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:
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. You will pass through the most isolated, indigenous communities which are keeping the Inca culture alive, and get the privilege to interact with them. Our own unique route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic ice glaciers, shockingly blue lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. We are the only tour operator that includes the PISAC INCA RUINS on top of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. 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.
This Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain tour package visits the most interesting sites in the Sacred Valley with all of its ancient treasures and Inca ruins, plus a Tour of Machu Picchu followed by a visit to the Rainbow Mountain! The Sacred Valley is very large and stretches for miles with many small indigenous towns, secluded weaving villages, outdoor handicraft markets and ancient Inca Ruins including Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Urubamba. Visiting the Salt Mines with thousands of ponds carved into the mountainside (amazing sight) and the Terraces of Moray, which are built in the form of an amphitheater and have different temperatures at each level to grow different crops. They were watered through a complex irrigation system and allowed the cultivation of the Incas to grow over 250 types of vegetables. We will explore interesting and incredible ruins and the world famous Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, which lies at the feet of the Huayna Picchu Mountain. Next, we will enjoy the radiant colors of the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain, hiking through some secluded communities, in which you may interact with the indigenous people who are still holding onto their traditional culture. You will find yourself surrounded by snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and blue lakes, all set within a breathtaking colorful mountain range. The Rainbow Mountain trek has different types of wildlife such as condors and Cara Cara falcons. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area are probably the most unique and coolest thing you will ever see!
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!
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!
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.
Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success
Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.
With ten years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.
The food is one of the most important things on the trek, we bring balance, and nutritive food along the trail, most of our meals are buffet with.
Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.
When renting a camping tent or renting a backpack from Orange Nation, you are renting camping gear and backpacking.
