Ultimate Lares Trek & Inca Trail 5 days: Explore Traditional Trails and Engage in Cultural Immersion

Embark on the Ultimate Lares Trek & Inca Trail 5-day adventure, immersing yourself in traditional trails and cultural experiences. Explore majestic glaciers, interact with local communities, and witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu.

Duration: 5 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

CUSCO - LARES THERMAL BATHS - KISWARANI FALLS

Lares Trek - We will start from your hotel around 5:30 am and drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we stop at the local market to later continue to the famous Lares thermo-medicinal baths – arriving at approximately 8:00 am. We will jump straight into the medicinal pools - all of which are set at different temperatures. The water is great for your bones, muscles, stress, and headaches and therefore this is the perfect way to prepare for your TreXperience! After breakfast, we will start our 2-hour trek uphill until we reach Kiswarani village. Our lunch places. It’s then another 2-hour walk to our campsite, located on the bank of a beautiful blue lake at (3750 m/ 1230 ft). On reaching our campsite your tents and a hot cup of tea will be waiting for you. This is a perfect place to relax, stargaze, and learn about Inca astronomy.
• Campsite Altitude: 3750m
• Distance: 9 km/5.5 miles
• Duration: 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Easy

What's Included
  • All transportation during the trek
  • 2 nights of mountain camping with comfortable gear
  • Skilled chefs, porters, and guides provided
  • Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodations: 2 nights at 3-star hotels in Ollantaytambo & Aguas Calientes
  • Personal duffle bag service (up to 7 kg) by horse
  • Pachamanca cooking class
  • Hotel pick-up on the morning of the tour
What's Not Included
  • Sleeping bags, air mats, or Trekking poles (can be rent from us)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to be booked in advance)
  • Montaña (need to be booked in advance)
Additional Information

This is a superior substitute hike that combines the classic Inca Trail walk with a deep cultural dive into native societies. It guides you along unusual paths where you get to interact closely with family units, local learning establishments, grand glaciers, azure bodies of water, cascades and creatures such as llamas and alpacas.

Key Features:
• Free airport transfer upon your arrival and departure
• Expertly trained Local Tour Instructors
• Enjoy the therapeutic springs of Lares
• Engage with native inhabitants, touring their homes
• Experience the Salt Pits of Maras and Ollantaytambo
• Trek the final segment of the Inca trail
• Reach Machu Picchu twice
• Witness the sun ascend over the hallowed city of Machu Picchu

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(41 Ratings)
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T820rastephaniem
May 21, 2024
Amazing experience - Just wow! Me and my other half did the 3 day lares trek and the 2 day short inca trail combined and what an experience! Pre-trip We had initially planned to do the 5 day inca trek but there was a government issue with our permits and sadly our booking for this couldnt go ahead. Credit to trexperience, they got in contact straight away, explained the situation and offered to keep trying with the booking system but also gave us some alternative options. I hadnt even heard of the lares trek before but once we read about it we were convinced it was actually the better trip for us as we were interested to learn about the people and cultures of the area, not just see the ruins etc. Communication from trexperience throughout the process was excellent and we confirmed the lares + short inca trail was the right tour for us. We met with our guide Manolo the night before our trip at our hotel where we found out we were the only people doing the trip! Pros and cons to this of course but we were reassured we'd be able to go at our own pace which was nice. We went over the trip details and got some last minute packing tips as well as our duffles for the next 5 days. Our guide Manolo Manolo made this trip. He was amazing from start to finish and a true credit to the trexperience company. His passion for the history and culture of the Quechua people is second to none and we were honoured to be able to share this with him. He was knowledgable, with excellent english and communication was a breeze. We felt so supported by him throughout the hike, particularly when we were struggling with the physical demands of the trip. He'd keep reminding us poco poco (little by little) and we never felt rushed. Honestly, Trexperience if you're reading this, give Manolol an award or something, just spectacular service. Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail The lares trek was absolutely stunning. We were winding through mountain passes, valleys and remote villages, meeting people who were still living very traditional farming lives, isolated from majors cities etc. It was a challenging 3 days, with quite high altitudes and occasionally challenging terrain but we managed it and I wouldnt say I was particularly fit. The short inca trail was a long day but easier in terms of altitude. There was a lot of stairs so anyone with ankle or knee trouble be cautious. It was quite busy with other tourists which was so different compared to the lares trek but was nice to see other people! We eventually made it to Machu Picchu and it was 100% worth it. Amazing experience. The support team Our team consisted of the two of us tourists, our guide Manolo, head chef Vidal, assistant chef Andreas and horseman L'andros, as well as 4 mules. The whole team were amazing and importantly the mules seemed well cared for. The food was genuinely amazing, 3 courses for every meal amazing. There wasnt a dish we didnt enjoy and we were blown away that Vidal and Andreas could cook to this standard in a tent on the top of a mountain. Food was plentiful and we were happy to see anything we didnt eat was given to locals, excellent to see no waste and to feel like you are supporting others in some way. Overall So impressed with trexperience. Wouldn’t have changed a thing! The team were all amazing and they are the ones that absolute make the experience. So our biggest thank you to Manolol, Vidal, Andreas and L'andros!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y9731jlkarinh
Nov 9, 2023
Super guide - Super guide and fantastic tour! Would recommend to anyone who visits this interesting part of the world
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504callanm
Oct 31, 2023
Lares Trek - We had an amazing tour with trexperience. The whole team looked after us extremely well. The food is the best we’ve ever had on a trek. A very special mention to our guide Jose Abad Cortez!!! Extremely knowledgeable, amazing guide and made the whole experience a pleasure for both of us.
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Danna
Jul 25, 2023
5/5 recommend this trip - This trip was amazing! Our tour guide, Manolo, was very enthusiastic and encouraging throughout the whole five days. I wasn’t sure I could do the hike but he always pushed us and it was so worth it. The views on this trip are amazing and he is very informative about everything you see along the way. You also get to see small villages and meet some of the people. It really is a one of a kind experience. Our horse man, Gregorio, was also extremely helpful with taking up our stuff, setting everything up, and the cleaning everything up. He was very quick and it was extremely impressive how he could keep up with the horses on these long hikes. Our chef, Oscar, and his assistant, Beto, also made some of the best food I have ever had. Every meal had something different and there wasn’t any dish I didn’t like. The team really put so much effort into making this a great experience and I appreciate all the hard work they did. I really recommend you try this trek yourself because words cannot fully describe how incredible this trip was.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamie
Jul 25, 2023
An Unforgettable Peruvian Adventure with Trexperience's 5-Day Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail - I recently embarked on an incredible 5-day journey with Trexperience, combining the breathtaking Lares Trek with the Short Inca Trail, and I must say it exceeded all my expectations! This expedition was an absolute delight, and I can't speak highly enough of the team that made it all possible. First and foremost, I must commend the head chef, Oscar, for his exceptional talent and culinary skills. Each day, we were treated to delicious and nutritious meals that far surpassed anything I could have imagined on a trek. From hearty breakfasts to mouthwatering dinners, Oscar's ability to prepare such delightful dishes in the wilderness is truly remarkable. The meals were a delightful fusion of traditional Peruvian cuisine and contemporary flavors, and they kept our energy levels high throughout the trek. Beto, Oscar's assistant, deserves equal recognition for his invaluable contributions to our trekking experience. He was always on hand to lend support to the chef, ensuring that everything ran smoothly in the camp kitchen. Beto's warm smile and friendly demeanor added a sense of camaraderie to the entire journey, making us feel like we were among friends. The horseman, Gregorio, played a vital role in making our expedition possible. The horses carried our camping equipment and supplies, and Gregorio managed them with great expertise. His deep understanding of the region and the animals was evident, and we felt reassured knowing that our belongings were in capable hands. Gregorio's dedication and hard work were essential to the smooth logistics of the trip. Our adventure would not have been the same without the exceptional guidance of our tour guide, Manolo. Manolo's extensive knowledge of the history, culture, and natural wonders of the region made every step of the trek more engaging. His passion for the land and its heritage was infectious, and he effortlessly shared captivating stories that brought the ancient Inca civilization to life. Additionally, Manolo's commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism was evident in how he ensured we respected the environment and local communities throughout the journey. The itinerary crafted by Trexperience was well-paced and thoughtfully planned. We were treated to stunning landscapes, from picturesque Andean valleys to awe-inspiring mountain peaks. The Lares Trek allowed us to immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the Andes, away from the crowds, while the Short Inca Trail offered an unforgettable glimpse into the iconic Machu Picchu. Furthermore, the attention to detail by Trexperience was impeccable. The campsite locations were carefully chosen, providing breathtaking views and comfort after a day of hiking. The quality of the camping gear provided was top-notch, ensuring a good night's rest amidst the rugged terrain. Overall, my 5-day Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail with Trexperience was nothing short of extraordinary. The professionalism, dedication, and genuine warmth of the team, including the exceptional chef Oscar, his assistant Beto, the horseman Gregorio, and the knowledgeable guide Manolo, made this experience unforgettable. I highly recommend Trexperience to anyone seeking an authentic and well-organized trekking adventure in Peru. It's a journey that will stay with me forever, and I am immensely grateful for the memories created along the way. Thank you, Trexperience, for an unforgettable Peruvian adventure!
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Compass637068
May 20, 2023
Great great adventure we do it again - Our guide willian Elvis was very passionate and knowledgeable about his culture and the trip. Our cook fed us a feast at every meal and the views were beyond amazing! If you want an experience of a lifetime it’s right here!
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N2340yzsf
May 13, 2023
Stunning scenery. Amazing staff. Lifelong memories. - It was very challenging, but Vincent, Daniel, Elizabeth and Toribio made it safe and fun! They made sure we had the best experience EVER!!! We had rain, snow and sunshine. If you go on this journey, be prepared for all weather conditions and have good hiking boots and a poncho!
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Sarahti2803fq
May 10, 2023
A must-do if you visit Peru! - This was the best experience ever! Everything from the logistics of booking and coordinating events throughout the trek, the food, the locations visited, and the accommodations were all amazing. But mostly the crew, Vicente, Daniel, Elisabeth, and Toribio made this a dream come true.
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Electrifyingi
Aug 22, 2022
An ultimate (Tr)experience - On the Lares Trek you’ll experience a great hike in a great landscape. The best thing about this trek & trail is that you get to see Machu Picchu twice: in the afternoon and in the morning on the next day. Miguel was THE best guide and treated us like family. He taught us a lot about Inka culture, local plants and history. Thanks to Martín (Chef) & Cecilio (Sous Chef) we ate like (Inka) Kings. Jean-Fino (porter) and his mules/horses made sure that everything was ready and in place when we arrived at the camp side. THANKS to the whole team/family, we had a very great time!
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Daydream29975539110
Jun 19, 2022
Incredible experience through Lares and Machu Picchu! - We had an outstanding experience on the 5-day Lares to Short Inca trail with Juvenal as our guide, Lorenzo as our chef, Joao as assistant chef, and Toribio as our porter. We were a small group (3) and the entire crew took incredible care of us to share the magical culture and scenery in the Sacred Valley. Please see the end of the review for a note on preparing for the altitude and general hike difficulty. First and foremost, we thank our amazing guide, Juvenal, for bringing his in-depth knowledge for and love of the culture and people in the highlands of Lares. By communicating with local people (in Quechua), Juvenal was able to deliver an unparalleled experience of the incredible lifestyle, culture, and practices of the native people here. We were extremely moved and honored to share beautiful moments with the wonderful people of the highlands. Juvenal also shared in-depth knowledge of the Inca and pre-Inca civilizations throughout the trek, and especially on the way to the stunningly beautiful and jaw-dropping ruins at Machu Picchu. The short Inca trail was an excellent way to reach Machu Picchu through the Sun gate (stunning view from here) in a single day’s hike. We are so grateful for all of Juvenal’s knowledge and warm spirit. He makes a point to treat all people (not just us, but local people, the rest of the crew etc.) with kindness and respect. We couldn’t ask for a better guide for our experience. Thank you Juvenal! Our head chef, Lorenzo, and his assistant Joao were absolutely incredible as well. Lorenzo blew our minds with how delicious (and even aesthetically pleasing) he could prepare meals while camping at 13,000 feet. My partner is vegetarian and he prepared an elaborate collection of nutritious and tailored meals for her along the way. He even prepared special meals when we both were struggling a bit with the altitude. Thank you Lorenzo and Joao! Finally, our porter, Toribio, never ceased to impress with how quickly and safely he transported the our and the crew’s gear with his team of mules. It is astonishing how well he and his mules move through such a difficult landscape. Thank you Toribio! We could never have anticipated how incredible and enriching this experience would be for all three of us. Not only did we see some the most incredible views of our lives, but we also learned and experienced an extremely rare and beautiful way of life that the native people of the highlands carry on. Their strength and kindness will stay with us for our entire lives. A quick note on the demands of the trek itself. The three of us (ages 29-32, active and relatively experienced hikers) found the Lares portion very challenging due to it being at an altitude that none of us had hiked in before. We also made the mistake of not giving ourselves ample time to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco before starting the trek (and also tried to do it without altitude medication etc.). The coca tea/leaves helped to an extent but we absolutely recommend taking time (2-3 days) to acclimate in Cusco and taking altitude medication if you (like us) are not used to hiking at altitude. That way, nothing (besides the usual challenges of a difficult hike) gets in the way of your experience. Even besides the altitude, this is a very challenging trek, so make sure you are comfortable with steep inclines/declines and heights in general before hiking the Andes. If you are up for the challenge, it is absolutely incredible! Thank you Juvenal, Lorenzo, Joao, Toribio, and all of the beautiful people we met along the way for an unforgettable experience!!
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September 2024
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