Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Package Type
Adventure
Activity Level
Moderate
Travel specialist
The Lares Trek is one of the most popular alternative treks to the classic Inca Trail. It doesn’t include as many Inca ruins as the Inca Trail, but it more than makes up for that by offering a fascinating hike through magical landscapes and a far more in-depth look at local life in the Andean region of Peru (a cultural element not found on the classic Inca Trail trek). It’s also slightly shorter – but higher – than the Inca Trail, and you’ll see far fewer trekkers along the route.
Our seven-day Lares Trail to Machu Picchu takes you deep into the heart of the Andes, to a remote landscape of towering mountains, shimmering mountain lakes and staggering views. You’ll also experience the living traditions of the local people as we pass through ancient villages of agricultural and alpaca farmlands, meeting friendly Quechua people who will be happy to share their culture with you. Try and book off season, there are fewer people in Cusco! This Lares Valley Trek to Machu Picchu is also much greener and the valleys more stunning in January for example, after a few showers of rain!
And then, of course, there’s our final destination: Machu Picchu. We’ll get there on Day 4 and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the magnificent Inca citadel, one of the seven new wonders of the world. As Lares Trek tour operators, we’ll ensure your experience is fun and unforgettable.
Special features of our Lares Trek to Machu Picchu:
Arrival to Cusco with a transfer to your hotel; a welcome meeting will be organized by your guide for a quick briefing of the tour. The rest of the day can be spent exploring Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, set in the Andes Mountains. Discover Spanish churches and mansions that sit alongside Inca remains, visit the local market of San Pedro and their array of products from handicrafts to vegetable products, fresh juices and items for traditional Andean ceremonies. ...
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your ease. The capital city of the Inca Empire is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. You may visit the local archaeological sites of Saqsaywaman, Tambomachay and Qenqo or you can take part in a Peruvian cooking class or chocolate making class, depending on how you want to spend your free day. We can help arrange and suggest all activities a...
The first day begins early in the morning when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will then drive to Calca, a small town in the Sacred Valley. Here you’ll have your last chance to buy any last-minute supplies. Continuing on, we’ll drive for about three hours in the direction of Lares, passing the highest point for the day at 4,265 meters above sea level (13,992 ft), where the Sawasiray and Pitusiray mountains rise up. This is alpaca region and you will appreciate ...
We’ll start the day early in the morning with a hearty breakfast, to get our energy levels up for what is probably the toughest day of our trek. Setting off, it’s a steep uphill climb to a mountain pass at about 4,500 meters above sea level – the highest point reached on our Lares trek. The view from up here is sublime, looking out across the surrounding mountains and down to the beautiful Aruraycocha Lake below us. We’ll then head downhill towards the lake, st...
Our final day of trekking will be a relatively easy walk of between four and five hours. We will leave Mantanay after breakfast and head towards the pretty colonial town of Yanahuara in the Sacred Valley, passing through more spectacular scenery where the Incas once roamed. The weather should be warmer as we descend towards Yanahuara, passing near fields of white corn, typical of this region. Once we reach Yanahuara, we’ll have our last meal together. At this point, our cooks an...
To best appreciated Machu Picchu, we’ll wake up early in the morning so we can get to the citadel in good time. You’ll have time for breakfast first, and then your guide will pick you up from the hotel at around 5:40 a.m. We’ll then walk to the bus departure point for the short but zigzagging ascent up the road to Machu Picchu.
We’ll then pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here you’ll begin your guided wa...
After breakfast enjoy your last day at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home via Lima.
Accommodation
3* – Prisma Hotel. Standard Room with private bath.
4* – Jose Antonio Hotel. Standard Room with private bath.
5* – Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Superior Room with private bath.
3* – Inti Punku Machupicchu Hotel & Suites. Standard Room with private bath.
4* – Hatun Inti Boutique. Suite Room with private bath.
5* – Machu Picchu Pueblo by Inkaterra. Superior Room with private
Services
Details:
Now featuring our exclusive Atmos Foam to further reduce weight and boost compressibility, the ProLite is the lightest and most compact three-season mattress available. Self-inflation keeps set-up super-easy and its die-cut foam packs small, easily fitting inside the most ultralight packs. It's ideal for high-mileage, high-speed journeys where every gram counts. Stuff sack included.
Specifications:
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Are you planning to hike the Lares Trek but worried about carrying too much weight? Renting horses can be a convenient option to lighten your load and make your trekking experience stress-free.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Extra Horses for Belongings:
If you want to rent extra horses to carry your belongings, it’s important to plan ahead and book them in advance, especially during peak trekking season when demand is high. Each horse can carry up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of gear, so make sure to pack carefully and within the weight limit to avoid overloading the horse.
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Important Note:
Note that our sleeping bags are feather for those that are allergic
These poles are designed to help you endure long treks into rugged, remote areas with a heavy pack. If you need a little extra support when walking, an adjustable folding walking stick is ideal. It has an aluminium body with plastic handles and base, it folds away neatly for easy storage when not in use.
Features:
If you are an experienced rider and want to explore the Lares / Salkantay Trek on horseback, renting a personal horse can be a great option. However, there are a few things to consider before booking:
Availability: Just like with extra horses for belongings, it’s important to book personal horses in advance to ensure availability.
Weight Limits: Each personal horse can carry up to 110 kg (242 lbs) of weight, including your own weight and any gear you carry. Make sure you don’t exceed the weight limit to ensure the horse’s safety.
Riding Experience: The trails on the Lares / Salkantay Trek can be steep and challenging, so it’s important to have some horse riding experience and feel confident on a horse before renting a personal horse. Your safety and the horse’s well-being should always come first.
Local Culture: Horses are an important part of local Andean culture, and it’s essential to respect and care for them. Follow any instructions provided by your guide or local hosts and treat your horse with kindness and respect.