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Highlights
Visit Cusco and walk the Lares Trek with your group only
Start the trek by unwinding in the soothing natural hot springs of Lares.
Immerse in the culture of traditional weavers and farmers in remote Andean villages.
Enjoy stunning mountain views and picturesque valleys throughout the hike.
End the journey with a guided tour of the world-famous Machu Picchu.
The Lares Trek is one of South America's top alternative routes to Machu Picchu, offering a unique way to experience trekking in Peru. This 4-day adventure takes you deep into the Andes, where you'll discover ancient villages and the rich traditions of the Quechua people, all while trekking through the stunning mountains of the Sacred Valley.
Begin your journey by relaxing in the therapeutic Lares Hot Springs before hiking through the picturesque Lares Valley, known for its traditional weavers and farmers. Lares textiles are renowned throughout Peru, and you’ll have the chance to engage with locals who speak both Quechua and Spanish, perhaps even learning a bit about weaving firsthand.
Although the Lares Trek is slightly shorter and higher than the Classic Inca Trail, it offers a thrilling challenge and breathtaking views. This less-traveled route allows for a peaceful experience, full of adventure, cultural immersion, and unforgettable landscapes on your way to the legendary Machu Picchu.
Have a look at other guided trekking tours in Peru.
The Lares Trek is one of South America's top alternative routes to Machu Picchu, offering a unique way to experience trekking in Peru. This 4-day adventure takes you deep into the Andes, where you'll discover ancient villages and the rich traditions of the Quechua people, all while trekking through the stunning mountains of the Sacred Valley.
Begin your journey by relaxing in the therapeutic Lares Hot Springs before hiking through the picturesque Lares Valley, known for its traditional weavers and farmers. Lares textiles are renowned throughout Peru, and you’ll have the chance to engage with locals who speak both Quechua and Spanish, perhaps even learning a bit about weaving firsthand.
Although the Lares Trek is slightly shorter and higher than the Classic Inca Trail, it offers a thrilling challenge and breathtaking views. This less-traveled route allows for a peaceful experience, full of adventure, cultural immersion, and unforgettable landscapes on your way to the legendary Machu Picchu.
Have a look at other guided trekking tours in Peru.
Read more
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Cusco
Arrive in Cusco, where you will be transferred to your hotel. A welcome meeting will be organized by your guide for a quick tour briefing. Spend the rest of the day exploring Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, set in the Andes Mountains.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Open Day in Cusco
Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own pace. The city is known as the archaeological capital of the Americas and is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Lares Trek – Sacred Valley to Huacawasi
Start the day with breakfast and a transfer to Calca in the Sacred Valley. After purchasing any last-minute items, continue to Lares (3,207 m) to enjoy the medicinal hot springs before the trek. Begin your ascent to Huacawasi (3,600 m), where you’ll experience local Andean culture.
Overnight Location: Huacawasi Camp
Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Lares Trek – Huacawasi to Mantanay
After breakfast, trek to the highest point at Aruraycocha (4,500 m). Admire the stunning views of lakes and changing landscapes. Continue descending through the Mantanay conservation area and camp in the village of Mantanay (3,800 m).
Overnight Location: Mantanay Camp
Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Lares Trek – Mantanay to Yanahuara, then Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Trek downhill to Yanahuara (2,950 m), where you will bid farewell to your trekking team. After lunch, drive to Ollantaytambo for a visit to the archaeological site. From there, take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.
Overnight Location: Hatun Inti Boutique, Aguas Calientes
Distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Aguas Calientes – Visit to Machu Picchu, Return to Cusco
Early morning bus ride to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise. Enjoy a guided tour of the citadel, with free time to explore on your own. Optional hike up Huayna Picchu is available. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train back to Cusco.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure from Cusco
After breakfast, transfer to Cusco Airport for your departure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2026 Pricing for Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group Tour The departures are available starting daily from March 1 to November 30, 2026.
The starting price for a private, guided tour for two people sharing a double or twin room or tent is USD1715 per person.
Accommodation on Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group
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 Private Group?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, starting and ending 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
- Upgrade train tickets from Expedition class to Vistadome class
- Additional activities in Cusco (all prices are per person):
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- 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 to Machu Picchu Private Group?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
- Are meals included on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?
- What should I pack?
- Is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group in English?
- When is the best time to travel to Peru for Inca Trail Trek?
- Where does the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Peru?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Peru?
- Are children allowed on Inca Trail?
We rate this tour 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. Extra nights in Cusco before and after the tour are highly recommended.
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, and 3 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. 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.
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. Sunblock, 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.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The best time to travel to Cusco Region for this trek is during April through November as December through March are considered to be the rainy season.
Mention where tour ends and how they’re getting to the airport with airport code mentioned.
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.
Yes, this trail is available to children from 7 years old, however, it is recommended to have some experience in trekking similar distances as some might find it very challenging.
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!
