If you’re looking for a unique and challenging adventure that combines stunning scenery, ancient history, and cultural immersion, then the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is the perfect choice. This incredible trek takes you through the beautiful Lares Valley. It is a remote region that is home to indigenous communities and breathtaking natural wonders.
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a four-day hike. It covers a distance of 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) and reaches an altitude of over 4,400 meters (14,400 feet). This high altitude can be challenging for some hikers. It is important to take the time to acclimate and prevent altitude sickness. One way to do this is by drinking coca tea or chewing coca leaves, a traditional practice in the Andes.
Unlike the classic Inca Trail, the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers a less crowded and more off-the-beaten-path experience. The trek takes you through small towns and remote villages. Here you can witness the traditional way of life of the Andean people. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Lares hot springs. It is a natural oasis where you can relax and soak in the therapeutic waters.
On day four of the trek, you will arrive at the world-famous Machu Picchu. It is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. This ancient Incan citadel is nestled in the Andes Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
To get to Machu Picchu, you’ll take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to the site. From there, you can hike or take a bus to the entrance of the citadel. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a great alternative to the classic Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek. It offers a more diverse and immersive experience in the Sacred Valley.
As you embark on this incredible journey, it’s important to come prepared with proper hiking gear. This includes a comfortable backpack, sturdy hiking boots, and a warm sleeping bag for the cold nights. With the dry season from May to September being the best time to hike the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure that combines natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural immersion.
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Visiting Machu Picchu via the Lares Trail offers a unique experience for adventurous travelers. The trail starts at the Lares hot springs, winds through traditional Andean villages, and culminates in the ancient Incan citadel.
Hikers can expect a challenging trek, covering 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) over three days. The route takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including lush valleys, high-altitude grasslands, and snow-capped peaks. It reaches an elevation of 4,400 meters (14,435 feet) at its highest point.
After completing the trek, the adventure continues with a train ride to Aguas Calientes. From there, a bus transports hikers to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. Exploring the majestic ruins is the perfect way to cap off the experience. On the way back, travelers can take a train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way.
The Lares Trail offers an unforgettable journey for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path. It is a perfect alternative to the popular Inca Trail. It combines ancient history with the natural beauty of the Andes.
Begin the first day of the Lares Trek with an early morning departure from Cusco. Travel by vehicle to the trailhead at Pumahuanca, where the trekking adventure commences. Embark on a steady climb through the Pumahuanca Valley, passing by small farming communities and enjoying views of the surrounding mountains. After several hours of hiking, reach the campsite at Puyoc for a well-deserved night’s rest.
Key statistics for the first day of the Lares Trek:
Wake up early on the second day of the Lares Trek, enjoying breakfast at the Puyoc campsite. Begin the trek with a challenging ascent to the highest point of the trail, the Yanacocha Pass. It is situated at 4,600 meters (15,092 feet). The climb is rewarded with breathtaking views of the Andes and Yanacocha Lake. After taking in the scenery, start the descent towards the picturesque Cuncani Village.
Arriving in Cuncani Village in the early afternoon, take the opportunity to interact with the local community. Here you can learn about their traditional way of life. Spend the evening in the village, enjoying a well-earned rest and savoring the atmosphere of this authentic Andean community. Overnight accommodation is in the village, providing a unique cultural experience.
Key statistics for the second day of the Lares Trek:
On the third day of the Lares Trek, start with an early breakfast in Cuncani Village before setting off for the final leg of the journey. The day’s trek is relatively easier, as it follows a mostly downhill path towards the town of Lares. Arriving at the Lares Hot Springs around midday, take a refreshing dip in the thermal pools, soaking away any lingering fatigue from the previous days’ trekking.
After lunch and relaxation at the hot springs, board a private vehicle to the town of Ollantaytambo. From there, catch a late afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The train ride takes about 1.5 hours, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Spend the night in Aguas Calientes, resting up for the upcoming visit to the ancient Incan citadel.
Key statistics for the third day of the Lares Trek:
Begin the fourth day of the Lares Trek with an early start in Aguas Calientes, boarding a bus for the 30-minute ride up to Machu Picchu. Arrive at the ancient Incan citadel just in time to witness the magical sunrise over the ruins. Spend the morning exploring the site, taking in its fascinating history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
After a few hours of exploration, board the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch in the town before catching an afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, transfer to a private vehicle for the final leg of the journey back to Cusco, reflecting on the unforgettable adventure and experiences from the Lares Trek.
Key statistics for the fourth day of the Lares Trek:
The Lares Trek reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 4,500 meters (14,763 feet) above sea level at its highest point, which is the Pachacutec Pass. It is important to acclimatize properly before embarking on this trek, as the high altitude can cause altitude sickness and other health problems.
The Lares Trek is typically a 3-4 day trek, covering a distance of approximately 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) from the starting point in the village of Lares to the endpoint at Machu Picchu. However, the exact length of the trek can vary depending on the route taken, the pace of the trekker, and the specific tour operator.
The Lares Trek is definitely worth it for those who enjoy hiking and are looking for an alternative to the crowded Inca Trail. The trek offers stunning views of the Andean mountains, remote Andean communities, and the chance to learn about traditional Quechua culture. In addition, the trek is less crowded than the Inca Trail, allowing trekkers to enjoy a more peaceful and less touristy experience.
While the Lares Trek can be challenging due to its high altitude and steep climbs, it is generally accessible to people with a moderate level of fitness and trekking experience. Overall, the Lares Trek offers a unique and rewarding experience for those who are up for the challenge.
