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4 days - 3 nights
4700 M.S.N.M
8 person(s)
Group
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.
This adventure begins with an early pick up at 5:00am from your Cusco hotel, travel through the sacred valley along the Urubamba River to the town of Calca. Stop at the local market and you can purchase any last-minute needs, like fruits, nuts, water or some yummy chocolate. What makes this journey unique is the interactions you have with the indigenous Quechua speaking communities along the way. it is recommended that you may consider purchasing small gifts like toys or bread to extend some goodwill to the community. Next we visit the Cuncani community, sitting above the clouds. Stop here for the first of our wonderful breakfasts prepared by our amazing chef, all while enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls, mountain peaks, green hills and the lush valleys.
It is time to handover our duffel bags to the horsemen, hiking with only your day backpack that contains your essentials. Start the hike with a hike to the highest point for the day, Willqaqasa (4,200m/13,779ft). When you have reached the top, take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery with wispy clouds floating over the mountains. Pass a number of beautiful lakes that feature across the mountain sides. You will agree that this is a perfect spot to dig into your extensive 5-course lunch, a spread that can rival some of the restaurants in Cusco.
After lunch, the trail passes the Pacchayoc Waterfall (7 waters waterfall), a stunning natural phenomenon. Continue on a short 2-hour descent to Kiswarani. This small isolated village has access to rustic flushing toilets, not fancy, but definitely a convenience. See the lifestyle of this indigenous community and interact with the rosy-cheeked children who are always eager to play. Dine on a delightful dinner that our chef has cooked to perfection, later, settle into our spacious tent for our first night of camping under the stars.
Awake on day 2 surrounded by green lush mountains and peaks covered in snow. Your morning call is your guide serving you hot cup of tea followed by a basin of warm water to freshen up. Eat breakfast like a king, preparing your mind and body for the exciting and challenging day ahead. ¨All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast. ¨ John Gunther.
We begin by following a zigzag pattern trail to Pachacutec Pass at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft. It is a intense walk, passing small thatched stone houses, wonderful landscapes to the high pass. At the top, immerse yourself in breath taking views of the turquoise Pachacutec lake and the heart of the glazier atop mount Pitusiray. At our lunch spot, which we tuck in surrounded by the magic of the mountains. The fog that gently flows over the mountain gives an overwhelming sense of peace and calmness.
Another abundant lunch awaits, then we start a slow descent towards our second camp in the village of Cancha Cancha. When we arrive the horsemen will have camp already set up and the chef will serve afternoon tea with snacks. Here you will have the opportunity to purchase some homemade textiles. The locals make this wonderful craft from the wool of the alpacas you see grazing in the fields. Later, partake in dinner, which most consider a phenomenal tent dining experience. After dinner, around the dining table join our guide for tails of how the Inca used the constellations to guide their farming year. Up to and including today, the locals still follow this ancient farming method. Later retire into your tent for our last night of camping in the Andes.
Today is an exciting day so get ready. Walk to the village of Cancha Cancha where you can explore the village, its people and maybe play a soccer game with the kids. Later continue on a relaxing hike to end of the of the Lares Valley Trek. Along the way a small river will accompany us. From here the climate changes, becoming warmer and the trees and foliage become a bright green, with the flowers sprouting a variety of vibrant colors. Pass by many alpacas and llamas and for the first time on the trail cows and sheep. See farmers harvesting potatoes and beans that is part of Peruvian agriculture and tradition.
On arrival to Huaran, stop at the river bank for one last meal by our dedicated chef before the cooks and porters have to bid us farewell and head back to their respective highland villages. From Huaran, our private transportation takes us though the Sacred Valley to the Salineras, the Salt Mines of Maras. Spend some time, exploring these fascinating Pre- Inca Salt Mines. The local people have the mining rights and extract salt the same way as their ancestors. Another ideal spot to buy some souvenirs, with locals have stall nearby selling this pure pink salt.
Drive to Ollantaytambo town to catch the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). Stop at a carefully selected restaurant for dinner before checking into our hotel for an exciting day ahead.
This is the day you have been waiting for, after breakfast at your hotel, 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 of Machu Picchu. The guide will take you to the most important sites and explain the history of each section of the ruins. Learn about the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, the House of Inca and much more! If you booked ahead of time, you may have the opportunity to do an extra hike after your tour!
When you have finished at Machu Picchu, board the bus down to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included). There are many good restaurants in Aguas Calientes that you may choose from. We will be boarding the train which departs from Aguas Calientes at 14:55 or 15:20 to Ollantaytambo. At the exit from the train station, the driver will meet you to take you in our private transportation back to Cusco, arriving approximately 7:00pm at your hotel.
The best Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is available on any date that its best for you.
| Price without hotel | $483 USD p/p |
| 2* Hotel | $517 USD |
| 3* Hotel | $557 USD |
| 4* Hotel | $597 USD |
***Minimum 2 persons required to open up a new group – solo trekkers may join an existing group.
*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, guided tour in and we will provide you with a duffel bag.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Lares 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 Lares trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
FIRST, to book your Lares trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Lares trek Machu Picchu permit 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 Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbol 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 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.
Yes, but with some restrictions. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Lares Trekking to Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable!
Yes! 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 Trek Machu Picchu, 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 USD 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 Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train.
Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is 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.
For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.
If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.
How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.
No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.
The maximum group size is 10 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. Orange Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalized service.
During youe briefing the evening before, we give you 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 pack horses 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 50L backpack is sufficient.
The Lares trek to Machu Picchu is a 39 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,700m/15,419ft). On the second day of the trek, we climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek , you should prepare well and be reasonable healthy prior to starting it. We also recommend that you are moderately fit and exercise regularly.
In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by female 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.
There are hot showers and hot water pools to soak in and relax on the 3rd day of your trek at the Lares Hot Springs. Be sure to bring your bathing suit.
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 Lares trek to Machu Picchu.
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 $57 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 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at the hotel by 8pm. If you plan to take the bus to Puno on the same night, that is totally possible.
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 Lares trek Machu Picchu. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many ORANGE NATION 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 pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30L to 40L for hiking in the day. The rangers s will not allow you to enter Machu Picchu with a big backpack. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Please fill in our BOOKING FORM carefully with your correct personal details.
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!
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!
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.
Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!
Our group of 8 did the 3-day Inca trail tour. From the very beginning Ray demonstrated his knowledge by answering all our questions thoroughly. Trekking the Inca trail was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. I can say for certain that I would not have finished the trail, if not for Ray. I am not active at all, and hiking up and down a mountain, for 7 hours, seemed impossible. Within the first 10 minutes I was ready to be done. That sentiment was shared within most of my group.
Our tour guide Ray was excellent and very helpful. And we did the short inks trail to machupicchu thanks for the experience
Ray was absolutely amazing 😎 would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants to travel to Machu Picchu !!! Best experience of my life and off my bucket list🙏🏾
Vinimos desde Choquequirao para visitar Machu Picchu e incluso después de todos los momentos inolvidables del trekking con Jhony como nuestro guía Machu Picchu fue realmente memorable. Tener boletos para la entrada de las 6 a.m. fue fantástico, ya que nos permitió explorar con menos multitudes y presenciar la niebla que se elevaba sobre las ruinas.
Éramos un grupo de tres que decidimos realizar un recorrido de un día por el Valle Sagrado de Orange Nations, contemplando Ollyantaytambo y terminando en Cusco. La mejor decisión que tomamos fue que fuimos recibidos por nuestro increíble guía Miguel justo a tiempo, quien nos llevó a este increíble día lleno de diversión, risas y con un gran conocimiento sobre el área.
Gracias Jhony y Grober por sus recorridos entusiastas y conocedores. Definitivamente ambos guías turísticos del siguiente nivel con una compañía del siguiente nivel. Hicimos la caminata Laures y Machupichu con Sam Travels / Orange Nation y lo recomendamos encarecidamente :)
¡Los mejores guías turísticos del Perú para el sendero Machu Picchu! Nuestros guías turísticos Johny y David brindaron un servicio de la más alta calidad en mi experiencia viajando por Perú. Johnny enriqueció toda nuestra experiencia con humor, un conocimiento increíblemente detallado de la historia y cultura peruana, así como su entusiasmo y amabilidad. Durante los 2 días,
recommends Orange Nation Peru
This was my first time in Peru and I wanted to do something bigger and better than Machu Picchu. I was searching online and came across Orange Nation's "Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu" , which is three times larger than Machu Picchu. Since Peru is known for a Machu Picchu
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.
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.
recommends Orange Nation Peru
Excelente Anghely una nueva oportunidades de trabajo me siento feliz por estos logros
