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The Pisac Ruins and Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days is the most cultural route in the Cusco region. We start this unique journey at the famous Pisac Inca ruins, then continue into the remote Lares Valley where Inca traditions are still alive.
Visit isolated Andean communities that preserve their ancestral way of life. You will have the chance to meet local weavers in Canchacancha, see children in traditional dress in Quishuarani, and learn about customs that have changed little since Inca times. This is a true cultural immersion trek.
The route is incredibly scenic. Hike past ice capped glaciers, turquoise glacial lakes, waterfalls, and high Andean valleys filled with llamas and alpacas. Soak in natural volcanic hot springs in Lares. On the final day, watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and explore the citadel with your expert guide.
This is the perfect alternative to the Inca Trail. It is less crowded, more cultural, and no permits are required.
4700 m.s.n.m
Up to 12
Group or private
Trekking, cultural
Challenging
4 days / 3 nights
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 AM and drive one hour into the Sacred Valley as the sun rises over the Andes. Our first stop is the archaeological park of Pisac. With your private guide, you will explore the largest Inca cemetery in Peru with more than 5,000 tombs, walk through a ceremonial tunnel carved into the rock, and stand on massive agricultural terraces that still grow corn today. From the religious sector, enjoy sweeping views of the valley below.
After the tour, we pause for breakfast overlooking Pisac. Then we continue by van to the village of Huaran at 2,800 m, where we meet our horsemen and mules. Here the trail begins.
The hike starts gently, following an ancient path through farmland and native forest for about three hours. You will hear the river beside you and see local farmers working their fields. Around midday, our chef serves a hot lunch by the water.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Canchacancha at 3,900 m, one of the most isolated communities in the Lares Valley. There is still no road here, and electricity only arrived in 2019. After settling into your tent, you will visit a local family home to learn about traditional weaving and daily life in the high Andes. Your guide will translate as you share tea and stories.
In the evening, enjoy a warm dinner in our dining tent. If the sky is clear, your guide will point out the Inca constellations that farmers still use to plan their crops.
Wake to hot coca tea brought to your tent, followed by a hearty breakfast. Today is the big mountain day. We leave camp and climb steadily for about four hours toward the northeast side of the valley.
By late morning, we reach Pachacutec Pass at 4,700 m, the highest point of the trek. From here the views are unforgettable: glaciers shining in the sun, turquoise lakes below, and wide valleys dotted with llamas and alpacas. Take time for photos and a well-earned rest.
We descend for one hour to a beautiful glacial lake where lunch awaits. The setting is peaceful, surrounded by peaks and grazing animals.
After lunch and a short siesta, we continue downhill for two more hours toward Quishuarani at 3,700 m. Along the way, you will likely meet local herders in colorful traditional clothing. They will greet you in Quechua, the language of the Incas. Your guide will help you reply and teach you a few words.
Just before camp, we pass the Seven Waterfalls, a series of cascades flowing down the mountainside like a veil. Arrive at camp where tents are already set up. Enjoy afternoon tea and a delicious dinner prepared by our chef.
Today combines the best scenery with true cultural connection. After breakfast, we hike for three hours up to Hullkiccasa Pass at 4,200 m. From the top, look down on mirror-like glacial lakes reflecting the mountains of Colquecruz and Pitusiray.
We descend for two hours through puna grasslands and farmland to the community of Cuncani. Here we visit the local school, where you can meet the children and see how your visit supports their education.
From Cuncani, we meet our van and drive down through lush valleys filled with native flowers and fruit trees to the town of Lares. Here we stop for the highlight of the day: a relaxing soak in the natural volcanic hot springs. The warm, mineral-rich water is perfect for tired muscles. Afterward, enjoy lunch and a short rest.
In the afternoon, we say goodbye to our chef and horsemen, then drive 2.5 hours to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. We have dinner in town before boarding the 7:00 PM train to Aguas Calientes. The scenic ride follows the Urubamba River through the cloud forest. Check into your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower and comfortable bed.
The grand finale. After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu at 5:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the citadel.
Your private guide will lead you on a 3-hour tour through the most important sectors: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the agricultural terraces. Learn the fascinating history of this city that was never found by the Spanish.
After the guided tour, you have free time to explore on your own, take photos, or if you booked in advance, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
We return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, board the 2:55 PM train back to Ollantaytambo. Our private van will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 8:00 PM with memories that will last a lifetime.
The Pisac Ruins and Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days is available any date with a minimum of 2 hikers.
You get the most cultural trek in Peru. While Lares has fewer Inca ruins than the Inca Trail, it gives you living culture. You will hike past turquoise glacial lakes, towering glaciers, waterfalls, and valleys filled with llamas and alpacas. You will visit the isolated villages of Canchacancha and Quishuarani, meet Quechua weavers in their homes, and see children in traditional dress. This is a true look at Andean life.
No. This is why people choose Lares. On most days you will see fewer than 10 other tourists. Most of the time you will have the trail to yourself, with only local herders and your group. If you want silence, wide open mountains, and a spiritual feeling in the Andes, Lares is the best alternative to the Inca Trail.
The night sky is incredible. At 3,800m with no light pollution, you will see the full Milky Way. Our guides will show you the Inca constellations they still use for farming. Both camps have clear views.
Day 2 is the toughest day. You will hike about 8 hours and cross Pachacutec Pass at 4,700m. The altitude can affect anyone, even fit hikers. Go slow, drink water, and listen to your guide. The reward at the top is a 360-degree view of glaciers and lakes. The descent is much easier.
This is comfortable camping. We use 4-season mountain tents with thick inflatable mattresses. Both camps have a private toilet tent. We provide warm water bowls for washing in the morning. It is not a hotel, but it is the most comfortable camping on the Lares route.
Yes, the food is a highlight. Our professional trek chef cooks every meal fresh at camp. Expect three-course lunches and dinners with soup, main dish, and dessert. We serve trout, chicken, quinoa, fresh vegetables, and even a celebration cake on the last night. We cater for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Absolutely. Machu Picchu never disappoints. After your 4-day trek, arriving at sunrise for a private 3-hour tour is the perfect reward. It is even more impressive in person than in photos.
Click Book Now. We require a $200 USD deposit per person to secure your Machu Picchu tickets and train. Send us for each traveler: full name exactly as on passport, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and gender.
Pay in cash in US dollars or Peruvian soles at our office in Cusco. We have ATMs nearby. You can also pay online by Visa or PayPal with a 5.5% fee. Our PayPal is info@incatrailhikeperu.com
No. Peruvian law does not allow changes to Machu Picchu tickets or train tickets once purchased. They are 100% non-refundable and non-transferable. Your deposit is also non-refundable.
Yes, the original physical passport you booked with. It is checked at Pisac, at the train station, and at Machu Picchu. If you renew your passport, we can update your ticket for $25 if you send us copies of both old and new. Otherwise, you must bring both passports to Peru.
6:00 PM the night before your trek at our office: Garcilaso Street 210, Office 213, 2nd Floor, La Casa del Abuelo, Cusco.
Yes, we offer free storage at our office or your hotel.
We give you a duffel bag the night before. Our mules carry up to 7 kg of your personal gear. You carry a 30-40L daypack with your water, jacket, camera, and snacks.
You should be in good physical condition. You will hike 6 to 8 hours on Day 2 at high altitude. We recommend training with hills and stairs for 4 to 6 weeks before, and spending at least 2 full days in Cusco to acclimatize.
Our guides are Wilderness First Responder trained and carry emergency oxygen. We go slow to help you acclimatize. Drink 3 liters of water daily and coca tea. If you cannot continue, we have emergency horses to get you down. Travel insurance is required.
Very changeable. Expect sun, wind, and possible rain in one day. Mornings and nights at camp are cold, near freezing. Days are warm when hiking. Pack layers: base layer, fleece, down jacket, and waterproof rain jacket and pants.
We book the Expedition train at 2:55 PM or 4:22 PM from Aguas Calientes. This gives you 7+ hours at Machu Picchu.
$67 USD per person for the return. You get panoramic windows, a snack, and a show. It goes to Poroy station near Cusco and includes transfer to your hotel.
Tipping is customary in Peru. For great service, most groups tip: Guide $15-20 USD per person total, Cook $10 per person, Horsemen $10 per person total. Give on Day 3 in Lares in Peruvian soles.
Yes. We are 100% locally owned in Cusco. Our guides and horsemen are from Lares Valley. We pay fair wages, provide full insurance, carry out all our trash, use biodegradable soap, and donate 5% of every booking to the school in Cuncani.
Packing correctly is key for a comfortable trek at high altitude. We provide a duffel bag at your briefing. Our mules will carry up to 7 kg of your personal gear. You will not access your duffel until camp each night, so your daypack is important.
Clothing
Sleeping
Camp Comfort
Toiletries
1. The Most Cultural Trek in Peru
The Lares Trek may have fewer stone ruins than the Inca Trail, but it offers something richer: living culture. You will walk through villages where Quechua is the first language, meet weavers working on traditional looms, and see children herding alpacas in the high pastures. The scenery is spectacular every step of the way, with snow-capped glaciers, turquoise glacial lakes, waterfalls, and wide valleys filled with llamas.
2. You Will Have the Andes to Yourself
Unlike the busy Inca Trail, Lares is quiet. On most days you will see more local farmers than tourists. The remoteness creates a peaceful, almost spiritual atmosphere. There are moments on the trail when you can stop, hear nothing but the wind, and feel completely surrounded by 5,000-meter peaks. It is humbling and unforgettable.
3. Incredible Night Skies
Far from any city lights, the night sky in Lares is extraordinary. At over 3,800 meters, you will see the Milky Way stretch across the sky with perfect clarity. Our guides will point out the Inca constellations that Andean farmers still use to guide their planting seasons.
4. The Challenge of Day 2 is Worth It
Day 2 is the hardest day, with a steady climb to Pachacutec Pass at 4,700 meters. The altitude is real and you should take it slowly. But once you reach the top, the 360-degree views of glaciers, lakes, and valleys make every step worth it. The long downhill walk afterward is a beautiful reward.
5. Comfortable Camping
Our campsites are set up for comfort. You will sleep in spacious 4-season mountain tents with thick inflatable mattresses. We provide a private toilet tent at each camp, plus warm water bowls for washing in the morning. It is wilderness camping, but with the comforts that matter after a long day hiking.
6. Food That Surprises Everyone
The meals are a highlight for most trekkers. Our professional trek chef prepares fresh, three-course meals at every camp. Expect hearty soups, quinoa dishes, fresh trout, chicken, vegetables, and delicious desserts. We even celebrate your final night on the trail with a cake. We cater for all diets with advance notice.
7. Machu Picchu Lives Up to the Hype
After four days of hiking through the Andes, arriving at Machu Picchu at sunrise is the perfect finale. Nothing prepares you for seeing the citadel in person for the first time. Your private guide will bring the history to life, and you will have time to explore on your own. It is every bit as impressive as you have imagined.
Cusco
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