• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: Various routes, classic route approx 33km (20m)

• Duration: Three to four days

• Max elevation: 4,400 metres

• Accommodation: Camping or lodges

• Start/end point: Huarán - Lares Hot Springs

The Lares Trek is known as the “cultural trek” to Machu Picchu, as it offers opportunities to interact with local communities along the way. It’s one of the shorter treks, which makes it a good option for those who are short on time.

This is probably my favourite of all the Machu Picchu region treks, for the cultural interactions that are less common on some of the other routes.

Hiking from the Sacred Valley up to high mountain passes, you’ll be treated to some stunning vistas on this route. However, the real treat here is meeting the local inhabitants of indigenous villages along the way, learning about ancestral weaving techniques directly from the descendants who are still practising them today. An added (and welcome) bonus is finishing at the hot springs in Lares.