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Discover the Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu, an unforgettable journey through remote Andean villages, dramatic mountain landscapes, natural hot springs, and ancient traditions. This alternative trek is perfect for travelers who want a more authentic and less crowded route to Machu Picchu. Hike across the Andes, connect with local Quechua communities, and finish your adventure with a guided tour of the legendary Inca citadel.
Why Choose the Lares Trek 4 Days?
The 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is perfect for travelers who want more than just a hike. This route offers a deep connection with the Andes, combining adventure, culture, and spectacular scenery.
You will walk through remote mountain trails, meet Quechua-speaking families, see alpacas and llamas grazing in the highlands, and discover some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Sacred Valley region.
This trek is less crowded than the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek, making it an excellent option for those who want a more peaceful and authentic experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco – Pumahuanca Valley – Puyoc Camp
Your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we travel by private transport through the Sacred Valley toward Pumahuanca, a peaceful Andean village where the trek begins.
Upon arrival, you will meet our trekking team, including the chef, muleteers, and support staff. After organizing the equipment, you will enjoy breakfast surrounded by mountain scenery before starting the hike.
The trail follows the beautiful Pumahuanca Valley, passing small farming areas, native vegetation, waterfalls, and impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, your guide will share stories about local life, Andean nature, and the importance of this route.
After lunch in a scenic spot, the hike continues toward the archaeological remains of Chupani, a quiet Inca site hidden in the valley. This section offers a great combination of history, landscapes, and local flora.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at our campsite in Puyoc, located at approximately 4,150 meters / 13,615 feet. Our team will welcome you with hot drinks before dinner. At night, you can rest under the clear Andean sky.
- Meals included: Lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping in Puyoc
Day 2 Puyoc – Siclla Qasa Pass – Yanacocha Lake – Cuncani Village
The day begins with a hot drink served at your tent, followed by a nourishing breakfast prepared by our trekking chef. After refilling your water bottle with boiled and cooled water, we begin one of the most impressive sections of the Lares Trek.
Today’s route climbs gradually toward Siclla Qasa Pass, the highest point of the trek at around 4,850 meters / 15,912 feet. From the pass, you will enjoy panoramic views of snowcapped mountains, remote valleys, and traditional Andean communities.
Your guide will explain the importance of the mountains, known locally as Apus, and their spiritual meaning in Andean culture.
After taking time to enjoy the views, we descend toward Yanacocha Lake, also known as the Black Lagoon, where we stop for lunch. This peaceful highland setting is one of the most scenic places on the route.
In the afternoon, the trail continues downhill toward Cuncani, a traditional Quechua-speaking village. Along the way, you may see local families wearing colorful traditional clothing, potato fields, grazing animals, and possibly vizcachas among the rocks.
We spend the night camping near Cuncani at approximately 3,800 meters / 12,467 feet. After a warm welcome at camp, dinner will be served and you can relax after a full day in the mountains.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping in Cuncani
Day 3 Cuncani Village – Lares Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we continue walking through rural Andean landscapes, passing small houses, farms, and local communities where traditional customs are still part of daily life.
This part of the trek offers a deeper connection with the culture of the Lares Valley. Many families in this region still speak Quechua and maintain ancestral ways of living, farming, and weaving.
The trail descends toward the famous Lares Hot Springs. Once we arrive, you will have time to relax in the natural thermal pools, a perfect reward after two days of trekking in the Andes.
After lunch with our trekking team, we say goodbye to the support crew and continue by private transport to Ollantaytambo. This historic Inca town is one of the best-preserved settlements in the Sacred Valley.
Later, we board the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. During the journey, the landscape changes from high Andean valleys to lush cloud forest as the train follows the Urubamba River.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel and rest before the visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 1 Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After an early breakfast, we take the bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The ride takes around 25 minutes and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
At the entrance, your guide will assist you with the check-in process. Please remember to bring your original passport, as it is required to enter Machu Picchu.
Once inside the citadel, you will enjoy a guided tour through the most important sectors of Machu Picchu. Your guide will explain the history, architecture, and spiritual importance of this incredible Inca sanctuary.
Depending on your entrance ticket and circuit, you will have time to take photos and enjoy the views from the permitted areas. If you have booked an additional mountain hike, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, your guide will show you where to begin.
After the visit, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our transport will take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Return: Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
Included
- Hotel pickup and return transfer after the tour
- Experienced local guide with multilingual assistance
- Support horse for carrying up to 8 kg of personal gear
- Safety mule available along the route
- Oxygen support and basic first aid equipment
- Radio communication during the trek
- Full camping setup with tents for sleeping, cooking, and dining
- Comfortable sleeping mat for each traveler
- Freshly prepared meals during the trek
- Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners according to the itinerary
- Vegetarian and vegan options available on request
- Safe drinking water provided daily after boiling and cooling
- One night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
- Final lunch and dinner after the trek
- Personal snacks and drinks
- Tips for guides, cooks, muleteers, and staff
- Personal purchases or extra expenses
- Sleeping bag rental
- Trekking pole rental
Packing List
- Original passport
- Small daypack
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Thermal layers for cold nights
- Hiking pants and quick-dry shirts
- Hat or cap for the sun
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Basic toiletries
- Toilet paper or wet wipes
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Snacks such as energy bars or dried fruit
- Swimsuit, if your itinerary includes hot springs
Lares Trek 4 Days FAQs
Is the Lares Trek 4 Days worth it?
Yes, the Lares Trek 4 Days is absolutely worth it if you want an authentic and less crowded trek to Machu Picchu. This route combines beautiful Andean landscapes, traditional Quechua communities, hot springs, mountain lakes, and a final guided visit to Machu Picchu.
How difficult is the Lares Trek 4 Days?
The Lares Trek 4 Days is considered a moderate to challenging hike. You do not need to be an expert trekker, but you should have a reasonable fitness level because the route includes high-altitude passes, uphill sections, and several hours of hiking each day.
When is the best time to do the Lares Trek 4 Days?
The best time to hike the Lares Trek 4 Days is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is usually clearer and trails are more comfortable. The rainy season runs from November to March, but the trek can still be done with proper gear.
Can beginners do the Lares Trek 4 Days?
Yes, beginners can do the Lares Trek 4 Days if they are reasonably fit and prepared for altitude. This trek is not technical, but it does include mountain passes, cold nights, and long hiking days.
Can I book the Lares Trek 4 Days last minute?
The Lares Trek itself does not have limited permits like the Inca Trail, but Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets can sell out. For the best schedules and availability, it is recommended to book in advance.
Why book the Lares Trek 4 Days with a local tour operator?
Booking with a local tour operator gives you better logistics, local knowledge, personalized support, and a more authentic experience. It also helps support local guides, cooks, muleteers, and Andean communities along the route.