Lares and Inca Trail 4 days: the complete guide
The Lares trek is the cultural one. Where other routes chase peaks, Lares walks you through living Quechua villages famed for their weaving, past glacial lakes and grazing alpacas — then joins the Short Inca Trail for the Sun Gate finish at Machu Picchu.
Part of our complete guideThe complete Inca Trail guide →Culture first, then the Sun Gate
In the Lares Valley you meet communities whose way of life has barely changed in centuries, soak in the Lares hot springs, and cross a high pass past turquoise lakes. Then you join the Short Inca Trail for Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate.
The route, day by day
| Day | Route | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco → Lares → Wacahuasi | Hot springs and villages |
| 2 | Sacsallaully Pass (4,646 m) → Yanahuara | High pass and lakes |
| 3 | Km 104 → Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate | Walk into Machu Picchu |
| 4 | Machu Picchu guided tour → Cusco | The citadel |
See the full itinerary and dates
Day-by-day plan, inclusions and live availability.
Difficulty, permits and timing
A moderate trek with one big pass day. The Inca Trail section needs a Short Inca Trail permit — book ahead via the calendar. Acclimatize first and favour the dry season.
The best of both worlds: culture plus original Inca trail
This combination is designed for travelers who want both the living culture of the Lares valley and the original Inca stonework of the trail into Machu Picchu. You spend the early days among weaving villages and high passes, then join the short Inca Trail to walk the genuine Inca path through the Sun Gate to the citadel.
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco → Lares valley → trek through villages → camp |
| 2 | High pass → descent → Ollantaytambo area |
| 3 | Short Inca Trail: km 104 → Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate → Aguas Calientes |
| 4 | Machu Picchu guided tour → return to Cusco |
Why this trip needs early booking
Because day three uses the Short Inca Trail (km 104), this route requires a government Inca Trail permit, which is capped daily and can sell out weeks or months ahead in high season. If this combination is your plan, secure the permit first and build the dates around it. Our permits and booking guide explains the rules, and live spaces are on the Inca Trail calendar.
Fitness and acclimatization
You will cross a high Lares pass early and walk a full trail day to Machu Picchu, so reasonable fitness and good acclimatization matter. Nights in the Lares valley are cold; the Inca Trail day is warmer and more humid. Pack layers, sturdy boots and rain protection — see our packing list.
Frequently asked questions
Its focus on living Andean culture — you walk through traditional weaving villages and meet local families, alongside beautiful glacial-lake scenery.
This version does. After the Lares Valley you join the Short Inca Trail and finish through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, above Machu Picchu.
Moderate fitness and good acclimatization. The main effort is the high pass on day two.
