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3D - 2N
4700
8
Group
ORANGE NATION is the only tour operator with its own scenic and cultural trek routes, that TREKS COMPLETELY OFF THE BEATEN PATH with the LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU.
Look forward to interacting with one of the oldest and most authentic indigenous cultures of Peru. You will come across locals from isolated villages still wearing beautiful, bright traditional outfits and speaking Quechua, an indigenous language of Peru that was the primary spoken language during the Inca Empire. Next, find yourself trekking through absolutely stunning mountain landscape. You will pass gigantic snowcapped mountain peaks and glaziers, jaw dropping turquoise and clear blue glacial lakes and on clear nights, the brightest star constellations you can find. The air you breath is clean and fresh and feels crisps against your skin. Lastly, this trek is moderately challenging. So, you get the full satisfaction of hiking through the Andes to get to Machu Picchu, without having to deal with the intensity and high physical fitness required by other trails.
Due to lack of time the 3 day Lares Trek is unable to visit the Lares Hot Springs which is possible on the 4 day Lares Trek.
An early 5:00am pick-up to start your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Trek. Pick-up will be at your hotel lobby in Cusco or later if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley. You will need to coordinate with the office with your location and pick-up time. Stop in Calca at a local market for any last minute supplies. This market is great place to get any fruits, nuts, chocolate, energy bars or gifts for the local kids you interact with along the trail. After our short stop at the market, drive to our trailhead in Huaran.
Along the river bank , meet our trekking team and settle down for the first of many scrumptious meals from our talented chef. Give your duffle bag to the horsemen who pack them onto the mules and horses to prepare for the journey ahead. You need only keep your backpack with just the essentials for the day.
The hike starts at a warm climate, that gradually gets chillier as we gain height and get closer to camp. The first section is steep, so pace yourself. The trail will eventually level out and become more of a gradual climb. The Pachachaca river gently flowing downstream will travel with us.
Pick your guide´s brain, they are well informed in all things related to Andean culture and really enjoy sharing their knowledge. On day 1, we gain over 900m/2953ft in elevation. Stop along the way for a buffet style lunch, prepared with a delectable mix of local and international ingredients. The journey leading to the farming community of Cancha Cancha has absolutely stunning scenery.
On arrival, the team greets us with a selection of snacks and hot teas. Later, we spend time in this Quechua speaking village playing with the kids or just savoring the beauty that nature has provided. The guide will be more than happy to translate and teach you some Quechua phrases if you wish to communicate. Later, head over to our dinner tent for a scrumptious and abundant 5-course dinner. To end the night, we cozy up and admire the star-studded night skies. The guide will teach us about the intricate farming methods of the ancient Incas and how they used the constellations for guidance.
Wake up to a steaming cup of tea in our tent and a basin of hot water to freshen up before breakfast. This is the most challenging, but rewarding day of the entire trek. Heading northeast for 4-hours, embark on a steep zigzag climb, to the high point of Pachacutec Pass (4,700m /15,420ft). Once at the top, delight in the absolutely stunning views that will be your reward. This pass gives you panoramic views of the valley, dazzling turquoise glacial lakes and eye-catching snow-covered mountain peaks.
After spending time at the summit, continue on a short descent to our lunch spot at the mirrored glacial lake of Quiswarani. At lunch we are surrounded by llamas and alpacas grazing lazily in the valley. Here you will have the perfect opportunity to take the Peruvian llama or alpaca picture. Llama herders are seen in beautiful colorful garments and are always eager to greet you in Quechua. Later we pass the picturesque 7 waters waterwall, we stop for a few minutes to capture and admire mother nature. After reaching Kiswany we take private transportation to Ollantaytambo. Later, board the train for a relaxing train ride to Aguas Calientes, have dinner at a restaurant and spend the night in our carefully selected hotel.
After an early breakfast, get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical place, you’ll not want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a 2-hour tour to Machu Picchu. Ask our friendly staff about the new Machu Picchu circuits.
When you have had your fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting with numerous restaurants to choose from (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You estimated arrival in Cusco is 7:00pm.
Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
***IMPORTANT:
The best 3 day Lares trek to Machu Picchu is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 people | $ 537 USD per person |
| 3 people | $ 507 USD per person |
| 4 people | $ 559 USD per person |
| 5 people | $ 537 USD per person |
| 6 people | $ 497 USD per person |
| +6 people | $ 477 USD per person |
***Price based on number of people due to the fact that this trek is not as high in demand as the 3 day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, thus it usually has a smaller group 2 to 4 persons.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7kgs. We will provide you a duffel bag you can put your things in.
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the 3 day trek to Machu Picchu!
We will pick you up from the airport in Cusco and take you to your hotel. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments).
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center
ABSOLUTELY! During the 3 day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.
FIRST, to book your Lares Hike to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Lares Hike Machu Picchu tickets without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares Trek to Inca Trail & Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbol on our booking page.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of orangenationperu@gmail.com to complete the payment.
Yes, but with some restrictions. We may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your 3 day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable!
DEFINITELY! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Lares Hike Machu Picchu permit or other entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the 3 day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, and the train.
Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! Most airlines are enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. You will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location.
The climate in Cusco has a temperature fluctuating between 14 º to 16 º C, with warm days and cold nights. The best time to do the Inca trail is between the months of April through October, when the weather is warm. During the months of June, July and August nights are very cold which is why you are advised to bring a good quality 4 season sleeping bag.
The rainy season is during the months of November through March, if you want to do the 3 day Lares trek to Machu Picchu this season has to bring warm clothes and be prepared, as the walk can be a bit more difficult, on the other hand, enjoy sight of a beautiful landscape and colorful flowers.
We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
The maximum group size is 10 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. Orange Nation Peru specialises in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalised service.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.
Our 3 day Lares trek to Machu Picchu is unique to us and an out of the way location, evening during high season we will only occasionally encounter another group.
It has been highly appreciated by all of our trekkers who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! ORANGE Nation Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean. In Cancha Cancha, we built our own flushing toilet, that stay locked when not in use.
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Orange Nation Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we wil pick you up there !
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, you we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
The upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is $67 USD per person ,which includes the transfer from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to Vistadome, all the way back to Poroy (Cusco), the trip lasts 3.5 hours, then 25 mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at the hotel by 8pm.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Orange Nation Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
4700
3D - 2N
8
Hike, Van, Train
We're a family-owned Travel Company and Tour Operator located in the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco, Peru. We create individually customized tours and treks to Peru's most iconic attractions, as well as untouched, off the beaten track locations high in the Andes Mountains.
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Excellent quality at the best price
Quiet Andean night
Unique and little explored routes
Experience the culture up close
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
The Short Inca Trail with José was a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience. In the days leading up to our trek, he was highly communicative and provided all the details we needed (packing lists, expectations, timing) so everything…
Hace 3 meses
After researching extensively, I chose a Peruvian travel company to guide our Sacred Valley adventure for my husband and I. We booked a full day beginning with Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo, lunch and Pisac.…
Hace 2 meses
We did the Lares Trek with Orange Nation/ Sam's travel and would highly recommend it. Lares has far less tourists than the inca trail (we saw about 4 groups over the two days initial hike up to the 4800m high point). The views are…
Hace 3 semanas
I had extremely high expectations and they were blown away! Our guide Rolando was an absolute legend. You can tell he is looked up to by all the other guides in the industry. He speaks multiple languages, connects deeply with each hiker,…
Hace 5 meses
Two of us did the 2 days Lares trek + 1 day Inca Trail, with a tour of Machu Picchu. We were blown away by the friendliness, knowledge, and kindness showed by both of our guides - Jorge and Carlos. We booked a group tour, but this ended up…
Hace 3 meses
Me and my friend did the 4 day Inca trail with Sam travel Peru, our tour guide was Juan Carlos, he has been doing tours to matchu pichu for over 20 years and his knowledge and expertise was amazing. I would recommend to anyone to as for him…
Hace 5 meses
We did the 2 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Our guide was Ray and Michael. It was really great - Ray was amazing and was really passionate about the place and told us loads of amazing stories. We had the perfect weather and even the packed…
Hace 3 meses
Amazing trip across 3 days with Jose! A massive thanks and shout out to our guide, he enriched the entire experience with his massive background of history of the culture and the land…
Hace 5 meses
Me and my Wife did the 5 day Inca trail with Sam Travel in April 2026. Our guide Henry and the incredible team of Porters and our Chef made the trip one of a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about this group as they went over and…
Hace 3 meses
We were short on time during our trip to Peru, so we decided to do the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Everything was very well organised. We were collected from our hotel and taken to the train, where our journey to the trail began. The first part of the hike was a bit challenging, but it was absolutely worth it. The views of the mountains and the surrounding nature were breathtaking. Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was incredible. After the tour, we were taken back by train and dropped off at our hotel. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting Peru, especially if you're short on time but still want to experience the Inca Trail. I also highly recommend our guide, Antonio. He was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable, and shared so much interesting information about Machu Picchu, its history, and the local flora throughout the trek. He also allowed us to take breaks whenever we needed them.
Written August 6, 2026
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour, and I was the only one in the group who walked up the mountain. My guide Henry stayed with me the whole way, encouraging me and taking lots of photos along the trail. A truly great experience.
Written July 31, 2026
We had an amazing time with Henry our guide on our trek to Rainbow Mountian. With an early pick we left Cusco for the long car ride to Rainbow mountain with a quick stop for breakfast. When we got there Henry helped us reserve horses (highly recommend) and we started towards the mountain. The terrain, snow capped mountains and sediment settlement are a treat to see but it is worth the 10 extra minutes to the top. Because we had the horses we were able to take a long time at the top to take in all of the beautiful wonders. Henry allowed us time to explore and gave us wonderful information about how this beautiful wonder was formed. We definitely got more than our money's worth out of this gem!
Written July 29, 2026
Carlos Estrada was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and organized! Made our trip easy.
Written July 19, 2026
I had an amazing experience touring Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu with our tour guide, Carlos Estrada. He was quite helpful and knew a lot about everything. I recommend him and this tour!
Written July 19, 2026
Had an awesome day out to Rainbow Mountain with our guide Cesar Siccos! He was full of encouragement and positive energy and we made it to the top! Thank you, Cesar!
Written July 16, 2026
Following a great 2-day Inca Trail experience with SAM Travel, I signed up for the one-day Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley trek. Once again our group was small, just 4 people. Junior was our guide - he was friendly and knowledgeable. He seamlessly adjusted to our request for an earlier start time to beat the crowds, and also managed varying group member speeds / fitness levels well. Another positive experience with SAM Travel - highly recommend booking with them, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Written July 16, 2026
Rainbow mountain hike provided for gorgeous views, bunch of alpaca. At up to 5000 meters it provided for a healthy challenge even if the profile does not look that impressive…. Our guide - Cesar Siccos - was with us the whole way and provided the necessary support to get over the challenge. Great day out.
Written July 15, 2026
My trip to the rainbow mountain with my tour guide Siccos was incredible. Siccos was very energetic and kept our spirits high. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone.
Written July 15, 2026
