The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days with Wonders of Peru Expeditions is the most cultural alternative trek to the Inca Trail. Over four days, you hike through the remote Lares Valley, soak in natural hot springs, visit authentic Andean communities that still speak Quechua and weave textiles by hand, explore the archaeological site of Pisac, and finish with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
The Lares Trek 4 days follows a quieter, less-traveled route through the Peruvian Andes. Unlike the classic Inca Trail, no permits are required and trails remain uncrowded throughout the year. Certified bilingual guides lead small groups while porters and horses carry your main gear, so you only need a daypack.
What sets our Lares Trek apart from other operators is a more complete itinerary. Your trip includes a visit to the Pisac archaeological site with its Inca terraces and ancient tombs, a stop at the Lares hot springs to relax in volcanic mineral waters, and a visit to a hummingbird exhibit on Day 3. These additions are not offered by most competitors and give you a richer Sacred Valley experience.
Our safety procedures include an acclimatization plan, first-aid kits with supplemental oxygen, and altitude protocols. You spend nights 1 and 2 in tents at established campsites. On night 3, you stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Our chef prepares all meals in camp, and we accommodate dietary needs with advance notice.
Each day begins with an early start to make the most of clear Andean skies. The Lares Valley trek takes you through landscapes that shift from high-altitude grasslands dotted with llamas and alpacas, past glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks, and down into the fertile Sacred Valley. Along the way, you walk through remote communities where families demonstrate traditional weaving techniques and share their way of life.
The Lares hot springs are a highlight of this trek. Fed by volcanic mineral water, the natural pools sit at 3,100 meters and offer a restorative soak surrounded by mountain scenery. After the trekking days, you transfer by train to Aguas Calientes for your Machu Picchu visit the following morning.
This cultural trek in Peru is ideal for travelers who want meaningful encounters with indigenous Andean communities rather than a purely physical challenge. The Lares Trek difficulty is moderate, making it accessible to most fitness levels while still delivering dramatic mountain scenery and rewarding hiking.
Visiting between April and August? See our Machu Picchu High Season Guide for current ticket release policy, what to bring, and how we help secure your entry during peak season.
See less4 Days
2-8
English, Spanish
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is an exciting journey through some of the most remote and culturally rich areas of the Peruvian Andes. Proper preparation will help you make the most of this experience. Here are essential tips to ensure you are ready for the trek ahead.
Begin your training at least a few weeks before departure. Incorporate regular cardio exercises such as hiking, running, or swimming to build endurance. Focus on leg strength for ascending and descending mountain passes. Aim for at least three to four hikes of varied lengths and elevations to simulate trail conditions. The highest point is Mantanay Pass at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft on Day 2.
Plan to arrive in Cusco at least two full days before the trek begins. Cusco sits at 3,400 m / 11,152 ft, so your body needs time to adjust. During this time, stay hydrated, eat light meals, avoid alcohol, and take it easy. Coca tea is a traditional Andean remedy that many trekkers find helpful. Proper acclimatization makes a significant difference on the trail.
Your main luggage stays at your hotel in Cusco. For the trek you pack a duffel bag (7 kg / 15 lbs maximum) carried by horses, plus a daypack you carry yourself. Essential items include warm layers, a waterproof rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, water bottle, and personal toiletries. A detailed packing list is provided after booking.
Our chef prepares all meals on the trail using fresh ingredients. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific diets with advance notice. Meals include breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea with snacks, and dinner. Bring your own trail snacks if you prefer to have extra energy food during the hike.
Mountain weather changes rapidly. Mornings are often clear and warm, but temperatures drop significantly at altitude and after sunset. Night temperatures at camp can reach below freezing. Dress in moisture-wicking layers that you can add or remove throughout the day. A good quality rain jacket is essential year-round.
Our guides carry first-aid kits with emergency oxygen and have training in high-altitude safety protocols. An emergency horse is available if needed. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended. If you take any prescription medication, bring enough for the entire trip plus extra days as a precaution.
As a local tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag during your briefing and include the services of horsemen to carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your gear. This allowance covers your sleeping bag, mattress, and any extra clothing you may need. All bags will be weighed prior to acceptance. If your gear exceeds this limit, you will need to carry the additional weight in your day pack. From the 7 kg allowance, allocate 2 kg for your sleeping bag and 1 kg for your sleeping pad, leaving you with approximately 4 kg for your personal belongings.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40 L for hiking during the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag carried by horsemen.
