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 12 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 Jimena Salazar
active 12 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 Io Gillhuber
active 10 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 Kristy Tizon
active 32 mins ago

Kristy Tizon

Kristy, a Peruvian-American originally from Los Angeles but now based in New York, has a deep passion for travel. With expertise in destinations such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and her home...

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Trip Reviews for Peru

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

The trip was everything we expected. The smal...
Peru | Mar 18 - Mar 25, 2026

Sue
Sue J.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2026
The trip was everything we expected. The smaller hotels were so much nicer than the larger ones, and the personal service was very much appreciated. The guides were extremely informative, and we'll be fortunate to remember even a portion of everything we were shown and told.
When my suitcase was taken, you were extremely helpful in recovering it.
My only complaint was the last day, when no transportation was provided for the cooking class. When we finally got there and found the area, it...
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The trip was everything we expected. The smaller hotels were so much nicer than the larger ones, and the personal service was very much appreciated. The guides were extremely informative, and we'll be fortunate to remember even a portion of everything we were shown and told.
When my suitcase was taken, you were extremely helpful in recovering it.
My only complaint was the last day, when no transportation was provided for the cooking class. When we finally got there and found the area, it was late and we were unable to participate. Stacked against all of the positive, that was just a small glitch.
I still don't know why we had a charge of 500 dollars at Las Qolqas. I would like to know what it was for if possible. Could you do some research for me?
My daughter knows a couple of travel agents here in Billings, and she has shared with them several times who you are and how helpful you have been. We will definitely continue to spread the word and will again choose you when we travel again.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for a wonderful trip.

Hotel Reviews
Las Qolqas EcoResort Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo

What a beautiful setting!!! We felt pampered and blessed by the straight-up mountains that surrounded us. The staff were always helpful and polite, and the massage therapists did a great job. The drivers that took us to town and back were very polite and helpful with directions for getting around town. I'm not sure why we have an extra charge, but that is the only negative. Great choice!

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quinta San Blas by Ananay Hotels
Cusco

Again, the staff were extremely helpful and friendly and went out of their way to help us in any way. The courtyard was a pleasant place to relax, and sitting under the umbrellas during the showers with a glass of wine was very easy to do. The steep grade was hard at first, but we quickly adjusted to the climb, and soon it seemed quite natural.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Antigua Miraflores
Lima

Very helpful staff, wonderful area to sit and relax, good location for exploring.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Arrival to Lima: Free Day to Explore
Arrival to Lima: Free Day to Explore
Lima

We appreciated the ideas you presented for our free time. The hotel was so close to the ocean, and the pyramid and other historic sites were fun to visit. We had no trouble filling the time for our first free day, and the courtyard of the hotel was amazing! What a wonderful place to sit and relax.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
City maps and street names were often confusing...
Local specialist: Johanna Fabian

Peru 03/2026
Peru | Mar 23 - Mar 29, 2026

David
David M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 30, 2026
Our recent trip to Peru planned through Kimkim, with Kristy Tizon as our travel specialist, was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, the experience was seamless, personalized, and thoughtfully curated to match exactly what we were hoping to get out of the trip. Kristy did an outstanding job designing an itinerary that balanced adventure, culture, and relaxation. Every detail—transportation, accommodations, guided tours—was handled with precision, allowing us to focus... Read more

Our recent trip to Peru planned through Kimkim, with Kristy Tizon as our travel specialist, was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, the experience was seamless, personalized, and thoughtfully curated to match exactly what we were hoping to get out of the trip.

Kristy did an outstanding job designing an itinerary that balanced adventure, culture, and relaxation. Every detail—transportation, accommodations, guided tours—was handled with precision, allowing us to focus entirely on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about logistics. Her communication throughout the planning process was prompt and insightful, and she was always willing to adjust plans based on our preferences.

Highlights of the trip included exploring the Sacred Valley, experiencing the rich history of Cusco, and, of course, visiting Machu Picchu—each made even more memorable by the knowledgeable local guides Kristy arranged. The accommodations were comfortable and well-located, and every transition between destinations felt effortless.

What truly set this experience apart was the level of personalization and care. It never felt like a generic, pre-packaged tour—every aspect reflected our interests and travel style. Even when minor questions came up during the trip, support was quick and helpful.

I would highly recommend booking through Kimkim and working with Kristy Tizon for anyone considering a trip to Peru. It was a stress-free, unforgettable experience, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure

Local specialist: Kristy Tizon

Amazing Peru Trip
Peru | Mar 14 - Mar 20, 2026

Kendall
Kendall T.
Raleigh, NC | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2026
We had an amazing trip to Peru! We loved how the trip felt catered to our interests and what we wanted to see during our time in Peru. Some of our favorite sites were Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Rainbow Mountain. Our tour guides were all very friendly, great, and knowledgeable. Enrique was our tour guide for the Inca Trail; he made this hike an incredible experience. We felt very taken care of on this trip and were frequently checked in on, especially by Yael. We have been on several... Read more

We had an amazing trip to Peru! We loved how the trip felt catered to our interests and what we wanted to see during our time in Peru. Some of our favorite sites were Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Rainbow Mountain. Our tour guides were all very friendly, great, and knowledgeable. Enrique was our tour guide for the Inca Trail; he made this hike an incredible experience. We felt very taken care of on this trip and were frequently checked in on, especially by Yael. We have been on several trips now with KimKim, and Peru has been top notch as far as satisfaction goes. I would recommend this trip to any friends and family, and would feel very comfortable having them book with Alvaro and interact with the same tour guides. Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip truly memorable!

Hotel Review
Terra Andina Mansion Colonial
Cusco

We loved this hotel! The staff members were extremely friendly, personable, and helpful. The breakfast and restaurant was amazing, and it was conveniently located near the heart of Cusco.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu

Enrique was our tour guide for this portion of our trip, and he was nothing short of amazing! He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. I could not have asked for a better experience to such a memorable part of our trip!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Mar 30, 2026
My dear friend Kendall! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review. It really means a lot to us. It was a pleasure to be part of your trip to Peru. From the beginning, it was a pleasure for us to be part of your journey, helping you plan, staying in touch during the trip, and making sure everything was going well for you. We are very happy to know that you felt well taken care of during the whole journey. It is also very nice to hear your kind words about the guides. I will... Read more

My dear friend Kendall!

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review. It really means a lot to us. It was a pleasure to be part of your trip to Peru.

From the beginning, it was a pleasure for us to be part of your journey, helping you plan, staying in touch during the trip, and making sure everything was going well for you. We are very happy to know that you felt well taken care of during the whole journey.

It is also very nice to hear your kind words about the guides. I will share your feedback with them, as I know it will make them very happy. Thank you as well for your trust and for recommending us to your friends and family. It means a lot to us.

It was a pleasure to be part of your experience, and we hope to help you again with another trip in the future.

Warm regards,
Alvaro & Yael

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