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 22 hours ago

Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Peruvian delicious food, unique culture, and fascinating history are part of me! And as a good cusqueñian, I am very proud of my culture and heritage. I have lived and worked in the USA and made...

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Travel specialist Anne Godoy
active 5 mins ago

Anne Godoy

I fell in love with Peru with its landscapes, culture, food, and people! Not only for what I learned in college but because of what I had seen. So that passion and love drive me every day to...

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Travel specialist Johanna Fabian
active 2 mins ago

Johanna Fabian

I enjoy slow travel, ideally being in one country for a month where I can really get to know the local people, their way of life and of course their food! I am Peruvian-American and have traveled...

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Travel specialist Kristy Tizon
active 1 min ago

Kristy Tizon

Kristy, a Peruvian-American originally from Los Angeles but now based in Lima, Peru, has a deep passion for travel. She founded Miski Travels, a travel agency that offers customized trips to...

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Trip Reviews for Peru

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

The travel itinerary for our trip to Peru was pure magic
Peru | Mar 11 - Mar 22, 2024

Beatrix
Beatrix P.
Loveland, CO | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024
The travel itinerary for our trip to Peru was spectacular, full of so many extraordinary and special places, excursions, experiences, food, alpacas & people! Pretty much everything went off without a hitch. Our guides were all knowledgeable, organized, attentive, friendly, helpful and prompt. Very professional!
Peru is an absolutely beautiful country with amazing history and an incredible culture.
I did feel like we were a little unprepared for some things and perhaps that’s on us!...
Read more

The travel itinerary for our trip to Peru was spectacular, full of so many extraordinary and special places, excursions, experiences, food, alpacas & people! Pretty much everything went off without a hitch. Our guides were all knowledgeable, organized, attentive, friendly, helpful and prompt. Very professional!
Peru is an absolutely beautiful country with amazing history and an incredible culture.
I did feel like we were a little unprepared for some things and perhaps that’s on us! Inkaterra Resort in the rainforest is magical (excursions, lodging, staff, food) but be prepared for no AC in extremely hot & humid temps, fans and electric off mid day for several hours and from 10pm-4am each evening. No wifi. Still worth it! Also, Definitely take plenty of bug spray :)
For the 8 mile Inca trail hike into Macchu Picchu it was quite a bit more difficult than expected and we had to carry all of our things on our backs for the overnight (thankfully we had backpacks), along with enough water for the full day. We had to borrow 2 hiking sticks each from our guide as there was a great deal of climbing and descending very uneven and sometimes wet and slippery terrain. Took us about 8 hours. Totally worth it however and a must do if you can!
There were lots and lots of street peddlers in many areas, predominantly Cusco, that were pretty aggressive with their selling techniques and stray dogs and puppies in various states of well being almost everywhere we went (except for Lima). A few were almost hit by our driver! That part of things was a bit stressful.
On our last day there we were scheduled to go to Rainbow Mountain but read it was a 3 hour drive there, a difficult 4 mile round trip hike to the mountain in very high elevation, followed by a 3 hour return drive. We also heard that at the present time it was covered in snow so not visible anyway. Luckily we researched that on our own and were able to cancel it and book an easier and more laid back excursion that was much closer to Cusco for our last day. If we’d gone through all of that and been unable to see the mountain we’d have been very disappointed. We are in our 50’s with a few health issues and were a little surprised with the strenuousness of some of the activities that it wasn’t fully explained or discussed (what the excursion entailed and if we were capable of it). Other than those few things to be aware of, so you do not make the same mistakes we did - we highly recommend this trip! Extremely special indeed. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this a delightful and memorable trip for us.

Hotel Review
El Albergue Ollantaytambo Boutique Hotel
Cusco

Absolutely beautiful inside and out. Even smelled amazing! They provided us with green mandarin oranges daily and there was a wet bar available in the room. Conveniently located right by the train but that only added to the charm. Laundry service available for an incredible price, restaurant on site as well as resident pup. Staff was attentive and friendly. Breakfast included daily and incredible boxed lunches provided for our Inca Trail hike.

Authenticity & Character
Absolutely beautiful inside and out. Beautiful gardens, balconies, stunning woodwork.
Location
Convenient
Staff
Friendly, attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfy
Local specialist: Anne Godoy

🌟 A Journey of a Lifetime: Peru Adventure with Anne 🌟
Peru | Mar 7 - Mar 15, 2024

Tabitha
Tabitha A.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024
Embarking on a journey to Peru is a dream for many, but with Anne's expertise and meticulous planning, it became an unforgettable reality. From the moment we decided to explore this enchanting country to the very last day of our 9-day expedition, Anne's passion for travel and attention to detail shone brightly, ensuring every aspect of our trip was nothing short of perfection. Anne's dedication to crafting a personalized itinerary tailored to our preferences was evident from the start. She... Read more

Embarking on a journey to Peru is a dream for many, but with Anne's expertise and meticulous planning, it became an unforgettable reality. From the moment we decided to explore this enchanting country to the very last day of our 9-day expedition, Anne's passion for travel and attention to detail shone brightly, ensuring every aspect of our trip was nothing short of perfection.

Anne's dedication to crafting a personalized itinerary tailored to our preferences was evident from the start. She took the time to listen attentively to our interests, weaving together a diverse tapestry of experiences that showcased the rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders of Peru. In addition, we were celebrating my 30th birthday, and each tour guide and hotel we were paired with took the extra time to recognize this special occasion. It made me feel very special!

Our adventure began in Lima, where Anne's thoughtful selection of accommodations provided us with a luxurious haven amidst the bustling capital. Her recommendations for must-visit landmarks and hidden gems allowed us to delve into the city's vibrant history and culinary delights with ease.

As we journeyed onwards to Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, Anne paired us with an amazing local tour guide - Miguel. Miguel's expertise truly shone. Miguel led us through the cobblestone streets, sharing captivating tales of the city's storied past, We loved how connected Miguel was to his culture/history. From exploring the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu to wandering through the colorful markets of Pisac, every moment felt like a discovery guided by an expert hand.

One highlight of our trip was the breathtaking trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Anne's meticulous planning and Miguel's wonderful hospitality. Both ensured our safety and comfort throughout the journey, with comfortable accommodations, and gourmet meals that fueled our spirits as we traversed the rugged terrain.

Anne's passion for sustainable travel was evident in every aspect of our journey, from supporting local artisans to choosing eco-friendly transportation options. Her commitment to responsible tourism not only enriched our experience but also ensured that the communities we visited thrived in harmony with nature.

Throughout our 9-day odyssey, Anne's unwavering support and attention to detail surpassed all expectations. Her warmth, professionalism, and genuine love for Peru left an indelible mark on our hearts, turning a mere vacation into a transformative adventure of a lifetime.

In summary, Anne's expertise as a travel planner is unparalleled. If you're seeking an extraordinary journey filled with authenticity, adventure, and unforgettable memories, look no further than Anne to guide you on your next Peruvian escapade.

Hotel Reviews
Iberostar Selection Miraflores
Lima

Very friendly staff, great food/drink menu, and amazing beds/pillows!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel
Cusco

This hotel is an old colonial house. From the second you walk in you can feel/see history. The location is perfect you are streets away from the main city square of Cusco- mins from shops, restaurants, and bars. The staff at this hotel are very attentive - bringing in fresh tea and treats along with or bags when checked in. I would love to stay here again!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Urubamba

This hotel makes you feel like you are a queen tucked away by the beautiful landscape. The view is breathtaking. In addition, the staff went out of their way to set up meals we ordered for room service, called 1.5 later to clean it up, and offered breakfast packs for us to take for our 6am journey to Machu Picchu without an extra charge. Amazing staff and management!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Machu Picchu Excursion: from Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Machu Picchu Excursion: from Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Peru

Miguel was an amazing tour guide and we feel lucky to have been paired with him. He was friendly kind, and warm. It was great having him to walk us through Macchu Pichu because he was a fountain of knowledge about the site itself and Peruvian history. We admired how connected he was to his culture. I couldn’t say enough good things about him, his knowledge, and his hospitality. 1000% would recommend him!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Anne Godoy
Anne
Anne Godoy
Local specialist in Lima | Replied on Mar 22, 2024
Dear Tabitha, It has been an absolute pleasure to read this detailed review. We worked very hard with each local partner to make sure this was the best birthday trip ever, and it's great to know that you felt special everywhere. I thought about Miguel once you decided to travel with us, he is indeed a really nice guide and I knew you were going to be a good match, I shared with him this and he was so happy. I hope you also like the small present we leave in Lima for you, and that you can... Read more

Dear Tabitha,

It has been an absolute pleasure to read this detailed review. We worked very hard with each local partner to make sure this was the best birthday trip ever, and it's great to know that you felt special everywhere. I thought about Miguel once you decided to travel with us, he is indeed a really nice guide and I knew you were going to be a good match, I shared with him this and he was so happy.

I hope you also like the small present we leave in Lima for you, and that you can cheers back home about the great memories you created in Peru.

We wish you the best in your future journeys, wether you decide to come to Peru again or travel with Kimkim around the world!

Un abrazo desde Lima, Perú!
Anne

The trip was absolutely amazing.
Peru | Jan 18 - Jan 25, 2024

M
Meravsegev S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 02, 2024
The trip was absolutely amazing. Kristy is a true professional and helped to customize the trip to accommodate all our family requests. Sonia, our private tour guide was phenomenal, very knowledgeable and adjusted our tours as needed. Kristy checked on us throughout the 9 days trip. Her restaurant recommendations were very helpful and very good! Highly recommended to use her services . Read more

The trip was absolutely amazing. Kristy is a true professional and helped to customize the trip to accommodate all our family requests. Sonia, our private tour guide was phenomenal, very knowledgeable and adjusted our tours as needed.

Kristy checked on us throughout the 9 days trip. Her restaurant recommendations were very helpful and very good!

Highly recommended to use her services .

Hotel Reviews
Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Urubamba
Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
AC Hotel by Marriott Lima Miraflores
Lima
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palacio del Inka Cusco
Cusco
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Kristy Tizon
Kristy
Kristy Tizon
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Mar 05, 2024

Hi Merav,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! I am happy I was able to help with your trip and that you had a wonderful time. I hope to stay in touch for any future travels to South America!

Take care!

Kristy