The Lares Trek is one of the most sought-after adventures near Cusco, an itinerary that will not only take you through the most scenic landscapes of the Andes but will also show you the culture of the many communities that inhabit these lands.
On this 8-day experience, you’ll be surrounded by nothing but towering mountains and the everlasting Andean energy, guarded by the Apus and blessed with the fascinating setting of the region, to later explore the Machu Picchu citadel. Find out more below!
Our team will be waiting at the Cusco airport to take you to the hotel. We recommend drinking the famous Coca tea, known for helping with any altitude sickness symptoms.
After checking in at the hotel, our team will inform you about the city’s sights with a map, while also indicating restaurants, exchange offices, shops and more.
Important Note: Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level. Therefore, we highly recommend you take a few hours to get used to the altitude before exploring the beautiful Historic Center of Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel.
From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Enjoy the different sightings within the historic center of Cusco with our local guide. (Exclusive tour available for Viagens Machu Picchu passengers only).
In the afternoon, we’ll start the Archaeological City Tour with a visit to the different attractions within the city and its surroundings, like Sacsayhuaman, the Qoricancha Temple, Q’enqo, and more.
Optional Visit: The Qosqo Center of Native Arts have daily presentations of typical Andean music and dances from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We recommend you arrive 45 minutes in advance. Tickets are already included in the package.
Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel.
On this day, we’ll depart in the morning for the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour. We will make our first stop to visit the Awanacancha Traditional Textile Museum, just after enjoying the magnificent view of the Sacred Valley.
Following the itinerary, we’ll continue to visit Pisac, a small town recognized for its authentic cultural expression and the outstanding Pisac Archeological site. Later, we’ll have lunch in Urubamba, located right at the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Finishing the tour, we’ll get to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll get to visit one of the oldest villages within the valley and its towering archeological site. Finishing our day of adventures, we’ll head back to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
The adventure will start early in the morning, our team will pick you up from the hotel between 5:30 a.m. and 06:00 a.m. bound for the community of Lares. We’ll cross the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking a detour through the town of Calca, where you can visit the local market and buy some snacks or other supplies you may need.
Upon arrival in Lares, our guide will take us to the hot springs, a relaxing spot surrounded by towering mountains, where you can enjoy a hot bath with healing properties, while our cooks prepare a delicious Andean lunch.
Afterwards, we’ll continue to the village of Pascana by car. There we’ll meet the porters and muleteers that will carry our equipment during the trip. Later, we’ll start a 3-hour trek towards Huacawasi. This will be an uphill trail that will prepare us for the most challenging days along the route.
Once at the campsite, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know this little town and its Andean culture in depth. The campsite will be already set up when we arrive, so we’ll just have to rest and enjoy the dinner.
Overnight at Huacawasi campsite.
Breakfast at the campsite.
After an energizing and warm breakfast, we’ll start the most challenging day of the hike. On this occasion, the trail will take us to 4,450 meters above sea level, right at the summit of the Ipsay Mountain.
Continuing with our walk, we will have wonderful views of lakes, snow-capped peaks like Pitusiray, Sawasiray and Chicon, also known as Apus by the Andean people. Afterwards, we will descend to Patacancha which is at 3,800 m.a.s.l. where we will have a delicious dinner.
Overnight at Patacancha campsite.
Breakfast at the campsite.
On this day, we’ll have a lighter trek towards the town of Ollantaytambo, it will take us about 5 hours to get there. Once we arrive, we’ll be able to explore the town and get to know everything about its cultural expression, as well as visiting the Ollantaytambo Archeological Site.
You will also have the opportunity of visiting the artisan market, buy some souvenirs and any other supplies you may need. After that, we’ll head to the train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, a beautiful town located at the foothills of Machu Picchu, surrounded by a flourishing nature and dream-like scenery.
Our team will be waiting for your arrival to take you to the hotel and explain the schedule for the next day’s adventure in Machu Picchu.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
The wait is finally over, now it’s time to live the dream! Our team will take you from the hotel to board the bus up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu’s main entrance.
Our professional guide will provide all the details about this wonder of the world, including the mysteries and fascinating facts of the Inca culture. After our time in Machu Picchu, we’ll go back to Aguas Calientes to return to the city of Cusco by train.
Overnight in Cusco.
Now, if you’d like to spice up your experience in Machu Picchu, please check these additional services:
♦ Exclusive lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, located just in front of the entrance to Machu Picchu.
♦ Return on the Vistadome train, a panoramic train with first class seats.
♦ Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain. The most in-demand additional hike within Machu Picchu. This mountain offers an outstanding view of the citadel and great picture opportunities.
For further information, please contact our sales team.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Our team will be waiting for you at the hotel to take you to the airport 2 hours before your flight departure. This will be the last of our services.
Quick Tip: If your flight from Cusco to Lima departs in the afternoon, we encourage you to visit some of the museums within the historic center: The Contemporary Art Museum, the Regional Museum, the Coricancha Museum, and the Popular Art Museum. Don’t worry about the entrance fees, they are all included in your Cusco Tourist Ticket!
Check-In & Check-Out Times:
- Cusco: Check-in time at 10:00 a.m. | Check-out time at 9:00 a.m.
- Aguas Calientes: Check in time at 9:00 a.m. | Check out time at 10:00 a.m.
Hotel with breakfast
• 01 night at the hotel in Aguas Calientes
• 04 nights at the hotel in Cusco
Tours and Excursions
• Walking Tour in Cusco | Free of Charge
• Archaeological City Tour in Cusco | Regular Service
• Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour + buffet lunch | Regular Service
• Guided Tours in Machu Picchu | Regular Service
• Specialized equipment for the trekking
• Transfer from Hotel in Cusco > Lares
• Transport from Lares > Pascana
• 02 breakfasts 03 lunches and 02 dinners on the trail
• Optional: vegetarian food with no extra charge
• Camping with tents, porters, cook, tables and chairs
• Assistance with first aid kit with oxygen balloon
• Tourist train | Ollantaytambo > Aguas Calientes
• Tourist bus | Aguas Calientes > Machu Picchu > Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
• Tourist Train | Machu Picchu > Ollantaytambo or Cusco
• Tickets to all archaeological complexes to visit
Transfers all in private
• Transfer Airport > Hotel in Cusco
• Transfer Cusco or Ollantaytambo Station > Hotel in Cusco
• Transfer Cusco Hotel > Airport
Benefits of Viagens Machu Picchu
• 24 hour assistance in Spanish and English.
• Professional team on all tours and walks.
• Excursions in Spanish and English.
• Personalized concierge and assistance.
What's Not Included
• Travel insurance
• Extra charger in case you need it
• Breakfast on the first day
• Dinner on the third day
• International and domestic airline tickets
• Food and beverages not mentioned above
• Extra expenses: tip, laundry, phone calls and others not mentioned in the itinerary
| Hotels | Categories | Validity | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cusco:
-Rojas Inn, San Francisco Plaza, El Andariego,
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-Flower House, Ferré Boulevard Machu Picchu, Sacred Stone Boutique,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Economic
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cusco:
-Casona Plaza Cusco, San Agustin Internacional, Taypikala Cusco,
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Touristy
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cusco:
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-Taypikala, Tierra Viva Machu Picchu, Golden Sunrise,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
First
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cusco:
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-El Mapi By Inkaterra, Hatun Inti Boutique,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Premium
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cusco:
-Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Belmond Hotel Monasterio, JW Marriott, Casa Cartagena Boutique,
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, Sumaq Machu Picchu, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Luxury
|
|
|||||||||
Buffet Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant
Located in the luxurious Sanctuary Lodge hotel (former Orient Express); It is the only one located very close to the entrance to Machu Picchu.
• From USD 40.00 per person.
Return train Vistadome Service
First class train with panoramic view, typical dance show and service on board.
• From USD 70.00 per person.
Entrance to the Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain
Small path that runs from the Inca citadel to the viewpoint of Huayna Picchu, a strategic and unique place where you have the most complete view of the Machu Picchu citadel.
• From USD 65.00 per person.
Private Tours and Walks
They are ideal for those who want a more personalized service, where the schedules of the tours and walks are more flexible, according to the client's preference. To request a private or personalized service, contact our travel agents.
1. Would my admission ticket to Machu Picchu be refundable in case I change the date or cancel my trip?
Recently, the Ministry of Culture of Peru made an update regarding the changes to the admisison ticket to Machu Picchu: all ticket sales are now final. Therefore, the tickets we purchase as a part of your tour package are not refundable, and also cannot be transferred to another person or modified to another date.
2. Do you arrange commercial and international flights?
At the moment, we do not arrange international or commercial flights. However, we will help you organize your trip and flight schedules before traveling abroad. Make sure to contact our team and get personalized assistance for planning your trip.
3. Do you organize personalized travel packages?
Yes, our main goal as a travel agency is to provide an authentic adventure in our country. Therefore, if you’re looking to travel off the beaten path or to be provided with the best trip itinerary through Peru, make sure to contact our team.
4. Do you offer private tours?
Yes, we have private excursions to different locations in Peru. We are looking forward to guaranteeing comfort while still showing a great part of our historical and cultural heritage.
5. How do I book a travel package?
Booking a travel package is as easy as requesting a quote on any of our options. Once you’ve filled in your details, one of our travel assistants will get in touch with you. If you still have no idea of what you’d like to do during your stay in Peru, don’t worry, we are here to help you.
Our sales team will take care of all the details involved with your trip as well as giving you options about the different destinations to visit in our country. You’ll realize that planning a trip abroad has never been easier.
6. How far in advance should I book my trip?
We usually recommend booking your trip at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you’re planning on a long stay in Peru. Viagens Machu Picchu works with 3 to 5-star hotels and most of them request booking weeks in advance, as well as tours, train rides, transportation options, and other services.
7. What is the best train for Machu Picchu: Expedition or Vistadome?
We recommend you take the Expedition train on the way to Aguas Calientes since most of the departure times are generally when it’s dark. The expedition train has simpler wagons with smaller windows.
Usually, the return takes place during daylight, which is why we would recommend you take the Vistadome train with panoramic windows to enjoy the visually striking scenery this road has to offer. In addition, the Vistadome train offers onboard service and typical dance shows.
8. Are the train tickets included in the package?
Yes, all of our packages include round trip train tickets. Except for those who may choose to go to Machu Picchu by trek. In this case, we’ll only cover the return ticket.
9. Can I choose seats on train trips?
Unfortunately, Peru Rail (the railway company) does not allow passengers to choose seats on any of their different types of train. The distribution of these is done automatically by the company’s system.
10. During the trip to Machu Picchu, where will my largest luggage stay?
Bags that weigh more than 5kg are not allowed on the train or in the Archeological Site of Machu Picchu. Therefore, you must leave your large luggage in the storage service of your accommodation.
For your trip to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend you carry a light backpack with just the essentials for your comfort.
11. What are the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains?
Those are the surrounding mountains to the Inca Citadel. Huayna Picchu is located at 2,720 meters above sea level and offers an outstanding view to the archaeological site as well as several Inca ruins along the trail.
The Machu Picchu Mountain is located at 3,082 meters above sea level, and serves as another viewpoint to the famous historical sanctuary. However, the trek to its summit is significantly less challenging than the Huayna Picchu mountain.
To trek either of these mounts, you must purchase an additional entrance ticket well in advance. For more information, please contact your travel agent.
12. What Currency is Used in Peru?
Nuevo Soles is the local currency in Peru, banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Whilst coins come in 5, 2, 1, 0.50, 0.20, and 0,10 units.
13. What is the best currency to use in Peru: US Dollars or Soles?
Almost all establishments accept payments in US Dollars, but we highly recommend you have both Dollars and Soles (the local currency) since there might be places where you’ll need to pay with the Peruvian currency.
14. What are the Peru entry requirements?
Depending on your nationality, you would either need a tourist visa, valid passport or your national I.D. card to enter Peru, for example:
- Passport: Concerns to every country that isn’t in the Andean Community. It must have a validity of at least 6 months.
- Tourist Visa: Applies for visitors from Venezuela, Haití, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
- National I.D. Card: Valid for all the members within the Andean Community as, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Changes & Cancellations
1. If a tour is canceled due to weather conditions, do I get a refund?
Tour cancellations due to bad weather conditions have no refund, as they are factors beyond our control. However, we’d like to ensure the integrity of our passengers by acknowledging that some other situations may be taken into account. Therefore, if having any inconvenience, make sure to contact your travel agent.
2. Can I change the starting date of my travel package?
Yes, you can change the starting date of your travel package. However, an administrative fee between 10% and 50% of the total value of the package will be charged, depending on the proximity to the original date of your trip (this is subject to availability and supplier policies).
3. Can I cancel my trip?
Affirmative, you can definitely cancel your trip. Your options for a refund are, however, subject to certain rules. Only a limited sum will be refunded by Viagens Machu Picchu under the following circumstances:
- There won't be a fee if you cancel up to 50 days before your trip, and you'll get a 10% reduction on the contractual package's worth on the deposit commission and other administrative services.
- A 50% fee of the package's total value will be charged for cancellations made between 39 and 21 days prior to the start date.
- An 80% fee of the package's total value will be charged for cancellations made between 39 and 21 days prior to the start date.
- The full amount of the package will be withheld for cancellations notified less than 7 days before the start date.
Important Note: Machu Picchu Travel will have up to 50 days to refund the money to the passenger, according to the aforementioned conditions, counted from the date of cancellation of the trip.
For further information, we have a section with the most Frequently Asked Questions about Peru, Machu Picchu, and our company.
To confirm your booking, we will send you a link with 50% of the total amount; the remaining 50% must be paid 10 days prior to the trip. Payment can be in US Dollars, credit, or debit card. For payment in installments of the remaining value, please consult your travel agent.
Our current payment methods are through PayPal and Visa.
