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Highlights
Discover the beauty of the Peruvian Andes on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Tour
Surround yourself with the breathtaking scenery and beautiful views of mountains and lakes in the Andes mountains of Peru.
Experience the rich and colorful culture of traditional Peruvian villages high in the Andes mountains.
Watch the sunrise over the spectacular Machu Picchu and take a guided tour of this mysterious landmark.
Explore the city of Cusco, formerly the capital of the Incan Empire, but now – a capital of archaeological discovery.
Explore the ancient city of Cusco, Peru, trek in the spectacular Peruvian Andes, and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu on the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu tour. This 7-day guided trekking adventure is the experience of a lifetime and Peru’s mesmerizing Lares Trail.
Discover the unique and colourful culture of small Quechua village life as you hike through the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley. On this Lares trekking tour, you’ll also enjoy luxury hotel accommodations in Cusco, the oldest continually inhabited city in South America. You’ll understand why this region once formed the heart of the Incan empire and why so many adventurers opt to explore this area today on the Lares Trek.
Beyond experiencing the magic of Peru’s Lares Trail itself, you’ll also spend a day experiencing the wonders of Machu Picchu on this incredible adventure. Beginning with the sunrise, continuing with a guided tour, and ending with opportunities to explore freely, your day at Machu Picchu will give you memories to treasure for years to come. Don’t miss this guided trekking tour full of adventure, mystery, culture and history. Book your place on the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu guided trekking tour today!
Lares Trail vs Inca Trail
Everyone has heard of Peru’s Inca Trail but those looking for something a little bit different may have landed on the Lares Trail. While both trails are among the best trekking trails in Peru, there are some key differences to note.
The Inca Trail is commonly known as the classic Peruvian trek, while the Lares Trail is less well-known and therefore less crowded. The Lares Trail is also generally considered to be an easier trek than the Inca Trail and is also shorter in length. A big highlight of the Lares Trail is the multitude of authentic Andean villages trekkers pass through along the way, making it not only an incredible trekking experience but an unforgettable cultural experience too.
In short, a Lares trekking tour is perfect for those looking to ditch the crowds and soak up the best of Peru’s waterfalls and mountain lakes while getting a true taste of Andean culture along the way.
Is the Lares Trail offered on a self-guided basis?
While it is required by the Peruvian government to hold a permit to hike the Inca Trail, it is not the case for the Lares Trail. For this reason, it is possible to complete the Lares Trek on a self-guided basis, however, a guided trek is recommended to experience the most on the trail and for safety reasons.
Explore the ancient city of Cusco, Peru, trek in the spectacular Peruvian Andes, and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu on the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu tour. This 7-day guided trekking adventure is the experience of a lifetime and Peru’s mesmerizing Lares Trail.
Discover the unique and colourful culture of small Quechua village life as you hike through the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley. On this Lares trekking tour, you’ll also enjoy luxury hotel accommodations in Cusco, the oldest continually inhabited city in South America. You’ll understand why this region once formed the heart of the Incan empire and why so many adventurers opt to explore this area today on the Lares Trek.
Beyond experiencing the magic of Peru’s Lares Trail itself, you’ll also spend a day experiencing the wonders of Machu Picchu on this incredible adventure. Beginning with the sunrise, continuing with a guided tour, and ending with opportunities to explore freely, your day at Machu Picchu will give you memories to treasure for years to come. Don’t miss this guided trekking tour full of adventure, mystery, culture and history. Book your place on the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu guided trekking tour today!
Lares Trail vs Inca Trail
Everyone has heard of Peru’s Inca Trail but those looking for something a little bit different may have landed on the Lares Trail. While both trails are among the best trekking trails in Peru, there are some key differences to note.
The Inca Trail is commonly known as the classic Peruvian trek, while the Lares Trail is less well-known and therefore less crowded. The Lares Trail is also generally considered to be an easier trek than the Inca Trail and is also shorter in length. A big highlight of the Lares Trail is the multitude of authentic Andean villages trekkers pass through along the way, making it not only an incredible trekking experience but an unforgettable cultural experience too.
In short, a Lares trekking tour is perfect for those looking to ditch the crowds and soak up the best of Peru’s waterfalls and mountain lakes while getting a true taste of Andean culture along the way.
Is the Lares Trail offered on a self-guided basis?
While it is required by the Peruvian government to hold a permit to hike the Inca Trail, it is not the case for the Lares Trail. For this reason, it is possible to complete the Lares Trek on a self-guided basis, however, a guided trek is recommended to experience the most on the trail and for safety reasons.
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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Cusco
Welcome to Peru and the city of Cusco! Transportation will be arranged for you to get to your hotel from the airport, and once there you will meet your guide for a tour briefing and overview. Depending on what time you arrive, you should have time to explore Cusco! This city set high in the Andes was the capital of the ancient Incan Empire, and there are many remains left from this time. You can also see Spanish churches and mansions. Cusco also offers wonderful Peruvian restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco (3,399m, 11,200’)
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore Cusco
Today you are free to explore Cusco at your own pace and following your own interests. There is much to see, do, and learn here in South America’s oldest, continuously inhabited city. What was once the Inca’s capital city has now become the archaeological capital of South America.
To help you make the most of your visit, you can choose one of two optional daytours, which are provided for free (though you still need to pay admission fees while on the tour. Choose between the Sacred Valley Tour and the Maras Moray Tour.
The Sacred Valley Tour is a full day of experiences. You’ll visit an Indian market in Pisac to experience this colourful tradition. You’ll then travel to the town of Ollantaytambo, a town of narrow streets and canals that are largely unchanged since the time the Incas inhabited it. Finally, visit the Chinchero market. This market is more authentic and less geared toward tourists. According to legend, Chinchero is the birthplace of the rainbow. When you are finished in Chinchero, return to Cusco.
Your other option is the Maras Moray tour begins with a drive from your hotel to Moray (approx. 1.5 hours). Moray is known as the “Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory.” Here, the Incas carved amphitheatre-like terraces in a bowl shape. It is thought that these were used to test and determine optimal growing conditions for different crops. After exploring Moray, continue another two miles to visit the Maras salt mines, a spectacular set of terraced salt ponds. Exposed to the sun, the water dries and leaves the salt behind. It is believed that salt was harvested in this way in this place since a time before even the Incas. After exploring the Maras salt mines, return to Cusco.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco (3,399m, 11,200’)
Distance: As required
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Transfer through Sacred Valley to Lares, hike to Huacawasi
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Calca, which is in the Sacred Valley. This is an opportunity to purchase any last-minute supplies. continue driving, going to today’s highest elevation, 4,265 m (13,992 ft), where you will be able to see two large and beautiful mountains: Sawasiray and Pitusiray. Descending again, you’ll come to the small colonial town of Lares (3,207 m / 10,521 ft). Pause to have lunch, enjoy the springs and prepare to begin your hike.
Today’s Lares trek hike will climb almost 400 m to reach your first campsite at Huacawasi (3,800 m / 12,467ft). Here in this small town, you’ll see adobe houses, llamas, and plenty of vibrant colors.
Overnight Location: Huacawasi Camp (3,800m, 12,467’)
Distance: 3-4h, 10km / 6.2 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Trek to Mantanay
After breakfast, begin your trek from Huacawasi to Aruraycocha (4,500 m / 14,763 ft), which is today’s highest point. From here you can see the stunning Aruraycocha Lake and the views from this point are simply incredible. From here, begin hiking down toward the lake. You’ll notice the vegetation begins to change as you enter the Mantanay Conservation Area, so watch for the special Q’euñas trees that surround another lake, Lake Yuraccocha. Stop for lunch in the beautiful region around these two lakes. Keep your eyes to the skies for the chance to spot the enormous Andean condor. After lunch, continue descending the trail into the village of Mantanay, where you’ll find your next campsite (3,800 m / 12,467 ft).
Overnight Location: Mantanay Camp (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)
Distance: 6-7h; 14km / 8.7 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Trek to Yanahuara then transfer to Ollantaytambo & Aguas Calientes
Finish your Lares guided trek today from Mantanay to Yanahuara (2,950 m / 9,678 m). Yanahuara is another lovely and colorful village in the Sacred Valley. White grain corn, an important staple crop, is grown here. You’ll notice the weather grows warmer here. In Yanahuara, you’ll have one last meal with the horsemen and cooks that accompanied you on your trek, then bid them farewell. Board a van takes you on to Ollantaytambo, where you will visit a museum and archaeological site that were formerly the royal estate of Incan Emperor Pachacuti, who conquered this area in the mid-15th Century. Ride the train from here to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stay for the night.
Overnight Location: Hatun Inti Boutique (2,040m, 6,700’)
Distance: 4h, 7km / 4.4 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Get a very early start today, eating breakfast and being ready to leave the hotel at 5:40 AM. A short bus ride will bring you to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sunrise. You’ll then be able to enter the Citadel for a guided walking tour of the complex that lasts about 2 hours. After your tour, you’ll have time to freely explore this mysterious ancient city. If you would like to climb Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, the mountain behind Machu Picchu, this can be arranged for an additional fee. This hike allows you to see Machu Picchu from a different perspective, as well as some steps that the Incas cut into the rocks, and other interesting details. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes by bus and eat lunch. After lunch, the train takes you back to Ollantaytambo, where you will be picked up and transported back to your hotel in Cusco.
Optional: You can also choose to hike to the top of Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, scenic mountain near Machu Picchu, that has amazing views of the site from another angle. Make sure to book this hike a long time in advance, as there is a limited number of permits issued for every day. Check Dates and Prices for more information about the price.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco (3,399m, 11,200’)
Distance: As Required
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure from Cusco Airport
Sadly, your Lares and Machu Picchu tour has come to an end. After breakfast, depending on your flight times, you are free to explore Cusco until it is time for your transfer to the airport. Have a pleasant journey!
Overnight Location: N/A
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Price and Dates
You can choose between joining a group tour or else creating a custom tour for just your group. All the prices are per person, sharing a double room or a tent.Prices for a Private Guided Lares and Machu Picchu Trekking Tour
- Guided group of 2: USD1415 per person
- Guided groups of 4: USD995 per person
- Guided groups of 6: USD895 per person
- Guided groups of 7+: on request
Join a Group Tour for the Guided Lares and Machu Picchu Trekking Tour
Make new friends by joining a group tour! The prices below are per person.Accommodation on Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
This tour is based in hotels and camps. Four nights are spent in hotels and two nights along the Lares Trek are spent in camps.
Hotels on this trip are 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. The accommodations have been carefully chosen so you will feel comfortable and pampered.
Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a single supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
What’s included in the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners, and other various snacks along the trek.
Accommodations
Hotel accommodations for 4 nights, 3 in Cusco and 1 in Aguas Calientes. Camping for 3 nights
Transportation during the Tour
Planned transportation throughout the tour is included. This includes:
- Transportation to/from the Cusco Airport at the beginning and end of the tour
- Transportation from Cusco to Wacawasi (Huacawasi) – approx 3.5 hours
- Train tickets (expedition class) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. (Can be upgraded to the Vistadome class for USD50 per person)
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back. (approx 25 min)
- Transportation from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco
Also Included
- Tour briefing on the day you arrive in Cusco
- Camping fees, tent, cooking shelter
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Lares Valley entrance fee
- Horseman and mules to carry cooking and camping equipment during the trek
- First Aid kit
- 24/7 support and emergency line available throughout the tour
Not included
- Meals and drinks, other than those mentioned in the itinerary (extra meals can be arranged upon request).
- Optional tours and excursions
- Personal items such as souvenirs or telephone calls
- Personal camping and trekking equipment, such as sleeping bags or walking sticks (many of these items can be rented for an additional fee).
- Any damages you might cause to the bus or camping equipment
- Tips and gratuities
- Additional personal porter for guests with excessive luggage.
- Travel insurance
- Evacuation in the event of a serious medical issue or injury
Optional Extras
- Additional meals
- Climb Wayna (Huayna) Picchu – USD115 (per person)
- Upgrade train tickets from Expedition class to Vistadome class
- Additional activities in Cusco (all prices are per person):
- Cusco City Tour: A tour of many different significant landmarks in and around Cusco
- South Valley: Head south from Cusco to tour an Andean village with Pre-Incan architecture, plus the Incan Pikillagta (Temple of Water) and Tipon (the 17th Century “Sistine Chapel of Cusco”).
- Gastronomic Tour at Market & Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic, traditional local dishes from shopping at the market for ingredients to preparing and serving the meal.
- Personal horse to ride during the trek (max weight – 110 Kg)
- How hard is the Lares Trek?
- Do I need a Visa?
- Are meals included?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?
- Are the tours in English?
- Where does the tour end?
- What should I pack?
- Do I need vaccines?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Peru?
- Is the Lares Trek at high altitude?
- What do I do do if I'm tired on Lares Trek?
We rate the Lares Trek as a 3 / 5. The trek is moderate but hikers unaccustomed to hiking at higher altitudes will notice the additional strain caused by the elevations.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, and 3 dinners are included. Additional meals can be arranged upon request.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Many international flights will connect through Peru’s capital city of Lima. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes about 1 hour.
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
The tour ends where it begins, in Cusco. Transportation from your hotel to the Cusco Airport is included.
Don’t forget your passport (and visa if needed). Bring layers of clothing to keep you comfortable as you are hiking, as well as warm enough on cold nights. Please keep clothing lightweight. Rain gear is important to keep you dry and warm on rainy days. Sun protection is very important, especially at higher elevations. Sun block, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. You may also be glad to have insect repellent. Bring a backpack (preferably waterproof). Be sure you have sturdy shoes for hiking.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The Lares Trek does go to high altitudes, so please check with your family doctor. This tour has 2 nights in Cusco at the start to help you acclimatize , though there are many things to do and see in Cusco, so many trekkers spend an extra night or two in town.
If you are concerned about the distances or elevation, you can rent a horse and a horseman. This way you can sit on the horse for days where you are tired. The price of the horse is USD70 per person for the trek and the horse can carry maximum of 110 kg.
Customer Ratings
Valencia Travel Cusco has been providing incredible trekking and cultural tours around Cusco since 2009. Owned and operated in Cusco, Valencia Travel know the Cusco and Macchu Picchu region well, and provide great active holidays for their guests.
Valencia Travel is recognized as Best Tour Operator in Peru 2021 by the International Travel Awards by KSA!
