Lares to Machu Picchu 4 days: the complete guide
The classic Lares trek is for travelers who want the deepest cultural immersion on their way to Machu Picchu. Through weaving villages and over a high pass, it trades the Inca Trail’s stone steps for living Andean tradition — and still ends at the great citadel.
The cultural route to Machu Picchu
You trek the Lares Valley past lakes, waterfalls and alpaca herds, meeting communities renowned for their textiles, then reach Machu Picchu via Ollantaytambo and the train for a guided tour of the citadel.
The route, day by day
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco → Lares → Wacahuasi |
| 2 | Sacsallaully Pass → Mantanay |
| 3 | Yanahuara → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes |
| 4 | Machu Picchu guided tour → Cusco |
See the full itinerary
Day-by-day plan, inclusions and dates.
Difficulty and timing
A moderate trek with one high pass; no Inca Trail permit needed since the finish is by train. Acclimatize in Cusco first and go in the dry season for the best conditions.
Frequently asked questions
This classic version finishes by train rather than walking the Short Inca Trail, so it needs no Inca Trail permit and reaches Machu Picchu without the Sun Gate walk.
Yes — it is the most culturally immersive of the Cusco treks, passing through traditional weaving villages.