Experience the Lares Trek Route to Machu Picchu

Travellers drawn to both natural beauty and authentic cultural experiences will find the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu a compelling alternative to the more crowded Inca Trail. This journey leads through secluded Andean communities, high-altitude mountain passes, and hidden valleys, offering a deeper connection to Peru’s landscape and heritage long before reaching the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.

A Trek Rooted in Culture and Community

Unlike the highly frequented Inca Trail, the Lares route travels through villages where traditional life continues as it has for centuries. Hikers pass through communities such as Lares, Cancha Cancha, and Quiswarani—places where Quechua remains the primary language, and colourful textiles still hang from hand‑built huts.

Here, guests are welcomed by locals who are known for their weaving skills, daily farming routines, and pastoral lifestyle. As you navigate these rural villages, there's often an opportunity to visit weaving collectives, sample home-grown potatoes or Andean corn, and observe alpaca herders in action.

Day-by-Day Adventure Overview

Day 1: From Cusco to Lares Valley
The journey starts early in Cusco, with a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to the village of Lares. Riders and trekkers enjoy impressive panoramas of terraced hillsides, towering peaks, and winding rivers. A soak in the Lares hot springs serves as a refreshing finale before settling in a rustic lodge or homestay among friendly local families.

Day 2: Trekking High Passes and Andean Lakes
Day two presents the toughest portion of the trek as hikers ascend to the Warmihuañusca pass, around 4,400 metres above sea level. From the summit, you’re rewarded with sweeping views across turquoise glacial lakes and snow-capped summits. The descent offers gentler slopes as you traverse meadowlands and cross streams before arriving in the village of Cancha Cancha.

Day 3: Valleys, Villages, and Cultural Exchange
This leg of the trek moves through undulating valleys flanked by high mountains. You may encounter cows grazing in high pastures, potters working with clay, and even llamas grazing freely. Lunch is often served in a native village, featuring traditional soup and quinoa-stuffed peppers. Before nightfall, descend further to Quiswarani or Tinaypata, where you spend the night in family-run accommodation.

Day 4: Arrival at Ollantaytambo and Train to Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, the final short hike drops into the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo. From here, a scenic train ride winds through the canyon toward Aguas Calientes, set alongside the Urubamba River. This intermediate journey allows participants to rest and enjoy the valley, preparing for the final ascent to Machu Picchu the next day.

Day 5 (Optional): Sunrise Visit to Machu Picchu
Although some itineraries include four days, another popular option adds a fifth day in which you rise before dawn and take the bus or hike up to Machu Picchu. Witnessing the morning mist lift over the ancient citadel is a highlight few forget. With a guide, you explore the temples, terraces, and history of this UNESCO World Heritage site before returning to Aguas Calientes for your journey back to Cusco.

Why the Lares Trek Stands Out

• Authentic Cultural Insight
  This route offers first-hand interaction with Andean villagers—experiencing traditional festivals, weaving techniques, and local cuisine in an environment untouched by mass tourism.

• Scenic Variation
  Hikers traverse ecosystems ranging from high alpine tundra and glacial lakes to valley forests and cultivated farmland, illustrating Peru’s dramatic topographical diversity.

• Permits Not Required
  Unlike the regulated Inca Trail, Lares does not require government permits, making it easier to book and more flexible. Small group sizes keep the trek minimal in its environmental impact.

• Moderate Challenge
  While the altitude is significant, the walking pace and terrain are approachable for travellers with reasonable fitness. Guides help acclimatise and ensure safety on steeper sections.

Preparation Tips & What to Pack

Successful preparation enhances the experience:

• Acclimatise in Cusco before starting the trek to reduce altitude discomfort. Spend at least one or two days walking in the city to adapt.

• Pack light but useful. Key items include waterproof layers, a warm insulating layer, sunhat, insect repellent, sunscreen, trekking poles, and a comfortable daypack.

• Footwear is crucial. Bring waterproof boots or trail shoes with good grip, and consider gaiters for dusty or wet conditions.

• Altitude essentials: bring water purification tablets or a filter, and stay hydrated with electrolyte drinks; have basic altitude medication on hand.

• Support local hosts and guides, buying meals or weaving items directly from communities helps provide fair benefit to local families.

Making Memories That Resonate

Each mile of the Lares Trek weaves together Panoramic mountain views, intimate village life, and cultural participation. The glow from textile colours, the scent of gathering herbs, and the echo of mountain lakes combine into sensory details visitors often recall long after the trip ends.

Arriving in Machu Picchu after this journey is a poignant culmination—each stone pathway and viewpoint becomes more meaningful after days of walking through Andean heritage.