Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (2025 – 2026) -The Ultimate Guide

Lares Trek, Peru (2025 – 2026) -The Ultimate Guide

The Lares Trek is one of the many routes leading to Machu Picchu. Lares’s walk is particularly rich in cultural experiences. We highly recommend the Lares Trek to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in Cusco’s local culture.

The Lares trek to Machu Picchu is one of the alternative trekking routes to Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek is an excellent option for those who are less committed to traveling with a specific date. Hikers can still experience hiking in rural Peruvian villages, high-altitude camping, and a guided day tour to Machu Picchu along Peru’s Lares Trail.

The Lares Trek trail involves trekking through valleys, mountains, and the Amazon region near Machu Picchu, as well as uphill and over Andean hills, past lakes, waterfalls, and small towns. The second day is the most difficult. This isn’t unique to the Lares Trail, but a second day is challenging for all hikers traveling from Lares to Machu Picchu.

Lares Trail, Peru – An overview

The Lares trek is off the beaten path on the Inca Trail. It begins near the town of Lares, from which it derives its name. This small town is located 64 kilometers (40 miles) north of Cusco and 56. kilometers / 35 miles southeast of Machu Picchu. Lares Trek is at a high altitude of 3,200 meters / 10,498 feet. The Lares Trek itself is located in the Lares Valley. It lies east of the Urubamba Mountains and runs through part of the Sacred Valley.

How Hard is the Lares Trek, Peru?

There are several versions of Lares Treks to Machu Picchu, each with its challenges. It would be best if you had specific physical conditions to make high hikes on these Lares hiking trails. There are 5 Lares Hies with different checkpoints depending on your preference and general fitness level.

• Lares Trek route 1: Lares to Patacancha (The weaver’s Andes way)
• Lares Trek route 2: Quishuarani to Patacancha
• Lares Trek route 3: Quishuarani to Yanahuara
• Lares Trek route 4: Huaran to Yanahuara
• Lares Trek route 5: Huaran to Lares

Does the Lares Trek go to Machu Picchu?

The walk can be completed as an independent 1- 2- 3-day excursion. It is also possible to extend the tour by 1-2 days, visiting Machu Picchu. The latter option is quickly becoming a popular trail for hikers. This is due to the limited permits for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The permits are not required for the Lares Trek. This means you can reach Cusco and travel in a day or two. However, you should always book train tickets to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes as soon as possible.

Why choose the Lares Trek?

Several aspects make this trek a tremendous alternative to the Machu Picchu trail through the Lares Trek. You can spot local weavers and farmers in colorful traditional outfits. Depending on the expedition, you can watch or participate in some weaving.

• First and foremost, for some, the Lares Hiking Trail is quieter than other hiking trails in the Cusco region. You will see fewer hikers along the Lares route, although this hiking trail is becoming more popular each year.
• Second: The Lares trek allows you to experience the authentic Andean culture. The Lares Valley is home to traditional Andean communities that have remained essentially unchanged for over 550 years.

When is the best season for the Lares Trek?

The best time to hike the Lares Trek, Peru, is during the dry season (May to November). This is the region’s most active trekking season.

• During the dry season in April and October, the trails in Lares are quiet and often sunny. Distinctive microclimates characterize the Andes. Rain is possible all year round, so always have rain gear!
• Usually, temperatures are moderate all year round on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Tourists can expect temperatures above twenty percent (C) during the day. The nights and early mornings range from excellent to very cold, so it’s essential to pack your bags and wear layers of clothing. Distinct microclimates characterize the Andes. Rain is possible throughout the year, so always take rain gear with you!
• November is an excellent experience in terms of trekking. The chances of rain are relatively high. Avoid rain from January to March, as it makes the Lares trail uncomfortable. In addition, dense fog during morning and evening hours reduces visibility and can lead to injuries.

Do you need to train for the Lares Trek?

How prepared you are, depending on what you’re doing on the Lares Trek. For the shorter routes (routes 1, 2, and 5), only one prerequisite is required. Routes 3 and 4 are longer than that. You must be suitable for hiking to take advantage of these options.

Specific exercises will make your journey more enjoyable, regardless of your route. We recommend walking, running, or swimming 3 to 5 times a week in the months you prepare to walk. This helps build cardio endurance.

Does altitude sickness affect the Lares Trek?

Altitude sickness can significantly impact some visitors to the Lares Trek in Peru. Therefore, prepare appropriately with light exercises and consult your doctor if you require the proper medication.

Most adventure guides carry first aid kits and an oxygen bottle for any eventuality. Recommended to drink plenty of water during the day, stroll, rest for the usual 8 hours, etc.

How fit do you need to be for the Lares Trail?

The Lares Trek is considered a moderate trek. But the height of the Andes can affect some people. We recommend purchasing a pair of aluminum poles to help you maintain balance and reduce stress on your knees. We can all do the awesome Lares Trek.

What is the weather forecast for the Lares Trek?

The best time for hiking the Lares Valley there are in two very distinct periods:

Lares Trek – Dry season spans from April to November.

• Temperatures are low, particularly between June and August
• Cold, strong winds
• Clear skies most of the time
• No rain at all

Lares Trek – Rain season: goes from December to March.

• Temperatures are warmer but stay on the cold side at high elevations.
• Cold, strong winds
• The sky may get a little gray before/after the rain
• There are pretty spaced briefings

Is it necessary to book the Lares Trek in advance?

Lares Trek is 100% guaranteed. It is recommended to book in advance to secure your entrance tickets to the Lares Trek Machu Picchu, the train, and more.

May, June, and July are the peak months of Cusco’s high season. Departs daily. If you want to book at the last minute, we welcome our travelers based on availability. Book several months in advance!

Are there age restrictions for the Lares Trek, Peru?

There is no age limit for the Lares Trek. If hikers go on the Lares trek with children, the key is to keep them well-hydrated, so they quickly adapt to the heights of the Andes.

Older people must have an active spirit of adventure to have a good time on the Lares Peru trek; taking short walks is recommended before the experience through Lares to Machu Picchu.

Do you need trekking poles for the Lares Trek?

Useful when heading to various parts of Lares Pass or the Lares Trail. In general, it’s a good idea to bring trekking poles into your backpack so you can adjust the size of your hiking poles for Lares Hike’s ups and downs on the Lares hiking circuit.

Is there internet service in the Lares Trek circuit?

There is no Internet service or signal on the hiking trails in Lares. Hikers, once they enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas, either through Huaran, Yanahuara, Pumahuanca, or Ollantaytambo, will be able to capture an excellent signal on their electronic devices.

In the town of Machupicchu and near the ruins of Machu Picchu, there is a 100% internet signal on cell phones.

Is there drinking water on the Lares Trek circuit?

There is no drinking water in the tourist circuit of Lares. There are several streams along the Lares trek in any of its hiking circuits in which adventurers will have to use purifying tablets, filters, or UV rays to purify the water.

Throughout the Lares Trek adventure, local water vendors are available; the water they sell is safe to drink.

The travel agency organizing the tour provides boiled water in the canteens for hikers each day of the Lares Trek expedition. There are several options to stay hydrated in the Andes of Peru.

Hot springs of the Lares Valley, Peru

The thermal waters of Lares have different temperatures; the thermal baths are ideally located in the unique Valle de Lares. Its proximity to the lush Sacred Valley makes it easily accessible from Calca.

The Lares hot springs are straightforward but essential for enjoying a good dip. The thermal baths of Lares are situated next to the stream, set against a spectacular and exuberant backdrop between the Andes Mountain range.

Discover and have fun swimming in the different pools of the thermal baths of Lares before starting the other walks that the Lares Valley of Peru offers.

Can anyone hike the Lares Trek in Peru?

Yes and no. Acclimatized and in relatively good shape, you can hike the Lares Trek in Peru. Each hiker’s Lares route has to check their physical condition and, above all, their acclimatization level. There are alternatives to combine the adventure through Lares, such as riding horses for a specific day, to enjoy your vacation even more.

Should I expect extreme temperatures on the Salkantay Trek circuit?

It’s cold; it’s pretty freezing. It depends on the time of year you will go on the Lares Hiking Trail, “the first and second nights of the Lares Trek.”

However, the night and early morning temperatures will drop below freezing for at least the first two days of the Lares route. During the day, it will be warm enough to enter the forest in the Amazon region of Machu Picchu via the Sacred Valley.

Does the Lares Trek include your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?

• The Lares Trek package of 3 and 4 days covers the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on the day of the guided visit.

Note: In the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, there are five established circuits for guided tours; we use circuits 1 and 2, “the best ones.”

Do I need to bring my Passport to the Lares Trek, Peru?

All travelers on the Lares Trek are required to carry their original passports. The Passport is also required to enter the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu; the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu must be purchased together to gain entry and experience the most spectacular visit in Peru and South America.