The Lares Trek is a captivating alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering an enriching journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Ideal for those looking to escape the crowds, this route takes you through breathtaking landscapes, remote highland villages, and offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Andean life. With fewer visitors along the way, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path experience in the Sacred Valley.
The trek culminates with a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs of Lares, a rewarding end to an unforgettable adventure. To top it all off, your journey concludes with a visit to the iconic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu the mysterious city hidden among the mountains and untouched by the Spanish conquest, preserving its wonder and beauty to this day.
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – URUBAMBA – PUMAHUANCA – CUYOC
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. and begin a scenic drive for an hour and a half through the Sacred Valley, passing through Chinchero and stopping in Urubamba for a quick breakfast at a local restaurant. Restrooms will be available, and you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase any last-minute items, such as a rain poncho or extra snacks.
After breakfast, we’ll drive for another 25 minutes to reach the Pumahuanca Valley, a region renowned for its giant white corn and Chicha, the traditional corn beer of the Incas. From here, we’ll begin our trek through a stunning valley dominated by native Queuña (Polylepis) trees, following a gentle, winding ascent with breathtaking views along the way.
We’ll hike for approximately 3 hours until we arrive at the archaeological site of Inca-Kancha. After exploring the site, we’ll continue our hike through the Queuña forest toward the community of Paccha, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep.
After another 2 hours of walking and passing several small waterfalls, we’ll reach our lunch spot in Cuyoc, located at an altitude of 4,010 meters (13,156 feet). After enjoying lunch and taking some time to relax, we’ll continue our adventure with a final 2 hour hike to our campsite, where hot tea will be waiting for us.
.Meals included: Box Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
.Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
.Distance: 13.5 km/8.4 miles
.Time: 6 – 7 hrs approximately
.Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 2: CUYOC – PUMAHUANCA PASS – CUNCANI
We’ll begin the day at 6:00 a.m. with a warm cup of coca tea and a nourishing breakfast to fuel our adventure. Our trek starts with stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of Chicón, San Juan, and Verónica, surrounded by lush Andean forests. A challenging yet rewarding 3-hour ascent awaits as we make our way up a trail of steep stone steps and winding switchbacks to reach the Pumahuanca Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft).
From the top, we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Moray terraces, the village of Maras, and the gleaming Salt Mines of Salineras a perfect moment to pause and soak in the majestic Andean scenery.
We then begin a 1-hour descent along a scenic stone path, gradually approaching a cluster of tranquil lakes where we’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, we continue trekking mostly downhill for approximately 2 more hours until we arrive at our campsite in Cuncani (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Along the way, you may encounter local farmers wearing the vibrant, traditional attire of the Lares Valley a region renowned for its rich textile heritage.
Cuncani is especially famous for its handwoven textiles, crafted using ancestral techniques passed down through generations. If you wish, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase these beautiful handmade pieces directly from the local weavers.
Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
Distance: 13kms / 8 miles
Time: 6 – 7 hrs approximately
Difficulty: challenging
DAY 3: CUNCANI – LARES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
reakfast will be served a bit later today, as the final day of trekking is relatively easy. This morning, we’ll also have the special opportunity to visit a traditional Andean home, where a local family will warmly welcome us and share their humble way of life deeply connected to nature and rooted in centuries-old customs of farming and weaving.
After this cultural experience, we’ll continue our trek with a gentle 3 hours descent to the village of Lares, renowned for its medicinal hot springs. Here, we’ll enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural volcanic pools the perfect reward for completing our hike.
Following lunch, our private transportation will take us on a scenic three-hours drive to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board a two-hour train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at a comfortable hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Get some well-deserved rest tomorrow is the big day: our visit to Machu Picchu begins bright and early!
.Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
.3* Accommodation: hotel room in aguas calientes
.Ditancie: 6 kms /3.7 miles
.Time: 3 hrs approximately
.Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the ancient citadel an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss. Upon arrival, your expert guide will lead you on a three hours tour, exploring the most iconic and significant areas of Machu Picchu. You’ll learn how the site is divided into three main sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.
After taking in the extraordinary views and fascinating history, you’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have some free time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the local museum or hot springs.
In the afternoon, you’ll board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo at either 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. The train ride offers stunning views as it follows the winding Urubamba River through a dramatic canyon.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our private driver will be waiting for you at the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. You can expect to arrive by approximately 7:00 p.m., concluding your incredible journey.
Meal included: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Included.Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek .Transfer from the Airport to Hotel (on any date).Private transportation from the hotel to trailhead
.Professional English speaker tour guide.
.Entrances to the hot springs.
.Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and a transfer back to Cusco
2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return
.Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel
.Private guided tour in Machu Picchu for 3 hours
.3* hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included
.4 person Eureka Timberline Tent
.Comfortable foam mattress
.Delicious gourmet meals during the 4 days, as indicated in the itinerary
.Dining tent with tables and stools
.Chef and cooking equipment
.Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)
.Provision of a horse in case of emergency In case of illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
.First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
.Boiled water to fill in your bottles
.Transfer back to Cusco only for our group
Backpack rain cover
Not Included
- .Hotel before/after the trek.Lunch and dinner on the last day.Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm).Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
.Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
.Personal tent -$30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)
.Huayna Picchu Mountain -$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
.Tip for your guide(s) are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your trek
How to reserve the tour?
PRICES
The best Lares Trek to Machu Picchu around is available on any date that is best suited for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!
PRICES
Our price: USD $ 600.00 per person
.Reservation price: USD $ 200 per person
.Balance ( cusco): USD $ 400.00 commonly paid in cusco after the briefing.
IMPORTANT INFO
Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and we drive you to your hotel, please send us the information about flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek or tour. Look out for our representative holding an Nomad In Peru logo at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
THE BRIEFING
We use to visit at your hotel 6 pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time Will be ready any time for our clients.
HOW TO BOOK THE LARES TREK ?
STEP ONE: To book your Lares trek and Short Inca Trail, please complete our booking form by clicking on the “BOOK NOW” button on our homepage or simply click here to access the form.
You will need to provide the following personal information exactly as it appears on your passport:
Important: We require a copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.
STEP TWO: We require a deposit of $ 400.00 USD per person to secure your permit for the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total cost in order to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days before the start of the service in Cusco. To avoid the high credit card fees often applied in Peru, we recommend paying the remaining balance in cash, either in US dollars or Peruvian soles. There are numerous ATMs available throughout Cusco for your convenience. Alternatively, you may complete the payment using the same method as your initial deposit.
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any date(s) after the permit have been bought. Permits are not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Lares Trek 4 days, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR LARES TREK 4 DAYS?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport as it is very important that it is the same passport, you sent to us at the time of booking your permit. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your Lares trek 4 days, you will be given a duffle bag to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.
HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK, AND WHAT FITNESS LEVEL IS REQUIRED
The Lares Trek is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. considered moderate to challenging, requiring a reasonable level of fitness and stamina. Training beforehand, including hiking and cardiovascular exercises, can help prepare you for the altitude and terrain. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the unlikely scenario, that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health reasons, Nomad In Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems, There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip though not compulsory is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek.
WHAT TYPE OF WILDLIFE AND FLORA CAN BE ENCOUNTERED ALONG THE LARES TREK ?
The Lares Trek takes trekkers through a variety of ecosystems in the Peruvian Andes, from high-altitude puna grasslands to lush valleys. This diverse environment supports a wide range of wildlife and plant species. Here’s an overview of the types of wildlife and flora you can encounter along the trek:
PACKING LIST
- PACKING LISTWHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?.Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek).Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
.Water storage: 2-3L (please bring reusable)
.Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
.Sleeping bag (can be rented from NOMAD IN PERU)
.Headlamp: essential
.Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and include an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses.
.3 t-shirts
.2 hiking pants at least
.3 sets of undergarments
.4 sets of hiking socks
.Couple Fleece/ Thermals
.Warm clothes
.Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
.Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
.Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
.Toothbrush and toothpaste
.Personal medications
.Camera
.Clothes in layers
.Insect repellant – DEET 20 strongly recommended.
.Passport
.Personal medication
.Pocket money in Soles or USD dolars
.Sandals or flip-flops
..Sun glases
Sun hat
.Sun scream
.Swimsuit
.Toilet paper
.Torch (flashlight)
.Warm clothes for overnights
.Water bottle to be refil in campsites
.Wet wipes
