Lares Treks

Orange Nation Peru is offering an outstanding and unique opportunity, a combination of off-the-beaten track experiences with different choices for The Lares Trek. We have created independent travel experiences catering to your free spirited passion for exploration. Slide into the negotiation of life and nature near the quaint town of Lares, 40 miles north of Cusco and 35 miles southeast of Machu Picchu. The trek itself lies dormant awaiting your call in the legendary Lares Valley, east of the Urubamba mountain range, which traverses part of the Sacred Valley.

The hike can be completed as a stand alone 2 or 3 day trek or in addition to compliment your thirst for adventure it can connect with the epic Machu Picchu via Ollantaytambo with an extension by 1 to 2 days.
As of 2021 permits are not required for the Lares Trek. That means with a little organization of train tickets to Aguas Calientes and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu we can have you on the trail within a day or two.

An alternative to the Inca trail, the Lares trek is arguably easier and exhaustingly quiet for those who love the intense remoteness and isolation. A less heavily trodden unfamiliar and uncertain trail trapezing over 3 high altitude passes, the highest depending on your chosen route either (4,400m/14,435ft) or (4,600m/15,092ft).

There are five common Lares trekking route itineraries to Machu Picchu, each offering an a la carte menu of regional tastes by various companies but, Orange Nation Peru’s route is the best of all of them. That is “off the beaten path,” (no crowds), the most scenic views of lakes, mountains & valleys etc, it visits the more isolated indigenous communities and best of all it ends at the Lares Hot Springs.  Recently, we have included the Pisac Ruins in the early morning when it is not crowed.

Please see all our option and combos of the Lares trek to Machu Picchu:


From: $477
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N - Orange Nation
Duration: 3D/2N
Group size: 8 Person(s)

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N

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.

From: $687
Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 4 Days - Orange Nation
Duration: 4D/3N
Group size: 8 Person(s)

Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 4 Days

The 2-Day Lares Trek + 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 4 days is great for those who want the best of both treks – this way you get the best of wild Andes Mountains and the most important Inca archeological sites.

We pass through indigenous communities and meet the locals who still live without roads connecting with the outside world. They still live as their ancestors before them, keeping their ancient culture alive. This is our own unique and very scenic route with waterfalls, llamas, alpacas and beautiful glaciers which feed the shockingly turquoise lakes. Along the hike we explore the ancient Inca religious sites on the original Inca trail just like in ancient times and get to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, where the most famous photos are taken. You get to visit Machu Picchu twice!

From: $517
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N - Orange Nation
Duration: 4D/3N
Group size: 8 Person(s)

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

The Lares trekking route is the most scenic and culturally enhancing trail you will ever experience. Our four-day trek through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu takes you to isolated villages, spectacular  snow covered mountain peaks, with striking lakes, rivers and streams snaking their way through the most tranquil and serene places in the Andes Mountains. What makes this trek the most unique and special is your encounters with indigenous communities, a truly culturally enriching experience, that can only be exclusively experienced on this amazing trail. Learn about the Inca culture from their decedents, who still maintain their ancestor’s way if life, herding llamas and alpacas, weaving and farming using ancient technics and using the star constellation to guide their planting and harvesting seasons.

Our trek also includes a complimentary detour to  The Salt Mines (Salineras) in the colonial town of Maras.  Discover an age-old tradition that has not changed much in centuries, dating back pre-Incas. This small isolated community still extracts salts the same way their ancestors did.

This trek will enhance your visual senses and take you back to a time when life was as simple as could be.

From: $697
Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days - Orange Nation
Duration: 5D/4N
Group size: 8 Person(s)

Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days

The Lares trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect for the traveler who wants the best of the wild Andes Mountains and the most magical Inca archeological sites – this way you have the best of both worlds in 5 days!

You pass through the most isolated indigenous communities keeping the Inca culture alive, living with no road routes to the outside world, like their ancestors before them. Our own unique route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. The Inca Trail portion is on the original Inca trail just like in ancient times, explore the ancient Inca religious cities along the way and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, where most of the famous photos of these ancient ruins are taken. You get to visit Machu Picchu twice!

Other destination Inca trail Treks & Tours in Cusco


We have a large variety of alternative treks and tour Packate to Machu Picchu available. This gives our passengers plenty of options to choose. We do not just focus on the standard treks or tour that everyone else offers. Our treks have different routes, campsites, and added features that no one else does. It costs a bit more to do this but our focus is to provide the best “Off the Beaten Track Trekking” experience possible. Here are some great Tours, Treks and Packages to Machu Picchu, review and explore them bellow.

Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu
Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu
Blog Orange
Blog Orange
Choquequirao Trek
Choquequirao Trek
Classic Day Tours
Classic Day Tours
Inca Trail Combos
Inca Trail Combos
Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu
Packages
Packages
Rainbow Mountain & Ausangate Treks
Rainbow Mountain & Ausangate Treks
Rainbow Mountain Treks
Rainbow Mountain Treks
Salkantay Treks
Salkantay Treks
Special Day Tours
Special Day Tours
Tours to Machu Picchu
Tours to Machu Picchu
Traveller reviews

Join thousands of satisfied customers around the world


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Christian B

10/10 Amazing experience

If you’re thinking about which agency to use, look no further- Ray and Jimmy went well above and beyond and made this a memorable, safe, fun, and professional experience.

Ray is the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had in any country for any excursion - during both the Short Inka Trail and the actual tour of Machu Picchu, Ray’s expertise shined through in his ability to give us a detailed background on every aspect of the history, climate, nature, flora, animals.. anything!

Likewise, Ray and Jimmy were truly the friendliest, kindest hosts that I could have imagined our group having.

Thank you both so much and I will definitely book with you again if (when) I come back!

Jan 2023 • Friends
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Matt A

Awesome experience!!

Did the 2 day Inca trail with Ray and Jimmy they were great and knowledgeable. Ray not only guided us along trail to Machu Picchu but also was an excellent photographer and taught us the history. It was a group of 10 and we had a great time. Even everything going on in Peru, we always felt in good hands.

Jan 2023 • Friends
Rius

Short Inca Trial (2-Day)

This tour was the perfect experience for our (group of 10) short trip to Peru. The trail was sometimes challenging, but the views and history made it all worth it. Ray and Jimmy were our guides and imparted sooo much knowledge about the history of Peru, Inca, and beyond. I would definitely recommend!

Jan 2023 • Friends
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Daniela Rabito

It was perfect! On the first day we had a great time exploring the Sacred Valley and see the main attractions and learn about the history of this beautiful place.

I would definitely recommend the short Inka trail, I think it was the best way to get to know Machu Picchu and the surrounding area. We arrived at Machu Picchu when most of the crowd was gone and it felt really special.

Abril 2023
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Brittany Skulkety

You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru

Dic 2022
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M B

Best mix of adventure, history and nature: Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4-day trekking option seemed too intense for us, but we still wanted to experience the entrance to Machu Picchu through the ancient Inka trail, so we opted for Orange Nation’s combination of Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I couldn’t be more happy about our decision.

Dic 2022
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Sakeb

We booked and paid the deposit to Orange Nation / Sam travel for the 4 day Inca Trail and Machu Pichu trip back in 2019. But we couldn't travel in 2020 and 2021 - but the company honoured our agreement and so we came back in 2022.

Dic 2022
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Brittany Nicole
icono recomment - Orange Nation recommends Orange Nation Peru

You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru. This tour had so many incredible things and places packed into 4 days.

September 16, 2022
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Ray Besos
icono recomment - Orange Nation recommends Orange Nation Peru

My girl and i did the Machu Pichu trek tour with Orange Nation. It was seriously the most amazing experience that we'll never forget. Gorgeous views! The long trek was worth the amazing view. The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. We considered other tours but chose Orange Nation because we liked the idea of smaller groups and this was definitely worth it. I will be using Orange Nation again next year when I come back to Peru!

November 29, 2018
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Juliet Julz
icono recomment - Orange Nation recommends Orange Nation Peru

Wow, what a wonderful trekking experience! My trip to Peru was amazing thanks to this awesome tour that i took with Orange Nation. I did multiple tours with this company. I'm a solo traveler and everyone in my group was always still friendly and did not make me feel left out. I loved going off the beaten track with this company. It's much better to pay extra to go off the path for the quality experience of this amazing guided tour They definitely helped guide us and gave us a quality experience with a small group and paid special attention to each one of us. I highly recommend using Orange Nation for your next tour in Peru!

November 29, 2018

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