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.
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.