Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu — Distance, Altitude and Itinerary

Ultima actualización en 18 September, 2026 por Jhon Quispe

Last Updated on 18 September, 2026 by Jhon Quispe

The Lares Trek 4 Days is a high-altitude route through Andean communities and mountain terrain, but its 19.3 mi (31 km) hiking distance does not extend all the way to Machu Picchu. The walking portion finishes in Lares on Day 3, after which the journey continues by road and train before the scheduled Machu Picchu visit on Day 4.

How far and how high is the Lares Trek 4 Days?

Waman’s current 4-day Lares Trek includes about 19.3 mi (31 km) of hiking and reaches approximately 15,846 ft (4,830 m) at Sicllakasa Pass. Hiking takes place mainly on Days 1–3; after reaching Lares, travelers continue by road to Ollantaytambo and by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo before visiting Machu Picchu on Day 4.

Unlike the regulated Inca Trail, the four-day Lares route combines high-altitude trekking and Andean communities with a separate road-and-train connection to Machu Picchu. Understanding where the hiking ends makes its distance, altitude and physical demands much easier to compare with other treks.

High-altitude trails and remote communities define the four-day Lares route.

Lares Trek 4 Days at a glance

For broader Lares planning, including seasonal conditions, preparation and cultural background beyond this specific itinerary, use the complete Lares Trek guide.

Lares Trek 4 Days map and route

The four-day itinerary is not a continuous walking route from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The trekking portion crosses the Lares region and finishes in Lares; the journey then continues by road to Ollantaytambo and by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

The main sequence is Pumahuanca → Puyoc → Sicllakasa Pass → Cuncani → Lares → Ollantaytambo → Machu Picchu Pueblo → Machu Picchu.

The hiking section ends in Lares before road and train connections to Machu Picchu.

Important note:

The Lares Trek does not continue on foot into Machu Picchu. After the hiking section ends in Lares, the itinerary continues by road to Ollantaytambo and by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Lares Trek 4 Days distance and altitude

How far is the Lares Trek 4 Days?

The current Waman itinerary totals approximately 19.3 mi (31 km) of hiking across the trekking portion of Days 1–3.

That figure does not include the road transfer from Lares to Ollantaytambo, the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo or the transportation used for the Machu Picchu visit.

This distinction matters because Lares has several route variants. Distances can change when a trek uses different trailheads, communities or mountain passes, so mileage from another Lares itinerary should not automatically be applied to this four-day route.

Highest point at Sicllakasa Pass

The highest point on this itinerary is approximately 15,846 ft (4,830 m) at Sicllakasa Pass on Day 2.

That elevation is high enough to make altitude one of the main physical factors even though the standard route does not involve technical mountaineering.

Lares Trek 4 Days itinerary

Day 1 Cusco – Pumahuanca – Puyoc

Hiking: about 6.8 mi (11 km) | Key altitude: up to about 14,108 ft (4,300 m)

The trip begins with an early departure from Cusco toward the Sacred Valley and the Pumahuanca side of the Lares route. From the trailhead, the group begins the first trekking stage through high-Andean scenery toward Puyoc.

The first day introduces the character of Lares: mountain landscapes, agricultural areas, local herds and remote communities rather than the sequence of archaeological complexes found on the regulated Inca Trail.

The night is spent at camp in the high Andes.

Day 2 Puyoc – Sicllakasa Pass – Cuncani

Hiking: about 7.5 mi (12 km) | Highest point: 15,846 ft (4,830 m)

Day 2 is the key high-altitude stage of the four-day itinerary. The route climbs toward Sicllakasa Pass before continuing through high mountain terrain toward Cuncani.

The distance alone does not explain the difficulty. Thin air, cold conditions, uneven trail and the climb to the highest point can make this the most physically demanding trekking day.

The route also passes through landscapes where agriculture, herding and traditional Andean life remain part of the everyday environment.

Day 2 crosses the highest terrain of the four-day Lares itinerary.

Day 3 Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo

Hiking: about 5.0 mi (8 km) | Then: road transfer + train

The third day completes the main hiking portion of the itinerary. From Cuncani, the trail continues toward Lares, passing rural landscapes and communities before reaching the end of the trekking section.

The Lares hot springs provide a natural transition point after the mountain route. From Lares, travelers continue by road toward Ollantaytambo and then take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

This is the most important logistical distinction in the itinerary: the trekking route itself ends before Machu Picchu.

The Lares hot springs mark the end of the main trekking section.

Day 4 Machu Picchu – Cusco

The final day is dedicated to Machu Picchu. After breakfast in Machu Picchu Pueblo, travelers continue to the archaeological site according to the entrance time and route assigned to their ticket.

The exact archaeological sectors included depend on the Machu Picchu ticket available for that departure, so individual monuments should not be assumed unless they are part of the assigned route.

After the visit, travelers return to Machu Picchu Pueblo and continue toward Cusco according to the train and transfer schedule.

The final day is reserved for the scheduled Machu Picchu visit.

For current entrance routes and ticket conditions, use the Machu Picchu entrance ticket guide.

How difficult is the Lares Trek 4 Days?

The four-day Lares Trek can feel moderate to challenging for many travelers. It does not require technical climbing, but Day 2 reaches 15,846 ft (4,830 m), and the combination of altitude, consecutive hiking days, cold conditions and uneven trail increases the physical demand.

Fitness helps, but altitude can affect strong hikers as well as less experienced travelers. Spending time at elevation before departure gives your body an opportunity to adjust before the highest part of the route.

Warning:

Altitude is the main factor that can make the four-day Lares Trek feel harder than its mileage suggests. If significant or worsening altitude symptoms develop, tell your guide and do not continue ascending simply to stay on schedule.

Best time for the four-day Lares Trek

May through September generally brings the driest trekking conditions in the Cusco Andes. April and October can work as transition months, while November through March usually brings more rain and wetter trails.

The Lares route does not follow the regulated Inca Trail network, so it does not have the same scheduled February maintenance closure. Weather, road access and trail conditions can still affect departures during the wetter months.

For more detailed seasonal planning, use the complete Lares Trek guide.

Drier months generally provide more predictable trail conditions in the Lares region.

Booking and permits for the Lares Trek 4 Days

The Lares route itself does not use the regulated Inca Trail permit system. You therefore do not need an Inca Trail permit simply to hike the Lares portion of this itinerary.

The complete four-day trip still depends on several capacity- and schedule-sensitive services, especially the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, train connection and overnight stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Those pieces should be coordinated together rather than assuming that availability for one service guarantees availability for the others.

If you are preparing independently, also confirm transport to the trailhead, camping arrangements and how you will leave the Lares region. For the current organized itinerary, prices and inclusions, use the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N product page.

For the full packing list, preparation advice and equipment guidance, use the general Lares owner rather than duplicating it here. The essentials for this itinerary are warm layers, waterproof protection, broken-in trekking footwear, sun protection and a comfortable daypack.

Pack for cold mornings, changing weather and sustained high-altitude hiking.

What makes the four-day Lares route different

The four-day Lares Trek is especially distinctive for the combination of high-altitude scenery and travel through areas where agriculture, herding and traditional textile practices remain part of daily life.

Llamas and alpacas are common in the region, while sightings of native wildlife such as vizcachas or Andean birds depend on location and chance rather than being guaranteed.

The itinerary also changes character on Day 3: after remote mountain trails and the Lares hot springs, the journey transitions to Ollantaytambo, the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo and finally the archaeological visit on Day 4.

This makes Lares different from the Classic and Short Inca Trail, which use the regulated historic trail network and approach Machu Picchu from the Inti Punku direction.

Mountain landscapes, livestock and local communities shape the Lares experience.

Frequently asked questions about the Lares Trek 4 Days