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Embark on the unforgettable Lares Trek Peru, a unique 4-day adventure that combines breathtaking Andean landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and the awe-inspiring beauty of Machu Picchu. This alternative route to the Inca Trail takes you through remote villages, where you’ll meet locals and experience traditional ways of life, all while trekking past glacial peaks, serene lagoons, and lush valleys.
The journey culminates with a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu, offering a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and history. Whether you’re seeking stunning natural scenery or an authentic connection to Peru’s heritage, the Lares Trek delivers an unforgettable experience.
Cusco, Peru
6.30 AM
4 Days, 3 Nights
Medium to Moderate
33 km / 20.5 miles
4,809m / 15,777ft
Circuit 2A or 2B with advanced purchase, contact us if booking 60 days or less before your trip.
Includes All Meals minus lunch and dinner on final day
Calca, Lares Hot Springs, Huacawasi, Pucara, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes

As the Industry Leader in customer service we provide you with the flexibility to change your travel plans – with the assurance that you’ll have options to re-book when it suits you. With the 4 Day and 2 Inca Trails we are able to refund or change dates only with 90 days advanced notice when and only if your permit has not yet been reserved.
The 4 and 2 Day Inca Trails require hiking permits that we purchase and reserve via the Ministry of Culture in Cusco, they regulate the trek and do not allow for refunds once a permit is booked.
Please be 100% sure of your travel date before purchasing or let us know that dates are tentative and we won’t purchase your permits until we receive your confirmation.
Read our full terms & conditions here.
Your Lares Trek Peru adventure begins bright and early as we pick you up from your hotel at 6:30 AM to start the journey to the village of Lares, the gateway to this incredible trek. Along the way, we’ll stop at the town of Calca, where you’ll visit a lively local market. This is the perfect spot to grab breakfast or any last-minute supplies for your trek. Your guide may even suggest purchasing some bread to share with the local children you’ll meet along the trail—a touching way to connect with the community.
Upon arriving in Lares, we’ll visit the hot springs, where you can relax and soak in the therapeutic warm waters surrounded by stunning mountain views. While you unwind, our talented chefs will prepare a delicious lunch to fuel you for the hike ahead.
After lunch, the trek officially begins with a 4-hour uphill hike to Huacawasi (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), our first campsite. The trail ascends gradually, allowing you to acclimate to the altitude and enjoy the stunning landscapes, including rolling hills and small Andean villages. This hike is a great warm-up for the more challenging climb awaiting you on Day 2.
When you arrive at Huacawasi, you’ll be greeted by our team, who will have your tents set up and ready. Spend the evening enjoying popcorn, snacks, and a warm beverage while taking in the serene mountain views. Dinner will follow shortly after, and you’ll sleep soundly in the home of the local muleteers, who will accompany you on the trek.


After a nutritious breakfast, your Lares Trek Peru adventure continues with a challenging yet rewarding ascent to the trek’s highest point, the Huacawasi Pass at 4,500 m / 14,763 ft. The 4-hour climb is steep and demanding, but the views along the way are nothing short of spectacular. You’ll be surrounded by towering Andean peaks, colorful patchworks of agricultural fields, and breathtaking vistas. To ensure everyone reaches the summit safely, an emergency horse will accompany the group as support. Be prepared for cold temperatures at this altitude, but the stunning scenery will more than make up for it.
Once at the top, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment before beginning the descent. Along the way, you’ll pass crystal-clear lagoons that reflect the towering mountains and sky above—perfect for taking photos. A stop for a delicious lunch, prepared by our talented cooks, will allow you to rest and refuel while enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding landscapes.
The trek continues through a lush Polylepis forest, home to the native Queuña trees, a species unique to Peru. This area is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, offering a glimpse into the incredible biodiversity of the Andes. As you descend further, you’ll arrive at our private Pucara campsite at 3,000 m / 9,842 ft.
At the camp, enjoy a well-earned break with tea and snacks before dinner is served. The serene setting and warm hospitality make this the perfect place to unwind after a full day of trekking.
Your Lares Trek Peru adventure continues with another spectacular day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This morning, a private vehicle will take you to the charming town of Ollantaytambo (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), famously known as the last living Inca town. Here, you’ll discover its well-preserved cobblestone streets, ancient terraces, and the fascinating Pinkulluna archaeological site, also known as the “Lord of Tunupa.” The blend of history, culture, and breathtaking mountain views makes this stop a highlight of your trek.
After exploring Ollantaytambo, enjoy a delicious lunch in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where the town’s beauty and serene atmosphere set the perfect backdrop for relaxation.
In the afternoon, board a comfortable tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m / 6,725 ft). The train ride offers stunning views of the Andean landscape as you follow the winding path of the Urubamba River, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, settle into your cozy lodge and take the evening to unwind and prepare for the grand finale of your trek: Machu Picchu.


The final day of your Lares Trek Peru adventure begins early as we leave the hotel at 5:30 AM after breakfast. From there, we’ll take a scenic tourist bus to the legendary Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft), arriving just in time to experience the tranquil beauty of the citadel in the soft morning light.
Your adventure kicks off with a guided tour of this world-famous archaeological site, where you’ll learn about the life, culture, and architectural brilliance of the Incas. After the tour, which highlights the citadel’s most important temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. For those seeking a panoramic view, an optional hike up Huayna Picchu (2,750 m / 9,022 ft) offers a thrilling and unforgettable perspective of the ruins and surrounding mountains (subject to availability, additional cost).
Once you’ve soaked in the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Here, you can enjoy lunch at one of the charming local restaurants and, if time permits, relax in the hot springs for a soothing end to your trek.
In the afternoon, board your return train to Ollantaytambo, departing at either 2:55 PM or 6:10 PM, depending on availability. From Ollantaytambo, a private transfer will bring you back to Cusco, marking the end of your incredible Lares Trek.
Thank you for choosing Karikuy Tours for this unforgettable journey. We hope the breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and the grandeur of Machu Picchu have left you with memories to last a lifetime!
So glad I picked this trek for my wife and I. We had heard about congestion on the other more popular hikes and after asking Karikuy tours about less traveled trails we settled on the Lares trek. We want to thank our guides and cook who did a great job attending to our groups needs, they went far and beyond what was expected. The views on the trek are very beautiful and we loved the serenity. Machu Picchu was also incredible of course. Peru is so beautiful, we will be back soon!
The Lares trek is a great hike if you want to be at peace with nature. I had a great experience with my friends on this trek and happy to hike it despite not being able to get the Inca Trail. We felt as if we were on another planet and took some great photos. There’s no better feeling to me than exploring somewhere totally remote with a good mate and a couple cameras. Thank you Karikuy for setting it up for us.
I had an incredible time on this trek, I will never forget it such because of the beautiful scenery and epic Machu Picchu. Peruvian People are so open and welcoming. We had great guides and it was a pleasure learning so much about Peru. I hope to visit Northern Peru next year just for the food alone!! visit Peru now!
Great hike, porters and cooks were awesome. Hiking was great and loved hanging out with the locals, the experience was lovely though sad I was not able to hike the Inca Trail. This is a great backup though and its a great way to get away from everything,
The hike was challenging at some points because I wasn’t used to it or the altitude but overall a great trip that was reserved with Karikuy Tours. I found them online through reddit and I am glad I did as they guided me through the booking process and took the stress out of planning everything myself. So happy they did, I had a great time with my group on this hike, it just felt like you were so remote and it was great not having to check the cell phone. I would recommend this trek and company <3