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 20 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 Jorge Ramirez
active 6 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 Jimena Salazar
active 3 hours 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 Eduardo Ponce
active 23 hours ago

Eduardo Ponce

I am a travel agent specialized in creating tailor-made travel experiences designed around each traveler’s needs, preferences, and expectations. I take the time to understand my clients, their...

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Trip Reviews for Peru

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

My small group thoroughly enjoyed Alfredo’s d...
Peru | Sep 17 - Sep 21, 2026

K
Krista W.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026
My small group thoroughly enjoyed Alfredo’s deep knowledge of the history of Lima and Peru, and learned so much from him. We also really loved our time with Alvaro exploring Paracas Natural Reserve. His passion and knowledge of the park was incredible. Both these guides were personable, easy to chat with and made our full days with them very memorable! Read more

My small group thoroughly enjoyed Alfredo’s deep knowledge of the history of Lima and Peru, and learned so much from him. We also really loved our time with Alvaro exploring Paracas Natural Reserve. His passion and knowledge of the park was incredible. Both these guides were personable, easy to chat with and made our full days with them very memorable!

Hotel Review
Innside Lima Miraflores by Melia Hotels International
Miraflores

Excellent. Great location and spacious rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Drive to Paracas
Drive to Paracas
Lima

This day trip was incredible. Exploring so many parts of Paracas Natural Reserve was beautiful and awe-inspiring. Our guide Alvaro was knowledgeable and passionate, which added to our enjoyment. He also instilled confidence that he knew the park so well, that you’d be safe and comfortable.

Quality of Experience
Our guide Alvaro was incredible!
Food
Lunch at Inti Mar was breathtakingly beautiful and delicious and so fresh!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alvaro was passionate about Paracas and also very easy to spend the whole day with - funny, interesting and very knowledgeable. He was also an excellent and confident driver.
Transport
Alvaro is an excellent and confident driver, with a vehicle that is in tip top shape.
 Art and Local Cuisine in Bohemian Barranco
Art and Local Cuisine in Bohemian Barranco
Lima

The bartending and cooking class at Hotel B were both fun and it’s a great venue! We went right from this to lunch - at a wonderful restaurant (owned by husband-wife team in their former house!) and it would have been much better if there was a bit of time between the cooking class and lunch…

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Must Sees Lima: Casa Aliaga & Larco Museum with Lunch
Must Sees Lima: Casa Aliaga & Larco Museum with Lunch
Lima
Quality of Experience
Our guide Alfredo was excellent. He was incredibly knowledgeable and very easy to spend the day with. We learned a lot and had a great time.
Food
Lunch was great at the Museum
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jimena Salazar

Alfredo and Alverdo were amazing. So knowled...
Peru | Sep 17 - Sep 21, 2026

K
Kari P.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026
Alfredo and Alverdo were amazing. So knowledgeable and passionate about their country. Alverdo went above and beyond ! Read more

Alfredo and Alverdo were amazing. So knowledgeable and passionate about their country. Alverdo went above and beyond !

Hotel Review
Innside Lima Miraflores by Melia Hotels International
Miraflores

Great hotel, centrally located

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Drive to Paracas
Drive to Paracas
Lima
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Art and Local Cuisine in Bohemian Barranco
Art and Local Cuisine in Bohemian Barranco
Lima
Quality of Experience
Food
Lunch was right after the ceviche making class.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Must Sees Lima: Casa Aliaga & Larco Museum with Lunch
Must Sees Lima: Casa Aliaga & Larco Museum with Lunch
Lima
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jimena Salazar

Liz and Lisbeth provided a great experience f...
Peru | Sep 7 - Sep 11, 2026

Camille
Camille P.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 18, 2026
Liz and Lisbeth provided a great experience for our Peruvian trip. Read more

Liz and Lisbeth provided a great experience for our Peruvian trip.

Hotel Review
Sueños del Inka Hotel
Cusco
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on Sep 18, 2026

Hi Camille,

Thank you so much for your kind review! 😊 It was a pleasure helping you with your Peru trip, and I’m so happy to hear you had a great experience with us.

Lisbeth and I truly enjoyed having you here, and we hope you take home lots of wonderful memories from Peru!

Warmly,
Liz

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