Lares Hike to Machu Picchu: A Journey Through Living Andes Culture
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, is a truly special adventure — an off-the-beaten-path route that reveals the heart of the Andes. Unlike the classic trails, the Lares route guides you through remote mountain communities where time seems to stand still.
Over 4 unforgettable days, you’ll hike through breathtaking landscapes filled with towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys. What makes this journey unique is the rare opportunity to interact with local Quechua families — visiting their homes, sharing stories, and learning about ancestral traditions passed down for generations.
Relax your body in the natural hot springs of Lares, explore the ancient Maras Salt Mines, and finally, after days of cultural immersion and Andean beauty, arrive at the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu — the sacred “Lost City of the Incas.”
The Lares Hike Experience is widely considered the best alternative to the Inca Trail — offering breathtaking landscapes and a deep cultural experience in the heart of the Andes.
The Lares Valley Trekking is the perfect journey for those seeking serenity, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and authentic cultural immersion far from the crowded tourist trails. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, this unforgettable trek promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
This route is physically demanding, yet not as extreme as others — making it a great choice for adventurous spirits seeking a balance between challenge and cultural depth. Along the way, you’ll hear rivers rushing beside you, pass towering waterfalls, and witness glacial lagoons shimmering in blue, green, and turquoise hues.
One of the most enriching aspects of this trek is the opportunity to connect with rural Andean communities. You’ll share meaningful moments with local families, observe their daily lives, and learn about ancient traditions that still shape their world today.
Your adventure concludes with the crown jewel of the Andes: Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Feel its mystical energy, explore its sacred temples, and uncover the secrets of this legendary Inca citadel with your expert guide.
Start your adventure with a relaxing soak in the Lares Hot Springs. Begin your hike through the Andean countryside, stopping to rest at the beautiful Pacchayoc waterfall before camping overnight in the village of Quiswarani.
Trek past stunning high-altitude lagoons to reach the trek’s highest point, Abra Pachacutec (4,700m). Descend to the secluded community of Cancha Cancha, where you’ll spend the night with local families and share in their way of life.
Hike to the Sacred Valley town of Huaran, then enjoy a scenic drive to the Maras salt mines. After dinner in Ollantaytambo, board the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
Enjoy a guided tour of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel, exploring its temples, terraces, and mysteries. Afterward, take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and continue by private transport to Cusco.
A Relaxing Start in Lares Hot Springs – Kiswarani Village
Your Classic Lares Hike adventure begins early with a 5:00 a.m. pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, Huaran, or Pisaq. After a scenic 3-hour drive through the Sacred Valley, we’ll arrive at the famous Lares Hot Springs, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast with incredible Andean views.
Take a rejuvenating dip in the medicinal thermal baths, rich in volcanic minerals known to relieve stress, muscle tension, and improve circulation — the perfect preparation before the trek.
We’ll then drive 20 minutes to the trailhead at 3,300 m (10,827 ft), where you’ll meet your muleteers and begin a gentle uphill hike toward the village of Kiswarani. Along the way, your guide will point out local medicinal plants and explain the area’s agricultural traditions, especially the cultivation of native potatoes.
After lunch prepared by our trekking chef, you’ll enjoy a traditional llama ceremony with our local herders, a cultural moment that supports the conservation of these sacred Andean animals.
In the afternoon, explore the community, visit local homes, and if possible, stop by the village school — a great opportunity to share school supplies or a few English words with Quechua-speaking children.
The day ends with a scenic hike to our campsite, where you’ll be greeted with hot drinks and a delicious dinner under a sky full of stars.
High Mountain Adventure & Andean Culture – Kiswarani to Cancha Cancha
Your second day on the Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu begins early, with a warm drink served at your tent and stunning views of the Kiswarani Valley and its vibrant glacial lake. As the sun rises, you’ll see local families herding their llamas and alpacas into the hills — a living snapshot of traditional Andean life.
After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll prepare for the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek: the ascent to Condor Pass (Abra Pachacutec) at 4,680 m / 15,354 ft. The trail winds gently upward for about 3 to 4 hours, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, high-altitude lagoons, and herds of alpacas and llamas along the way. An emergency horse is available if needed.
Reaching the pass, you’ll find yourself above the clouds with a panoramic view of the Andes, including the majestic Mount Pitusiray (5,700 m / 18,700 ft). Take time for epic photos while your porters serve you hot coca tea at the summit — a truly unforgettable moment.
We then descend for an hour to El Mirador, a scenic viewpoint where a freshly prepared lunch awaits. Keep your eyes open for llamas peacefully grazing in the distance.
The afternoon continues with a 3-hour descent to the traditional village of Cancha Cancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft) — one of the last communities in the region without electricity or cars. Here, 85% of homes are still built using ancient Inca techniques: stone walls and thatched roofs.
At camp, you’ll have the chance to meet local children and families. We encourage our travelers to bring school supplies or simple gifts to support the community. Your guide will introduce you to a local home where you’ll learn about traditional weaving techniques using alpaca and llama wool — a skill passed down for generations.
As night falls, enjoy a delicious Andean dinner and hot drinks under the starry sky in this peaceful, untouched corner of the Andes.
From the Andes to the Sacred Valley – Cancha Cancha to Huaran, Maras & Ollantaytambo
The day begins with a warm drink served in your tent, followed by a hearty breakfast prepared by our trekking team. Before leaving Cancha Cancha, you’ll have a chance to visit the local school, where children still speak Quechua, the ancient Inca language, and learn more about life in this remote community.
The final stage of your Lares Valley Trek starts with a scenic 4-hour descent through a fertile valley dotted with llamas, alpacas, and traditional farms. Along the way, you’ll pass terraced fields of potatoes, beans, and native crops, tended by hand with ancient Inca farming tools. As you descend, feel the climate gradually warm as you enter the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The hike concludes in the village of Huaran (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), where you’ll bid farewell to your horses, porters, and trekking chef — a heartfelt moment of gratitude and connection.
From Huaran, we continue by private Tunqui Expeditions transport to the legendary Salineras de Maras, a dramatic mountainside of over 3,000 salt evaporation pools used since pre-Inca times. Here, a natural salt spring feeds the pools, creating pink and white salt crystals rich in minerals. Local families still manage the pans today, and you’ll have a chance to learn about this ancient tradition and even buy some artisanal salt as a souvenir.
Next, we head to Ollantaytambo, a stunning living Inca town where your guide will lead a short exploration of its cobbled streets, ceremonial canals, and original stonework. After dinner at a local restaurant, you’ll board the evening train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest — tomorrow, the Inca citadel awaits.
Discovering the Wonder of Machu Picchu
The final and most anticipated day of your Classic Lares Hike to Machu Picchu begins early, as we aim to reach the gates of the citadel at sunrise — the most peaceful and magical time to explore this ancient Inca masterpiece.
After an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes, you’ll board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gates open at 6:00 a.m., and we’ll be among the first to enter, giving you the chance to enjoy the mystical silence and golden morning light.
Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour tour through the most impressive sectors of the citadel: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (Sun Clock), the Temple of the Condor, and the Sacred Plaza. You’ll gain deep insight into Inca architecture, astronomy, and spiritual traditions, and marvel at how this ancient city thrived in such a remote and majestic setting.
If you’ve pre-booked an additional ticket, now is the time to hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views over the citadel.
Around midday, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice. Then, you’ll take the scenic train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport with Tunqui Expeditions back to your accommodation in Cusco.
Take this final ride to reflect on your incredible journey — from remote Andean villages to one of the world’s greatest wonders. You’ve walked ancient paths, connected with native communities, and experienced the magic of the Andes.
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHAT IS INCLUIDED?
Permits & Tickets
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket offers the most complete tour of the citadel and is the most popular. For this reason we recommend that you book well in advance to ensure your entry. (Circuit 2)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Like our ancestors, we have a great respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth). Therefore, our tents are adapted to the environment to avoid any negative impact.
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin and triple rooms.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
On days 1,2, and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)
During the Salkantay Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.
They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The Tunqui Difference
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
You can climb the famous mountain that you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute climb and the descent can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Permission must be obtained at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Bear in mind that there may be changes to protect your safety, especially due to weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket, which we can arrange for you if we have time in advance.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Is it for me?
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances.
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free Classic Lares Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Lares trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are some suggestions for activities to do around Cusco before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or information meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Returning to Cusco from Machu Picchu
Returning from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry. It is all included in your tour!
Note: Your tour includes a one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a return bus ticket, you’ll have to pay an additional US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost items
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The muleteers and porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
“Classic Lares Trek 4 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 600.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 400.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
There are several extensions that can be included in your Peru Adventure.
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Add-ons and Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades that you can include in this trip:
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to [email protected].
The Lares Valley Trekking is the perfect journey for those seeking serenity, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and authentic cultural immersion far from the crowded tourist trails. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, this unforgettable trek promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
This route is physically demanding, yet not as extreme as others — making it a great choice for adventurous spirits seeking a balance between challenge and cultural depth. Along the way, you’ll hear rivers rushing beside you, pass towering waterfalls, and witness glacial lagoons shimmering in blue, green, and turquoise hues.
One of the most enriching aspects of this trek is the opportunity to connect with rural Andean communities. You’ll share meaningful moments with local families, observe their daily lives, and learn about ancient traditions that still shape their world today.
Your adventure concludes with the crown jewel of the Andes: Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Feel its mystical energy, explore its sacred temples, and uncover the secrets of this legendary Inca citadel with your expert guide.
Start your adventure with a relaxing soak in the Lares Hot Springs. Begin your hike through the Andean countryside, stopping to rest at the beautiful Pacchayoc waterfall before camping overnight in the village of Quiswarani.
Trek past stunning high-altitude lagoons to reach the trek’s highest point, Abra Pachacutec (4,700m). Descend to the secluded community of Cancha Cancha, where you’ll spend the night with local families and share in their way of life.
Hike to the Sacred Valley town of Huaran, then enjoy a scenic drive to the Maras salt mines. After dinner in Ollantaytambo, board the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
Enjoy a guided tour of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel, exploring its temples, terraces, and mysteries. Afterward, take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and continue by private transport to Cusco.
A Relaxing Start in Lares Hot Springs – Kiswarani Village
Your Classic Lares Hike adventure begins early with a 5:00 a.m. pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, Huaran, or Pisaq. After a scenic 3-hour drive through the Sacred Valley, we’ll arrive at the famous Lares Hot Springs, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast with incredible Andean views.
Take a rejuvenating dip in the medicinal thermal baths, rich in volcanic minerals known to relieve stress, muscle tension, and improve circulation — the perfect preparation before the trek.
We’ll then drive 20 minutes to the trailhead at 3,300 m (10,827 ft), where you’ll meet your muleteers and begin a gentle uphill hike toward the village of Kiswarani. Along the way, your guide will point out local medicinal plants and explain the area’s agricultural traditions, especially the cultivation of native potatoes.
After lunch prepared by our trekking chef, you’ll enjoy a traditional llama ceremony with our local herders, a cultural moment that supports the conservation of these sacred Andean animals.
In the afternoon, explore the community, visit local homes, and if possible, stop by the village school — a great opportunity to share school supplies or a few English words with Quechua-speaking children.
The day ends with a scenic hike to our campsite, where you’ll be greeted with hot drinks and a delicious dinner under a sky full of stars.
High Mountain Adventure & Andean Culture – Kiswarani to Cancha Cancha
Your second day on the Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu begins early, with a warm drink served at your tent and stunning views of the Kiswarani Valley and its vibrant glacial lake. As the sun rises, you’ll see local families herding their llamas and alpacas into the hills — a living snapshot of traditional Andean life.
After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll prepare for the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek: the ascent to Condor Pass (Abra Pachacutec) at 4,680 m / 15,354 ft. The trail winds gently upward for about 3 to 4 hours, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, high-altitude lagoons, and herds of alpacas and llamas along the way. An emergency horse is available if needed.
Reaching the pass, you’ll find yourself above the clouds with a panoramic view of the Andes, including the majestic Mount Pitusiray (5,700 m / 18,700 ft). Take time for epic photos while your porters serve you hot coca tea at the summit — a truly unforgettable moment.
We then descend for an hour to El Mirador, a scenic viewpoint where a freshly prepared lunch awaits. Keep your eyes open for llamas peacefully grazing in the distance.
The afternoon continues with a 3-hour descent to the traditional village of Cancha Cancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft) — one of the last communities in the region without electricity or cars. Here, 85% of homes are still built using ancient Inca techniques: stone walls and thatched roofs.
At camp, you’ll have the chance to meet local children and families. We encourage our travelers to bring school supplies or simple gifts to support the community. Your guide will introduce you to a local home where you’ll learn about traditional weaving techniques using alpaca and llama wool — a skill passed down for generations.
As night falls, enjoy a delicious Andean dinner and hot drinks under the starry sky in this peaceful, untouched corner of the Andes.
From the Andes to the Sacred Valley – Cancha Cancha to Huaran, Maras & Ollantaytambo
The day begins with a warm drink served in your tent, followed by a hearty breakfast prepared by our trekking team. Before leaving Cancha Cancha, you’ll have a chance to visit the local school, where children still speak Quechua, the ancient Inca language, and learn more about life in this remote community.
The final stage of your Lares Valley Trek starts with a scenic 4-hour descent through a fertile valley dotted with llamas, alpacas, and traditional farms. Along the way, you’ll pass terraced fields of potatoes, beans, and native crops, tended by hand with ancient Inca farming tools. As you descend, feel the climate gradually warm as you enter the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The hike concludes in the village of Huaran (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), where you’ll bid farewell to your horses, porters, and trekking chef — a heartfelt moment of gratitude and connection.
From Huaran, we continue by private Tunqui Expeditions transport to the legendary Salineras de Maras, a dramatic mountainside of over 3,000 salt evaporation pools used since pre-Inca times. Here, a natural salt spring feeds the pools, creating pink and white salt crystals rich in minerals. Local families still manage the pans today, and you’ll have a chance to learn about this ancient tradition and even buy some artisanal salt as a souvenir.
Next, we head to Ollantaytambo, a stunning living Inca town where your guide will lead a short exploration of its cobbled streets, ceremonial canals, and original stonework. After dinner at a local restaurant, you’ll board the evening train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest — tomorrow, the Inca citadel awaits.
Discovering the Wonder of Machu Picchu
The final and most anticipated day of your Classic Lares Hike to Machu Picchu begins early, as we aim to reach the gates of the citadel at sunrise — the most peaceful and magical time to explore this ancient Inca masterpiece.
After an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes, you’ll board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gates open at 6:00 a.m., and we’ll be among the first to enter, giving you the chance to enjoy the mystical silence and golden morning light.
Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour tour through the most impressive sectors of the citadel: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (Sun Clock), the Temple of the Condor, and the Sacred Plaza. You’ll gain deep insight into Inca architecture, astronomy, and spiritual traditions, and marvel at how this ancient city thrived in such a remote and majestic setting.
If you’ve pre-booked an additional ticket, now is the time to hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views over the citadel.
Around midday, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice. Then, you’ll take the scenic train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport with Tunqui Expeditions back to your accommodation in Cusco.
Take this final ride to reflect on your incredible journey — from remote Andean villages to one of the world’s greatest wonders. You’ve walked ancient paths, connected with native communities, and experienced the magic of the Andes.
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHAT IS INCLUIDED?
Permits & Tickets
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket offers the most complete tour of the citadel and is the most popular. For this reason we recommend that you book well in advance to ensure your entry. (Circuit 2)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Like our ancestors, we have a great respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth). Therefore, our tents are adapted to the environment to avoid any negative impact.
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin and triple rooms.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
On days 1,2, and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)
During the Salkantay Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.
They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The Tunqui Difference
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
You can climb the famous mountain that you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute climb and the descent can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Permission must be obtained at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Bear in mind that there may be changes to protect your safety, especially due to weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket, which we can arrange for you if we have time in advance.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Is it for me?
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances.
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free Classic Lares Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Lares trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are some suggestions for activities to do around Cusco before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or information meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Returning to Cusco from Machu Picchu
Returning from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry. It is all included in your tour!
Note: Your tour includes a one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a return bus ticket, you’ll have to pay an additional US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost items
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The muleteers and porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
“Classic Lares Trek 4 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 600.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 400.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
There are several extensions that can be included in your Peru Adventure.
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Add-ons and Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades that you can include in this trip:
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to [email protected].
Special Dietary Needs? No Problem.
Safe Drinking Water Throughout the Trek
What’s Included?
