Lares Trek Tours & Trips
Ready for the alternative trek to Machu Picchu through traditional communities? The Lares Trek goes through the Lares Valley passing Quechua villages where people maintain ancient lifestyles, hot springs at Lares, and high mountain passes with Andean views. You're interacting with communities, seeing landscapes tour groups miss, and acclimatizing before Machu Picchu. It's less crowded than the Inca Trail, but has more cultural immersion.
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Sven • traveled in April
The Tour was great! We had a good time with our guide and the helper. The Tour was very good organized.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 nights - L
lovenature123 • traveled in November
The BEST Trip of a Lifetime with Alpaca Expeditions Booking a trek for Machu Picchu was the only activity I had planned for this trip. I had a list of more than 10 operators and when I shortlisted the two of them who had the best reviews and scores on google and social pages, I looked their offering in more detail. Alpaca Expeditions Travel Peru is the only operator who promotes female empowerment and recruits women as chefs and porters on the trek so when I read that, it was an instant click for me! These guys run the smoothest operation I have ever seen! From my first email to them to the last minute of our adventure, we had excellent service and these ladies are the most efficient operating machine I have ever witnessed! I have no idea how Anny, our chef, cooked for us all these delicious, 3-course meals, 3 times a day, in a tent with basic equipment. We were hiking with them (they were obviously faster than us, haha!) and still by the time we got to each campsite, the tents were ready, a hot drink was served and so were our meals soon after! It was so impressive to see how these ladies worked together with a smile on their face and how fast they were in everything they were doing! We even had a surprise cake on our last day! Our group of 9 had the support of three horsemen, a chef and four more support staff, nine horses and of course our fantastic guide Javier and max who immersed us into the Inca culture and history and supported each and every one of us to complete the challenging hike. If you are still thinking over which operator to go with, Alpaca Expeditions is the one to choose! Javi, Max, Anny, Felícitas, Florencia, Paulino, Ernesto we couldn't have done this without you! Thank you so so much!
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days/3 Nights - J
Jacob • traveled in July
This was an unforgettable experience! We are experienced travelers in our mid twenties, and this was one of the most meaningful experiences we have ever had. First off, this trip took place during covid times. Coronel had great, quick communication up to the trip and was very helpful letting us know what to expect while helping us by being flexible with scheduling as flights and local rules were changing. Once started, from beginning to end the trip was really high quality. It began with an easy briefing meeting the day before the trek began as a final check that everyone is ready. There, our guide Charly gave great tips and answered any questions anyone might have still had. The hike includes two nights tent camping and one night in a hotel before visiting Machu Picchu. All the essentials are included (you should have your own hiking boots and tops and bottoms appropriate for hiking) and the food provided was amazing the whole trip. Bathrooms are available at some of the camping sites and a portable one is made available when a permanent building isn’t there. To make the meals and the set up and tear down all possible, a group of cooks and horseman travel with you and the guide as well. They are locals who are experts in their craft and worked extremely hard to hike ahead and have things set by the time we get to each site. The food was amazing, cleaning materials are available, morning tea was always being brewed before we woke up. They really go above and beyond to make it an incredible experience and were all very friendly if you speak some Spanish. Thank you Selsor, Santos, Victor, and Renaldo. On the trek the mountains were of course amazing, but we also learned so much about Peruvian culture, history, and food, and a got a look into real Peruvian traditions in the Andes. Our guide Charly was extremely knowledgeable and passionate and being able to learn about the history and culture of his people made this so much more than a hike. We learned about plants, animals, mountains, stars, the Quechua language, Incan history, local people, and more. If you want a cultural experience this trek is much better than the classic Inca trail. It takes you through multiple small villages where you see local farmers, get a peek into their lives and homes. Machu Picchu itself is of course amazing but was made even better because of our great and knowledgeable guide Charly. In general the hike goes from Lares (hot springs) through some mountains (condor pass) and small villages, to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Caliente for a night in a hotel before going to Machu Picchu. Last, I got unlucky food poisoning the day BEFORE the hike, while still in the city. The trek team was able to help me the first day by modifying the timing, giving me extra tea and light food, and generally taking care of me so I could have an amazing three days after that. We highly recommend Trexperience from our own experience. We’re also glad to learn that this company seems to be the only one hiring women as guides, offering accident insurance to the staff, and being so community focused by employing a variety of local Andes people. They really represent Peru in a great way and seem to really care about their guests and their impact on the local community. If you are looking for a beautiful trek with cultural experiences that ends with Machu Picchu, the Lares Trek with Trexperience was perfect.
Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights
The best Lares Trek tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaLares Trek travel expert at TourRadar
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 nights
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days/3 Nights
- Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights
- 07 Day Sacred Valley + Lares trek to Machupicchu
- Backroads Machu Picchu- (PRIVATE TRIP)
- The Lares Trek
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
- Ultimate Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
- Lares Valley Trek - 2 Days
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 nights
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our chefs Basilio and Toribio were outstanding! They cooked us so much incredible delicious food that we could never eat iit all.”
Jessica, traveled in March
The Lares Trek leads you through authentic Andean life, with stops at thermal springs and traditional communities. The path winds through varying elevations from 2,700m to 4,750m, featuring comfortable camping and gourmet meals. Professional guides lead the way, maintaining exceptional satisfaction ratings of 4.9/5.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Calca, Lares, Cancha Cancha, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator TreXperience From $1,340
10% Off- NZ$1,206You save $134
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days/3 Nights
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Clouds added to the mystique of the landscape and we did not get rained on too much. Machu Picchu was wonderful to see.”
Morgan, traveled in February
The authentic Lares Trek route winds through Peru's highlands. Volcanic hot springs mark the starting point through remote Quechua villages, leading to the 4,680m Condor Pass, with camping beneath starlit peaks. Expert guides and emergency horses ensure safety throughout.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Pisac, Lares, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Operated in English, Spanish Operator Alpaca Expeditions From
10% Off- NZ$1,018
Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This was an unforgettable experience! It was one of the most meaningful experiences we have ever had.”
Jacob, traveled in May
The adventure unfolds at Lares thermal springs, continuing to the scenic Blue Lagoon camp at 12,795 ft. Traditional Quechua life comes alive in Canchacancha village, where potato farms dot the landscape and locals tend to their alpaca herds. The trek features chef-prepared meals and nights spent camping beneath the star-studded Andean sky.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cusco, Lares, Cancha Cancha, Ollantaytambo, Winay Wayna, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator TreXperience From $1,510
10% Off- NZ$1,359You save $151
07 Day Sacred Valley + Lares trek to Machupicchu
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“All food was amazing, the chef made wonders with absolutely minimal gear. The trek was moderate in difficulty, with some hard parts.”
, traveled in November
Traditional Quechua life unfolds along the 33km Lares Trek, featuring visits to local weavers and farmers. The path leads past Yanacocha Lake and snow-capped peaks to Cuncani village, where families demonstrate traditional crafts. Full camping gear, chef-prepared meals, and therapeutic dips in Lares thermal springs complete the experience.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cusco, Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Urubamba, Pumahuanca Mountain, Yanacocha Mountain, Lares, Ollantaytambo, Aguas CalientesSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
10% Off- NZ$2,713
Backroads Machu Picchu- (PRIVATE TRIP)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything about this trek was perfect. The entire OneSeed crew in Peru were outstanding.”
Michael, traveled in February
Remote Quechua communities and natural hot springs dot the Lares Trek landscape. The trail winds through Quinoa fields and traditional villages at elevations up to 15,682 ft. Highland communities host nearby camping sites and share indigenous customs.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator OneSeed Expeditions From
10% Off- NZ$3,776
The Lares Trek
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was well-organized and informative. The company works with local communities to strengthen their economies in an authentic and respectful way.”
Jennifer, traveled in June
The less-touristed Lares Trek begins in Lares town, winding through high-altitude Andean landscapes. The path leads past remote communities to Cuncani village, continues to Sicllaccasa Mountain's 4,800m pass, and offers camping near mountain streams. Local communities share their culture before the final Machu Picchu exploration.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,099
10% Off- NZ$1,889You save $210
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
51 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our meals tasted like they were prepared at a restaurant instead of in the mountains!”
Olivier, traveled in August
The less-traveled Lares Trek connects authentic Andean communities from Cusco to Machu Picchu. This 5-day route includes hot springs at Lares Town, camping at 3,850m in Wakawasi, and encounters with local alpaca herders. Highly-rated meals (50+ reviews) and experienced guides welcome travelers aged 10+.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$1,495
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
67 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We would come back again we had such an amazing time on our trek. Outstanding food too!”
Philippe, traveled in July
The traditional Lares route connects remote Andean communities of Wakawasi (3,850m) and Patacancha (3,800m). A 41km trek spans four days, immersing travelers in authentic mountain culture. Professional guides facilitate meaningful exchanges with indigenous villagers before Machu Picchu exploration.
Duration 4 days Destinations Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$1,437
Ultimate Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The Sacred Valley and One Day Inca Trail was the best option, and everything was excellent.”
Wang, traveled in September
The less-crowded Lares Trek alternative welcomes travelers aged 8+, with mules carrying equipment through pristine Urubamba mountain range. Cuncani village welcomes visitors, while crystal-clear mountain lakes and ancient Incan ruins dot the landscape. The package includes 2 nights camping, 1 night hotel stay, and chef-prepared meals with vegetarian options.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Lares, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Urubamba Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Andean Path Travel From
10% Off- NZ$1,188
Duration 2 days Destinations Cusco, Lares, Ollantaytambo Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Unu Raymi Expeditions From
10% Off- NZ$558
What our customers ask about Lares Trek Tours & Trips
When is the best time to visit the Lares Trek region for a general tour?
The dry season from April to October provides the most reliable conditions for exploring the Lares Trek region. During these months travelers encounter minimal rainfall and better visibility at key sites like Machu Picchu and along mountain passes that reach elevations of 4,800m. Groups like Inkayni Peru Tours report consistent clear views of the snow-topped Veronica and Chicon Mountains. Many visitors base themselves at properties like the Ayni Cusco Hotel to adjust to the altitude changes that range from 2,900m at the Lares hot springs to the higher passes.
What are the typical accommodation options on a Lares Trek general tour?
The trek combines outdoor camping with hotel stays. Nights on the trail are spent at established sites such as the Cuncani Community Campsite using spacious 4-person tents shared by two people. Urban stops include stays at properties like the Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel in Aguas Calientes or Ayni Cusco Hotel. A recent traveler noted: "The camping equipment was almost new and the guide was very attentive to making sure we were all comfortable throughout the trek."
How challenging is the Lares Trek for general tourists?
The route demands moderate to significant physical effort with daily hikes covering 10-15km at high elevation. Day 2 presents the biggest test as hikers climb to Pachacutec Pass at 4,800m. One trekker's experience: "This was a DIFFICULT TREK for us especially day 2 when you reach 4,400 meters! Although we are not in the best condition we found it hard to reach the high passes and trek in the Andes. We are also not used to the altitude. Day 3 was much easier."
What transportation is provided on a typical Lares Trek tour?
The journey begins with private van transfers from Cusco to the trail start. Train rides on Inca Rail or Peru Rail connect Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes followed by bus service to Machu Picchu. A recent guest confirmed: "All transportation was well organized from the early morning pickup in Cusco through to the comfortable train ride to Aguas Calientes and the final return transfer to Cusco."
What makes the Lares Trek different from other treks in the region?
This route stands out for its access to authentic Andean villages like Canchacancha and Kiswarani where traditional life continues unchanged. Visitors find natural hot springs fewer fellow hikers and close contact with local communities. As one trekker noted: "I missed out getting a space on the Inca Trail and was really disappointed but Lares was even better - we were virtually alone on the mountain and the villagers were sweet and friendly a very unique cultural aspect I wasn't expecting."