Trekking the Lares Route: The Road Less Traveled to Machu Picchu
Friends often remark that my vacations prioritize adventure over relaxation—think grueling hikes through Nepal or Alaska, not beach lounging. When my boyfriend and I secured an unbeatable Travelzoo deal on LAN Airlines flights to Peru, we rejected the easy train ride to Machu Picchu in favor of a more immersive journey.
Deciding How to Get There
Exploring options revealed multiple paths to Machu Picchu's awe-inspiring Inca ruins, tailored to your schedule, budget, and fitness. No roads lead directly there, so the simplest choice is the train: Peru Rail or Inca Rail to Agua Calientes, followed by a 20-minute shuttle bus.
With time on our side, we skipped the rails for trekking. The renowned Inca Trail offers 2-5 day routes ending dramatically at the Sun Gate, amid ruins, cloud forests, and tundra. Yet its fame brings crowds and permit hassles—ours were booked solid months ahead.
We turned to permit-free alternatives. National Geographic's top six span 1-13 days; the 4-day Lares Route captivated us with its remoteness, weaving through tiny Inca farms where locals still herd llamas and hand-plant potatoes. We reserved with Alpaca Expeditions and geared up.
Tips for Trekking Success
No elite athlete status required—moderate fitness and endurance suffice. Prep with day hikes or creative gym sessions like weighted stair-climbing. Our days hit 8 hours at up to 15,000 feet; altitude brought headaches and fatigue for some, eased by Diamox (prescription needed) and Cusco acclimation days.
The Lares Route delivered solitude: just a handful of others amid soaring peaks, turquoise lakes, llamas, alpacas, and chinchillas. We even visited a traditional Inca home.
Nights in tents demanded mummy bags and hot water bottles against subzero chills. Layer heavily for Peru's winter (U.S. summer): warm days, icy nights. Essentials: broken-in boots, poles, fully waterproof gear.
The Main Event: Machu Picchu
Post-trek, we overnighted in Agua Calientes, rising at 5 a.m. for the shuttle. This beat the crowds, capturing sunrise through the Sun Gate.
A guide unlocked the site's history and hidden gems. We then summited Huayna Picchu ($25 permit extra) for epic overlooks—worth every step.
This trek unveiled Peru's authentic Inca life, unseen by most. Machu Picchu captivates universally, whatever your path.
Travelzoo Tip: Plan ahead—permits, trains, and entry sell out months early.
