Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group
From $965USDBook Now
Your itineraryDates & pricesReviews
7 days from $965USD
Easy quote
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group-6
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

The Lares Trek is one of South America's top alternative routes to Machu Picchu, offering a unique way to experience trekking in Peru. This 4-day adventure takes you deep into the Andes, where you'll discover ancient villages and the rich traditions of the Quechua people, all while trekking through the stunning mountains of the Sacred Valley.

Begin your journey by relaxing in the therapeutic Lares Hot Springs before hiking through the picturesque Lares Valley, known for its traditional weavers and farmers. Lares textiles are renowned throughout Peru, and you’ll have the chance to engage with locals who speak both Quechua and Spanish, perhaps even learning a bit about weaving firsthand.

Although the Lares Trek is slightly shorter and higher than the Classic Inca Trail, it offers a thrilling challenge and breathtaking views. This less-traveled route allows for a peaceful experience, full of adventure, cultural immersion, and unforgettable landscapes on your way to the legendary Machu Picchu.

This is a private itinerary for your group only, if you would like to join an existing group instead, please check our Classic Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Group Tour!

Peru, South America
Happiness promise

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group

Visit Cusco and walk the Lares Trek with your group only
4.90
(97 reviews)
7 days from $965USD
Easy quote
Duration
7 days
Season
Jan, Mar-Dec
Activity
Walking
Type
Guided, Private
Accommodation
Camping
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $965USD (see prices for this tour)
Get a quote
Got any questions?
Ask a question
National Geographic
Guardian
FodorsTravel
Time
Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group-6
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

The Lares Trek is one of South America's top alternative routes to Machu Picchu, offering a unique way to experience trekking in Peru. This 4-day adventure takes you deep into the Andes, where you'll discover ancient villages and the rich traditions of the Quechua people, all while trekking through the stunning mountains of the Sacred Valley.

Begin your journey by relaxing in the therapeutic Lares Hot Springs before hiking through the picturesque Lares Valley, known for its traditional weavers and farmers. Lares textiles are renowned throughout Peru, and you’ll have the chance to engage with locals who speak both Quechua and Spanish, perhaps even learning a bit about weaving firsthand.

Although the Lares Trek is slightly shorter and higher than the Classic Inca Trail, it offers a thrilling challenge and breathtaking views. This less-traveled route allows for a peaceful experience, full of adventure, cultural immersion, and unforgettable landscapes on your way to the legendary Machu Picchu.

This is a private itinerary for your group only, if you would like to join an existing group instead, please check our Classic Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Group Tour!

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Start the trek by unwinding in the soothing natural hot springs of Lares.

Immerse in the culture of traditional weavers and farmers in remote Andean villages.

Enjoy stunning mountain views and picturesque valleys throughout the hike.

End the journey with a guided tour of the world-famous Machu Picchu.

We are Australian
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

Trip map

Travellers love 10Adventures

View all
Day by day itinerary
Expand all days
Day 1
See more
Arrival in Cusco
Arrive in Cusco, where you will be transferred to your hotel. A welcome meeting will be organized by your guide for a quick tour briefing. Spend the rest of the day exploring Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, set in the Andes Mountains.
Distance None
Overnight Location Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco
Included Meals None
Day 2
See more
Open Day in Cusco
Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own pace. The city is known as the archaeological capital of the Americas and is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
Distance None
Overnight Location Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 3
See more
Lares Trek – Sacred Valley to Huacawasi
Start the day with breakfast and a transfer to Calca in the Sacred Valley. After purchasing any last-minute items, continue to Lares (3,207 m) to enjoy the medicinal hot springs before the trek. Begin your ascent to Huacawasi (3,600 m), where you'll experience local Andean culture.
Distance 10 km / 6.21 miles
Overnight Location Huacawasi Camp
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
See more
Lares Trek – Huacawasi to Mantanay
After breakfast, trek to the highest point at Aruraycocha (4,500 m). Admire the stunning views of lakes and changing landscapes. Continue descending through the Mantanay conservation area and camp in the village of Mantanay (3,800 m).
Distance 14 km / 8.69 miles
Overnight Location Mantanay Camp
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
See more
Lares Trek – Mantanay to Yanahuara, then Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Trek downhill to Yanahuara (2,950 m), where you will bid farewell to your trekking team. After lunch, drive to Ollantaytambo for a visit to the archaeological site. From there, take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.
Distance 7 km / 4.35 miles
Overnight Location Hatun Inti Boutique, Aguas Calientes
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
See more
Aguas Calientes – Visit to Machu Picchu, Return to Cusco
Early morning bus ride to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise. Enjoy a guided tour of the citadel, with free time to explore on your own. Optional hike up Huayna Picchu is available. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train back to Cusco.
Distance None
Overnight Location Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 7
See more
Departure from Cusco
After breakfast, transfer to Cusco Airport for your departure.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

Why book with 10 Adventures?

We know adventure

Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.

Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Self-guided specialists

With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

World Class support

Get unbeatable support at every step of your journey.

Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.

Hassle free bookings

Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.

Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.

Reviews
5
88
4
7
3
2
2
1
4.90 (97 reviews)
Sort by: Newest
Dates and prices

Enjoy a private trip for your group only! Note the prices below apply to sharing a double tent.

  • Guided group of 2-3: $1,950USD per person
  • Guided group of 4-5: $1,050USD per person
  • Guided group of 6: $965USD per person
  • Guided group of 7+: on request

If you prefer to join a group instead, please check out our Classic Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Group Tour.

What’s included

Meals

6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 6 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, starting and ending in Cusco.

Also Included

  • Tour briefing on the day you arrive in Cusco
  • Camping fees, tent, cooking shelter
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • Lares Valley entrance fee
  • Horseman and mules to carry cooking and camping equipment during the trek
  • First Aid kit
  • 24/7 support and emergency line available throughout the tour

Not included

  • Meals and drinks, other than those mentioned in the itinerary (extra meals can be arranged upon request).
  • Optional tours and excursions
  • Personal items such as souvenirs or telephone calls
  • Personal camping and trekking equipment, such as sleeping bags or walking sticks (many of these items can be rented for an additional fee).
  • Any damages you might cause to the bus or camping equipment
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Additional personal porter for guests with excessive luggage.
  • Travel insurance
  • Evacuation in the event of a serious medical issue or injury

Optional Extras

  • Additional meals
  • Climb Wayna (Huayna) Picchu
  • Upgrade train tickets from Expedition class to Vistadome class
  • Additional activities in Cusco (all prices are per person):
    • Cusco City Tour: A tour of many different significant landmarks in and around Cusco
    • South Valley: Head south from Cusco to tour an Andean village with Pre-Incan architecture, plus the Incan Pikillagta (Temple of Water) and Tipon (the 17th Century “Sistine Chapel of Cusco”).
    • Gastronomic Tour at Market & Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic, traditional local dishes from shopping at the market for ingredients to preparing and serving the meal.
  • Personal horse to ride during the trek (max weight - 110 Kg)

Accommodation for Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group

This tour is based in hotels and camps. Four nights are spent in hotels and two nights along the Lares Trek are spent in camps.

Hotels on this trip are 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. The accommodations have been carefully chosen so you will feel comfortable and pampered.

Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.

In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a single supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.

Non-Standard Cancellation

  • 63 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 120$ USD
  • Between 33 and 62 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 50% of the total trip cost
  • Between 10 and 32 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 80% of the total trip cost
  • 9 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The trek is moderate but hikers unaccustomed to hiking at higher altitudes will notice the additional strain caused by the elevations. Extra nights in Cusco before and after the tour are highly recommended.

Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group?

6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.

How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?

Fly to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Many international flights will connect through Peru’s capital city of Lima. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes about 1 hour.

What should I pack?

Don’t forget your passport (and visa if needed). Bring layers of clothing to keep you comfortable as you are hiking, as well as warm enough on cold nights. Please keep clothing lightweight. Rain gear is important to keep you dry and warm on rainy days. Sun protection is very important, especially at higher elevations. Sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. You may also be glad to have insect repellent. Bring a backpack (preferably waterproof). Be sure you have sturdy shoes for hiking.

Is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.

When is the best time to travel to Peru for Inca Trail Trek?

The best time to travel to Cusco Region for this trek is during April through November as December through March are considered to be the rainy season.

Where does the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Private Group end?

Mention where tour ends and how they’re getting to the airport with airport code mentioned.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Peru?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Peru?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Are children allowed on Inca Trail?

Yes, this trail is available to children from 7 years old, however, it is recommended to have some experience in trekking similar distances as some might find it very challenging.

Back to top
Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
We're Canadian
Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter