An unforgettable 3-Day Lares Valley Hike with Tunqui Expeditions, where breathtaking mountain vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant Andean culture await you. This trek offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily life of indigenous Quechua communities, learning about their traditions, weaving techniques, and connection with nature.
After an invigorating journey through the majestic Andes, relax your body and soul in the soothing natural hot springs of Lares, one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
You can also extend your experience with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, the perfect finale to your Andean adventure. Your dedicated Travel Advisor will assist you in customizing the ideal itinerary to match your interests and travel style.
Escape the crowds and discover the heart of the Peruvian Andes on this 3-Day Lares Valley Hike.
Located on the opposite side of the Sacred Valley, Lares opens into a stunning high-altitude valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and vibrant Andean communities. This off-the-beaten-path route offers the perfect mix of breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and natural tranquility.
Your hike concludes in the charming town of Lares, where you can soak in its natural hot springs — the perfect way to relax and recover after your Andean adventure.
Moderate to Challenging.
We strongly recommend spending 2–3 days in Cusco before your hike to properly acclimatize to the altitude.
After completing your trek, you can continue your journey to the Andean town of Ollantaytambo, take the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, and visit the legendary Machu Picchu the following day — an unforgettable finale to your adventure.
Your Travel Advisor at Tunqui Expeditions will help you personalize your itinerary and make the most of your experience.
For more inspiration about Peru’s best trekking destinations, check out:
Reconnect with nature, culture, and yourself on this remarkable 3-Day Lares Valley Hike.
Book your journey today and experience the soul of the Andes — far beyond the beaten path.
Your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike begins with an early departure from Cusco at 7:00 a.m. in our private transportation. Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive through the Sacred Valley as we make our way to Huarán (2,750 m / 9,020 ft) — the starting point of your Andean adventure.
From here, we’ll start our first day’s trek, following a gentle but steady uphill trail surrounded by lush mountain vegetation, crystal-clear streams, and terraced farmlands. The fresh mountain air and peaceful atmosphere make this one of the most rewarding sections of the journey.
After about 5 to 6 hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at Cancha Cancha (3,650 m / 11,792 ft), a picturesque Andean community nestled among snow-capped peaks. Here, we’ll set up camp and enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared dinner while admiring the dramatic mountain scenery.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local families, learn about their ancestral traditions, and witness the simplicity and warmth of Andean life — a cultural highlight of the Lares Valley Hike.
Wake up to the crisp mountain air and the sound of nature surrounding your campsite in Cancha Cancha. After a hearty breakfast prepared by our Tunqui Expeditions team, we’ll continue our 3-Day Lares Valley Hike, taking a steady uphill trail toward the trek’s first and most scenic mountain pass — Abra Pachacutec, also known as the Condor Pass (4,680 m / 15,351 ft).
The 3-hour ascent rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks — including Colquecruz, Minas, and Sirijuani — and the sparkling glacier-fed lagoons that dot the Andean landscape. It’s the perfect spot to pause, breathe in the crisp air, and take in the vastness of the Sacred Valley below.
After enjoying a well-deserved lunch just beyond the pass, we’ll begin a gentle descent toward Quiswarani, a picturesque Andean village known for its traditional weaving and agricultural lifestyle. Here, you’ll have another chance to observe the authenticity of Quechua culture, often witnessing villagers working in harmony with their llamas and alpacas.
We then continue uphill to reach the enchanting Queuñaqocha Lagoon, surrounded by native Queuña trees—sacred to the Andes and symbols of renewal and resilience. This serene location will be our second campsite, offering a peaceful setting to relax and rest under the starry Andean sky.
Awaken to the serene beauty of the Andes and enjoy a nourishing breakfast prepared by your Tunqui Expeditions team. Today marks the final stretch of your unforgettable 3-Day Lares Valley Hike, filled with breathtaking scenery and cultural charm.
We begin with a gradual ascent toward the Abra Willkiccasa Pass (4,100 m / 13,448 ft), a two-hour climb that rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks — including the majestic Colquecruz, and the mystical mountains of Pitusiray and Sahuasiray. From this vantage point, the Andes stretch endlessly before you, with vibrant Puna grasslands and the occasional sighting of deer grazing nearby.
After crossing the pass, we descend for about three hours to reach Cancan, a peaceful agricultural village where you can observe traditional Andean farming techniques that have remained unchanged for generations.
The trail then leads us into a fertile valley covered with lush vegetation, wild orchids, and colorful begonias, a striking contrast to the high-altitude landscapes of the previous days. After approximately two more hours of gentle descent, we arrive in the town of Lares, famous for its natural hot springs — the perfect place to relax your muscles and celebrate the completion of your Lares Valley adventure.
Following a well-deserved lunch, our private transportation will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 p.m., with memories of the Andes that will last a lifetime.
If you wish to extend your adventure, speak with your Tunqui Expeditions Travel Advisor about continuing from Lares to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes and explore the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu the next day — a perfect finale to your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike.
From breathtaking summits to heartwarming cultural encounters, your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike with Tunqui Expeditions blends adventure, tradition, and nature in perfect harmony — an authentic journey through the soul of the Andes.
Your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike with Tunqui Expeditions includes everything you need for a comfortable, safe, and unforgettable Andean adventure.
From expert guides to hearty meals and cozy campsites, we take care of every detail — so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
We provide a seamless trekking experience that blends comfort, safety, and cultural immersion. Our goal is for every traveler to truly connect with the natural beauty and spirit of the Andes during their 3-Day Lares Valley Hike.
To help you plan your adventure with complete transparency, here’s a list of items not included in the price of your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike.
Please review these details carefully so you can prepare accordingly and avoid any surprises during your journey.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we believe in clear and honest communication — ensuring every traveler knows exactly what’s included and what to prepare for.
Our team is happy to assist you with gear rental, travel arrangements, or pre-trek accommodations to make your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike smooth and worry-free from start to finish.
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.
The Lares Trek is one of the best alternative treks to the Inca Trail, perfect for travelers looking for a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure. Unlike the crowded Inca Trail, the Lares Valley Trek takes you through remote Andean villages, stunning valleys, crystal-clear lagoons, and natural Lares Hot Springs, offering a genuine cultural immersion with the Quechua communities.
We highly recommend spending a few days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) before starting the trek to properly acclimatize to the altitude. This will ensure you enjoy the journey and fully experience the beauty of trekking in Peru.
Choosing the Lares Trek with Tunqui Expeditions means enjoying a unique combination of spectacular mountain landscapes, cultural encounters, and the ultimate reward—arriving at Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we are proud to be pioneers of the Plastic-Free Lares Trek, promoting sustainable trekking in Peru. This unique adventure not only connects you with the breathtaking landscapes of the Lares Valley Trek, but also with the ancestral traditions of Andean communities—without leaving a negative footprint on our environment.
During this 3-day Lares Trek itinerary, we avoid the use of single-use plastics by providing:
By choosing the Plastic-Free Lares Trek, you support responsible tourism, help reduce waste in the Andes, and contribute directly to the Quechua families of Cancha Cancha and Quiswarani, who collaborate with us to make this trek truly sustainable.
This eco-conscious alternative to the Inca Trail is more than just trekking from Cusco to Machu Picchu—it is an opportunity to travel responsibly, honor Pachamama (Mother Earth), and experience the Andes in the most authentic and respectful way.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please note:
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 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.
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.
Here’s a complete checklist to help you prepare for your adventure. Please read carefully and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trek.
The porters will carry up to 7kg 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.
The Lares Trek 3 Days is available year-round, with the best trekking season being April to October (dry season in the Andes). Daily departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 trekkers. Private groups and custom departures are also available upon request.
This small-group tour is guaranteed with just 2 participants.
Important:
PayPal charges a 5% service fee, which is the client’s responsibility for online deposits. The remaining balance can be paid in cash in Cusco with no additional fees.
Enhance your trip with any of the following add-on experiences:
Enhance your experience with these popular options:
Once your reservation is confirmed, your price is locked in — guaranteed. No matter what changes occur, we won’t increase your rate.
Before booking, please make sure to read all important information about this tour.
Escape the crowds and discover the heart of the Peruvian Andes on this 3-Day Lares Valley Hike.
Located on the opposite side of the Sacred Valley, Lares opens into a stunning high-altitude valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and vibrant Andean communities. This off-the-beaten-path route offers the perfect mix of breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and natural tranquility.
Your hike concludes in the charming town of Lares, where you can soak in its natural hot springs — the perfect way to relax and recover after your Andean adventure.
Moderate to Challenging.
We strongly recommend spending 2–3 days in Cusco before your hike to properly acclimatize to the altitude.
After completing your trek, you can continue your journey to the Andean town of Ollantaytambo, take the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, and visit the legendary Machu Picchu the following day — an unforgettable finale to your adventure.
Your Travel Advisor at Tunqui Expeditions will help you personalize your itinerary and make the most of your experience.
For more inspiration about Peru’s best trekking destinations, check out:
Reconnect with nature, culture, and yourself on this remarkable 3-Day Lares Valley Hike.
Book your journey today and experience the soul of the Andes — far beyond the beaten path.
Your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike begins with an early departure from Cusco at 7:00 a.m. in our private transportation. Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive through the Sacred Valley as we make our way to Huarán (2,750 m / 9,020 ft) — the starting point of your Andean adventure.
From here, we’ll start our first day’s trek, following a gentle but steady uphill trail surrounded by lush mountain vegetation, crystal-clear streams, and terraced farmlands. The fresh mountain air and peaceful atmosphere make this one of the most rewarding sections of the journey.
After about 5 to 6 hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at Cancha Cancha (3,650 m / 11,792 ft), a picturesque Andean community nestled among snow-capped peaks. Here, we’ll set up camp and enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared dinner while admiring the dramatic mountain scenery.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local families, learn about their ancestral traditions, and witness the simplicity and warmth of Andean life — a cultural highlight of the Lares Valley Hike.
Wake up to the crisp mountain air and the sound of nature surrounding your campsite in Cancha Cancha. After a hearty breakfast prepared by our Tunqui Expeditions team, we’ll continue our 3-Day Lares Valley Hike, taking a steady uphill trail toward the trek’s first and most scenic mountain pass — Abra Pachacutec, also known as the Condor Pass (4,680 m / 15,351 ft).
The 3-hour ascent rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks — including Colquecruz, Minas, and Sirijuani — and the sparkling glacier-fed lagoons that dot the Andean landscape. It’s the perfect spot to pause, breathe in the crisp air, and take in the vastness of the Sacred Valley below.
After enjoying a well-deserved lunch just beyond the pass, we’ll begin a gentle descent toward Quiswarani, a picturesque Andean village known for its traditional weaving and agricultural lifestyle. Here, you’ll have another chance to observe the authenticity of Quechua culture, often witnessing villagers working in harmony with their llamas and alpacas.
We then continue uphill to reach the enchanting Queuñaqocha Lagoon, surrounded by native Queuña trees—sacred to the Andes and symbols of renewal and resilience. This serene location will be our second campsite, offering a peaceful setting to relax and rest under the starry Andean sky.
Awaken to the serene beauty of the Andes and enjoy a nourishing breakfast prepared by your Tunqui Expeditions team. Today marks the final stretch of your unforgettable 3-Day Lares Valley Hike, filled with breathtaking scenery and cultural charm.
We begin with a gradual ascent toward the Abra Willkiccasa Pass (4,100 m / 13,448 ft), a two-hour climb that rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks — including the majestic Colquecruz, and the mystical mountains of Pitusiray and Sahuasiray. From this vantage point, the Andes stretch endlessly before you, with vibrant Puna grasslands and the occasional sighting of deer grazing nearby.
After crossing the pass, we descend for about three hours to reach Cancan, a peaceful agricultural village where you can observe traditional Andean farming techniques that have remained unchanged for generations.
The trail then leads us into a fertile valley covered with lush vegetation, wild orchids, and colorful begonias, a striking contrast to the high-altitude landscapes of the previous days. After approximately two more hours of gentle descent, we arrive in the town of Lares, famous for its natural hot springs — the perfect place to relax your muscles and celebrate the completion of your Lares Valley adventure.
Following a well-deserved lunch, our private transportation will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 p.m., with memories of the Andes that will last a lifetime.
If you wish to extend your adventure, speak with your Tunqui Expeditions Travel Advisor about continuing from Lares to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes and explore the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu the next day — a perfect finale to your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike.
From breathtaking summits to heartwarming cultural encounters, your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike with Tunqui Expeditions blends adventure, tradition, and nature in perfect harmony — an authentic journey through the soul of the Andes.
Your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike with Tunqui Expeditions includes everything you need for a comfortable, safe, and unforgettable Andean adventure.
From expert guides to hearty meals and cozy campsites, we take care of every detail — so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
We provide a seamless trekking experience that blends comfort, safety, and cultural immersion. Our goal is for every traveler to truly connect with the natural beauty and spirit of the Andes during their 3-Day Lares Valley Hike.
To help you plan your adventure with complete transparency, here’s a list of items not included in the price of your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike.
Please review these details carefully so you can prepare accordingly and avoid any surprises during your journey.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we believe in clear and honest communication — ensuring every traveler knows exactly what’s included and what to prepare for.
Our team is happy to assist you with gear rental, travel arrangements, or pre-trek accommodations to make your 3-Day Lares Valley Hike smooth and worry-free from start to finish.
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.
The Lares Trek is one of the best alternative treks to the Inca Trail, perfect for travelers looking for a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure. Unlike the crowded Inca Trail, the Lares Valley Trek takes you through remote Andean villages, stunning valleys, crystal-clear lagoons, and natural Lares Hot Springs, offering a genuine cultural immersion with the Quechua communities.
We highly recommend spending a few days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) before starting the trek to properly acclimatize to the altitude. This will ensure you enjoy the journey and fully experience the beauty of trekking in Peru.
Choosing the Lares Trek with Tunqui Expeditions means enjoying a unique combination of spectacular mountain landscapes, cultural encounters, and the ultimate reward—arriving at Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we are proud to be pioneers of the Plastic-Free Lares Trek, promoting sustainable trekking in Peru. This unique adventure not only connects you with the breathtaking landscapes of the Lares Valley Trek, but also with the ancestral traditions of Andean communities—without leaving a negative footprint on our environment.
During this 3-day Lares Trek itinerary, we avoid the use of single-use plastics by providing:
By choosing the Plastic-Free Lares Trek, you support responsible tourism, help reduce waste in the Andes, and contribute directly to the Quechua families of Cancha Cancha and Quiswarani, who collaborate with us to make this trek truly sustainable.
This eco-conscious alternative to the Inca Trail is more than just trekking from Cusco to Machu Picchu—it is an opportunity to travel responsibly, honor Pachamama (Mother Earth), and experience the Andes in the most authentic and respectful way.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please note:
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 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.
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.
Here’s a complete checklist to help you prepare for your adventure. Please read carefully and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trek.
The porters will carry up to 7kg 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.
The Lares Trek 3 Days is available year-round, with the best trekking season being April to October (dry season in the Andes). Daily departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 trekkers. Private groups and custom departures are also available upon request.
This small-group tour is guaranteed with just 2 participants.
Important:
PayPal charges a 5% service fee, which is the client’s responsibility for online deposits. The remaining balance can be paid in cash in Cusco with no additional fees.
Enhance your trip with any of the following add-on experiences:
Enhance your experience with these popular options:
Once your reservation is confirmed, your price is locked in — guaranteed. No matter what changes occur, we won’t increase your rate.
Before booking, please make sure to read all important information about this tour.
