Get to know the more authentic side of the Peruvian Andes along the much-loved Lares Trek to Machu Picchu with this 7-day private which also includes an introduction to Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
As soon as you land in Cusco, you can be sure all logistics and important details of your epic adventure will be taken care of. You’ll spend the first two days acclimating to the altitude while getting acquainted with Cusco, the gateway of Machu Picchu and charming “archeological capital of the Americas,” and the Sacred Valley on a day trip out to see some of its most sacred sights in Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
The trek to Machu Picchu will commence on the third day near the village of Lares approximately 64 km (40 miles) north of Cusco and accompanying you will be an amazing team of porters, a chef, and a local English-speaking guide. As one of the main alternatives to the Classic Inca Trail, the three-day Lares Trek is awe-inspiring in its own right with high-altitude trails that lead to heavenly viewpoints overlooking aquamarine lagoons and dramatic mountain peaks. Though shorter and less challenging than El Camino Inca, this trek reaches dizzying heights with the highest point found at Sicllaccasa Mountain approximately 4,800 m (15,400 ft) above sea level. Aside from all the natural beauty you will encounter, you can also expect to meet some friendly locals from nearby villages and plenty of adorable alpacas along the way while learning more about the Andean way of life.
You will finish the Lares Trek back in the Sacred Valley and from Ollantaytambo, board a train to Aguas Calientes, or “Machupicchu Pueblo.” By far one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, PeruRail’s famed Expedition train provides unparalleled views throughout the entire journey and will be an exciting lead-up to your exploration of magical Machu Picchu.
If you're looking for something a little shorter, try our Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail tour for one day of hiking or if you would prefer to skip the hiking, but not some of the beautiful sights, you will enjoy our Machu Picchu by Bus - 5 Day Tour or shorter tour to see Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley in 2 days.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 7 Day Private Tour
Duration: 7 days
Price from $ 1,179
Multi day Peru tours
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 7 Day Private Tour
How long: 7 days
Country: Peru
Price from $ 1,179
Immerse yourself in local Andean mountain culture and head for the clouds along the high-altitude Lares trek to Machu Picchu on this locally-guided 7-day private tour.
Tour Essentials
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Tour Style
Private - Only you and your party
Getting Around
Private Transportation, Train, Bus, Trekking
Availability
Year-round
Language
English-speaking guide
Difficulty
Challenging
Easy Booking
Online booking and reservation
Altitude
4800 meters / 15,400 feet
Accomodation
4 nights hotel, 2 nights camping
Airfare
Not included
Bring
Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both) - Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us) - Clothes (warm/winter jacket, rain pants, hiking boots, poncho, winter hat, gloves) - Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel) - Sunblock, factor 35+ recommended - Headlamp - Sunglasses and sun hat - Camera with spare batteries - Batteries run down faster at high altitudes Binoculars - Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us) - Must have rubber tips Insect repellent – Minimum 40% DEET
Customer reviews
Tour Highlights
Ollantaytambo & Pisac
Explore the Sacred Valley's most cherished sights
Lares
Andean village life & an abundance of alpacas
Sicllaccasa Mountain
Views of stunning lagoons & snow-capped peaks
Machu Picchu
Visit the iconic 'Lost City of the Incas with a private guide
Price Information
$1,649
1 person
Price is per person.
1 person
$1,649
2-4 people
$1,299
5-16 people
$1,179
Included
- Transfer to and from the airport of Cusco
- Bilingual English-speaking tour guide
- Pre-departure briefing at your hotel
- Transportation to and from hotels
- Tour of the Sacred Valley
- Basic camping equipment (tent, foam mattress, pillow etc.)
- Kitchen & dining tent with tables and chairs
- Toilet tent and portable toilet
- Professional chef and assistant chef + Authentic Treks Porters
- Duffle bag for your personal gear
- Meals, Day 2:breakfast&lunch. Day 3:breakfast, lunch&dinner. Day 4:breakfast, lunch&dinner. Day 5: breakfast&lunch. Day 6:breakfast. Day 7: breakfast.
- 6kg for personal gear – No Horses
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Roundtrip bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Accommodation: 3 nights hotel, 3 nights camping
- First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen tank
Not Included
- Meals. Day 1:breakfast, lunch&dinner. Day 2:dinner. Day 5:dinner. Day 6:lunch&dinner. Day 7:lunch&dinner.
- Tips for the crew (guide,chef&mule drivers)
- Travel /Health / Emergency Insurance
- Airfare to and from Cusco / Peru
- Personal camping equipment.(sleeping bag,Air mattress & others) check the list of what to bring
Bookable extras
- Hiking poles available to rent from us ($10 for 2 sticks for 4 days)
- Air mattress available to rent from us ($15 for 4 days)
- Sleeping bag available to rent from us ($15 for 4 days)
- Climb Huayna Picchu (additional $ 50 USD we can arrange for you )according availability
Tour Map and Itinerary
Itinerary
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - 7 Day Private Tour
Day 1
Arrival + Cusco City
Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be greeted by Authentic Treks at the airport and transferred by private van to your hotel in the city center. We recommend arranging a morning flight from Lima so you can enjoy a private orientation tour around Cusco, the “archeological capital of the Americas” and the former capital of the Incan Empire. Before the end of your first day, we will also give you a quick briefing on the three-day trek that lies ahead from Lares to Machu Picchu.
Day 2
Cusco – Sacred Valley (Pisac & Ollantaytambo) - Cusco
Early in the morning, around 7:30 am, your local Authentic Treks guide will pick you up from your hotel and the journey will begin. Heading northeast from Cusco in the direction of the Sacred Valley, we will pass several villages where you will have the opportunity to stop and experience the local Andean lifestyle while taking in some incredible views.
Continuing on, we will provide insight into the fascinating aspects of the area’s history and you will understand why the Sacred Valley was so sacred to the Incan empire. Once used as a religious center and agrarian laboratory to experiment with growing crops imported from the empire’s distant regions, we’ll show you two of the Sacred Valley’s most significant archeological sites and explain how its fertile soil and warm climate have enabled the indigenous population here to develop and sustain itself for centuries.
The first site we will stop at is the 600-year-old ruins of Pisac where we will see amazing works of stone art and impressive terraced mountainsides used for farming which give a glimpse into what Peru was like before it was colonized by Spain. After exploring and enjoying incredible views of the Andean towns below, we will drive back to the center of town and visit Pisac’s bustling market where you will have time to walk around and purchase some traditional handicrafts. For lunch, we’ll stop at a local Andean restaurant and enjoy some traditional Peruvian fare before heading off to another archeological treasure of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo.
Built during the height of the Incan empire, the fortress of Ollantaytambo was built for the native people to defend themselves against Spanish invaders and is one of the only sites they were able to successfully defeat them which is why it's such an important place for Indigenous people to this day. We’ll visit the fortress as well as the unique rock formations representing the Incan god Wiracocha before taking you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo where you spend the second night.
Continuing on, we will provide insight into the fascinating aspects of the area’s history and you will understand why the Sacred Valley was so sacred to the Incan empire. Once used as a religious center and agrarian laboratory to experiment with growing crops imported from the empire’s distant regions, we’ll show you two of the Sacred Valley’s most significant archeological sites and explain how its fertile soil and warm climate have enabled the indigenous population here to develop and sustain itself for centuries.
The first site we will stop at is the 600-year-old ruins of Pisac where we will see amazing works of stone art and impressive terraced mountainsides used for farming which give a glimpse into what Peru was like before it was colonized by Spain. After exploring and enjoying incredible views of the Andean towns below, we will drive back to the center of town and visit Pisac’s bustling market where you will have time to walk around and purchase some traditional handicrafts. For lunch, we’ll stop at a local Andean restaurant and enjoy some traditional Peruvian fare before heading off to another archeological treasure of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo.
Built during the height of the Incan empire, the fortress of Ollantaytambo was built for the native people to defend themselves against Spanish invaders and is one of the only sites they were able to successfully defeat them which is why it's such an important place for Indigenous people to this day. We’ll visit the fortress as well as the unique rock formations representing the Incan god Wiracocha before taking you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo where you spend the second night.
Day 3
Ollantaytambo – Lares – Cuncani
We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am to begin the famed Lares Trek with a 4-hour bus ride to the town of Lares through the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the Andes mountain range. Once we arrive in Lares, we will take you to will enjoy the nearby hot springs and have lunch with a view of the area’s gorgeous landscapes. The hot springs are divided into various pools ranging from freezing cold to boiling and their pure volcanic water is medicinal in nature benefitting a variety of ailments from joint and muscle pain to stress and headaches. Once we finish with lunch, it will be time to prepare everything for the hike. You will give your duffel bags to the horsemen and then the trekking will begin.
The first leg of the trek will take you between 3-3 ½ hours gradually uphill. Along the way, you will pass through stunning scenery and have the chance to meet Andean locals, many of which are potato farmers in this area. The day’s 6-kilometer / 4-mile trek will end at our first campsite in the village of Cuncani situated approximately 3800 meters above sea level.
The first leg of the trek will take you between 3-3 ½ hours gradually uphill. Along the way, you will pass through stunning scenery and have the chance to meet Andean locals, many of which are potato farmers in this area. The day’s 6-kilometer / 4-mile trek will end at our first campsite in the village of Cuncani situated approximately 3800 meters above sea level.
Day 4
Cuncani – Kuyoc
Your wake-up time is going to be extra early on the 4th morning because it will be the longest day of the trek taking approximately 10 hours with a total distance of around 16km (11 miles). We promise it will be worth it though as it’s also considered to be the most beautiful day of the hike.
After an early breakfast, the adventure will start at the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain. This high pass (4,800m/15,583 ft) provides scenic views of aquamarine lagoons and the snow-capped peaks of the Chicon and Colque Cruz mountains. Once we reach the highest point, we will celebrate by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods and rest for a bit while taking in the amazing views. The trek will continue with a downhill hike to Kuyoc, a second campsite located approximately 4000 meters above sea level and our base for the evening.
After an early breakfast, the adventure will start at the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain. This high pass (4,800m/15,583 ft) provides scenic views of aquamarine lagoons and the snow-capped peaks of the Chicon and Colque Cruz mountains. Once we reach the highest point, we will celebrate by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods and rest for a bit while taking in the amazing views. The trek will continue with a downhill hike to Kuyoc, a second campsite located approximately 4000 meters above sea level and our base for the evening.
Day 5
Kuyoc – Aguas Calientes
On the 5th day, we will conclude our trek and you’ll spend the last few hours hiking downhill approximately 5 km (3.5 miles) to Urubamba / Punta Carretera in the Sacred Valley. Here we will enjoy our final lunch with the fantastic porters and Authentic Treks crew who helped make the journey possible. A private van will meet us here and we’ll be driven to Ollantaytambo in order to catch the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes.
The 1 hour and 45-minute train journey is incredibly scenic with panoramic views of the snow-capped Andes and unique changes in the landscape from valley to tropical forest. We will spend the rest of the day and overnight in Aguas Calientes upon our arrival and you will have a free evening to discover “Machupicchu Pueblo” and have dinner at one of the many great restaurants your guide can recommend.
The 1 hour and 45-minute train journey is incredibly scenic with panoramic views of the snow-capped Andes and unique changes in the landscape from valley to tropical forest. We will spend the rest of the day and overnight in Aguas Calientes upon our arrival and you will have a free evening to discover “Machupicchu Pueblo” and have dinner at one of the many great restaurants your guide can recommend.
Day 6
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will rise early on our final day in order to take advantage of seeing Machu Picchu in the glorious morning light as this is truly the best time to view this 'Lost City of the Incas.' You will be joined by your trekking guide for a detailed interpretation of this sacred archeological site considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and learn more interesting facts about Incan history without the pressure of a barrage of tour groups that usually arrive around midday.
Starting with a visit to the iconic viewpoint of Machu Picchu for some classic photos and a brief introduction to the history of this 700-year-old citadel, you and your guide will spend approximately 3 ½ hours exploring the abandoned site’s other important sights such as the Temple of the Sun, Principal Temple, the Room of the Three Windows, Intihuatana, and the Altar of the Condor. For those who are interested, for an additional fee we can also organize a hike up to Huyana Picchu, the 2,693 m (8,835 ft) high mountain which overlooks Machu Picchu. You will also have the option to spend some time discovering the site on your own if you choose.
Once your tour of Machu Picchu concludes, we will drive back to Aguas Calientes where you will have some time to wander around, shop for local handicrafts, and eat lunch at one of the many great local restaurants your guide will be happy to recommend. We will catch the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo where a van will be waiting to pick you up and take you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving sometime in the evening.
Starting with a visit to the iconic viewpoint of Machu Picchu for some classic photos and a brief introduction to the history of this 700-year-old citadel, you and your guide will spend approximately 3 ½ hours exploring the abandoned site’s other important sights such as the Temple of the Sun, Principal Temple, the Room of the Three Windows, Intihuatana, and the Altar of the Condor. For those who are interested, for an additional fee we can also organize a hike up to Huyana Picchu, the 2,693 m (8,835 ft) high mountain which overlooks Machu Picchu. You will also have the option to spend some time discovering the site on your own if you choose.
Once your tour of Machu Picchu concludes, we will drive back to Aguas Calientes where you will have some time to wander around, shop for local handicrafts, and eat lunch at one of the many great local restaurants your guide will be happy to recommend. We will catch the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo where a van will be waiting to pick you up and take you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving sometime in the evening.
Day 7
Depart Cusco
Your unforgettable trek from Lares to Machu Picchu concludes on the 7th day with private transportation to Cusco's airport where we will say goodbye. We hope you will have enjoyed this epic once-in-a-lifetime adventure and will return one day to explore more of Peru.
Arrival + Cusco City
Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be greeted by Authentic Treks at the airport and transferred by private van to your hotel in the city center. We recommend arranging a morning flight from Lima so you can enjoy a private orientation tour around Cusco, the “archeological capital of the Americas” and the former capital of the Incan Empire. Before the end of your first day, we will also give you a quick briefing on the three-day trek that lies ahead from Lares to Machu Picchu.
Cusco – Sacred Valley (Pisac & Ollantaytambo) - Cusco
Early in the morning, around 7:30 am, your local Authentic Treks guide will pick you up from your hotel and the journey will begin. Heading northeast from Cusco in the direction of the Sacred Valley, we will pass several villages where you will have the opportunity to stop and experience the local Andean lifestyle while taking in some incredible views.
Continuing on, we will provide insight into the fascinating aspects of the area’s history and you will understand why the Sacred Valley was so sacred to the Incan empire. Once used as a religious center and agrarian laboratory to experiment with growing crops imported from the empire’s distant regions, we’ll show you two of the Sacred Valley’s most significant archeological sites and explain how its fertile soil and warm climate have enabled the indigenous population here to develop and sustain itself for centuries.
The first site we will stop at is the 600-year-old ruins of Pisac where we will see amazing works of stone art and impressive terraced mountainsides used for farming which give a glimpse into what Peru was like before it was colonized by Spain. After exploring and enjoying incredible views of the Andean towns below, we will drive back to the center of town and visit Pisac’s bustling market where you will have time to walk around and purchase some traditional handicrafts. For lunch, we’ll stop at a local Andean restaurant and enjoy some traditional Peruvian fare before heading off to another archeological treasure of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo.
Built during the height of the Incan empire, the fortress of Ollantaytambo was built for the native people to defend themselves against Spanish invaders and is one of the only sites they were able to successfully defeat them which is why it's such an important place for Indigenous people to this day. We’ll visit the fortress as well as the unique rock formations representing the Incan god Wiracocha before taking you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo where you spend the second night.
Continuing on, we will provide insight into the fascinating aspects of the area’s history and you will understand why the Sacred Valley was so sacred to the Incan empire. Once used as a religious center and agrarian laboratory to experiment with growing crops imported from the empire’s distant regions, we’ll show you two of the Sacred Valley’s most significant archeological sites and explain how its fertile soil and warm climate have enabled the indigenous population here to develop and sustain itself for centuries.
The first site we will stop at is the 600-year-old ruins of Pisac where we will see amazing works of stone art and impressive terraced mountainsides used for farming which give a glimpse into what Peru was like before it was colonized by Spain. After exploring and enjoying incredible views of the Andean towns below, we will drive back to the center of town and visit Pisac’s bustling market where you will have time to walk around and purchase some traditional handicrafts. For lunch, we’ll stop at a local Andean restaurant and enjoy some traditional Peruvian fare before heading off to another archeological treasure of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo.
Built during the height of the Incan empire, the fortress of Ollantaytambo was built for the native people to defend themselves against Spanish invaders and is one of the only sites they were able to successfully defeat them which is why it's such an important place for Indigenous people to this day. We’ll visit the fortress as well as the unique rock formations representing the Incan god Wiracocha before taking you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo where you spend the second night.
Ollantaytambo – Lares – Cuncani
We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am to begin the famed Lares Trek with a 4-hour bus ride to the town of Lares through the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the Andes mountain range. Once we arrive in Lares, we will take you to will enjoy the nearby hot springs and have lunch with a view of the area’s gorgeous landscapes. The hot springs are divided into various pools ranging from freezing cold to boiling and their pure volcanic water is medicinal in nature benefitting a variety of ailments from joint and muscle pain to stress and headaches. Once we finish with lunch, it will be time to prepare everything for the hike. You will give your duffel bags to the horsemen and then the trekking will begin.
The first leg of the trek will take you between 3-3 ½ hours gradually uphill. Along the way, you will pass through stunning scenery and have the chance to meet Andean locals, many of which are potato farmers in this area. The day’s 6-kilometer / 4-mile trek will end at our first campsite in the village of Cuncani situated approximately 3800 meters above sea level.
The first leg of the trek will take you between 3-3 ½ hours gradually uphill. Along the way, you will pass through stunning scenery and have the chance to meet Andean locals, many of which are potato farmers in this area. The day’s 6-kilometer / 4-mile trek will end at our first campsite in the village of Cuncani situated approximately 3800 meters above sea level.
Cuncani – Kuyoc
Your wake-up time is going to be extra early on the 4th morning because it will be the longest day of the trek taking approximately 10 hours with a total distance of around 16km (11 miles). We promise it will be worth it though as it’s also considered to be the most beautiful day of the hike.
After an early breakfast, the adventure will start at the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain. This high pass (4,800m/15,583 ft) provides scenic views of aquamarine lagoons and the snow-capped peaks of the Chicon and Colque Cruz mountains. Once we reach the highest point, we will celebrate by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods and rest for a bit while taking in the amazing views. The trek will continue with a downhill hike to Kuyoc, a second campsite located approximately 4000 meters above sea level and our base for the evening.
After an early breakfast, the adventure will start at the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain. This high pass (4,800m/15,583 ft) provides scenic views of aquamarine lagoons and the snow-capped peaks of the Chicon and Colque Cruz mountains. Once we reach the highest point, we will celebrate by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods and rest for a bit while taking in the amazing views. The trek will continue with a downhill hike to Kuyoc, a second campsite located approximately 4000 meters above sea level and our base for the evening.
Kuyoc – Aguas Calientes
On the 5th day, we will conclude our trek and you’ll spend the last few hours hiking downhill approximately 5 km (3.5 miles) to Urubamba / Punta Carretera in the Sacred Valley. Here we will enjoy our final lunch with the fantastic porters and Authentic Treks crew who helped make the journey possible. A private van will meet us here and we’ll be driven to Ollantaytambo in order to catch the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes.
The 1 hour and 45-minute train journey is incredibly scenic with panoramic views of the snow-capped Andes and unique changes in the landscape from valley to tropical forest. We will spend the rest of the day and overnight in Aguas Calientes upon our arrival and you will have a free evening to discover “Machupicchu Pueblo” and have dinner at one of the many great restaurants your guide can recommend.
The 1 hour and 45-minute train journey is incredibly scenic with panoramic views of the snow-capped Andes and unique changes in the landscape from valley to tropical forest. We will spend the rest of the day and overnight in Aguas Calientes upon our arrival and you will have a free evening to discover “Machupicchu Pueblo” and have dinner at one of the many great restaurants your guide can recommend.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will rise early on our final day in order to take advantage of seeing Machu Picchu in the glorious morning light as this is truly the best time to view this 'Lost City of the Incas.' You will be joined by your trekking guide for a detailed interpretation of this sacred archeological site considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and learn more interesting facts about Incan history without the pressure of a barrage of tour groups that usually arrive around midday.
Starting with a visit to the iconic viewpoint of Machu Picchu for some classic photos and a brief introduction to the history of this 700-year-old citadel, you and your guide will spend approximately 3 ½ hours exploring the abandoned site’s other important sights such as the Temple of the Sun, Principal Temple, the Room of the Three Windows, Intihuatana, and the Altar of the Condor. For those who are interested, for an additional fee we can also organize a hike up to Huyana Picchu, the 2,693 m (8,835 ft) high mountain which overlooks Machu Picchu. You will also have the option to spend some time discovering the site on your own if you choose.
Once your tour of Machu Picchu concludes, we will drive back to Aguas Calientes where you will have some time to wander around, shop for local handicrafts, and eat lunch at one of the many great local restaurants your guide will be happy to recommend. We will catch the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo where a van will be waiting to pick you up and take you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving sometime in the evening.
Starting with a visit to the iconic viewpoint of Machu Picchu for some classic photos and a brief introduction to the history of this 700-year-old citadel, you and your guide will spend approximately 3 ½ hours exploring the abandoned site’s other important sights such as the Temple of the Sun, Principal Temple, the Room of the Three Windows, Intihuatana, and the Altar of the Condor. For those who are interested, for an additional fee we can also organize a hike up to Huyana Picchu, the 2,693 m (8,835 ft) high mountain which overlooks Machu Picchu. You will also have the option to spend some time discovering the site on your own if you choose.
Once your tour of Machu Picchu concludes, we will drive back to Aguas Calientes where you will have some time to wander around, shop for local handicrafts, and eat lunch at one of the many great local restaurants your guide will be happy to recommend. We will catch the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo where a van will be waiting to pick you up and take you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving sometime in the evening.
Depart Cusco
Your unforgettable trek from Lares to Machu Picchu concludes on the 7th day with private transportation to Cusco's airport where we will say goodbye. We hope you will have enjoyed this epic once-in-a-lifetime adventure and will return one day to explore more of Peru.