, and you will be treated to popcorn, sweets, and something hot before dinner.
After a nutritious breakfast, we will begin our journey to the highest point of the excursion, the Sacsayllame Pass or Huacahuasi, located at 4,400 m (14,435 feet) above sea level. The hike will take approximately two hours. This section is very steep.
Of course, an emergency horse will accompany us so that everyone can reach the top. During this hike, you will be able to enjoy the incredible views created by the surrounding mountains and agricultural lands. Please note that we will reach great heights, so the weather can be very cold.
After reaching the highest point, we will descend and pass by a beautiful lagoon before having lunch by the river. You can recover while our cooks prepare a delicious meal. Afterward, we will descend through a forest where you will be able to enjoy the "Queuñas" (Polylepis), a typical tree of Peru. This hike will take about four hours before we reach our camp at Pucara (3,100 m / 10,170 feet). Once at our camp, you can enjoy hot tea and some snacks before dinner.
Our journey begins early in the morning at 6:00 a.m. A vehicle will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo. Once there, you will board a tourist train to Km 104. After arriving at Km 104, the Royal Inca Trail will begin, with a hike to Chachabamba (2,270 m / 7,448 feet), where our guide will inform you about the history of this archaeological site.
Next, we will reach Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m / 8,694 feet), the most important archaeological site after Machu Picchu. Afterward, our path will continue to the Sun Gate or "Inti Punku". The Sun Gate is an excellent viewpoint from which you can enjoy the sunset over Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 feet). We will spend a short time at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, as we will need to continue our hike to our hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
We will depart from our hotel to Machu Picchu after breakfast, around 5:30 a.m., by bus. We leave this early because the surroundings are less crowded at that time, and the morning is ideal for enjoying the tranquility and ancestral spirit of the continent's most famous archaeological site.
Upon arrival at the citadel, around 6:00 a.m., our guide will provide detailed information about Machu Picchu and the history and culture of the Incas. After this introduction, you will have free time to explore and enjoy the place at your own pace. You can visit the Inca Bridge, explore the different structures, or climb Wayna Picchu for an impressive panoramic view.
Later, a bus will take you back to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will have the option to relax in the village's hot springs (S/ 10.00 Nuevos Soles). We will depart from Machu Picchu Pueblo in the afternoon.
1. Lares Thermal Baths and Their Ancestral Connection The Lares thermal baths have been used for centuries by local communities not only as a place of relaxation but also as a sacred space for healing and purification. The mineral-rich waters have been valued for their ability to relieve muscle and rheumatic ailments, a tradition that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. In addition, the Lares region is known for its Quechua communities, whose colorful textiles and spinning techniques have been preserved for generations.
2. Huacawasi and Its Textile Heritage Huacawasi is famous for its legacy in the crafting of handmade textiles. Local women, skilled weavers, keep alive the ancestral techniques passed down from the Incas, using natural dyes and geometric designs that tell stories of the Andean worldview. These textiles not only represent their culture but also a deep connection to the land and the Apus, the mountain deities.
3. Sacsayllame Pass: A Historical Challenge The Sacsayllame Pass, at 4,400 meters above sea level, symbolizes the resilience of Andean communities who have traveled these paths for centuries. This pass connects different agricultural valleys and was part of the trade routes used by the Incas to exchange products such as potatoes, quinoa, and coca leaves. The views from this point allow you to imagine the vast empire the Incas ruled from these heights.
4. Wiñayhuayna, the Jewel of the Inca Trail The archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna, which means “Forever Young” in Quechua, is a testament to the Incas’ sophisticated engineering and spirituality. This complex includes agricultural terraces and ceremonial structures that blend perfectly with the mountain, demonstrating the Inca’s skill in harmonizing with nature. Its proximity to Machu Picchu suggests it may have been a place of spiritual preparation before reaching the sacred citadel.
5. Machu Picchu: The Immortal Legacy of the Incas The Machu Picchu citadel, built in the 15th century under the rule of Inca Pachacútec, is a symbol of innovation and spirituality in this civilization. Although its exact purpose remains a mystery, it is believed to have been a religious, political, and astronomical center. Its strategic location and the arrangement of its structures, aligned with solar and stellar events, reflect the Inca’s deep connection to the cosmos.
6. Chachabamba and Its Ceremonial Role This archaeological site, located at the beginning of the Inca Trail from Km 104, was a place of ceremonial importance. Research suggests it was used for purification rituals with water before continuing to Machu Picchu. Its strategic location reinforces the idea that Inca roads were not only trade routes but also spiritual pathways.
7. The Inca Bridge: A Feat of Engineering The Inca Bridge, located on a steep cliff, is an impressive example of Inca defensive engineering. This suspension bridge could be dismantled to protect the citadel from potential invaders. Today, its visit offers a unique view of how the Incas used natural challenges to their strategic advantage.
8. The Biodiversity of the Andes and the Cloud Forest The route passes through ecosystems ranging from the Andean puna to the tropical cloud forest. These environments are home to unique species such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock, wild orchids, and the queuña tree, considered sacred by local communities. This connection between nature and culture reflects the Andean worldview, where all elements of the land are interconnected.
9. The Thermal Waters of Machu Picchu Pueblo The thermal waters of Machu Picchu Pueblo, known for their relaxing properties, are also a testament to how local communities have made use of natural resources to promote well-being. This place is the perfect way to end the experience, connecting with the serenity of the natural surroundings.
Absolute professionals. They exhibited a very keen interest and care. Highly recommended.
Nicely organised tour, excellent guide service and attention.
