The Lares Trek is likely the third best alternative hike to Machu Picchu, after the classic Inca Trail and the Salkantay Pass. The hike is presented in 3 different versions including a 3-day hike, a 4-day hike, and a 5-day hike. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Lares treks finish in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, instead of entering at the Sun Gate. In Ollantaytambo, you will take a train to Aguas Calientes town, the home of Machu Picchu. Here is our essential travel guide for hikers who wish to embark on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail, offering trekkers a fantastic cultural experience and unique opportunity to hike their way through the Sacred Valley, culminating at the gates of the Inca Citadel. The trek begins in the mountain town of Lares, with a relaxing dip in its volcanic thermal baths.
The Lares trek is also known as the “Weaver’s Way,” since it passes many isolated indigenous communities and traditional Andean weaving villages that keep the ancient Inca traditions alive. The residents are renowned for their incredible and very time-consuming handicrafts that offer vibrant colours to the surrounding landscape. Along the trail you will also be treated to shimmering glacial lakes, skyscraper mountains and herds of resident llamas and alpacas.
The hike is a total of 32 kilometres long and takes hikers on a journey through the towns of Lares, Patacancha, Pallata, Pumamamarca, Ollantaytambo and culminates in Aguas Calientes. Unlike the Inca Trail, access to the Lares Trek does not require advanced bookings, special licenses and permits and can even be achieved solo for those looking for a solitary adventure to Machu Picchu.
Things to see and do on the Lares Trek
The Lares Valley has a unique cultural trekking route, that takes hikers way off the beaten path. The trail passes through some of the most isolated indigenous communities in the Sacred Valley, which are keeping the Inca culture alive to this day. The route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic ice glaciers, piercing blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas.
