Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

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Peru Travel Insights

Lima, Cusco & Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - 6 Days
Map of Lima, Cusco & Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - 6 Days
Lima, Cusco & Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - 6 Days

A shorter alternative to the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek offers an experience just as stunning. Despite the high altitudes, this trek follows a less rigorous route through local communities, making it ideal for those who are looking for something accessible, unique, and immersive.

Beautiful Andean landscape
Map of Lares Lodge-to-Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu - 5 Days
Lares Lodge-to-Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu - 5 Days

The five-day Lares Trek takes you high up in the Andes, hiking during the day and overnighting in luxurious lodges along the way. Providing impressive views of snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, it’s a relatively demanding hike that will test your fitness.

Girl walking home in the Lares Valley
Map of Lares Valley Trek & Short Inca Trail - 8 Days
Lares Valley Trek & Short Inca Trail - 8 Days

Trek through the Lares Valley, where you'll pass between glacier-capped mountains where llamas and alpacas graze in the surrounding hills. You'll visit the town of Lares, a colourful traditional town in the heart of the valley. Combined with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this is a trek that combines two wonderful valleys & mountain ranges with very different ecologies & landscapes.

View from the Santa Cruz trek in Peru
Map of Best 10 Treks in Peru
Best 10 Treks in Peru

Peru — a nation with abundant natural diversity, from coast, to mountains, to jungle — has long attracted lovers of the Great Outdoors. The Peruvian Andes, running like a backbone down the centre of the country, contain mesmerizing variations in landscape that make for some of the best trekking in the world. Cloud forests, 5000m+ cordilleras (mountain ranges), the world’s deepest canyon and the striking remains of ancient civilizations all await.

Making a pilgrimage to Machu Picchu on one of these two treks makes your arrival even more spectacular
Salkantay Trek vs the Inca Trail: Which is Right for You?

Trekking to Machu Picchu is a dream for many travelers—but there's more than one way to get there. The classic Inca Trail lets trekkers walk in the steps of the Incas, while the more remote Salkantay route offers solitude and wildlife. Compare your options for getting to Peru's most famous place on foot, from distance and cost to overnight options.

Huchuy Qosqo
Map of Best Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley near Cusco
Best Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley near Cusco

Peru is famous for the Inca Trail and other multi-day hikes, but if you are short on time, there are plenty of excellent day hikes throughout the Sacred Valley. These hikes are a great way to visit some of the rural communities and lesser-visited ruins throughout the Valley.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Peru
Travel specialist Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
active 38 mins ago

Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Peruvian food, culture, and history aren’t just things I love—they’re a part of who I am. As a proud Cusqueñian, I carry my roots with pride and love sharing my culture with others. I've lived...

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Travel specialist Jimena Salazar
active 10 mins ago

Jimena Salazar

For me, traveling is about much more than just visiting places. It’s about opening new paths in your life—through the people you meet, the flavors you try, and the landscapes that take your breath...

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Travel specialist Jorge Ramirez
active 30 mins ago

Jorge Ramirez

I believe the best journeys start with truly listening. When I design a trip, my goal is for travelers to feel that every detail reflects who they are—their interests, their pace, and the kind of...

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Travel specialist Hilda Aguinaga Sara
active 4 mins ago

Hilda Aguinaga Sara

I design personalized travel experiences with a thoughtful, human approach. My focus is on creating meaningful, well-balanced trips, especially for couples and families, by listening closely,...

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Trip Reviews for Peru

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Incredible Peru trip
Peru | Aug 3 - Aug 11, 2026

Elvira
Elvira T.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2026
Our trip through Peru was absolutely incredible! So much of that comes down to the thoughtful planning and care from Jimena. Right from our first planning message—and from the moment we landed in Lima until we flew out of Cusco—everything ran seamlessly. Jimena took the time to figure out exactly what we wanted, striking the perfect balance between iconic highlights and authentic local experiences.
Traveling with two teenagers (ages 16 and 18!), I was blown away by how well the itinerary...
Read more

Our trip through Peru was absolutely incredible! So much of that comes down to the thoughtful planning and care from Jimena. Right from our first planning message—and from the moment we landed in Lima until we flew out of Cusco—everything ran seamlessly. Jimena took the time to figure out exactly what we wanted, striking the perfect balance between iconic highlights and authentic local experiences.
Traveling with two teenagers (ages 16 and 18!), I was blown away by how well the itinerary fit our family. Every day brought amazing new experiences—from biking through Lima and tasting our way through local markets to hiking the Sacred Valley, exploring Moray and the Maras salt ponds, and of course, taking in Machu Picchu.
A huge shoutout to Guido, who was an absolute rockstar of a guide. His knowledge of Peruvian history and culture brought every site to life, and he had an amazing knack for keeping everyone entertained and curious. We always felt like we were in the best hands. Machu Picchu was unforgettable, and even though rainy weather kept us from getting the full view at Humantay Lake, the hike itself was still unbelievable—as was Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain! Experiencing Cusco and the Sacred Valley gave us such a rich look at Peru beyond the typical tourist trail.
Jimena made the whole journey feel effortless. Transfers, hotels, timing—it all clicked into place so we could just relax and soak it all in. This was our first time in Peru, and it blew all of us away. We came home with incredible experiences and lifelong memories.
If you’re planning a trip, work with Jimena—and if you get Guido as your guide, consider yourself super lucky!

Hotel Reviews
Tariq Boutique hotel
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado
Urubamba
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Innside Lima Miraflores by Melia Hotels International
Miraflores

Very nice hotel. Excellent location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Machu Picchu Exploration
Full Day Machu Picchu Exploration
Peru
Transfer to Lima Airport
Transfer to Lima Airport
Lima
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jimena Salazar

Amazing Family Friendly Peru Adventure
Peru | Jul 27 - Aug 6, 2026

Amy
Amy D.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2026
Our family of 4 thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Peru thanks to the planning and execution of the KimKim team and associated travel guides. Liz allowed me to curate a trip that was family friendly for our young children while also allowing for adventures that the adults would enjoy as well, exploring history, cuisine, and local culture.
Our favorite guides were Nataly(Cusco area), Natali(Cusco city), Pamela(Machu Picchu -kids), and Roderigo(Machu Picchu).
Muchas Gracias to the team for... Read more

Our family of 4 thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Peru thanks to the planning and execution of the KimKim team and associated travel guides. Liz allowed me to curate a trip that was family friendly for our young children while also allowing for adventures that the adults would enjoy as well, exploring history, cuisine, and local culture.
Our favorite guides were Nataly(Cusco area), Natali(Cusco city), Pamela(Machu Picchu -kids), and Roderigo(Machu Picchu).

Muchas Gracias to the team for making a dream trip a reality!

Activity Reviews
Shared Pachamanca Lunch Farm Tour
Shared Pachamanca Lunch Farm Tour
Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley’s Hummingbirds
Sacred Valley’s Hummingbirds
Sacred Valley
Shared Painting on Ceramic Pucara Toritos
Shared Painting on Ceramic Pucara Toritos
Cusco
Adventure with Allco and his friends tour in Machu Picchu
Adventure with Allco and his friends tour in Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu
Shared tour to the Planetarium Cusco (May - August) w/assistance
Shared tour to the Planetarium Cusco (May - August) w/assistance
Cusco
Private tour to  Moray Terraces & Maras Salt Mines: Picnic and Paintings
Private tour to Moray Terraces & Maras Salt Mines: Picnic and Paintings
Peru

Moray and Maras and picnic were amazing but our guide took us off itinerary to a high pressure sales textile factory which we did not enjoy

Urban Kitchen Experience
Urban Kitchen Experience
Lima
Shared Lima Fountains Tour
Shared Lima Fountains Tour
Lima

This was super fun but we felt rushed and couldn’t enjoy the park

Private Half-Day Cusco Walking Tour: Sacsayhuamán, Qoricancha & San Pedro Market
Private Half-Day Cusco Walking Tour: Sacsayhuamán, Qoricancha & San Pedro Market
Cusco
Self guided Trek to Huayna Picchu
Self guided Trek to Huayna Picchu
Peru

With children we instead hiked the smaller mountain but it was incredible!

Private Sacred Valley Experience: Andean Animals  & Clay Art Traditions
Private Sacred Valley Experience: Andean Animals & Clay Art Traditions
Peru
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

An Unforgettable Family Trip to Peru
Peru | Jul 31 - Aug 10, 2026

S
Swetha K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 12, 2026
We had a wonderful family trip to Peru, and the team did a great job making everything run smoothly. A big thank you to Anne for planning a fantastic itinerary and catering to our family's needs, Jesus for always being available on WhatsApp and keeping everything on track, Blanca for an excellent and engaging walking tour of Barranco, and Julio for being a knowledgeable, caring guide and a great storyteller in Cusco. We would also like to thank all of our drivers for being punctual,... Read more

We had a wonderful family trip to Peru, and the team did a great job making everything run smoothly.

A big thank you to Anne for planning a fantastic itinerary and catering to our family's needs, Jesus for always being available on WhatsApp and keeping everything on track, Blanca for an excellent and engaging walking tour of Barranco, and Julio for being a knowledgeable, caring guide and a great storyteller in Cusco. We would also like to thank all of our drivers for being punctual, professional, and friendly throughout the trip.

We did run into a few unexpected challenges, including train issues to and from Machu Picchu and a family health issue that required us to change plans during our Amazon stay. The team handled everything quickly and efficiently behind the scenes, helping us find solutions with minimal stress.

We really appreciated everyone's support and would happily recommend this team to anyone planning a trip to Peru.

Hotel Reviews
Finca Sachabacayoc

Our stay at Finca Sachabacayoc was unfortunately the least enjoyable part of our Peru trip. We understand that staying in the Amazon comes with certain rustic expectations, but there were several issues that made our stay less comfortable than anticipated. The biggest challenge was that we had no running water for the entire morning of one of our days, which made it difficult to shower or get ready for our activities. Even when water was available, the hot water only lasted a few minutes. It was also often difficult to find staff when we needed assistance. The rooms have metal roofs, which made them extremely hot during the day, and the fans were not sufficient to keep the room comfortable. There were also a significant number of insects on the porch, making it difficult to relax in the hammock or enjoy the outdoor space. The food was adequate but fairly average and did not stand out compared to the rest of our trip. That said, we do want to recognize the staff for their kindness during an unexpected family health issue. They arranged breakfast for us when we had to miss one of the scheduled activities and were helpful in coordinating our unexpected return to Lima. We truly appreciated their support during a stressful situation. Overall, while the staff did their best to help when it mattered most, we feel the facilities, amenities, and overall guest experience could be improved.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Los Portales Cusco
Cusco
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Innside Lima Miraflores by Melia Hotels International
Miraflores
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Lunch at Ama
Lunch at Ama
Peru

Lunch at Ama was one of the most memorable meals of our trip. Beyond the outstanding food, we were inspired by the owner's mission of creating employment opportunities for young people with disabilities and single mothers. It was a meaningful experience to support a local business making such a positive impact on the community. We highly recommend stopping here if you're visiting the Sacred Valley.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Maras Salt Ponds
Maras Salt Ponds
Peru

The Maras Salt Ponds were a fascinating place to visit, and Julio was an excellent guide. He shared interesting stories and local insights that made the visit much more meaningful. A beautiful stop in the Sacred Valley that we would highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Moray Terraces
Moray Terraces
Peru

Visiting Moray was one of the highlights of our time in the Sacred Valley, and Julio made the experience even more memorable. His storytelling and knowledge brought the history and purpose of the terraces to life, and he took the time to answer all of our questions. We appreciated that he shared not only the historical significance of Moray but also local insights and perspectives that made the visit much more meaningful. We highly recommend this tour, especially with Julio as your guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cusco Walking City Tour with San Francisco Church
Cusco Walking City Tour with San Francisco Church
Cusco

Julio was an outstanding guide for our Cusco walking tour. Instead of only taking us to the typical tourist attractions, he introduced us to local gems and hidden corners of the city that made the experience feel much more authentic. He is a wonderful storyteller, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely caring, making sure everyone in our family was comfortable throughout the tour. We learned so much about Cusco's history, culture, and local life, and would highly recommend this tour with Julio.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking food tour at Barranco
Walking food tour at Barranco
Lima

Blanca was an excellent guide for our Barranco walking tour. She was knowledgeable, engaging, and shared the history and culture of the neighborhood in a way that made it both interesting and enjoyable. She also introduced us to some amazing local restaurants, giving us a wonderful taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine. It was a great experience, and we highly recommend touring Barranco with Blanca!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Anne Godoy

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