Lares Trek: A Cultural Journey to Machu Picchu

What Is the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek is one of the best alternative routes to the classic Inca Trail, leading travelers through remote Andean villages and stunning mountain landscapes on the way to Machu Picchu. Unlike the Inca Trail, which focuses on ancient ruins, the Lares Trek offers a deep cultural immersion into the lives of traditional Quechua communities.

This trek doesn’t require special permits, making it more flexible and accessible year-round. While it doesn’t enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate like the Inca Trail, it finishes in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the Inca citadel.

---

Where Is the Lares Trek Located?

The Lares Trek takes place in the Cusco region, between the towns of Calca and Lares, in the northern part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The route traverses the Urubamba mountain range, passing through high-altitude valleys, glacial lakes, and native communities that still speak Quechua and follow ancestral customs.

Most routes begin near the village of Lares, known for its hot springs, and finish in Ollantaytambo, where hikers catch a train to Aguas Calientes and finally visit Machu Picchu.

---

Key Features of the Lares Trek

Flexible Routes

One of the most attractive features of the Lares Trek is that there’s no single fixed path. Tour companies often tailor the itinerary based on the group’s preferences and fitness level. Some popular routes include:

• Lares – Huacahuasi – Patacancha – Ollantaytambo

• Lares – Ipsaycocha – Willoq – Ollantaytambo

• Lares – Yanahuara – Pumahuanca – Huchuyqosqo

Each variation offers different landscapes, elevations, and cultural encounters, but all showcase the beauty of the Andes and the warmth of local communities.

Duration

Most treks take 3 to 5 days, including a final day to visit Machu Picchu.

Difficulty Level

The Lares Trek is considered moderate to challenging, depending on the route and altitude. The trail ranges between 3,000 and 4,800 meters (9,800–15,700 feet) above sea level. While not as tough as the Salkantay or Ausangate treks, hikers should still prepare for high-altitude conditions.

---

Living Culture Along the Trail

What makes the Lares Trek unique is the opportunity to interact with living Andean culture. Hikers pass through small villages where people still live according to ancient traditions, farming with ancestral techniques and weaving textiles using natural dyes and hand looms.

Communities You May Visit

• Huacahuasi: Known for skilled weavers and artisan families.

• Patacancha and Willoq: Where people wear bright traditional clothing every day.

• Cuncani: A remote, peaceful village surrounded by dramatic mountains.

Here, travelers can learn about daily life in the highlands, taste local food, and even try spinning or weaving alongside local women.

---

Landscapes of the Lares Trek

Though the cultural experience is the highlight, the Lares Trek also offers impressive Andean scenery.

High Mountain Passes

Trekkers cross passes reaching 4,500 to 4,800 meters, with panoramic views of the Urubamba Range, snow-covered peaks, and deep valleys.

Glacial Lakes

Along the route, hikers encounter crystal-clear lakes, such as Ipsaycocha, which reflect the surrounding mountains and are home to birds and native fish.

Hot Springs

Before or after the hike, many visitors enjoy soaking in the natural thermal baths of Lares, located at the start of the trail. It’s the perfect place to relax sore muscles.

---

Weather and Best Time to Do the Lares Trek

The region has a typical highland climate, with sunny days and cold nights.

Dry Season (April – October)

This is the best time to hike the Lares Trek. Trails are dry, skies are clear, and mountain views are stunning. Nights can drop to -5°C (23°F), so proper clothing is essential.

Rainy Season (November – March)

Expect more rain, muddy paths, and cloudy skies. However, the landscape is greener and there are fewer tourists.

---

Machu Picchu: The Grand Finale

After completing the trek, hikers take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then visit Machu Picchu the next day. Though the route doesn’t include the Sun Gate entrance like the classic Inca Trail, the arrival still feels magical—especially after days of cultural discovery and scenic hiking.

---

Comparing Lares Trek to Other Treks

---

Tips for Hiking the Lares Trek

Acclimatization

Spend 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek to adjust to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.

What to Pack

• Comfortable backpack (30–40L)

• Warm sleeping bag (for -5°C or colder)

• Layered clothing: base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket

• Hat, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses

• Hiking boots and trekking poles

• Refillable water bottle or filter

Logistics

Most travelers hike the Lares Trek with a tour operator that includes transportation, guides, meals, camping gear, and train tickets. It’s also possible to arrange local guides in Calca or Lares, supporting the regional economy.

---

Responsible Travel in Lares

Visiting highland communities requires respect and sensitivity. Here’s how to travel responsibly:

• Always ask before taking photos of people.

• Buy handmade textiles directly from artisans.

• Don’t give candy or money to children—support local schools instead.

• Respect sacred sites and traditional practices.

• Pack out all trash and avoid single-use plastics.

---

Conclusion

The Lares Trek is more than just a hike—it’s a cultural and human experience that brings you face to face with the living traditions of the Andes. If you’re looking for a quieter, more personal, and enriching alternative to the Inca Trail, this route is a perfect choice.

With its combination of beautiful landscapes, friendly communities, and a final visit to Machu Picchu, the Lares Trek is a journey into the heart of Peru—one that touches both your feet and your soul.