The Lares Trek is one of the most recommended hiking routes for those looking to reach Machu Picchu by a different path than the classic Inca Trail. The Lares Trek is different from the others because it doesn’t have a limited number of spots or require government permits. This gives more flexibility when planning your travel date. The route goes through Andean valleys, lagoons, and mountain passes, and connects with Quechua communities that keep their customs and traditional way of life.
The Lares Trek is different from other options because it allows visitors to interact directly with local people. On the way, travelers go through communities like Huacawasi, Cuncani, and Patacancha. There, they can see traditional weaving techniques and sometimes have lunch with a local family. The Lares Trek does not follow a ceremonial Inca trail, but it does go along paths that communities have used for generations to move around and trade with other towns.
This guide explains everything you need to know to plan the Lares Trek. It includes information about the route, time, and variations, costs, whether you do the trek on your own or with an agency, the best time to travel, recommended physical preparation, and health tips for the altitude. The goal is for anyone who chooses the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu with the information they need to finish the trip safely.
What is the Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek is a hiking route in the Peruvian Andes that connects the Lares valley with Machu Picchu. On the way, you’ll pass through Quechua communities that still live like they did in the past. It became more popular as an option when it became harder to get permits for the Inca Trail. Since then, it has remained one of the top choices for those looking for an experience with more cultural contact.
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About the Lares valley: Knowing its history
The Lares Valley has been home to Quechua communities since before the Inca Empire. Tourism has reached the area, but the way of life and beliefs of its people stay almost unchanged. The Lares Trek is an old path that connected the most remote mountain towns. People used it to move around and trade with other communities.
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Difference from the classic Inca Trail
The Lares Trek is not a strict ceremonial Inca trail, but a network of paths that local communities have used for generations. Unlike the Inca Trail, there are no limited spots or government permits, so you can plan your trip more easily. It also does not end with a direct walk to the citadel; the trip goes to Ollantaytambo, from where you take a train to Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu the next day.
Quick comparison: Inca Trail vs. Lares Trek
Key feature Classic Inca Trail Lares Trek Nature of the route Stone path built by the Empire. Traditional herding and community trails. Availability Very limited (good planning is needed) High flexibility, no prior government permits. Access to Machu Picchu On foot crossing the Inti Punku at sunrise. Via Ollantaytambo by train + overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Main focus High mountain archaeology and ruins along the route. Cultural immersion, high Andean landscapes and textiles. -
Meeting with the Quechua communities
During the Lares Trek, the route passes through high communities like Huacawasi, Cuncani and Patacancha. In these towns, travelers usually have the chance to meet their people up close and, if the trip is done with an agency, see traditional weaving shows or share a lunch with a local family.
General details of the route
Before going into detail, this table summarizes the essential facts of the Lares Trek:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 to 5 days, depending on the chosen route |
| Maximum altitude | 4750 m (Condor Pass) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to high |
| Start | Lares Community |
| End | Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu |
| Cultural aspect | Strong contact with Quechua communities |
Duration and route options
The Lares Trek has different options depending on the time available and the level of effort you are looking for. Below, the classic route is detailed, the most recommended one, along with the short and extended options.
Classic 4-day route (day by day itinerary)
- Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Hot Springs – Blue Lagoon
The departure is early from Cusco to Lares. On the way it is possible to see plants typical of the area, like the Puya de Raimondi. Upon arriving in Lares, there is time for the local hot springs before continuing to the first camp, next to the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by waterfalls and with llamas and alpacas eating grass nearby. - Day 2: Blue Lagoon – Condor Pass – Canchacancha Community
It is the most physically demanding day of the route. The climb reaches the Condor Pass, at 4750 meters above sea level, from where turquoise glacier lagoons are seen. After going down, you reach the Canchacancha community, where it is possible to share time with the local people. - Day 3: Canchacancha – Huaran – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
This day is for going down to the Sacred Valley, with a country lunch on the way. It includes a visit to the Maras salt mines and the Ollantaytambo archaeological site. From there you take the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night before the visit to Machu Picchu. - Day 4: Machu Picchu
The arrival at the citadel is early, with the first rays of the sun. After the guided tour, depending on the time and energy available, you can climb Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu mountain for an extra panoramic view. In the afternoon, the return is done on the Vistadome train.
Short route of 3 days / 2 nights
This option of the Lares Trek skips some long sections and middle towns to reduce the total time, although it keeps the cultural contact and the landscapes that characterize the route. It is a good choice for those who do not have several full days, but want to live the experience.
Extended route of 5 days / 4 nights
Made for those looking for a deeper dive, this option visits a larger number of communities. The extended itinerary allows you to see more lagoons and, in some cases, take part in short volunteer activities with direct support to the Quechua communities.
Costs, agencies and permits
Before booking the Lares Trek, it is a good idea to be clear about how much each option costs, what it includes and what paperwork needs to be sorted out in advance.
What is better: going on your own or with an agency?
If you go alone, you’ll save money, but you’ll also have to organize your own transport to Lares, get camping gear, plan your food for several days, and find your way without a phone signal for a big part of the route. On the other hand, if you choose to go with an agency, which costs more, they will take care of everything. They will arrange the logistics, guide you, and arrange for muleteers and lodging. You do not have to worry about organizing the trip. You can just enjoy yourself. Also, most agencies include the Machu Picchu ticket and the return train in the package.
| On your own | With an agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate cost | 200 – 300 USD | 450 – 650 USD |
| Transport | At your expense | Included |
| Food | At your expense | Included |
| Camping gear | At your expense | Included |
| Guides and muleteers | Not included | Included |
| Lodging | At your expense | Included |
Are permits needed?
The Lares Trek does not require government permits or limit the number of daily visitors, unlike the Inca Trail. This gives you more flexibility to choose your travel date without having to worry about whether there are spots available.
However, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: you don’t need a permit for the route itself, but you do need to buy the official Machu Picchu ticket if you’re planning on visiting the citadel, since that entry is separate from the trek.
How to choose a good agency?
When choosing an agency for the Lares Trek, it is a good idea to check:
- That it pays its porters and muleteers fairly.
- That it has good references or verifiable reviews from other travelers.
- That it guarantees in writing the entry to Machu Picchu and the return to Cusco.
- That it works directly and fairly with the local communities visited on the route.
Lodging and services during the trek
During the Lares Trek, the type of lodging depends on the chosen option and the travel agency. The support team sets up tents for the participants to sleep in at different locations each night. The tents are set up near water and have wind protection.
Some of these trips also give you the chance to stay in local family homes in communities like Huacawasi or Canchacancha. This option isn’t available on all trips or with all agencies, so it’s a good idea to confirm it when booking if it’s something you’re interested in. For those who include it, it is usually one of the most valued moments of the trip. This is because it allows a more direct contact with the daily life of the Quechua communities.
On the last part of the classic route, the night before visiting Machu Picchu is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. This hotel offers basic comforts like hot water, electricity, and phone signal. This is unlike the previous days in the mountains.
Services during the trip
- Water: The support team gives boiled water to refill your bottle at each camp, so you do not need to carry large amounts from the start. Even so, it is recommended to bring water purifying pills or your own filter as a backup, especially if you do the route on your own.
- First aid: Agencies usually have a basic first aid kit and, in many cases, a guide or assistant with first aid training, which is especially important given the risk of altitude sickness on the parts over 4000 meters.
- Pack animals: Mules and other pack animals carry the heavy gear (tents, kitchen, food, and travelers’ bags), which lets you walk the route with a light backpack. In case someone cannot keep going on foot, it is also possible to get a horse or mule for the rest of the way, depending on the community’s availability, usually for an extra cost.
- Connection: Phone signal and access to electricity are almost non-existent during most of the trip, until you reach Aguas Calientes. It is recommended to bring a fully charged power bank, since there will be no way to charge devices in the previous days.
Best time to do the Lares Trek
The date you choose for the Lares Trek will affect several things: the condition of the trail, the temperature at night, and the number of other travelers on the route.
Dry season (May–October)
It is the most stable time of the year to do the Lares Trek. The sky is usually clear and the ground is firm, which makes walking easier on the steeper parts. The problem is that at night, especially at higher elevations, it can get very cold because there are no clouds to trap the heat. So, it’s very important to have the right clothes to keep you warm while you sleep. This season, specifically July and August, is the busiest time for tourists in the region.
Rainy season (November–April)
During these months, rain is more common in the area. This makes the trails slippery, and the weather is less predictable from one day to the next. In return, there are fewer tourists on the route, tour prices are usually lower, and the landscape looks greener. Anyone who chooses the Lares Trek in this season must bring waterproof clothes, since they will need them at some point on the trip.
Wildlife and plants on the trail
The Lares Trek goes through different climate zones. This means that you can see a variety of native Andes species along the trip.
So, it’s common to see llamas, alpacas, and sheep grazing next to the trail. These animals are part of the farming activity of the local communities. You can also find vizcachas, birds like the Andean caracara, and small hummingbirds that can adapt to the cold.
In the higher areas, the Puya de Raimondi stands out, a typical plant of the Andes, along with large fields of ichu, the typical grass of the mountains. When you go down to the valleys, you’ll see forests of queñuales, which are native trees that can survive the frosts typical of the altitude.
Key tips for the trek
Acclimatization
Before starting the Lares Trek, it is recommended to spend at least one or two days in Cusco so the body adapts to the altitude. During that time it is a good idea to walk calmly, stay well hydrated, and avoid intense physical effort or drinking alcohol. It is not necessary to have an advanced physical level to complete the route, but having trained before, especially walking with weight, makes a big difference on the trip.
What to bring (gear)
For the Lares Trek, basic gear should include:
- Light backpack (15 L) with waterproof cover
- Layered clothing: thermal base layer, warm clothing, and windbreaker jacket
- Breathable shirts and waterproof clothing
- Trekking boots with good grip and thick socks
- Trekking poles to protect the knees
- Sleeping bag suitable for below zero temperatures
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Headlamp, toilet paper, and basic first aid kit
Food and water
It is recommended to bring your own energy snacks as a backup during the longest sections. For water, those who travel with an agency receive boiled water at each camp; those who do the route on their own must bring a bottle with a filter or water purifying tablets, since there are no places to buy it on the way.
Safety
- Drink water often and eat in light portions throughout the day.
- Rest enough before facing the hardest sections, like the climb to the Condor Pass.
- Hire official licensed guides with first aid training.
- Travel with insurance that covers medical rescues for altitude sickness.
Frequently asked questions about the Lares Trek
- Do I need a government permit to do the Lares Trek?
No. Unlike the Inca Trail, which has limited daily spots and requires a permit, the Lares Trek does not have this type of limit, which gives more freedom to choose the travel date. - How hard is the route?
It is considered of medium to high difficulty. It does not require climbing skills, but the altitude (especially at the Condor Pass) is the main challenge. That is why it is important to get used to the altitude well before starting and arrive in reasonable physical shape. - Can the Lares Trek be done with children?
Yes, as long as they are used to walking long distances and are joined by guides with experience in family groups. - Where do you sleep during the trip?
It depends on the chosen tour: most nights are spent in tents, although some routes include lodging in local family homes. - Is there phone signal on the route?
There is almost no signal on most of the trip. For many travelers, this ends up being a chance to disconnect and pay more attention to the surroundings. - Is it safe to do the Lares Trek?
Yes, it is an area considered safe and local communities are usually welcoming. The biggest real risk is related to not being in proper physical shape or not bringing the necessary gear for the altitude and weather. - Should I bring cash? In what currency?
Yes, it is recommended to bring Peruvian soles in small bills, useful for tips or to buy textiles directly from the artisans in the communities. There are no ATMs or payment machines on the route. - What happens if it rains a lot or the path is blocked?
The guides have experience to adjust the itinerary, shorten sections or, if necessary, organize the transfer to Machu Picchu by road and train. For this reason, it is recommended to have travel insurance. - Are there horses or mules available if someone cannot continue?
Yes, in several communities along the route it is possible to get horses or mules to carry luggage or help a traveler continue, depending on availability at the time and usually for an extra cost. - Is any specific vaccine needed?
It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to be up to date with basic vaccines like tetanus and hepatitis A, bring personal medicines, and have a general medical check-up before the trip.