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 19 hours 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 Shawna Sanders
active 7 days ago

Shawna Sanders

My goal is to see others fall in love with the soul of Peru the same way I have! For me, a 3-month internship took a left turn into a decade of exploration. I believe Peru's diversity in cultures...

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Travel specialist Io Gillhuber
active 22 hours ago

Io Gillhuber

Growing up in Germany, I was lucky to spend several vacations in different places in Europe. When I finished school, I started exploring the world on my own, and I couldn’t get enough of it....

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Travel specialist Jimena Salazar
active 2 days 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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Trip Reviews for Peru

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Top of the list unforgettable experience
Peru | Dec 31 - Jan 16, 2026

anna
anna p.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026
We had a dense flawless luxury and unforgettable joyful trip, organized to perfection and to the second for a 17 days journey.
I believe Io, our local guide in Cuzco of Andean Travel Experience, read my mind when she organized the trip. I gave her few input about what we like and what we dislike and she created a perfect journey that surpassed by far our great expectations adding precious nuances that only locals could! We never liked to travel on organized plans, but KimKim and Io made us...
Read more

We had a dense flawless luxury and unforgettable joyful trip, organized to perfection and to the second for a 17 days journey.
I believe Io, our local guide in Cuzco of Andean Travel Experience, read my mind when she organized the trip. I gave her few input about what we like and what we dislike and she created a perfect journey that surpassed by far our great expectations adding precious nuances that only locals could! We never liked to travel on organized plans, but KimKim and Io made us change our mind forever. Lizbeth was our local support, available 24/7 for any necessity. She gave us all the details and all the information to follow to avoid any inconvenience . They took care of everything we could need from booking the best time of the day private tours in the national parks and historical sites, to provide amazing guides that spoke our first language.
The light of the Sun was in the optimal position, on each experience, to admire the beauties, the landscape and the wildlife, to take also great pictures.

Hotel Reviews
Sol Natura Hotel
Ollantaytambo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tika Wasi Casa Boutique
Cusco

Looking forward to coming here again. This is my favorite hotel of my entire life. The spotless clean spacious rooms are charming, with glorious views over the city. Breakfast is delicious and everyday full of different local goods. Adorable staff trained to please. Security 24/7. Wonderful travellers to hang out with. The patio is very nicely maintained and filled with hummingbirds of every size. The location is in a spectacular neighborhood, San Blas, at a walkable distance from the ancient ruins of Saqsaywaman and from downtown.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Amazing view of downtown Cuzco, and walkable distance from Saqsaywaman !
Staff
I Loved to be pleased 😁 the staff is adorable!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable beds, and squeaky clean bathroom!
Hotel Conde de Lemos
Puno

In a very good position. The rooms are comfortable, but not well cleaned and the plumbing system is poor. The shower doesn't work properly, the water can't be mixed in lukewarm temperature. The toilet got clogged and impossible to use. They couldn't change the room. We had to wait for someone to unclog the toilet, and then they left it very dirty eventually. Very disappointing. They are doing some remodeling so maybe in the future the issues will all be solved.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maison Du Soleil
Arequipa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Oro viejo
Nasca

The hidden garden with pool, filled with spectacular flowers and birds was a beautiful surprise. The room was spotless and dustless clean in every detail, even though Nazca is very dusty. The adorable staff gave us more pillows and more toilet paper when asked.

Authenticity & Character
Just charming.
Location
Walkable distance to downtown and close to the Cruz del Sur bus station. Very quiet.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Emancipador Hotel

The bed was the most comfortable of the trip, but the room and the bathroom were very dirty.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ibis Budget Lima Miraflores
Lima
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom was dirty
Activity Reviews
Groupal Nasca Lines from Nasca
Groupal Nasca Lines from Nasca
Peru

The driver that took us around was also an excellent guide that made us choose our tour. We also took a private flight tour of the Nazca lines.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared  Palcoyo Trek: Small group
Shared Palcoyo Trek: Small group
Cusco
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore  Machu Picchu (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu) SV Htl
Explore Machu Picchu (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu) SV Htl
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared 2D Colca Canyon Tour : Arequipa - Colca - Puno 1/2
Shared 2D Colca Canyon Tour : Arequipa - Colca - Puno 1/2
Peru
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Route of The Sun:  {{start_location}} - {{end_location}}
The Route of The Sun: {{start_location}} - {{end_location}}
Peru

Excellent tour experience transforming a transfer day in an outstanding tour out of the traditional tourist route, filled with interesting environmental, archeological, and historical sites and good food. Maybe our favorite because we didn't have any expectations. Christian, the tour guide, has deep knowledge in many fields and fulfilled all of our curiosity. We did not want it to end when we got to Cuzco.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The impressive knowledge of our guide, Christian, in Andean ancient civilizations, birdwatching , anthropology and many more fields.
Transport
Shared tour to Pisac & Ollantaytambo tour
Shared tour to Pisac & Ollantaytambo tour
Peru
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Full-Day Tour to the Titinos Uros Islands
Private Full-Day Tour to the Titinos Uros Islands
Puno

Another Marvel!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared 2-day Colca Canyon tour & Local Family Homestay  2/2: Bus to Puno
Shared 2-day Colca Canyon tour & Local Family Homestay 2/2: Bus to Puno
Peru

This has been the best experience on our journey through Peru, and it should be a marvelous surprise.

Quality of Experience
Food
This homemade food by our host, Rosio, has been the best we had during our entire journey through Peru.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared Rafting Chili River in Arequipa
Shared Rafting Chili River in Arequipa
Arequipa

Exciting. Safely done! 💯 If KimKim didn't propose this experience, we wouldn't have had a glance on rural parts of Arequipa and this beautiful river.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared Paracas Nature Reserve
Shared Paracas Nature Reserve
Paracas

We really liked to visit the Ballestas islands and see the wonderful birds and sea lions, and for the first time penguins in their environment! A very well organized tour, perfect timing on the day to admire the Candelabro de Paracas.Our boat guide was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Io Gillhuber

I can’t recommend KimKim to enough people!
Peru | Dec 30 - Jan 8, 2026

Alyssa
Alyssa R.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026
We had the most incredible trip and felt like royalty from beginning to end! All details and booking were handled by Shawna from KimKim in advance with a full itinerary so we didn’t have to coordinate anything. Once we arrived, Cesar (private tour guide) and Odi (private driver) from Peruvian Soul were by our side every step of the way with fun anecdotes, interesting historical facts, and amazing interactions with locals. They had lots of little surprises for us like an interactive art... Read more

We had the most incredible trip and felt like royalty from beginning to end! All details and booking were handled by Shawna from KimKim in advance with a full itinerary so we didn’t have to coordinate anything. Once we arrived, Cesar (private tour guide) and Odi (private driver) from Peruvian Soul were by our side every step of the way with fun anecdotes, interesting historical facts, and amazing interactions with locals. They had lots of little surprises for us like an interactive art experience, side tours, and more. It was truly a once in a lifetime trip and I would recommend KimKim and Peruvian Soul to anyone in a heartbeat (and already have)!

Hotel Reviews
Antigua Casona San Blas
Cusco
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sonesta Posada del Inca
Urubamba
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Free day in Cusco
Free day in Cusco
Cusco
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
Cusco
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cusco Walking City Tour: San Pedro Market, San Francisco Church & Koricancha
Cusco Walking City Tour: San Pedro Market, San Francisco Church & Koricancha
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Journey to Cusco: Visiting Maras & Moray
Journey to Cusco: Visiting Maras & Moray
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Maras & Moray
Maras & Moray
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Discovering Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley
Discovering Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free day at the Sacred Valley
Free day at the Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Pachamanca: Traditional Andean Underground Cooking
Pachamanca: Traditional Andean Underground Cooking
Peru
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Morning Visit to Ollantaytambo
Morning Visit to Ollantaytambo
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pass by Pisac Market & an Andean camelid Farms
Pass by Pisac Market & an Andean camelid Farms
Sacred Valley
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Private Transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jimena Salazar
Jimena
Jimena Salazar
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Jan 27, 2026

Dear Alyssa

Thank you so much for your nice review — it truly means a lot to us!

On behalf of Shawna, I’m so happy to hear that everything came together smoothly and that you felt so well cared for from start to finish.

Thank you again for trusting KimKim and Peruvian Soul, and for recommending us to others. We’d love to welcome you back in the future!

Warm regards,
Jimena

Blown away by the incredible performance!
Peru | Dec 24 - Jan 3, 2026

Mehul
Mehul P.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 09, 2026
🌟 I'm absolutely blown away by the incredible trip to Peru that Kim Kim Travel Agency, as arranged by Jimena for my family! 🤩 Every single detail was meticulously planned, and they went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience. The guides were top-notch - flexible, pleasant, and personable. They made sure we were comfortable and happy throughout the trip. And even when an outside vendor didn't quite meet our expectations, Kim Kim Travel Agency still fought for us and... Read more

🌟 I'm absolutely blown away by the incredible trip to Peru that Kim Kim Travel Agency, as arranged by Jimena for my family! 🤩 Every single detail was meticulously planned, and they went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience.

The guides were top-notch - flexible, pleasant, and personable. They made sure we were comfortable and happy throughout the trip. And even when an outside vendor didn't quite meet our expectations, Kim Kim Travel Agency still fought for us and made things right. Talk about amazing customer service! 💪

From start to finish, Kim Kim Travel Agency carefully monitored and supported every aspect of our trip. They truly made this vacation a huge success for our family. If you're looking for an stress-free, incredible travel experience, look no further than Kim Kim Travel Agency! 🙌

Thank you, Kim Kim, for making our Peru trip truly unforgettable. We can't wait to plan our next adventure with you! 😊

Hotel Reviews
Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado

I would not ever stay here again. The hotel environment was depressing. They had no substantial list of activities planned so that we could select from a menu of their services. Truly bare bones. It felt like they were eager to get us out so that they could proceed with their end of season Brazilian nut harvest. We had high hopes but left very disappointed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Add some walls, provide privacy, and perhaps some air conditioning for relief from the heat and humidity. There were insects crawling in and out of all the food, clothes, our beds, and bathrooms. We are not used to this and are far away from major medical facilities. Need to be very careful.
Tierra Viva Cusco Centro
Cusco

Excellent location. There’s a lot of street noise, which we encounter in many busy cities. It was great that everything was within walking distance.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Casona de Yucay
Ollantaytambo Urubamba

Very cozy and comfortable. The only concern is that it’s not within safe walking distance to anything. Otherwise, very nice facility.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Innside Lima Miraflores by Melia Hotels International
Miraflores

Perfectly located and within reach of a very lively area in Lima.

Authenticity & Character
Perfectly located and within reach of a very lively area in Lima.
Location
Perfectly located and within reach of a very lively area in Lima.
Staff
Perfectly located and within reach of a very lively area in Lima.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfectly located and within reach of a very lively area in Lima.
Local specialist: Jimena Salazar
Jimena
Jimena Salazar
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Jan 12, 2026

Dear Mehul

Thank you so much for your lovely words. It truly made us very happy to know that this journey went beyond your expectations and that you felt supported at every step of the trip.

We were very glad to assist you throughout the journey, and we will carefully take into account all the feedback you shared, especially regarding your stay at Refugio Amazonas.

Wishing you all the best, and we truly hope to welcome you again in any part of the world you choose to explore next with your family.

Warm regards
Jimena

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