Beautiful view on Lares Trek - Lares Trek

Lares Trek 4 Days
to Machu Picchu

4 Days / 3 Nights
Vidal Expeditions Video
Accommodation Icon
Camping Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 10 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
4,720 m / 15,620 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty

The Epic Andean Experience on the Lares Trek

Lares, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Accommodation Icon
Camping Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 8 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
4,720 m / 15,620 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty

The Lares Trek 4 Days is one of the less-traveled routes to Machu Picchu, located near the Sacred Valley of the Incas, crossing the Urubamba mountain range. This is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy an off-the-beaten-path trek, offering more connection with Andean indigenous communities and breathtaking landscapes.

Along the three incredible days, you will experience scenic lakes, waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views of the Andes Mountain Range with imposing snow peaks, walking through herds of alpacas and llamas. It is a great experience that you will never forget.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Packing List
  • Faqs
  • Pricing
  • Enquire Now
  Overview

Embark on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, an exciting adventure in the Andes mountains of Peru. This is the best alternative trek when the Classic Inca Trail is sold out. What makes the Lares Trek stand out? The opportunity to experience authentic Andean culture while hiking through stunning mountain scenery at a high altitude.

You will have a unique experience while sharing incredible moments with local children and their families who have been preserving their traditions, culture, and customs for hundreds of years. There is lots of opportunity to spot children tending herds of llamas and alpacas and women in colorful dresses spinning and weaving.

At the end of your journey, after these days spent traveling, you will finally reach the iconic Machu Picchu, the fabled lost Inca city.

Tour Details

Highlights: Hot springs, Breathtaking Andean Mountains & Machu Picchu
Hiking Distance: 32km / 20 milles
Considerations: Acclimatization is required
Season: April to November
Max. Altitude: 4,720m / 15.620ft

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day01

    Cusco - Famous Thermal Baths - Quiswarani

    Embark on an adventure in the Andes by exploring the most stunning landscapes in the Urubamba range near the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

  • Day02

    Quiswarani - Condor Pass - CanchaCancha Village

    Hike through remote Andean communities and learn about their culture and traditions, which have been preserved for many years.

  • Day03

    Cancha Cancha - Huaran - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

    Be amazed by the breathtaking vistas and embark on the best train ride journey in Peru.

  • Day04

    Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

    Have a guided tour of the most mystic Inca site, Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

  Itinerary
Day 01

Cusco - Famous Thermal Baths - Kiswarani Waterfall Campsite

Highlight of the Day: Intruducing the high Andean culture and traditions
Camp Elevation: 3,700 meters / 12,139 ft
Weather: Cold

We will pick you up from your hotel at 5 a.m. to begin our adventure on Lares Trek. We will then drive for 3 hours to reach the town of Lares. There you will enjoy the hot springs which feature several pools of varyig temperatures. These natural thermal baths contains mineral-rich waters that are benificial for your skin and bones, help relieve stress, relax your muscles, and ease headaches.

After relaxing in the baths for a while, you will start hiking. The trail gradually ascends for about two hours until we reach our first lunch spot near a small village. Along this section of hike you will pass through potato farmlands supported by the cummunity of Quisuarani. Your guide will explain the different varieties of potatoes that grown in the area, as well as introduce you the native medicinal plants. You will then enjoy your delicious meal freshly prepared by our trekking chef.

In the afternoon, we will take part in a traditional ceremony made by our trekking team who will offer some local products to Mother Earth (Pachamama). They will also showcase these beautiful animals such as Llamas were considered sacred by the Incas and were fundamental to their economy.  Nowadays a few families in remote areas still use llamas to transport their products. At Vidal Expeditions we have designed different alternatives trekking routes that help revive ancient traditions while supporting the communities that protect them. Llamas are friendly, strong animalsand make wonderful walking companion. Just don't get too close; they might try to give you a kiss.

You will also have time to explore the village and visit some local homes, where you will learn about the lifestyle and ancient traditions of the local people. From there, It will be another two hour, gradual uphill hike to reach the campsite where our trekking staff will be waiting to welcome you with your tents already set up. After, you’ll have the option to do some stargazing. You may choose to stay up a little longer enjoying the night sky, or, if you prefer, you can head to your tent for a well-deserved rest.

Meals Icon
Lunch & Dinner Meals
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
8 km/4.9 miles Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
5 - 6 hours Walking Time
Starting Elevation Icon
3,150 m / 10,334 ft Starting Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
3,700 m / 12,139 ft Highest Elevation
Day 02

Quiswarani - Condor Pass - Cancha Cancha Village

Highlight of the Day: Hiking through snow-capped mountains and lakes
Camp Elevation: 3,700 meters / 12,139 feet
Weather: Cold

Today, you will be woken up around 5 a.m. with our hot tea service. You will enjoy breathtaking views of the colorful lake and Kiswarani Valley. Enjoy an Andean breakfast prepared by our chef using the local organic ingredients. After breakfast, we’ll fill up our water bottles, and pack our trekking gear. Then, you will begin one of the most memorable days of your expedition to Machu Picchu.

The hike to Pachacute also known as Condor pass will take about three to four hours ascending along a scenic switchback trail. The views along the way are truly stunning. You will see crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and herds of llamas, and alpacas. Once you reached Condor Pass 4,680 m/ 15,354 ft high, you will be above the clouds and mountain peaks, surrounded by breathtaking 360-degree vistas. Directly ahead of you will be the majestic Mount Pitusiray, towering at 5,700 m (18,700 ft). Take a well-deserved rest and allow the tranquility of the high Andes to envelop you.

You’ll begin a one-hour downhill descent toward El Mirador (viewpoint), where you’ll enjoy a scenic lunch break. You may even spot some llamas grazing nearby.

After lunch, you'll continue with a final three-hour descent, surrounded by breathtaking views of mountain lakes and herds of llamas and alpacas. Eventually, you'll arrive at your campsite in the village of Cancha Cancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft)—a unique community untouched by modern technology.

Here, you'll experience not only the beauty of the wilderness but also the warmth of the local culture. Your porters will set up your tents, and you’ll have some time to meet the local children. As part of our commitment to the community, we provide food and school supplies, and we invite our travelers to contribute as well. If you wish, you're welcome to bring items that could support the education and well-being of these Quechua-speaking children.

Later, your guide will take you to visit a local family’s home, where you’ll gain insight into their daily life. You'll see how they raise guinea pigs and learn about their traditional hand-woven textiles made from llama and alpaca wool.

Meals Icon
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals
Difficulty Icon
Challenging Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
11 km/6.8 miles Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
7 - 8 hours Walking Time
Starting Elevation Icon
3,700 m / 12,139 ft Starting Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
4,680 m/ 15,354 ft Highest Elevation
Day 03

Cancha Cancha - Huaran - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Highlight of the Day: Arriving to the Sacred Valley
Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 feet
Weather: Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon.

Our trekking team will wake you up with a hot cup of tea, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views and the crisp morning air. After breakfast, your guide will take some time to share experiences with the local children and visit their school, where the ancient Inca language, Quechua, is still taught.

Once you're ready, you’ll begin the final leg of your Lares Trek. We’ll hike for about four hours along a beautiful trail, passing more herds of llamas and alpacas. Along the way, you’ll also see traditional farms growing fava beans, potatoes, and a variety of other native Andean tubers, cultivated in the time-honored Incan style. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Peruvian agriculture, as the locals still farm by hand using traditional Inca tools. From here, we begin our descent into the Sacred Valley. As we go down, you’ll notice a shift in the microclimate and begin to see different types of crops, unique to the lower elevations.

Your trek ends in the small village of Huaran, located in the Sacred Valley at 2,700 meters (8,858 feet). Here, you’ll say goodbye to your horses, horsemen, chef, and porters, as they return to their homes.

From Huaran, we’ll catch a van for a short drive into the valley to visit Ollantaytambo, the only living, intact Inca village. The town still preserves many original Inca water channels, houses, and stone walls. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of this charming village, sharing its history and significance. After the tour, you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. We’ll then board the 7:00 p.m. train to Aguas Calientes—the town at the base of Machu Picchu. (Train times may vary depending on availability.) Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check in to your hotel and have time to relax and prepare for the next day's adventure.

Meals Icon
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
9 km/5.5miles Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
4 -5 hours Walking Time
Train Ticket Icon
1.40 hours Train Trip
Hotel Icon
Hotel Accommodation
Day 04

Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Highlight of the Day: Machu Picchu, the Seven Wonders
Weather: Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon
Wather: Warm

After hiking in the Andes Mountains, we will embark on a tour to explore the iconic Machu Picchu. You will wake up early to beat the crowds and experience this magical Inca site, with the opportunity to see the sunrise over the ruins.

After capturing postcard-worthy photos, your guide will lead you on an informative two-hour tour of the site. Following the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or choose to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (this requires a separate entrance ticket, costing $75 per person).

In the afternoon, you’ll catch a two-hour train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus transfer to Cusco, where we will take you to your hotel.
Meals Icon
Breakfast Meals
Difficulty Icon
Easy Difficulty
Machu Picchu  Icon
Machu Picchu ticket Entrance Ticket
activities Icon
3 Hours Guided Time
Highest Elevation Icon
2,430 m / 7,972 ft Machu Picchu Elevation
  Inclusions

At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide specific details of what is included and excluded in our Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your Machu Picchu trek.

WE INCLUDE

Vidal Expeditions Team Provide

  • Pre-departure briefing

    Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Machu Picchu hike. During this briefing, you will receive important details about what to pack for Lares trek. After this time, you will receive your duffle bag for your extra luggage, which will stay with our porter while you are hiking.

  • Professional Trekking Guide

    All our tour guides have a great reputation for customer service, and they have been leading different groups to Machu Picchu. Our tour guides have graduated with a tourism career from the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English at a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the magical Andes and Machu Picchu.

  • Permits to Machu Picchu

    Once we receive your details and the deposit for the tour, we will purchase all the necessary tickets for your Lares trek. These permits will be for a specific date and will be in your name. Unfortunately, this information can’t be modified under any circumstance once confirmed.

  • Porters Team

    At Vidal Expeditions, we include horses and a porter who will be carrying your personal belongings in a duffle bag that we provide during this tour. This duffle bag cannot exceed 7 kg (14 lb). This weight includes the sleeping bag and mattress. You will be responsible for packing your duffle bag with your personal items (including your sleeping bag and mattress) that you will not be using during the day before breakfast. Items that are packed will not be accessible until we reach the final camp for the evening.

Transportations

  • Private Transport

    We include all the transportation during your trek. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to Lares town (the trail head). At the end of the trek, the bus returning from Ollantaytambo to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.

  • Train Ticket

    For the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, we include the return train ticket after you have explored Machu Picchu on the last day. The train ticket will be for one of the available trains scheduled for 14:20 hrs., 14:55 hrs., or 16:20 hrs.

  • Bus Ticket

    The Bus ticket round trip to Machu Picchu early morning

Equipment

  • Camping equipment

    Vidal Expeditions leads tours to Machu Picchu with suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of a lifetime. Our tents are Eureka or Doite pro Aconcagua for 4 people, which will be shared only with 2 people to ensure your comfort and enough space for your luggage. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal on this tour.

  • Personal Duffle bag

    We included a personal duffle bag for your 4-day Lares trek. You will get this duffle bag at Vidal Expeditions office during your pre-departure briefing the night before your trek. This bag will be carried by our porters during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon when you arrive at the campsite. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag, and mattress, but the maximum allowable weight is 7 kg (17 lb). The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.

  • Medical First Aid Kit

    All tour guides at Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every six months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained on how to supply balloon oxygen if someone requires it.

Meals

  • Meals

    At Vidal Expeditions, we know food is such an important part of any vacation, and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial. For your trek, we include 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. We cater to all dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others—just let us know your dietary restrictions at the time of your booking. Our team is well-trained to prepare the best food you've ever had with local and organic ingredients.

  • Water

    Vidal Expeditions will provide you with water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water will be filtered, boiled, and cooled by our chef. You must bring your own water container, bottle, or camelback that can hold water for hiking for a few hours. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters.

  • Snacks

    Our team will provide a snack every morning before leaving each campsite, so you can enjoy it during your hike throughout the day. There will be many breaks when you can enjoy the delicious local fruits, biscuits, and caramels.

WE NOT INCLUDED

  • Sleeping bag

    Every trekker along the Lares trek needs a proper sleeping bag, which has to be for -15°C or 5°F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or don’t have one, you can rent a sleeping bag from us.

  • Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles

    Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits—protect your knees while you are hiking downhill. Especially on ancient paths, where there are many stairs up and down, trekking poles help you during the ascent and increase stability. If you don’t have a pair of trekking poles, you can rent them from our office.

  • Breakfast on the First day

    We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotels offer breakfast during your stay. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near Calca town where you will be able to purchase breakfast.

  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes

    Lunch on the last day at Aguas Calientes is not included in the trek. However, you and the group can enjoy the last lunch together at a restaurant recommended by your tour guide.

  • Travel Insurance

    We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.

  • Tips for our team

    Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Ausangate, and although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team's hard work.

  • Huayna Picchu

    Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a really famous hike that normally takes 45 minutes to hike up the narrow, steep steps to the top with a great view of Machu Picchu citadel. If you would like to hike Huayna Picchu after your tour to Machu Picchu, there is an extra cost of USD 75.00. Also, this booking must be done at least 3 months in advance due to its popularity.

  Packing List

4-DAY LARES TREK PACKING LIST

At Vidal Expeditions, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details you need to know before leaving your country and starting your life experience in Peru.

What you need to pack? Important
  • Passport
  • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Porters or horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From our perspective, these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

  • 2-3 wicking t-shirts
  • 2-3 hiking pants
  • 4 sets of undergarments.
  • 1 Fleece
  • 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
  • 1 Rain jacket and pants
  • 1 sun hat
  • 1 wool hat
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho

Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

A daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the citadel gates. But don´t worry; they have a secure storage facility. Water: We supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning's water only, as we won't have time to filter it until your first lunch.

  • Sun hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music (iPhone)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Earplugs
  • Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Face moisturizer
  • Bug spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Small towel
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
  Faqs

PREPARING FOR YOUR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

At Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the booking system as easy as possible for you. Once you decide to do this trek, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details that are important to book your tickets. We need a previous deposit of 50% per person. As soon as you pay it, we immediately book a spot for this tour. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and a confirmation form that all the booking processes have been satisfactorily set up.

Lares Trek is an alternative tour to the Classic Inca Trail, and it offers a different experience in the Andes mountains with the option to visit some remote Quechua communities, learn their culture, share moments with their children, and be amazed by the snow-capped mountains in the Urubamba range. Perfect for these, you love to learn about local traditions.

This Lares trek is particularly challenging, especially for people who do not have experience hiking in the mountains. We recommend training with some exercises a few times per week to avoid problems, and it is also recommended to spend some days in Cusco to acclimatate the altitude because part of the segments along this trek are located over 3,500 m/11,482 ft

No, because this trek is located in a remote place where there is no electricity. Some local villages located along the trek have solar panels, and your guide can talk with some of them in extreme cases to recharge your cellphone. We recommend that you bring an extra power bank for the days you are in the mountains.

The Lares trek includes a visit to Machu Picchu on the last day of the trip; for this, you need to book the entrance ticket in advance, and Vidal Expeditions will be in charge of organizing all the details for your adventure trip.

Definitely, hiking in the mountains in Cusco never disappoints. This Lares Trek will take you to a truly Andean experience with some of the most remote Quechua communities. Be amazed by their lifestyle, weave weaving techniques, hike between herds of alpacas, and enjoy the magical landscapes where tranquility and harmony involve you.

The higest point that you will reach during the Lares trek will be 4,680 m/ 15,354 feet above sea level, this is located at Condor pass.

No worries, all our guides and team are well prepared for any altitude issus can happen during your hike. Your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen ballon during the different excursions and there will also be an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recover.

Experience hiking 28km (17 miles) in the Andes mountains, where time stopped and beautiful landscapes were created for all these adventure lovers.

Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well.

Yes. You can hike through this trail on your own with no problems; however, to make your journey more comfortable and don't miss anything, an organized tour is highly recommended. Join as much as possible in every corner of this fantastic trek.

A sleeping bag is not included during our different excursions; you need to bring your own sleeping bag. If you don't have one, you can hire one from us for $20 USD for the entire trek.

The high altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May–September), when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees Celsius at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year, so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive, and locally made hand-woven hats and gloves in Cuzco.

Both are incredible treks to Machu Picchu, while Lares will offer you stunning views in the high altitude mountain. The Inca Trail crosses some of the most incredible Inca sites. History and culture are what make the Inca Trail unique, and Andean authentic traditions are what you will find along the Lares Trek.

The weather along the Lares and parts of the Andes is unpredictable, even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny. We can’t trust it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season; November through February is the rainy season; and March and October are bridge months—a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain, no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (for yoga or hiking) are encouraged to protect against the mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance in some parts of the trail.

  Pricing

From: USD 560.00 per person

USD 545.00: from 4 people to more

Additional Items
* Additional single room in Aguas Calientes $60USD
*Upgrade the returning train to Vistadome service( with larger windows and more confortable seats $60US per person

  Enquire Now

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Vidal Expeditions. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge |  Your privacy is respected and protected. Vidal Expeditions will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

Personal Details

Trip Details

Lares Trek 4 Days 3 Nights
14 years and above
Below 14 years
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Vidal Expeditions contact

Feel free to reach us via email at vidalexpeditions@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694

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Saturday: 09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.

Vidal Expeditions location

Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco

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Tour Price

4 Days / 3 Nights
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu


Price from $ 560 USD Per Person

Group Size Up to 10 People

What's it like

Lares Trek 4 Days 3 Nights Map



WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?


At Vidal Expeditions we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.

  • Small groups: Along group size is a capped at 10 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion

  • Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a 3 stars hotel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.

  • Bus to Machu Picchu: To enjoy Machu Picchu, we provide a round trip ticket on the bus from Aguas Calientes to the main entrance of the archaeological site.

  • Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.

  • Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.

  • Best Trekking team: At Vidal Expeditions we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.

Before you Go: What to Know About Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Find here the essential information that you need to consider for your Lares Trek 4-Day. Off-the-Beaten-Path to Machu Picchu!

The exclusive Lares 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu, is stunning an best alternative to the Inca Trail. Hike through Andean communities witness breathtaking landscapes, and immerse yourself in authentic Andes Quechua Culture before reaching the iconic Machu Picchu, the world wonder.

Explore the Lares Trek—breathtaking mountains, traditional Quechua villages, hot springs, and a scenic, less-traveled route to Machu Picchu.


Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – Authentic Andean Culture and Stunning Scenery


  • Remote Trek: Lares Trek is well ranked as the best alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, due it less crowded and breathtaking views along the way. Discover more about the Andes culture, visit local families who preserved their traditions and culture for generations.
  • Physical Demand: The Lares Trek involves steep ascents and descents over challenging terrain, so hikers should expect some physical strain.
  • Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness in Lares Trek affects more hikers. It's important to acclimatize properly in Cusco before starting the trek to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
  • Explore the highlights:Hike through several Andean communities, share moments with local children, learn the local traditions and culture that was preserved for years
  • Weather: Weather in Lares area can be unpredictable, ranging from sunny to cold and rainy. The best time to trek is during the dry season (April to October), though temperatures can still drop significantly, especially at night.
  • Camping Area: There are specific camping sites on this trek; however, according to the group, weather conditions, or other factors, it can be modified.
  • Bathrooms: Facilities on the Ausangate Trek are mostly basic; however, Vidal Expeditions brings portable toilets, which can be set up at each meal and campsite.
  • Lares Trek Experience: The Lares Trek offers an unforgettable adventure through Peru’s majestic Andes. Hike rugged terrain, cross high-altitude passes, and witness traditional Andean villages.


Why hike the Lares 4 Days Trek in Peru?

Hiking the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 Days is perfect for those looking for a mix of breathtaking landscapes, cultursl immersion, and fewer crowds, compared to other trails to Machu Picchu.

  • Stunning Scenery
  • Challenging Adventure
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Crystal Glacial Lakes
  • Less Crowded and Peaceful Route
  • Local Connection
  • Authentic Andean Experience

Why Travel with Vidal Expeditions

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