Lares Trek: The Best Alternative to Machu Picchu - Peru

Fancy exploring Peru's rugged nature and authentic culture, but want to avoid the crowds on the Inca Trail? Then consider the Lares Trek! A fresh, unspoiled counterpart to the popular Inca Trail, this route through the remote Andes immerses you in the heart of traditional Quechua culture. Along the way, you'll pass villages where life seems unchanged for centuries and where tourists are still a rare phenomenon.

The Lares Trek often starts in the Sacred Valley, near the village of Lares, famous for its natural hot springs. The route takes you through colorful communities such as Kiswarani and Canchacancha and ends in historic Ollantaytambo. From there you'll take the train to Aguas Calientes for that ultimate highlight: Machu Picchu. Along the way, a few impressive stops await you. How about the steaming hot springs of Lares, the mysterious salt terraces of Maras, and the iconic Condor Pass, where you experience the Andes at its highest with 4,750 meters (15,584 feet) under your feet?

The area around Cusco and the Sacred Valley is also perfect for acclimatizing and getting a taste of Peruvian culture in advance. Put on those hiking boots and enjoy everything this trail has to offer-and remember, that first cold cerveza after your trek tastes even better here!

At Bookatrekking.com, we handle every detail of your Lares Trek from start to finish. Our local guides know the history and culture of the Andes, making each village and site along the way come alive. We secure your Machu Picchu permits, arrange transport from your hotel to the trailhead, and ensure a smooth return to Cusco. Our porters, who are fairly paid and equipped, carry your gear so you can trek freely. Our chefs prepare fresh, local meals each day. With us, you can focus on enjoying the trek—we’ll take care of the rest.

The Lares Trek is the choice for anyone who wants to combine the magic of the Andes with an authentic cultural experience. From relaxing in the warm Lares hot springs to exploring remote Quechua villages and crossing breathtaking landscapes-every stop on this route adds to the richness of your journey. What to expect:

As a less travelled route, the Lares Trek offers trekkers more flexibility. However, we recommend booking well in advance to ensure a smooth experience, especially if you are planning to go during high season (May to September).

All of our Lares Trek adventures include a visit to Machu Picchu, which requires a permit. These tend to sell out quickly, so we check availability in advance as part of your booking confirmation to ensure that everything is in place for your trip.

To ensure that you have all the necessary permits for both the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu, we make all the arrangements for you. We take care of the details so you can concentrate on enjoying these iconic experiences without any extra hassle.

Yes, the Lares Trek includes a visit to Machu Picchu! After completing your trek and the day before your guided tour of the citadel, you will travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes to end your journey with an immersive experience at the iconic Inca citadel ruins. Expert guides will take you through the famous structures and terraces of Machu Picchu, sharing insights into the architecture, historical significance, and cultural mysteries of this fascinating wonder for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Lares Trek is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level as it involves crossing high altitude passes, some of which reach nearly 5,000 metres (16,404 feet). To minimise altitude sickness, we recommend that trekkers acclimatise by spending a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley area before starting the trek.

Trekking days are usually 6-8 hours long, with a mix of steep climbs and gradual descents. Expect daily distances to vary and altitude to increase, so being physically prepared is essential.

The ideal trekking season is during the dry months from April to October, when the weather is more stable. During the rainy season, from November to March, muddy trails and slippery conditions can make trekking more challenging.

Unlike the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek is less affected by weather conditions and remains open year-round, even during wet season. This flexibility allows trekkers to plan their journey through the valleys at any time, making it an excellent alternative when other trails may be closed.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, during the dry season. April and November, known as the shoulder months, are generally less crowded but still offer mostly favorable weather. Temperatures begin to rise during these months, making for a pleasant and slightly warmer trek. Planning your visit during the dry season gives you the best chance of clear skies and comfortable conditions throughout your adventure.

Guided group treks are perfect for those who want the expertise of local guides to enhance their trip with cultural insights, although adequate preparation is essential. All treks have common aspects, but each varies in length and highlights. Either way, trekkers will enjoy stunning views and unique encounters with local communities along the way.

Once in Machu Picchu, you will have the opportunity to explore the mystical citadel on a guided tour with a local guide who will explain the history and architecture of this wonder of the world. Want to make your experience even more special? Then choose to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain before returning to Cusco.

Huayna Picchu is the most popular choice, a steep and exciting climb that will take you to spectacular views of the citadel in 1-2 hours. This mountain is perfect for those who like a challenge and are not afraid of heights! Machu Picchu Mountain is slightly less steep and quieter, but offers a wider view of the entire ruins and surrounding valley. This climb takes about 2-3 hours and gives you plenty of time to take in the views.

Both options require a special permit, so booking early is fundamental to secure your place. Also, keep in mind that this additional permit is typically not included in the trek price and costs extra. If one of these mountains is on your bucket list, let us know and we can secure the permits to make sure your Machu Picchu adventure includes everything you hoped for!

After your guided group visit to Machu Picchu, you'll enjoy a wonderful return journey, starting with a bus back to Aguas Calientes and then a 2-hour train ride to Ollantaytambo. For those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Andes with a touch of luxury, the Vistadome or 360º panoramic train offers breathtaking views of the landscapes through its large windows. This experience invites you to connect with the wonders of this sacred land through local music, traditional dances, and even an onboard alpaca fashion show.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our team will be waiting for you to ensure a smooth 2-hour transfer back to your accommodation in Cusco around 7-8pm.

The Lares Trek offers a cultural route to Machu Picchu, focusing on Andean villages and local life. Trekkers wanting a more nature-focused experience may prefer an alternative route. Here are some options to consider:

• Inca Trail (4 or 5 Days): This is the classic trek along ancient Inca paths, taking you through cloud forests, mountain passes, and sites like Wiñay Wayna. Options range from a shorter trek for those on a time limit to a slower pace for families or beginners, and even a jungle route for those seeking a challenge. All routes need to be booked in advance since permits to Machu Picchu are limited.
• Short Inca Trail (2 Days): This option covers the final stretch of the classic Inca Trail, with one day of hiking and an overnight stay before visiting Machu Picchu. Ideal for those with limited time, it’s still packed with incredible scenery and archaeological sites, including the Wiñay Wayna ruins.
• Salkantay Trek (4 or 5 Days): Known for its striking variety, this trek passes snow-capped mountains, valleys, and tropical forests before reaching Machu Picchu. No permits are needed, and it includes an option to walk a section of the Inca Trail near the end, offering a taste of both worlds.
• Choquequirao Trek (4 days): For an authentic experience, consider the Choquequirao Trek. This multi-day trek leads to the ancient ruins of Choquequirao, often referred to as the 'sister city' of Machu Picchu, offering remote landscapes and a rewarding glimpse into Peru's past without the crowds. While this trek does not include Machu Picchu, it features a traditional Pachamanca barbecue, a true cultural experience.

When trekking high into Peru’s stunning mountains, altitude becomes part of the adventure. Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone and happens when your body needs time to adjust to lower oxygen levels at high elevations. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue can set in quickly but are manageable with the right care.

With our experienced guides and porters, you're in safe hands. They’re fully trained in first aid and mountain safety, carrying oxygen, first aid kits, and satellite phones to keep you comfortable and help you acclimatize smoothly. That way, you can stay focused on enjoying the journey. Here are some tips to help you stay comfortable and reduce your risk of AMS:

• Take it slow and steady
• Stay hydrated
• Eat a balanced diet
• Talk to your doctor if you're considering medication
• Get as much rest as you need
• Don't overdo it - listen to your body
• Move to lower altitudes if symptoms persist

Always follow the advice of your local team and let them know if you experience any symptoms - they're there to help you focus on what's important: enjoying your adventure! To learn more about preventing AMS, check out this helpful blog post.