Lares Trek: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure to Machu Picchu

Embark on a unique Lares trek to Machu Picchu, venturing off the beaten path and through isolated communities. Experience stunning scenery, gourmet meals, and a visit to the hot springs in Lares.

Duration: 4 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

Huaran - After pickup at 6am, you will travel by private bus to Pumahuanca (2,840 m) located in the Sacred Valley between Pisac and Urubamba. Huaran is the start of the trail. Meet the horsemen and start trekking towards the north, on an uphill trail that is parallel to the small Cancha Cancha River. After a 4-hour trek, you will reach the small village of Cancha Cancha (3,800 m) where you will spend the night. Total walking time on this day is 6 hours.

What's Included
  • Chef and cooking equipment for fresh meals
  • Multilingual licensed guide (English, Spanish, Quechua)
  • All main meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Clean boiled water provided for your bottles
  • Roundtrip Expedition train to Aguas Calientes
  • Private transport to/from trailheads
  • Comprehensive first-aid kit & emergency oxygen
  • Emergency horse provision with helmet
  • Private Machu Picchu tour
  • Porter service for camping & personal gear
  • Quality camping equipment: Igloo tents, mattresses, pillows
  • Comfortable hotel stay with amenities
  • Protective rain poncho provided
  • Informative pretrek briefing
  • Transfer back to Cusco after trek
What's Not Included
  • Sleeping bag rental (US$20)
  • Hiking poles (can be hired locally for approximately US$15)
  • Energy snacks such as chocolate bars, dried fruits (recommended)
  • Last lunch and dinner on day 4
  • Optional upgrades (hotel or train - Vistadome Train to Cusco instead of Expedition Train (additional US$47 per person)
  • Trips for your guide, chef and horseman
Additional Information

This distinctive Lares trek follows an uncommon route, deserted from the frequented paths. You’ll encounter secluded settlements like Cancha Cancha, situated so high within the mountains that a road to the village is non-existent. Take in the breath-taking lakes and landscapes and round off with a personalized, informative tour in Machu Picchu. This exclusive small-group journey includes both hearty and gourmet dishes, superior camping gear, and access to Lares’ thermal springs. Engage with the native inhabitants along the path and prepare to be fascinated on your visit to the enchanting ruins of Machu Picchu.

  • Important: If you want to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, you must book this at the same time as your trek or tour to Machu Picchu. Only 400 people can hike Huayna Picchu per day. You will climb it on your own after the tour in Machu Picchu around 10am. Please contact the local tour operator upon booking to arrange this
  • Horses and mules carry the food, camping equipment and your belongings up to 7 kg
  • During the trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage will be stored in Cusco and you will receive a small duffel bag (on the day of your briefing) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group, you should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sunscreen. By Peruvian law the duffel bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 7kg (14 pounds). You can either store your luggage at your hotel or you can leave it with the tour operator
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(421 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Jozum
Sep 26, 2024
Best Andean trekking experience out there - An experience I will never forget. Beautiful nature, kind people and good food. The hike can be tough, but is definitely worth it. Our guide Miguel was very knowledgeable and a great guy to be with. Our cooks Lucio and Micaela made sure we were well fed and our horseman Julio was also always there to bring us something extra.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Asteroidion
Sep 24, 2024
One of the best treks in our life - We did one of the best treks in our life with such an amazing team. Miguel is a very knowledgeable and fun guide. He knows a lot not only about the history of Peru and the andean people but also its flora and fauna. There is almost nothing that he couldnt answer if you ask. We also got to enjoy the top notch service of Julio, Lucio and his wife Micaela. Everything was prepared to make sure we are comfortable and well nutritioned during the trek. Truly recommended! We are happy that we booked this tour with Sam travel and got Miguel, Lucio, Micaela and Julio as crews.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T1887idamandab
Sep 23, 2024
Fantastic and well organised - We just finished the 5 day Lares Trek to Machupicchu with one day Inca trail with our guides Gerry (for the Lares Trek) and Ray (for Inca trail and Machupicchu). We had a fantastic time and would highly recommend - our guides were professional and knowledgeable, friendly and caring. Everything was organised and clearly set out and the food (particularly on the Lares Trek) was delicious. Absolutely loved the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samcf9046ii
Sep 22, 2024
Incredible experience in the Andes - Wonderfully organised trip. Everything run perfectly. Food was incredible, especially on the trek. The support staff were helpful and thoughtful and our guides Gerry and Ray were both excellent - knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and fun. Thank you for a great experience in the Andes!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marionag892
Sep 13, 2024
Excellent - The team was amazing: Raymer, Gerson, Ever, Moisés, Vidal, and César. Everything went smoothly, and each member made the experience unforgettable. The trail was breathtaking. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denysl798
Sep 13, 2024
Excellent trip in the Peru mountains - The tour was amazing. The guide Raymer and Jerry were full of energy and interesting stories. Everything was organized very well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
223n_riag
Sep 13, 2024
We truly enjoyed it! - The tour was excellent, in all ways. The team supporting along made the difference: Gerson, Raymer, Cesar, Moisés, Vidal, Ever. The team is very human and the trip couldn’t be smoother and full of nice details. We are very happy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahopdekamp
Sep 13, 2024
4 days Inca trail - We had an amazing trip!! The inca trail was so beautiful. We enjoyed the amazing views and the good weather. Our guide, Auqui, took good care of us. He was always very encouraging! He told us a lot about the history of the inca and was always ready to answer our questions. Our porters were amazing too!! They prepared the best meals, provided warm water, drinking water, snacks,.. there wasn’t a thing we missed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Louv628
Aug 26, 2024
A sporting experience in a history book - A sports excursion with impressive landscapes, explanations like a history book that we would be told throughout the trip ... A magnificent experience with Joaquin as Guide nothing is left to chance, places and times everything is really perfect! A chef Edison, who introduces the typical dishes, in quantity and diversified!! An impressive team of porters, adorable and with little care! Thanks to the whole team:)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sunshine13895315706
Aug 19, 2024
Nobody said was going to be easy but it was worthy!!! - Was an amazing experience, great team innovating every day to surprise us and made it more easy, the tour guide (Oscar) supportive and full knowledge about the Incas culture but the best part the wonderful views and the majesty Machu Picchu!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today