The Lares trekking route is one of 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, striking lakes, rivers and streams that snake 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. Discover the Inca culture through their descendants who maintain their ancestors’ way of life by herding llamas and alpacas, weaving, farming with ancient techniques, and using star constellations to guide their planting and harvesting seasons. This tour is perfect for someone looking to emmerse themselves in a cultural adventure with untouched indigenous communities. Book now to make unforgettable memories!
Cusco
Up to 8 people
Group
Adventure
Moderate to Challenging
departure every day
Wake up for an early 5:00am pick-up for your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Trek. Pick-up will be at your hotel lobby in Cusco or a little later if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley. Please coordinate with our office with your location. After pickup, we then drive to our trailhead in Huaran.
We meet our trekking team and settle along the river bank for the first of many meals from our talented chef and his/her team. While we enjoy our meal, the horsemen pack up our duffel bags onto the mules and horses and prepare for the journey ahead. You will only keep your backpack with just the essentials.
Our hike starts at a pretty warm climate, that gradually gets chillier as we gain elevation and get closer to camp. The first section of the trail is steep, so pace yourself, it will eventually level out and become more of a gradual climb. To accompany us along the way we have the Pachachaca river gently flowing downstream and an opulence of unique flora lining the towering mountains above us. Ask your guide to expain all things related to Andean culture, they enjoy sharing their knowledge. On day 1, we gain over 900m/2953ft in elevation.
We make a stop along the way for a buffet style lunch, prepared with a delectable mix of local and international ingredients. The rest of the journey leading to the farming community of Cancha Cancha has absolutely stunning scenery. On arrival we are greeted with a selection of snacks and hot tea. Later, we spend time with this isolated indigenous community, who predominantly only speak Quechua (the indigenous language of Peru). The guide will translate and teach you a few phrases in Quechua, don’t be shy to share some your own culture!
After sometime within this community we head into our dinner tent for yet another abundant and scrumptious dinner. To end the night, we get into our warm and cozy clothing, to spend the night admiring the star-studded night skies. Learn from your guide about the intricate farming methods of the locals and ancient Incas and how they used the constellations for guidance.
Your guide will wake you with a hot cup of tea or coffee to enjoy before having to get up for breakfast. Indulge in a delicious and abundant breakfast before we begin our 7 hour hike northeast. Starting with an intense walk and accomplishing high passes on our way to the highest point of our trek at Pachacutec Pass(4,500m /14,800 ft). Motivating you along the trail for this intense part of the trek are the views of glaciers, remote lakes, alpaca herds, rugged valleys and spectacular mountain vistas. Keep your eyes on the sky for the Caracara falcons and Andean geese!
After enjoying the summit, we descend for 3 hours until we reach our campsite located by the Quiswarani community, (3,700m/12,139ft). On the way, we will be taking an isolated trail where we will see indigenous highland people in their traditional outfits herding their llamas and alpacas. The friendly local indigenous people will open their hearts and interact with you in Quechua (the indigenous language) with your guide as a translator. The spectacular seven waterfalls, is a stones throw away from your campsite!
Our campsite will invite you in with everything already set up. Enjoy hot drinks and appetizers before a rejuvenating dinner, then snuggle in for a comfortable night sleep.
The adventure continues as you begin the most scenic day yet! We begin our ascent for 3 hours until we reach the Willqaqasa Pass, (4,200m/13,779ft) seeing the reflections of the mountains in the glacial lakes below. The majestic Colquecruz and Pitusiray Mountains are awe inspiring and we will spend plenty of time to admire them from the pass. We continue our trek through the Puna grasslands, productive agricultural sites and natural pristine lakes. We descend for 2 hours to the Cucani community. Connecting with the local indigenous children, you may have the opportunity to visit a local school and share in some quality time with the students.
From Cuncani we meet our driver and ride down through a lush valley with extensive agricultural areas, fruit bearing trees and native flowers like begonias and wild orchids. Finally, we reach our destination, the Lares Hot Springs (3,100m/ 10,170ft), where we get to soak in the natural volcanic hot springs for an hour, have lunch and relax. Time for our goodbyes to our remarkable chef and horsemen.
After lunch in Lares, we take our private transport to 2.5 hours Ollantaytambo, where we have dinner. We then take the train to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night.
Today’s highlight is the amazing Machu Picchu!
After an early breakfast, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site so dont miss out. Your guide will give you a private tour of about two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. Learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
***IMPORTANT:
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
The best Lares Trek to Machu Picchu around is available on any date that is best suited for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!
***Minimum 2 persons required to open up a new group – single trekkers may join an existing group
*** This price includes the extra pack horse who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos is included in the price and we will provide you with a duffel bag.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
*** Without hotel in Aguas Calientes, $30 discount from above prices.
***The 5 person discount for the private trek is already factored into the pricing above.
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
SAM CORPORATIONS is a family owned travel agency and a tour operator that specializes in tours all over Peru. We are based in Cusco with many years of personal experience trekking and traveling every nook and cranny of Peru. SAM CORPORATIONS is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our focus is on creating small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in personalized and high quality service. We guarantee a luxurious service and promise to never cut corners.
We take pride in our reputation as a responsible and sustainable tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We support them financially and ensure long term growth by offering them a fair salary. We are proud of our team, without them we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM CORPORATIONS knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create an unforgettable adventure while in Peru. We stand by our word and deliver on our promises
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM CORPORATIONS we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups. It also allows us to create a more tailored and personal tour.
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about their country. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. They are adventure and travel enthusiasts, sharing only the best of what they have personally experienced. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
Trekking the Lares Trail with SAM CORPORATIONS is a life changing experience with a fully portered trek, where your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority. We make sure that you get the best experience for your holiday in Peru, while interacting with locals, exploring fantastic sites and re-discovering remote ancient Inca towns. Our pack horses will carry your gear and are well cared for!
The food on the Lares trek to Machu Picchu has been the highlight for most of our clients, they gush about how delicious and abudant it is. Arguably better than most gourmet restuarants. Peruvian and international cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic produce. We cater to most dietery restriction, incuding and not limited to vegetarians, vegans, Halal, Kosher and Gluten sensitivity and allergies.
Our team (Guides, cooks and horsemen) and our equipment are what really makes SAM CORPORATIONS stand out from all the competitors…. For all our adventures we hike we include the following items:
At SAM CORPORATIONS, we have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
SAM CORPORATIONS is proud to be able to support our beautiful local people. We use a holistic approach to sustanability and community development. We participate in multiple social projects, we employ from these communities and pay them an above average wage. Self- sustainibilty and long term growth is our main focus.
A beautiful reflection of our attitude in everything we do, is that we wish to make life richer and more meaningful for all involved.
Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
You will be greeted at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange SAM Corporations board at the exit from the arrivals terminal.
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Of course! During the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
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 the link here: BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FOR EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Lares trek to Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
*** We will need each participant’s passport at the time of booking. They will be need, in order, to purchase tickets.
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 VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com to complete your payment.
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
Unfortunately the answer is: No. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any 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 Trek 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 you sent to us to book your Lares Trek, 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.
The mountain weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually takes 1 to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is water, coca tea and rest. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. Sam Corporations specializes in small, private groups and provide a more personalised service.
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. 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 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 40L 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. On the second day of the trek, we climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out 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.
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! SAM Corporations 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, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
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, Sam Corporations 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.
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!! Hotel drop off is included in your trek package. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
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 Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
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 to Machu Picchu. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Corporations Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you would like, 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 locally sustainable & responsible tourism operator. That incorporates 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 porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Cusco
Lares
Ollantaytambo
Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Sam Corporations
Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.
The quality of our service is one of our most important values which demands all our effort, determination, and courage to be successful in what we are doing and the services we provide
We aim to have a positive impact in all the areas that we visit. Through our training sessions and social projects, we empower women, indigenous communities and children
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans
Interested in visiting only specific destinations? No problem, all our packages can be fully customized to suit your budget and schedule. Contact our travel advisors to plan the most comprehensive trip of a lifetime.
We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment
Quality
Contact our travel advisors to plan the most complete trip of your life.
Simplified ease of communication, text us on WhatsApp, email or call us.
Our guides are local and have vast knowledge in Peruvian culture and history.
100% local company. Development and environmental sustainability
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you an unforgettable experience
Discover an exceptional journey where perfection meets adventure.
