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
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…

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…
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…

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
(431 Ratings)
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U8131icmatthewk
Nov 26, 2024
I would do it again! - This was an incredible experience. The majestic views, and the accommodations were fantastic. Our guide Miguel was especially great. His sense of humor was great. /he was just outright funny. His passion for the history and landscape was infectious and educational. I HIGHLY recommend Miguel as a guide for any excursion with Sam Peru.
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Susanx512
Nov 15, 2024
4 Days 3 Nights Inca Trail - Our tour guide, Oscar, met us at our hotel in Cusco the evening before the start of the trek. We found Oscars briefing very informative and prepared us for the days ahead. The campsites are basic (as expected) although the team found us great tent locations with amazing views. The porters, Toribio, Eusebio and Arnulfo were incredible. The porters are like mountain goats. Our two chefs, Armando and Reinaldo kept us watered and well fed with amazing dishes prepared inside the cooks tent. Oscar was very knowledgeable on aspects of the trek as well as the history of Machu Picchu. Oscar has a good sense of humour and is encouraging when the trek was at the max altitude and we were snailing our way to the peak of 4,200mt. Oscar also recognized we wanted couples time and periodically he would suggest we walked ahead of him giving us space. We felt part of a family as we went through our 4 days together. Highly recommend SAM travel and this team
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Blancaf871
Nov 6, 2024
Adventure of the Inka you should not miss - My partner and I made the 4 day and 3 night Inka Trail. Amazing experience, spectacular scenery and a great trekking challenge we face. The Sam travel team gave us a unique experience. Our guide Henry was fun and taught us a lot about the Inka culture, gave us our time to enjoy the tour. Special mention to the Fortunato chef and the team of porters, without them this would be impossible. Good camping tents, we recommend walking sticks for the tour as especially the second day is not at all easy, and a huge bladder so you don't have to use much public toilets along the way. Experience in its entirety more than recommended. We were also very lucky to share it with a team of wonderful people who humanly enriched this adventure.
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Curiosity64400924146
Nov 4, 2024
Lares Trek to Machu - Beautiful and Challenging - This is a strenuous and beautiful hike. Daniel was the tour guide - he is very kind and informative. We met local indigenous people and were invited into their home. A unique experience.
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Bastibr
Oct 29, 2024
Unforgettable Inca Trail Adventure - Grober made our Inca Trail trek unforgettable! His knowledge of history, culture, and nature added depth to every step. He kept the group motivated and ensured we felt safe and comfortable throughout. The scenery was breathtaking, and Grober’s enthusiasm made it even more special. Highly recommend!
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Madisonmc3724ly
Oct 24, 2024
Unforgettable experience! - The Inca Trail hike was an unforgettable journey! I booked Sam travel through recommendation of a friend who used them and had a great experience. Junior was super helpful finding a reservation time and date that worked. Our group’s guide, Nilo, was amazing! He brought the ancient Incan culture to life with his deep knowledge and created a personal experience tailored to our group. Chef Timoteo created delicious meals from local ingredients. Every meal was different and good! Lead porter Bonifacio ensured our gear was expertly managed. Him and his porters work harder than anyone I’ve seen to date! Together, this exceptional team made our adventure truly remarkable.
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B1182tdclaudiag
Oct 29, 2024
Once in a lifetime! - Absolutely amazing experience! So much more than expected 😁 our guide Grober was brilliant and very patient, tailoring the experience to the needs of every member of the group! Highly recommended 🤩
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P9222idreginar
Oct 29, 2024
Wonderful experience😍 - Amazing guide Grober, amazing group, amazing time. 😍It was a wonderful experience and ich can absolutely recommend 😊
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E5910opbills
Oct 23, 2024
Loving the 3-Day Lares Trek - We took a modified trek, three days/two nights ending at Lares hot springs without the Machu Pichu tour. It was fabulous. The tour guide shared history and arranged a home visit in a traditional Quechuan home. The hiking and site seeing were glorious with just enough effort to feel we earned each pass. The food and tent accommodations were top notch. I was amazed at what could be provided with a two burner stove. Finishing at the hot springs was a soothing end to a great 3 day hike.
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J4516tbsamuela
Nov 12, 2024
Classic Inca Trail - Great with some improvements - Overall, Sam Travel Peru was a great company to do the Inca Trail with! I did the 4 day Classic Inca Trail with them. Great experiences, felt safe and looked after. However, there were a few things that could have been better. Keep in mind that many of the companies are doing the same thing though and overall this company is great to go with because of the smaller group size so the dynamic was really good with the team. Our guides Christian and Henry did an excellent job! Here are a few things they could improve on at a company level: 1. Food was overall really good in taste and quality but could have done with quite a bit more meat. There was only ever a small amount offered per person. Not ideal on such a physical trek. 2. Our crew woke up at 2:30am on the last day for no reason. There was no need to be the first group to the last checkpoint for a 5:30am open. We were the last off the track anyway. Most companies want to save money by getting the porters and equipment back on the 5am train out so they get all the tourists up super early and pack everything up. Not necessary. They could have sent a bus for them. 3. Water supply should have been better planned. We didn't get a water resupply at lunch time on one day, which we had not planned for. All because it was an inconvenience for the porters to line up for water at the busier campsites, so they wanted us to plan to go without. Not good enough. 4. Not enough freely offered information from the tour guides. They were knowledgeable but we would have appreciated more unprompted info. That being said, when we asked, they always knew. Keep in mind most companies are offering very similar services. Sam Travel Peru is perfect if you're looking for a smaller group size. The service won't be that much different with another company.
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December 2024
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