Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days | TreXperience
Hikers walking through the Lares Valley with mountain waterfalls in the background | TreXperience

Experience the Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days, a private cultural trek through remote Andean villages, high mountain landscapes, llamas, alpacas, hot springs, and living traditions. This journey is perfect for travelers who want more than a hike: a deeper connection with local people, ancient customs, and the quiet beauty of the Andes.

Walk with expert local guides, relax in luxury glamping camps, enjoy fresh Peruvian meals prepared by our chefs, take part in a Pachamama ceremony with an Andean shaman, and finish with a guided visit to Machu Picchu.

DurationDuration 4 Days / 3 Nights
ActivitiesActivities Trekking, Culture, Adventure
DifficultyDifficulty Moderate
AccommodationAccommodation Luxury Glamping
Tour LanguageTour Language English, Spanish
Hiking DistanceHiking Distance 45 km / 28 mi
DestinationsDestinations Lares, Machu Picchu
Starts/EndsStarts/Ends Cusco / Cusco

Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

The Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days is a private cultural trek through one of the most authentic regions of the Cusco Andes. Walk beyond the busy trails into quiet valleys, highland villages, glacial lakes, traditional farms, and Quechua communities where Andean culture is still part of everyday life.

Begin with the warm Lares hot springs, then hike through Kiswarani, Blue Lake, Condor Pass, Cancha Cancha, and the Sacred Valley before taking the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Along the way, see llamas, alpacas, stone houses, traditional textiles, mountain views, and local families deeply connected to the land.

This luxury version adds comfort without losing the spirit of adventure. After each hiking day, your camp is ready with spacious walk-in glamping tents, queen or twin luxury camping cots, warm blankets, pillows, hot showers, towels, private toilets, massage service, tables, chairs, and premium camp details. Your trekking chefs prepare fresh meals with local ingredients while your team handles every detail.

One of the most powerful moments is the Andean spiritual experience at Condor Pass, where you take part in a Pachamama ceremony and coca leaf reading led by an Andean shaman, honoring the mountains, the earth, and the ancient beliefs still alive in the high Andes.

Tour Highlights

  • Private luxury Lares Trek: Remote villages, lakes, valleys, and high mountain passes with private service.
  • Luxury glamping camps: Walk-in tents, queen or twin luxury cots, warm blankets, pillows, hot showers, towels, and private toilets.
  • Pachamama ceremony: Andean ceremony and coca leaf reading led by a local Andean shaman.
  • Living Andean culture: Visit Kiswarani and Cancha Cancha, meet local families, and learn about traditional highland life.
  • Llamas and alpacas: Walk through grazing areas where these animals are part of daily life and the local economy.
  • Chef-prepared meals: Fresh Peruvian meals, snacks, tea time, and special culinary moments prepared by our trekking chefs.
  • Pachamanca experience: Traditional underground hot-stone meal in the Sacred Valley with fresh local ingredients.
  • Machu Picchu private tour: Explore the citadel with your expert guide and the best available official circuit.
  • Vistadome Observatory Train: Return with panoramic windows, an open-air observatory carriage, onboard cultural moments, snacks, drinks, and beautiful views of the Sacred Valley.

Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu at a Glance

Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Kiswarani – Blue Lake

Private pickup from Cusco, visit the local market in Calca, relax at the Lares hot springs, enjoy breakfast, and hike through Kiswarani to Blue Lake, where your luxury glamping camp awaits.

Day 2: Blue Lake – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Village

Hike to Condor Pass, the highest point of the trek, enjoy mountain views, take part in a Pachamama ceremony and coca leaf reading, then descend to Cancha Cancha for your second luxury camp.

Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo

Visit a local family, learn about Andean life, descend to the Sacred Valley, enjoy a special Pachamanca lunch, and travel by train to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night near Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Vistadome Observatory Train – Cusco

Explore Machu Picchu with your private guide, enjoy lunch near the citadel, return on the Vistadome Observatory Train with panoramic windows, an open-air observatory carriage, onboard cultural moments, snacks, drinks, and beautiful views, then continue by private vehicle to Cusco.


Included

  • Pre-departure briefing at your hotel.
  • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
  • Private transportation to the Lares area.
  • Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
  • Return on the Vistadome Observatory Train with panoramic windows, an open-air observatory carriage, onboard cultural moments, snacks, drinks, and beautiful views.
  • Professional private tour guide.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket, best available official circuit at booking.
  • Entrance ticket to Lares Hot Springs.
  • Expert trekking chefs, muleteers, and support team.
  • Massage service during the camping nights.
  • Andean shaman ceremony and coca leaf reading.
  • Spacious walk-in glamping tents.
  • Queen or twin luxury camping cots, warm blankets, pillows, and camp comfort details.
  • Hot showers, private toilet tents, and towels.
  • Tables, chairs, dining tent, and premium camp setup.
  • Duffel bag for up to 10 kg / 22 lb of personal gear, carried by horses.
  • All meals during the trek with fresh local ingredients.
  • Pachamanca lunch experience in the Sacred Valley.
  • 1 night in a handpicked hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • Lunch near Machu Picchu after the guided visit.
  • First-aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phone.

Not Included

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets.
  • Travel insurance, strongly recommended.
  • Personal expenses and drinks not specifically listed.
  • Tips, optional.

Optional Hikes After Machu Picchu

You can choose only one optional mountain hike. These hikes require advance booking and depend on Machu Picchu ticket availability, entry time, circuit type, and your return train schedule. Learn more in our Machu Picchu tickets and circuits guide.


Why Book with TreXperience?

  • 100% Peruvian local operator: Travel with a Cusco-based team that deeply knows the route, communities, and logistics.
  • Cultural luxury experience: Lares is about people, traditions, landscapes, and real Andean life.
  • Expert local guides: Learn the stories, culture, language, and meaning behind the villages and mountains.
  • High-quality camp comfort: Spacious glamping tents, luxury camping cots, hot showers, private toilets, towels, massages, and cozy dining.
  • Fresh Peruvian cuisine: Meals prepared by trekking chefs with local ingredients and care.
  • Responsible travel: Respectful visits to local communities, fair treatment of muleteers and support staff, and sustainable practices.
  • Looking for a more physical mountain route? See our Luxury Salkantay Trek 4 Days.

Full Itinerary of the Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Kiswarani Village – Blue Lake

Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 a.m.. We can also pick you up from hotels, Airbnbs, or private addresses in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. From Cusco, travel by private vehicle toward the Sacred Valley and stop in Calca, where you can visit the local market and buy simple goods such as coca leaves, bread, rice, or sugar to share respectfully with families along the route.

Continue toward the district of Lares, known for its traditional villages, high mountain landscapes, and natural hot springs. Before the hike begins, enjoy time to relax in the warm thermal waters, a beautiful way to prepare your body for the trek and begin the journey in comfort.

Breakfast is served near the hot springs, then we drive to Punta Carretera at 3,300 m / 10,826 ft, the starting point of the trek. The first part is a gentle hike toward Kiswarani, a traditional Andean village surrounded by farmland, mountains, and quiet rural life.

Our trekking chef prepares a fresh lunch with local ingredients. After lunch, continue hiking toward Blue Lake, passing potato fields, small fish farms, and grazing areas where llamas and alpacas are part of daily life and the local economy.

When you arrive at camp, your luxury setup will be ready: spacious walk-in glamping tents, queen or twin luxury camping cots, warm blankets, pillows, hot showers, towels, private toilets, massage service, tables, chairs, and a cozy dining area. Enjoy tea time, dinner, and a peaceful night under the Andean sky.

  • Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.21 mi.
  • Campsite altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea time.
  • Accommodation: Luxury glamping camp.
  • Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 2: Blue Lake – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Village

Wake up with freshly brewed coffee or coca tea brought to your tent. After breakfast with views of the lake and mountains, begin the most important hiking day of the Lares Trek.

The trail climbs steadily toward Condor Pass, the highest point of the route at approximately 4,700 m / 15,354 ft. Along the way, enjoy views of lakes, highland birds, llamas, alpacas, and wide-open Andean landscapes. Your private guide will set a steady pace and give you time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

At the top of the pass, you will take part in one of the most meaningful moments of the journey: a Pachamama ceremony and coca leaf reading led by an Andean shaman. This ceremony honors the earth, the mountains, and the ancient spiritual traditions that are still alive in the high Andes.

After the ceremony, descend toward Acopata, where your trekking chef will be waiting with a freshly prepared lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Cancha Cancha, a remote highland village where daily life remains deeply connected to the land, animals, and ancestral traditions.

At camp, enjoy hot showers, towels, massage service, hot drinks, a private toilet tent, and a warm dinner in the dining tent. This is one of the most authentic nights of the trek, surrounded by mountains, silence, and local culture.

  • Hiking distance: 16 km / 9.94 mi.
  • Highest altitude: 4,700 m / 15,354 ft.
  • Campsite altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea time.
  • Accommodation: Luxury glamping camp.
  • Difficulty: Challenging, mainly because of altitude.

Day 3: Cancha Cancha Village – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo

After breakfast, visit a local family in Cancha Cancha and learn about daily life in the high Andes. You may see traditional homes, farming tools, weaving practices, local animals, and the simple routines that keep this culture alive.

Then begin the descent toward the Sacred Valley. The landscape changes as you leave the high mountains and walk into warmer valleys, passing small farms, streams, and traditional paths used by local families.

In the Sacred Valley, your chef will prepare a special Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian underground hot-stone meal made with fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and local products. This is more than lunch; it is a cultural and culinary experience where you can learn how food, earth, and community come together in the Andes.

After lunch, travel by private vehicle to Ollantaytambo and board the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Upon arrival, check in to your handpicked hotel and rest for your Machu Picchu visit the next morning.

  • Hiking distance: Approximately 9 km / 5.6 mi.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Pachamanca lunch, and dinner.
  • Transportation: Private vehicle and train to Aguas Calientes.
  • Accommodation: Handpicked hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Difficulty: Moderate, mostly downhill.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Vistadome Observatory Train – Private Transfer to Cusco

After breakfast at your hotel, take one of the early buses up to Machu Picchu. At the entrance, you must show your original passport and official entry ticket.

Your private guide will lead you through the most important areas allowed by your assigned circuit. You will learn about the terraces, temples, royal areas, water channels, sacred spaces, and the history that makes Machu Picchu one of the most powerful places in the Andes.

We request the best available official circuit for your travel date. If you requested Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, the hike can only be done if the ticket, entry time, circuit type, and final train schedule allow it.

After the guided tour, enjoy lunch near Machu Picchu. Later, return by bus to Aguas Calientes and board the Vistadome Observatory Train to Ollantaytambo. On board, enjoy panoramic windows, an open-air observatory carriage, onboard cultural moments, snacks, drinks, and beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. From there, our private vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

  • Machu Picchu guided tour: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
  • Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch near Machu Picchu.
  • Return: Vistadome Observatory Train and private transfer to Cusco.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with stairs and uneven stone paths.

Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days Price

This is a private luxury Lares Trek experience with premium glamping camps, expert local guides, professional trekking chefs, muleteer support, cultural ceremonies, Machu Picchu ticket, handpicked hotel in Aguas Calientes, exclusive Vistadome Observatory Train return, and private logistics from Cusco.

Prices are in USD and based on your group size.

Number of TrekkersPrice per Person
1US$ 3800
2US$ 2600
3US$ 2200
4US$ 2000
5US$ 1900
6US$ 1800
7US$ 1700
8+US$ 1650

Booking and Payment

  • Deposit: US$400 per person to secure your spot. The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to verify alternative payment options.
  • For each traveler, we require the full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
  • Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, or other dietary restrictions.

Student and Child Discount

  • US$30 off per person

This discount applies to travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the ID must include:

  • Student name, photo, and university name.
  • A valid expiration date. Expired IDs will not be accepted.
  • ISIC cards are not accepted.

The child discount is applied automatically. Students must send a copy of their university ID when booking; if the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.

Luxury Lares Trek Packing List

During the Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, you will be in remote highland areas, so it is important to pack smart. TreXperience provides a duffel bag for up to 10 kg / 22 lb of your personal belongings, which will be carried by horses during the trek.

You only need to carry a small, comfortable daypack with your daily essentials. Your main luggage can stay safely at your hotel in Cusco or in TreXperience storage.

Essentials

These items are important for your Lares Trek and should be easy to access during the journey.

Original passport
Original passport
Plastic Rain Coat
Plastic Rain Coat
Peruvian soles cash
Peruvian soles cash
Good-quality daypack
Good-quality daypack
Water bottle
Water bottle
Power bank
Power bank
Lip balm
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes and tissues
Wet wipes and tissues

What to Wear?

The Lares Trek moves through different altitudes and temperatures. Dress in layers so you can adjust easily from cold mornings and high passes to warmer valleys and sunny afternoons.

High-top hiking boots
High-top hiking boots
Hiking crew sock
Hiking crew sock
Comfortable underwear
Comfortable underwear
Thermal base layers
Thermal base layers
Moisture-wicking shirts
Moisture-wicking shirts
Quick-dry hiking pants/trousers
Quick-dry hiking pants/trousers
Fleece
Fleece

What to Put in the Daypack?

Your daypack should stay light and practical. Carry only what you need while hiking: water, rain jacket, warm layer, sunscreen, snacks, camera, passport, personal medication, and small personal items.

Waterproof and windproof jacket
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Sun hat or cap with neck cover
Sun hat or cap with neck cover
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Beanie or chullo
Beanie or chullo
Gloves
Gloves
Buff or bandana
Buff or bandana
Headlamp
Headlamp
Insect repellent
Insect repellent
Camera + extra batteries
Camera + extra batteries
Snacks
Snacks
Trekking poles
Trekking poles
Swimming wear
Swimming wear
Personal Medication
Personal Medication

What to Put in the Duffel Bag?

During the safety briefing, we will provide a duffel bag with a 10 kg / 22 lb weight limit. This bag will go directly to each campsite with the horses and muleteers, so pack the items you will need in the evenings and mornings.

Hiking sandals
Hiking sandals
Sport pants
Sport pants
Warm down jacket
Warm down jacket
Long-sleeve T-shirts
Long-sleeve T-shirts
Toiletries
Toiletries

What We Provide

TreXperience provides the key trekking and luxury camp equipment needed for this route, including glamping-style camp support and safety equipment.

Air mattress
Air mattress
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Trekking poles
Duffel Bag 10kg / 22lb
Duffel Bag 10kg / 22lb
Plastic Rain Coat
Plastic Rain Coat

Smart Packing Tips

  • Bring your original passport. It is required for train boarding and Machu Picchu entry.
  • Pack warm layers for the high camps and Condor Pass.
  • Use comfortable hiking shoes with good grip.
  • Bring rain protection, even in the dry season.
  • Carry personal medication, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent in your daypack.
  • Keep small cash in Peruvian soles for personal purchases or optional community support.

For Machu Picchu preparation, you can also review our Machu Picchu packing list.

Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days Travel Information

The Luxury Lares Trek is a cultural high-Andes trek that combines remote communities, glacial lakes, llamas, alpacas, hot springs, luxury glamping, Andean ceremonies, Machu Picchu, and a premium Vistadome Observatory Train return. Below you will find practical information to help you prepare for this journey.

Arriving in Cusco before the trek

We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the Luxury Lares Trek. Cusco is located at high altitude, and having time to rest, drink water, eat light meals, and adjust slowly will make the trek more enjoyable.

Most travelers stay in the historic center of Cusco before the tour. If you want help planning your time in the city, read our Cusco travel guide.

What makes the Lares Trek different?

The Lares Trek is one of the most authentic cultural routes to Machu Picchu. It is less crowded than the Inca Trail and focuses more on local communities, traditional weaving, highland farming, llamas, alpacas, mountain lakes, and daily life in the Andes.

It is ideal for travelers who want a meaningful connection with people and culture, not only a physical challenge.

Lares Trek compared with the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is famous for its ancient stone paths and archaeological sites that lead directly to Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek is different: it is more cultural, more remote, and more connected to living Andean communities.

If your main goal is to hike original Inca paths and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, consider our Luxury Classic Inca Trail 4 Days. If your priority is culture, villages, llamas, alpacas, and highland life, Lares is a better fit.

Lares Trek compared with Salkantay

The Salkantay Trek is more focused on dramatic mountain scenery, glacier views, Humantay Lake, and changing ecosystems. The Lares Trek is more focused on culture, people, villages, weaving traditions, and peaceful highland landscapes.

If you want a more physical mountain trek with bigger glacier scenery, see our Luxury Salkantay Trek 4 Days. If you want a quieter cultural experience, Lares is one of the best choices.

Lares Hot Springs

The Lares Hot Springs are a relaxing way to begin the trek. Many travelers enjoy soaking in the warm thermal pools before hiking, especially after the drive from Cusco and before entering the high mountain route.

The hot springs help set a calm, comfortable tone for the journey. Bring a swimsuit, sandals, and a small towel or use the towel provided according to the final packing plan.

Llamas and alpacas on the Lares Trek

Llamas and alpacas are part of daily life in the Lares region. You will often see them near Kiswarani, Blue Lake, Condor Pass, Cancha Cancha, and grazing areas along the route.

These animals are important for local families because they provide fiber, support traditional textiles, and are deeply connected to highland culture and identity.

Pachamama ceremony and coca leaf reading

At Condor Pass, you will take part in a Pachamama ceremony and coca leaf reading led by an Andean shaman. This is a respectful cultural moment that honors the earth, the mountains, and the spiritual traditions still present in the Andes.

The ceremony is not a performance; it is a meaningful way to understand how many Andean communities see nature, gratitude, balance, and connection with the land.

Luxury glamping camps

The luxury camps are designed to make the trek more comfortable without losing the mountain experience. Camps include spacious walk-in tents, queen or twin luxury camping cots, warm blankets, pillows, hot showers, towels, private toilets, massage service, tables, chairs, and dining areas.

After each hiking day, you can shower, rest, enjoy a massage, have warm drinks, and eat a fresh dinner prepared by your trekking chef.

Altitude and acclimatization

The Lares Trek reaches high altitude, with Condor Pass at around 4,700 m / 15,354 ft. This makes acclimatization important, even if you are physically active.

Arrive in Cusco early, drink water, eat light meals, walk slowly, and tell your guide if you feel unwell. For general medical guidance, review the CDC’s high-altitude travel advice.

Machu Picchu tickets and circuits

Your Machu Picchu ticket is included, subject to official availability. Machu Picchu visits are organized by official circuits and time slots, and your guide will follow the route assigned to your ticket.

We request the best available route for your date. For more details, read our Machu Picchu tickets and circuits guide or review the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.

Adding Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain can be requested as optional add-ons, but they are not guaranteed. They require special tickets, fixed entry times, and a schedule that works with your guided tour and return train.

If one of these hikes is important to you, contact us before booking so we can review availability and the best itinerary option. You can also read more about Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.

Vistadome Observatory Train return

On Day 4, after Machu Picchu, you return on the Vistadome Observatory Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This premium train experience includes panoramic windows, an open-air observatory carriage, onboard cultural moments, snacks, drinks, and beautiful views of the Sacred Valley.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your private transfer will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, making the final part of the journey smooth, comfortable, and exclusive.

Weather and best season

Weather in Lares can change quickly. You may experience cold mornings, strong sun, wind, rain, and cold nights in the same trek. Layers and rain protection are essential.

The dry season from April to October usually offers clearer conditions, while the green season from November to March brings more rain and greener landscapes. For Machu Picchu planning, read our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.

Responsible travel in Lares communities

The Lares Trek passes through real communities, not staged villages. Please ask before taking photos, respect local homes, follow your guide’s advice, and support local families in a thoughtful way.

TreXperience works with local teams, muleteers, cooks, guides, and families with respect, fair treatment, and responsible tourism practices.

Machu Picchu as a protected site

Machu Picchu is both a cultural and natural protected area. Your guide will help you follow the official route, respect the site rules, and visit responsibly.

You can learn more from the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu protected area and the UNESCO World Heritage page.

Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days FAQs

What is the Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

The Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a private 4-day cultural trek through remote Andean villages, lakes, high mountain passes, hot springs, and local communities, ending with a guided visit to Machu Picchu and a premium return on the Vistadome Observatory Train.

Is this tour private?

Yes. This luxury version is designed as a private experience with a private guide, private transportation, dedicated trekking team, luxury camp setup, and personalized service throughout the journey.

Who is this trek best for?

This trek is best for travelers who want culture, scenery, and comfort. It is ideal if you want to meet local families, see llamas and alpacas, learn about Andean traditions, and avoid the busiest trekking routes.

How difficult is the Luxury Lares Trek?

The trek is moderate to challenging, mainly because of altitude. The highest point is Condor Pass at around 4,700 m / 15,354 ft. You do not need to be an expert hiker, but you should be comfortable walking several hours per day.

How is Lares different from the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is focused on ancient stone paths and archaeological sites leading directly to Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek is more cultural, remote, and connected to living Andean communities. If you want the classic archaeological route, see our Luxury Classic Inca Trail 4 Days.

How is Lares different from Salkantay?

Salkantay is more focused on glacier views, dramatic mountains, and changing ecosystems. Lares is more focused on culture, local families, llamas, alpacas, traditional villages, and peaceful highland landscapes. For a more dramatic mountain route, see our Luxury Salkantay Trek 4 Days.

Are the Lares hot springs included?

Yes. The tour includes time at the Lares Hot Springs on Day 1. This is a relaxing way to begin the trek and enjoy the warm thermal pools before hiking into the mountains.

Will we see llamas and alpacas?

Yes, llamas and alpacas are commonly seen along the Lares route, especially near Kiswarani, Blue Lake, Condor Pass, and Cancha Cancha. They are part of daily life and local traditions in the high Andes.

What is the Pachamama ceremony?

The Pachamama ceremony is an Andean offering to the earth and mountains. On this tour, it is led by an Andean shaman at Condor Pass and includes a coca leaf reading, giving you a deeper understanding of local spiritual traditions.

What kind of camping is included?

The tour includes luxury glamping-style camps with spacious walk-in tents, queen or twin luxury camping cots, warm blankets, pillows, hot showers, towels, private toilets, massage service, tables, chairs, and premium camp details.

What meals are included?

Meals during the trek are included and prepared by professional trekking chefs using fresh local ingredients. The tour also includes a traditional Pachamanca experience in the Sacred Valley and lunch near Machu Picchu after the guided tour.

Do I need a permit for the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek itself does not require the same type of limited permit as the Inca Trail, but Machu Picchu tickets and train schedules are limited and must be secured in advance. Learn more in our Machu Picchu tickets guide.

Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?

We request the best available circuit for your travel date. The final route depends on official availability and regulations. Your guide will follow the route assigned to your ticket and help you enjoy the best possible visit.

You can review the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes before traveling.

Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, if tickets are available and the schedule allows it. You can only choose one optional mountain hike. These tickets must be booked in advance and depend on your Machu Picchu entry time, assigned circuit, and return train schedule.

Read more about Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.

What train is included for the return?

The return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is on the Vistadome Observatory Train. This premium experience includes panoramic windows, an open-air observatory carriage, onboard cultural moments, snacks, drinks, and beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. From Ollantaytambo, a private transfer takes you back to Cusco.

What should I pack?

Pack warm layers, rain gear, hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, personal medication, and a daypack. Your duffel bag is carried by horses during the trek. For Machu Picchu preparation, review our Machu Picchu packing list.