The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perhaps the most popular route to reach Machu Picchu. There are other routes to Machu Picchu such as the Lares trek and Salkantay trek. For the Inca trail, you are required to book in advance, and only a limited amount of people is allowed to get in at a particular time. If you do not want to restrict yourself on a date, you can choose to go to Machu Picchu on the Lares trek. The four day / three nights’ trek involves hiking through mountains, valleys, tropical forests, lakes, waterfalls, towns, up and down hills.

When planning for the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, you should arrive in Cusco at least two days before you trek to acclimatize. Its highest point is 4650 meters above sea level, and this can cause altitude sickness especially if you are new to the area. Travelers are advised to arrive a few days earlier before the trek for them to adapt to the high altitude. Permits are not required for the trek, meaning that you can arrive in Cusco and be on the trail in a day or two depending on the season.

The Lares Trail is ranked the third most popular trek, after the Inca Trail and the Salkantay trek. The trail can be busy during the peak season, but it has many variations making it less crowded. The most appropriate time to go for the trek is during the dry season, the months of May to September. It is imperative that you hire the services of a good tour company to organize your trip, because you still need the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, especially during the peak season.

Lares trek is quieter as compared to the Classic Inca Trail; this makes you have fun while hiking to Machu Picchu. It is also easier because one does not have to deal with many steps as in the Inca trail. The trek has a benefit of providing the authentic Andean cultural experience. The Lares Valley is a home to a few traditional Andean communities that have not changed much in the last five hundred years. You are likely to see local weavers and farmers wearing colorful traditional clothing.

The Lares Valley trek sometimes gets referred to as the Weaver’s way or Weavers trail, and depending on your tour you might have a chance to watch or do some weaving. The area is well known for its handmade textiles, and you will notice the typical red ponchos and skirts worn by children. Our tour company, Green Peru Adventures are ready to take you on the Lares trek to Machu Picchu for four days / three nights.

We make you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Lares Valley as you enjoy the Andean culture. You benefit from the company of people living in the area, and you see the alpacas and llamas. Our prices are pocket-friendly, and our itineraries are well organized to make sure you enjoy every part of the Lares trek. Book your tour to Machu Picchu with us, for the best experience through the Lares trek.