About this trip
This four-day trek combines mountain scenery with genuine contact with Andean village life on the way to Machu Picchu. Around two and a half days of hiking take you through alpine terrain past lagoons and grazing llamas and alpacas, with time built in to visit local communities and see how people farm, weave and live in these valleys.
It moves at a gentler pace than some of the other routes into Machu Picchu, which makes it a solid choice if you're travelling with family or simply don't want to rush the climbs. There's a soak in natural hot springs along the way to ease tired legs before the trek continues.
What you'll do
- Trek through alpine scenery on the Lares route
- Cross Condor Pass with views above the clouds
- Visit local villages to learn about farming and textile traditions
- Relax in natural volcanic hot springs
- Spot llamas and alpacas grazing near mountain lagoons
- Arrive at Machu Picchu after the trek
- Moves at a slower pace than most Andean treks, suited to families and younger hikers
- Fully guided over the four days, with around 2.5 days of actual hiking
- If Circuit 2 access isn't available, Circuit 3 may be offered instead at an extra cost
Worth it if you're moderately fit and want genuine cultural immersion with stellar guides. Think twice if high altitude exertion worries you.
- Guides (Edward, Carlos, Nando, Rodrigo) are genuinely knowledgeable, funny, patient, and skilled at keeping groups motivated through hard sections.
- Food quality is consistently excellent throughout the trek; accommodation (Alpaca Terra) offers genuine comfort as a reward after tough days.
- Grueling high-altitude inclines and narrow descents demand solid fitness, good boots, trekking poles, and tolerance for near-freezing temperatures.
- Early starts and late finishes are the rhythm; staff work long hours to support you throughout challenging daily hikes.
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Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Cusco · 27 Aug – 28 Aug
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