Countless travelers visit Peru every year, drawn by dreams and the promise of unforgettable moments. Among these visitors, many have an adventurous spirit and seek new thrills and stories. Peru’s diversity, beauty, and cultural richness offer a wide range of activities for all types of travelers.
Deciding which activities to include in your itinerary requires thorough research, however, due to the many options available. One of the most popular destinations is the ancient Machu Picchu citadel. There are many ways to reach this iconic site, from scenic train rides to thrilling treks.
While the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trail are well-known routes, another beautiful path worth exploring is the “Lares Trail“. This trek through the Peruvian Andes offers incredible landscapes and a deeper connection to Peruvian culture and history, leading to a unique and memorable Machu Picchu experience.
Discover the Lares Inca Trail
As we said before, there are other more well-known trails in which small groups of adventurous travelers try to reach Machu Picchu. Yet, the Lares Trail is still a jewel in the middle of the Andes, leading all hikers who embark on this journey through paths full of green valleys, waterfalls, crystal-clear lagoons, and much more.
This trail has an extension very like the Classic Inca Trail, reaching about 43 kilometers in total. It takes around four days to cover the entire route, from a small town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu. However, it is worth mentioning that, on the third day, the route ends in the small village of Aguas Calientes.
In terms of altitude, the Lares Trail is also very similar to the most popular options. Its highest point is about 4,645 meters above sea level. This factor is one of the most relevant during the preparation for this adventure, because, in general, it is what leaves the level of difficulty of the entire route as being moderate. Even so, it is possible to consider it more calm compared to the other paths.
The trail’s highlight is its wonderful landscapes. You will see mountains, snowy peaks, and splendid bodies of water; also, there are hot springs to relax your muscles and there is much more. And to take advantage of every moment of this adventure, be sure to take precautions against altitude sickness.
If you want to know more details about what awaits you with open arms, read on and find out what the highlights of our day-to-day itinerary are in the next section of this article!
Lares Trail to Machu Picchu itinerary
Day 1 – Departure from Cusco, passing through Lares’ Hotsprings and Huacawasi
The first day of this incredible adventure will be a lot of locomotion at the starting point of the trail. The journey will start from the city of Cusco, initially by car, taking a four-hour trip through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There will be a stop for you to have an energizing breakfast, meet some locals, and stock up in Villa de Calca.
After a few more hours of travel, when you arrive in Lares, you will be able to relax before entering this 4-day hike, as one of the attractions of this place is the thermal water baths. However, this is not yet the start of our adventure, as it starts in Pascana. From there, we follow a 3-hour walk to the first accommodation, in Huacawasi, where you will be surrounded by the Andes.
Day 2 – From Huacawasi to the Sacsayllame Gorge, and one of the most beautiful scenery on the way
On the second day of walking, we can say that we encounter a higher level of difficulty compared to the first day. It will be an 8-hour hike from Huacawasi, passing through the Sacsayllame Gorge. The highest point of the route is at 4,450 meters on Ipsay Mountain.
However, all the effort will be rewarded when you sit in the middle of nature, overlooking the beautiful lagoons, to have lunch, recover energy, and contemplate the natural wonders of the region. After this moment, we will continue walking to Patacancha, where you will rest for the night in the camp, at an altitude of 3,800 meters.
Day 3 – From Patacancha to Ollantaytambo and finally Aguas Calientes
The third day’s trip is quite easy; despite its 5-hour duration, there are no barriers, such as the altitude or slope of the path, to make the trail difficult. The route will start from Patacancha and continue to the Sacred Valley’s most famous city, Ollantaytambo.
You’ll enjoy dinner in this city and learn about this ancient Inca village. You’ll visit local attractions as well, such as the Handicraft Market, where you may find the finest Peruvian handicrafts. The final activity of that day will be to take the train to Aguas Calientes. You will spend the night there before continuing to Machu Picchu, the highlight of this tour.
Day 4 – Discovering Machu Picchu & returning to Cusco
The trek from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be done on foot; along the route, you will be able to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views before reaching the magnificent Inca citadel. Upon arrival, you will be given a guided tour of the entire archeological site, delving deeper into local history.
After completing your goal and surpassing all of the hardships of this one-of-a-kind event, you will return to Aguas Calientes and catch the train back to Cusco City, bringing your journey to a close and taking great memories with you.
Despite its similarities, the Lares Trail is not as strenuous as the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail. There are treasures to be found on this frequently ignored hike that will stay in your memory for a very long time.
Still unsure? Don’t waste more time and contact us! Viagens Machu Picchu will be more than glad to assist you in this trek and the other destinations in Peru!
Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last.