Explore the Lares Trek
Immerse yourself fully in the rural Andean culture.
The Lares Trek is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s the perfect Andean experience full of wonderful sights including rivers, waterfalls, lagoons, and snowy mountain peaks. It also gets you up close and personal with the local communities.
You’ll get to learn all about their customs and traditions and enjoy some unique experiences like seeing how they raise llamas and alpacas as well as learning how they make their stunning textile pieces.
Enjoy this beautiful trek while making new friends with those in your group and the families you meet in the communities along the way.
The Lares Trek is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s the perfect Andean experience full of wonderful sights including rivers, waterfalls, lagoons, and snowy mountain peaks. It also gets you up close and personal with the local communities.
You’ll get to learn all about their customs and traditions and enjoy some unique experiences like seeing how they raise llamas and alpacas as well as learning how they make their stunning textile pieces.
Enjoy this beautiful trek while making new friends with those in your group and the families you meet in the communities along the way.
Locally Owned & Operated
We are the operators! We are a licensed Tour Company. There is no middleman on a trip with us!
Expert Local Guides
Chosen for great knowledge of their country, and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.
Fantastic Meals
Our owner and all of our staff are local to Peru and care about its environment, people and culture.
Eco-Friendly Tours
Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.
Small Groups
Average groups of 10; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.
Our Best Seller
If you have a love for adventure and enjoying some of the best hiking routes in the world, our Lares Trek & Machu Picchu 4 Days is for you. It combines the most exciting trekking trails with the most incredible scenery you can imagine. Join us on your own, in a couple, or as part of a group.
Our Best Seller
The Classic Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Our exciting four-day trek from Lares to Machu Picchu offers a magical and breathtaking experience that you’ll never forget! It’s a wonderful option for those who want to enjoy an off-the-beaten-path trek and see incredible scenery while in great company.
Along the trail, you’ll find rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views of the Andes mountain range's snow-capped peaks. If you’re interested in Andean Culture, this trail is the perfect choice. You’ll get to visit various countryside communities where they raise sheep, llamas, and alpacas and get up close and personal with the communities.
Our exciting four-day trek from Lares to Machu Picchu offers a magical and breathtaking experience that you’ll never forget! It’s a wonderful option for those who want to enjoy an off-the-beaten-path trek and see incredible scenery while in great company.
Along the trail, you’ll find rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views of the Andes mountain range's snow-capped peaks. If you’re interested in Andean Culture, this trail is the perfect choice. You’ll get to visit various countryside communities where they raise sheep, llamas, and alpacas and get up close and personal with the communities.
Lares Trail Packages
There are a few options for Lares including different lengths and different versions. Take a look at what we have to offer regarding tours.
The Best Adventure trek to Machu Picchu
Every journey we design is carefully curated and completely bespoke, fine-tuned to your passions and interests. Experience jaw-dropping natural wonders, mysterious ancient civilisations, diverse indigenous culture and unique wildlife with some of the best trek combinations in Peru and South America.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days
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![Accommodation Peru Tours]()
Camp & Hotel Accommodation -
![Trek Highest Altitude]()
4,200 m / 13,780 ft Max. altitude -
![Hiking Level Peru]()
Moderate Difficulty
Is your idea of the perfect vacation a trek to Machu Picchu but away from the crowds? If the answer is yes, look no further than the 3-day Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu trek. Enjoy this incredibly picturesque hike through stunning landscapes as you observe beautiful towns, find llamas and alpacas, and witness soaring mountain peaks and a surprising variety of local flora and fauna.
Is your idea of the perfect vacation a trek to Machu Picchu but away from the crowds? If the answer is yes, look no further than the 3-day Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu trek. Enjoy this incredibly picturesque hike through stunning landscapes as you observe beautiful towns, find llamas and alpacas, and witness soaring mountain peaks and a surprising variety of local flora and fauna.
You’ll also make new friends in local communities where you can immerse yourself in their world and learn all about their customs and traditions as you walk in the footsteps of their ancestors on parts of the mythical Inca Trail. This is the perfect trip for those short on time who want a real, rural Andean experience. Join us on the trail for the adventure of a lifetime today!
The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
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![Accommodation Peru Tours]()
Camps Accommodation -
![Trek Highest Altitude]()
4,215 m / 13,829 ft Max. altitude -
![Hiking Level Peru]()
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty
The world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best trekking routes in South America. Walk in the footsteps of our Inca nobility ancestors to their incredible Inca fortress, Machu Picchu, and dare to discover their secrets.
The Inca Trail is where those most daring choose to trek to Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit unique archaeological sites that can only be accessed on foot along this route and become enveloped in the stunning Andean mountain landscape and thick vegetation. You’ll be challenged along the way but will receive the most amazing reward when you enter through the Sun Gate to look over mystical Machu Picchu for the first time.
The world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best trekking routes in South America. Walk in the footsteps of our Inca nobility ancestors to their incredible Inca fortress, Machu Picchu, and dare to discover their secrets.
The Inca Trail is where those most daring choose to trek to Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit unique archaeological sites that can only be accessed on foot along this route and become enveloped in the stunning Andean mountain landscape and thick vegetation. You’ll be challenged along the way but will receive the most amazing reward when you enter through the Sun Gate to look over mystical Machu Picchu for the first time.
Classic Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days
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![Accommodation Peru Tours]()
Lodge, Hotel & Domes Accommodation -
![Trek Highest Altitude]()
4,350 m / 14,272 ft Max. altitude -
![Hiking Level Peru]()
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty
The Classic Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect excursion for those passionate about exciting activities and thrills. Not only will you be hiking, but you’ll also be biking, rafting, and even ziplining! We think you’ll agree it’s quite an adventure.
You’ll pass by Inca archaeological sites through stunning landscapes and the luscious jungle until you reach the small town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. On your last day, you’ll enter the great Inca citadel, one of the World's New Seven Wonders. Let the magic of the Incas envelop you and wrap you up in its mystical history as you explore and unravel secrets. Are you up for the challenge?
The Classic Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect excursion for those passionate about exciting activities and thrills. Not only will you be hiking, but you’ll also be biking, rafting, and even ziplining! We think you’ll agree it’s quite an adventure.
You’ll pass by Inca archaeological sites through stunning landscapes and the luscious jungle until you reach the small town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. On your last day, you’ll enter the great Inca citadel, one of the World's New Seven Wonders. Let the magic of the Incas envelop you and wrap you up in its mystical history as you explore and unravel secrets. Are you up for the challenge?
Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
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![Accommodation Peru Tours]()
Camp & Hotel Accommodation -
![Trek Highest Altitude]()
4,500 m / 14,764 ft Max. altitude -
![Hiking Level Peru]()
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy an off-the-beaten-path trek to Machu Picchu, then the Inca Quarry Trail is an excellent alternative. Over the years, it’s managed to stay off the list of traditional tourist routes. That doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting, though.
This route is perfect for those looking to delve further into the Inca’s history and see firsthand how life in the Andes is for the locals who live in remote regions. You’ll get up close and personal with small communities and witness their day-to-day lives. On this route, you’ll also see some unique Inca sites that very few people get to see, even those from Cusco!
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy an off-the-beaten-path trek to Machu Picchu, then the Inca Quarry Trail is an excellent alternative. Over the years, it’s managed to stay off the list of traditional tourist routes. That doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting, though.
This route is perfect for those looking to delve further into the Inca’s history and see firsthand how life in the Andes is for the locals who live in remote regions. You’ll get up close and personal with small communities and witness their day-to-day lives. On this route, you’ll also see some unique Inca sites that very few people get to see, even those from Cusco!
The Inca Quarry was recently included in the top six Alternative Routes to Machu Picchu by National Geographic, making it an excellent trek to choose from.
The Classic Salkantay Trek 5 Days
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![Accommodation Peru Tours]()
Camp & Hotel Accommodation -
![Trek Highest Altitude]()
4,630 m / 15,190 ft Max. altitude -
![Hiking Level Peru]()
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty
After spending some time in the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, join us on the Classic Salkantay Trek to the World Wonder of Machu Picchu. The best alternative route to the Inca citadel will take you to the stunning Humantay Lake, the imposing Salkantay Mountain, through the fascinating cloud forest, and then to the edge of the Peruvian jungle.
You’ll spend each night in comfortable accommodation and enjoy some of the tastiest food around - in the middle of the mountains! Experienced guides will be with you all the way to teach you about the history and nature of the region. Enjoy this route in comfort and great company.
After spending some time in the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, join us on the Classic Salkantay Trek to the World Wonder of Machu Picchu. The best alternative route to the Inca citadel will take you to the stunning Humantay Lake, the imposing Salkantay Mountain, through the fascinating cloud forest, and then to the edge of the Peruvian jungle.
You’ll spend each night in comfortable accommodation and enjoy some of the tastiest food around - in the middle of the mountains! Experienced guides will be with you all the way to teach you about the history and nature of the region. Enjoy this route in comfort and great company.
The Classic Ancascocha Trek 5 Days
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![Accommodation Peru Tours]()
Camp & Hotel Accommodation -
![Trek Highest Altitude]()
4,650 m / 15,255 ft Max. altitude -
![Hiking Level Peru]()
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty
One of the least known routes to the incredible Machu Picchu is the Ancascocha trail. It’s far less crowded than other tourist treks, and not many people travel along the route. In fact, not a lot of companies offer the tour because it’s so off-the-beaten-path. Despite these facts, it’s still considered one of South America’s best treks and was declared as one of the 20 dream hikes by National Geographic on their best walks in the world list.
Along the route, you’ll spot Inca constructions and quaint villages, as you’re accompanied by the beautiful mountain views of the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges. Spectacular landscapes are everywhere, and you’ll get some fantastic photo opportunities. This trip combines high altitude Andes hiking, fascinating history, fantastic cultural elements, and rare solitude on arguably the best route to Machu Picchu.
One of the least known routes to the incredible Machu Picchu is the Ancascocha trail. It’s far less crowded than other tourist treks, and not many people travel along the route. In fact, not a lot of companies offer the tour because it’s so off-the-beaten-path. Despite these facts, it’s still considered one of South America’s best treks and was declared as one of the 20 dream hikes by National Geographic on their best walks in the world list.
Along the route, you’ll spot Inca constructions and quaint villages, as you’re accompanied by the beautiful mountain views of the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges. Spectacular landscapes are everywhere, and you’ll get some fantastic photo opportunities. This trip combines high altitude Andes hiking, fascinating history, fantastic cultural elements, and rare solitude on arguably the best route to Machu Picchu.
Choquequirao & Machu Picchu 8 Days
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![Accommodation Peru Treks]()
Camps & Hotel Accommodation -
![Highest altitudes in Peru]()
4,650 m / 15,256 ft Max. altitude -
![Trekking Difficulty Level]()
Challenging to Strenuous Difficulty
This exhilarating expedition will take you to two of Peru’s most famous and significant archeological sites: Choquequirao e Machu Picchu. Both of these ancient cities were considered towns of nobles and priests, and this meant that they were of great importance to the Incas.
On this epic adventure, you’ll get the chance to learn about the legends and treasures left behind by the Inca and listen to the stories the majestic mountains are aching to share with you. These towns marked the beginning of the end of the Inca empire and were abandoned before the Spanish conquerors were able to follow them there and exploit their treasures. Join us on this trek to experience untouched beauty, revel in fascinating history, and hike in the final steps of one of the world's most influential ancient cultures—the Incas.
This exhilarating expedition will take you to two of Peru’s most famous and significant archeological sites: Choquequirao e Machu Picchu. Both of these ancient cities were considered towns of nobles and priests, and this meant that they were of great importance to the Incas.
On this epic adventure, you’ll get the chance to learn about the legends and treasures left behind by the Inca and listen to the stories the majestic mountains are aching to share with you. These towns marked the beginning of the end of the Inca empire and were abandoned before the Spanish conquerors were able to follow them there and exploit their treasures. Join us on this trek to experience untouched beauty, revel in fascinating history, and hike in the final steps of one of the world's most influential ancient cultures—the Incas.
Why Travel With Us?
We are dedicated and commited to our clients, to the environment, and to our fellow compatriots
Our Horsemen & Horses
All of our horsemen are from Mollepata, which is the starting point of our trek. We make sure to employ responsible people that are serious about what they do. This way, they do an excellent job at transporting everyone’s items along the trail with mules and are in charge of getting your gear safely to each campsite where it will be waiting for you.
Our horsemen are very content with us receiving a good salary and benefits at the end of each season. Salkantay Trekking provides all the mountain gear and uniforms to the horsemen. These guys can be of great help in an emergency because they know the area and trail like the back of their hand.
In addition to the trekking and camping equipment, each horse carries 40kg of the trekkers’ belongings. You’ll have 7kg of allowance for your gear.
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Knowledgeable Tour Guides
Salkantay Trekking relies on an extensive network of highly trained guides and expert ambassadors as a premise to guarantee excellence in our services. We are fully conscious that an excellent guide is key to making your trip a memorable experience, which is why we are extremely demanding when recruiting and regularly training our guides.
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Our Chefs
In all of our trekking trips, the chef ensures high-quality meals on time, an adequate diet both in its quality and quantity. The secret lies in the careful selection of our team of chefs, whose top-quality restaurant background, creativity and passion for their jobs provide an unequalled touch to all of our meals. We do not have set menus since we wish to give our chefs the chance to create, innovate and surprise our clients through delicious dishes in every trip.
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The Best Trekking Food in Peru
We do not have set menus since we wish to give our chefs the chance to create, innovate and surprise our clients through delicious dishes in every trip. We provide general guidelines, guest information on dietary restrictions and preferences and, most especially, the tools for a constant updating of our cooks’ knowledge in both Peruvian and International cuisine through specialization courses and training.
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The Best Camping Equipment
Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our spacious Eureka tent. All our tents are built to be four man tents, but you will only have to share with one other trekker. This leaves a lot of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffels. They are an A-frame design, with entrances on both sides of the tent. They also include a vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks. We are proud to be the only company to use these tents.
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Find the Perfect Destination in Peru
With astonishingly varied landscapes, stunning scenery, compelling history, and a legacy of fascinating cultures, there is truly something for everyone. Our expeditions in Peru are designed to showcase all that this country has to offer.
Our expeditions in Peru are designed to showcase all that this country has to offer.
Lares Trek Travel Guide
Before You Go, What You Should Know
We hope that this Peru & Lares Trek travel guide will serve as a reference for you to prepare for and undertake an exceptional and seamless journey through this “Empire of Hidden Treasures.”
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Lares Trek Highlights
- Enjoy the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Relax in the hot springs of Lares.
- Observe beautiful lagoons and waterfalls.
- Immerse yourself fully in the rural Andean culture.
- Learn about the Incas and their ancient agricultural techniques.
- Visit and explore the New Seven Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu.
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What to Expect on the Trail
Knowing what to expect can help you better prepare for your trek an help you decide if this is the best option for you.
Stunning Views
Along the Lares trail you can expect to see some truly beautiful scenery and landscapes in the Andean mountains. It’s wonderful to be surrounded by snowy mountain peaks while enjoying rivers, waterfalls, and lagoons.
Plenty of Flora and Fauna
You’ll get plenty of opportunities to see some local flora and fauna including alpacas, llamas, and sheep.
A Close Up Experience of Andean Life
This trek gets you up close and personal with those that live in the rural Andean communities. Spend some time with them and see how they work the land as well as create some amazing textile pieces.
To Feel Tired
Even if you walk at a slow pace, you can expect to feel a little tired at the end of each day. You’ll spend many hours walking at high altitude, which can exhaust the fittest of people. Make sure to pace yourself and keep hydrated.
A Real Adventure
This trek is off the beaten path and away from the majority of tourists. This makes for a wild adventure in the middle of the mountains.
An Amazingly Clear Sky
The sky at night in the Andes tends to be open and very clear. This is a great chance to look up at the stars and relax while learning a little about Inca astrology.
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Where is Lares?
The Lares district is in the Calca province of the department of Cusco.
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Difficulty Level
The trek is relatively difficult. It’s not as tough as some of the others to Machu Picchu, but it does have its challenges. You’ll be walking over some rough terrain as well as being at high altitude, which can both pose challenges.
The ground can make it tough on your knees and ankles, whereas the high altitude can mean you feel breathless or tire easily.
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Packing List for the Lares Trek
To help you be well-prepared for the hike, we’ve created a packing list to make sure you’ve got all the essentials.
- Sunblock, hat, and sunglasses for the strong Andean sun
- Woolly hat and gloves
- Plenty of warm clothes (it can get chilly)
- Thin layers that you can take off and put on easily
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Walking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking socks
- Water bottle (not plastic)
- Snacks
- Cash in small denominations
- Waterproofs or poncho
- Good quality camera
- Passport
- Machu Picchu and train tickets
- Personal medication
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Lares Trek Tips
Take into consideration the following tips when getting ready for your trip.
- Go on practice treks back home to get your muscles used to walking a lot. It’s a good idea to enjoy a variety from one day hikes to long weekends of trekking.
- Have a daily stretch and exercise routine to better prepare your body.
- Investigate tricks to help with the altitude and ask your doctor back home for any advice and perhaps a prescription for pills.
- Don’t drink alcohol when you get to Cusco as this can dramatically affect how you feel at high altitude and also make you ill.
- Spend 2-3 days in Cusco before you set off on the trek to help your body acclimate properly.
- Make sure you stay well-hydrated along the trail. You’ll need more water than you would at sea level.
- Go slowly and don’t rush the hike. You won’t get left behind, so don’t worry about taking your time.
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Recommendations
Finally, here are a few recommendations from our team to make your trip go smoothly for you to enjoy a care-free vacation.
Plan in Advance
The Lares trek doesn’t tend to sell out, but you’ll still want to make sure you plan ahead. Hoping to book when you get to Cusco with a day or two’s notice could mean you’re left disappointed because there are no guides available.
Pack Properly
The packing list is very important to make sure you have all the right things. You don’t want to be left in the middle of the mountains with a necessity that you can’t find anywhere.
Travel insurance
This is an absolute must and something you can’t miss out on. Healthcare in Cusco is expensive if you need it. You’ll also find that most tour operators won’t allow you on heir trips if you don’t show you have it.
Check When to Travel
Read up on the different times of year in Cusco to make sure you come when it most suits you. May to October is dry season and lovely weather, but there a lot of tourists about. November to April is rainy season, but quieter.
Prepare for the Altitude
We’ve already mentioned how big of an effect the altitude can have on trekkers. Look at our advice and take it to make sure you feel well and are up to the challenge of the hike.
Quality Service
For us quality of experience is only second to safety
We are committed to providing world-class trekking experiences for our guests that go way above and beyond the mass-produced tours so common today.
We did 5 days including the lares and Inca trail with last day in machu pichu. Scenery truly outstanding. Edwin, our guide, most knowledgeable and adjusted to our needs and wishes all the way. We couldn’t recommend him highly enough!!!!!! Our cook Rosalio was absolutely great. Our food on the trek was better than later in the restaurants by a long way. He was also accommodating and most polite. Paulino and his horses team were unbelievable, so kind and hardworking. I’d recommend anybody doing any of the trails to ask for this team. They were really amazing
DURANLET
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