The Lares Trek is hands down one of the absolute best alternative routes to the Inca Trail in Cusco. If your dream trip involves immersing yourself in vibrant Andean culture, wandering through untouched local villages, and soaking in natural hot springs after a rewarding day on the trail, this is the hike for you.
Built for travelers who crave nature, peace, and the quiet majesty of the Andes, the Lares Trek offers a profound look at living history. Here are 14 reasons why it belongs at the top of your Peru travel bucket list.
The Hard Facts
Here’s a quick-reference guide so you can instantly gauge if this trek fits your fitness level for the Lares trek.
- Metric: Classic 4-Day Lares Trek Details.
- Total Distance: Approximately 33 km (20.5 miles).
- Highest Point: Ipsaycocha Pass at 4,450m (14,600ft).
- Starting Elevation: Lares Hot Springs at 3,200m (10,500ft).
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Challenging (Due to altitude, not technical climbing).
- Best Time to Go: May to September (Dry season).
An Altitude & Acclimatization Warning
The highest pass on the Lares Trek (4,450m) is actually higher than Dead Woman’s Pass on the Classic Inca Trail (4,215m).
Altitude Awareness: The Lares Trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,450m (14,600ft). Because of the rapid ascent early on, travelers must spend 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley prior to the trek. Drink lots of water, enjoy the local coca tea, and if concerned, consult a physician regarding altitude sickness prevention to guarantee a safe, comfortable adventure.
14 Top Reasons to Hike the Lares Trek
1. Total Immersion into True Andean Culture
Relatively unchanged for centuries, the local communities of the Lares Valley have lived in beautiful isolation for generations. Their customs, language, and way of life remain deeply connected to their ancestors, and you will hear the native Quechua language spoken fluently all along the route.
In these high altitude villages, women hand weave vibrant, multicolored textiles using ancient techniques, while the men herd alpacas and llamas across the vast mountain landscapes. This hike gives you the rare privilege of interacting with these communities, learning from their wisdom, and witnessing traditions that have beautifully survived the passage of time.
2. Living History vs. Ancient Ruins
People often ask how the Lares Trek compares to the classic Inca Trail. They are entirely different experiences, and both are incredible in their own right. The classic Inca Trail follows stone paths laid by the Incas, guiding you past various archaeological ruins to teach you about an empire from the past.
The Lares Trek, on the other hand, trades ancient stone ruins for authentic villages and dramatic, raw landscapes. On the Inca Trail, you are looking back at a civilization long gone. On the Lares Trek, you are witnessing that incredible heritage living, breathing, and flourishing in the modern day.
3. The Best of Both Worlds: The Short Inca Trail Option
Choosing the Lares Trek does not mean you have to miss out on the classic Inca path. You can truly have your cake and eat it too. Many premium Lares packages allow you to combine the trek with the Short Inca Trail.
After exploring the stunning Lares valley, you can take the train to KM 104 and hike the final, most iconic section of the Inca Trail. This brings you right through the Sun Gate to get your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.
4. Experience Pure, Uncrowded Remoteness on the Lares Trek
Arguably the best part of the Lares Trek is the sheer peace and quiet. You will journey through remote mountain passes that most tourists never even hear of, meaning it is usually just you and your hiking group on the trail. Instead of crowds of tourists, your trail companions will be the friendly alpacas, llamas, and local shepherds who call these mountains home.
5. Pick Up a Few Ancient Skills
The locals in the Lares Valley are incredibly welcoming and proud to share their way of life. Take this opportunity to learn a few words of Quechua from your guide so you can greet the villagers you meet.
Because the Andean people are world class master weavers, you will also get a firsthand look at how they spin and dye sheep and alpaca wool using local plants. Watching them create intricate, vibrant clothing is an unforgettable lesson in living art.
6. Starry Night Skies Like You Have Never Seen
The night skies on the Lares Trek are nothing short of spectacular. High up in the Andes, far away from city lights and pollution, the air is perfectly crisp and clear. On most nights, you will be treated to a dazzling canopy of stars. Ask your guide to point out the classic Inca constellations, which have guided Andean agriculture and spirituality for centuries.
7. Soak in the Natural Lares Trek Hot Springs
Imagine relaxing your muscles in natural thermal pools right in the middle of a mountain valley. The Lares Hot Springs are tucked between two steep peaks alongside the roaring Trapiche River. The water has a natural brownish yellow tint because it is packed with healing minerals. With several pools of varying temperatures, you can find the perfect spot to soak away your hiking aches. The facilities are well maintained, and lockers are available to keep your gear safe.
8. Glacial Peaks and High Altitude Wildlife
For nature lovers, the Lares Trek is an absolute dream. This route treats you to pristine alpine lakes tucked into dramatic valleys, all framed by some of the grandest peaks in the Cusco region.
Keep your camera ready for the incredible local wildlife. Beyond the abundant herds of llamas and alpacas, you might spot the quirky, rabbit like Viscacha, Andean deer, or the elusive Andean fox. Keep an eye on the skies too, you might catch a glimpse of the sacred Andean Condor, the Caracara falcon, or giant hummingbirds.
9. No Heavy Lifting: Pack Mules and Horses to the Rescue
Unlike the classic Inca Trail where pack animals are banned to protect the stone paths, horses and mules are fully permitted on the Lares Trek. This means you do not have to carry a heavy backpack. The pack animals carry the camp kitchen, tents, and up to 7 kilograms of your personal gear, including your sleeping bag and extra clothing. All you need to carry is a small daypack with your essentials. Even better, reputable operators like Inca Trail Hikes Peru always include an emergency horse on the trail just in case a hiker needs a rest.
10. Top Tier Camping Comfort
When you book with a trusted tour operator, roughing it becomes incredibly comfortable. You will be provided with spacious, high quality tents, often a four person tent shared by just two people, leaving plenty of room for your boots and trekking poles in the vestibule.
Meals are served in a dedicated dining tent complete with proper tables and chairs, making it the perfect spot to trade trail stories or play cards with your group. Plus, while public trail toilets can be unpredictable, top operators bring their own private, clean chemical toilet tents for the campsites.
11. It is Fully Open in February
Every year in February, the classic Inca Trail closes completely for environmental maintenance and conservation work. If you are planning your trip to Peru during this month, the Lares Trek is the perfect alternative. It stays open year round and offers a spectacular, crowd free journey to Machu Picchu even during the green season.
12. Support Local Communities with Responsible Tourism
Practicing sustainable travel habits is vital on any trail, but it is especially important in the delicate, pristine ecosystem of the Lares Valley. Because this region remains beautifully untouched by heavy modernization, tour operators practice a strict leave no trace philosophy.
You can directly support the local economy by purchasing beautiful, authentic textiles straight from the weavers in the villages. It is the ultimate way to ensure your travel budget directly benefits the families who preserve these mountains.
13. Flexible Options: The 1 Day Combined Route
If you choose the one day Short Inca Trail combination, your adventure transitions seamlessly from the mountains to the jungle. You will start hiking at Km 104, pass the spectacular waterfall ruins of Wiñay Wayna, and walk through the historic Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu in the soft afternoon light before heading down to the town of Aguas Calientes for the night.
14. Double the Magic: The 2 Day Combined Route
If you want to see the world wonder twice, the two day combination is perfect. You will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu on the afternoon of day one, then head back up to the citadel early the next morning to enjoy a full, two hour guided tour during sunrise.
This option also gives you the perfect window to tackle extra mountain hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, just make sure to book those permits well in advance as they sell out fast!
Ready to Experience the Lares Trek? How to Book Your Adventure
While you can technically look for a trek once you arrive in Cusco, booking in advance is highly recommended. Because every Lares Trek itinerary concludes at Machu Picchu, your trek permits are directly tied to Machu Picchu entry tickets and return train spaces, both of which are strictly limited and sell out rapidly.
Here is exactly how the process works from the moment you click “Book” to the day you hit the trail:
Step 1: Choose Your Variation
- Timeline: 1–2 days to decide
- What to expect: Look through our available packages below. Decide if you want the classic 3-day cultural immersion or if you want to elevate the adventure with a 4- or 5-day combination that includes the Short Inca Trail (entering Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate).
Step 2: Check Machu Picchu Availability
- Timeline: Real-time check
- What to expect: Because Lares Trek permits are directly dependent on Machu Picchu circuit entrance tickets, you need to confirm your preferred dates with our team before you lock in your international flights.
Step 3: Secure Your Permit
- Timeline: Deposit required upon booking
- What to expect: Once we confirm availability, you will submit your official passport details and a booking deposit. Our team will immediately secure your Machu Picchu circuit tickets and return train seats before they sell out.
Step 4: Attend the Pre-Trek Briefing
- Timeline: Cusco, 24 hours prior to departure
- What to expect: You will meet your trekking guide at our Cusco office for a comprehensive safety and itinerary briefing. This is also when you will receive your official duffel bags to pack your gear for the horses.
Explore Our Premium Lares Trek Itineraries
Ready to take the first step? Select one of our trusted, locally-led routes below to check live availability:
