Trek Along The Greatest Lares Trails to Machu Picchu with Peru's #1 Trekking Team
4 or 5-day all-inclusive treks with expert guides, Machu Picchu permits, breathtaking mountains and world-class camping
40,000+ Happy Trekkers | #1 on TripAdvisor | 100% Porter Welfare | ISO-certified Sustainable Tourism
You’re in safe hands with over 30,000+ Excellent 5 Star Reviews and TripAdvisor Best of the Best Award 2025.
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Real Hikers. Real Stories.
Escape the crowds and connect with local communities on our Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
The Lares Trek takes you deep into remote Andean valleys where traditional Quechua communities still live as they have for generations. Visit local homes, soak in natural hot springs, pass waterfalls and ancient salt mines, and experience a side of Peru few travellers ever see.
Choose to finish with a scenic train to Aguas Calientes and bus up to Machu Picchu or extend your hike with 2-days on the Inca Trail, entering through the iconic Sun Gate for a truly unforgettable arrival at the citadel.
Select Your Lares Trek Package below
Choose the classic Lares Trek with a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes and bus transfer up to Machu Picchu – or extend your adventure by combining Lares with a 2-day Inca Trail hike, entering through the iconic Sun Gate for a truly unforgettable arrival.
All Tours Include a Guided visit to Machu Picchu on the final day
All meals, transport, and camping equipment included
Led by expert local guides, cooks, and support team
4 Day Lares To Machu Picchu Trek
A culture-rich Lares journey through highland villages and glacial landscapes, ending with a scenic arrival and guided exploration of Machu Picchu.
| Duration | 4D / 3N |
| Group size | Minimum 2ppl |
| Physical | Moderate |
| Distance | 33km / 20 miles |
| Price | £485 pp ($650) |
- Trek through remote Andean valleys and traditional Quechua villages.
- Visit local family homes and experience authentic highland culture.
- Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by towering mountain peaks.
- Pass waterfalls, glacial lakes, and the historic Maras salt mines.
- End with a guided Machu Picchu tour (scenic train to Aguas Calientes + bus up to the citadel).
- Enjoy a fully supported trek with expert guides, porters, camping, and hot meals.
Perfect for travellers seeking a cultural, off-the-beaten-path route to Machu Picchu.
5 Day Lares + Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Trek
A cultural Lares journey followed by a 2-day Inca Trail finale, arriving at Machu Picchu on foot through the iconic Sun Gate.
| Duration | 5D / 4N |
| Group size | Minimum 2ppl |
| Physical | Challenging |
| Distance | 48km / 30 miles |
| Price | £688 pp ($920) |
- Trek through remote Andean valleys and traditional Quechua villages.
- Visit local family homes and experience authentic highland culture.
- Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by towering mountain peaks.
- Continue with a 2-day hike along the original Inca Trail.
- Enter Machu Picchu on foot through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
- Enjoy a fully supported trek with expert guides, porters, camping, and hot meals.
Perfect for travellers who want cultural immersion and the legendary Inca Trail finish.
Ready to Begin Your Lares Hike?
Spaces are limited on our treks and demand is high, so we need to secure your permits as early as possible. Enquire about your place today and take the first step towards the adventure of a lifetime along our Lares trails to Machu Picchu.
Join a group or hike privately
Enjoy Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner by our chefs
Camp under the stars with amazing views
Peru’s leader in porter welfare and fair wages
Important: Secure Your Permits
& Machu Picchu Tickets
Inca Trail Permits & Machu Picchu Tickets - How Do They Work?
Access to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu is strictly limited by the Peruvian government, booking is required through a licensed tour operator like Alpaca Expeditions. You cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit on your own.
Do I need a permit for the Lares Trek?
No special trekking permit is required for the Lares Trek. Unlike the Inca Trail, which has strict government-issued permits that sell out months in advance, the Lares route is open-access but still requires booking in advance.
Do I need a permit for Machu Picchu?
Yes. All treks, including the Lares, require a Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the final day. The most popular permit is for circuit 2 which are limited to 200 per day and sell out fast so booking in advance is essential. Alpaca Expeditions secures this ticket for you as part of every package, so you don’t need to worry.
What about the Inca Trail?
If you choose the 5 Day Lares Trek you will hike along the Inca Trail. You’ll need both an Inca Trail permit and a Machu Picchu entrance ticket. This permits are limited to 500 per day and sell out fast as well and were released in October 2025 so let us know if you would like to book a hike so we can secure your dates. Alpaca handles these permits on your behalf.
Restrictions: Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable, and are tied to your specific passport information.
February closure: The Inca Trail is closed for the entire month of February every year for conservation and maintenance work, with no permits issued during this time.
Watch Our 4-Day Classic Lares Trail Hike Video
View Our 4-Day Classic
Lares Trail Hike Map
Experience the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in a new, relaxed and exclusive way.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: A particularly special adventure, the Lares trail takes the road less traveled to Machu Picchu.
The Lares Trek offers a unique and rare perspective into the true Andean lifestyle, as trekkers walk through remote villages and visit family homes for an intimate look into the culture and customs of our locals. Trekkers will also get to soak in famous natural thermal baths, trek past waterfalls, and visit the salt mines that make up a significant portion of the local economy. And, of course, witness the sacred ruins of Machu Picchu!
Highlights: Natural hot springs, striking salt mines, remote villages, connection with locals, Machu Picchu
Considerations: Since you are hiking in the Andes, this is one of our coldest treks. Please be prepared with lots of warm layers.
Difficulty: While all treks in the Andes are challenging, this hike moves a bit slower than others making it a favorite of our youngest hikers.
Season: Year-round.
We’re Multi-Award Winning And Voted Peru’s Best Tour Operator by TripAdvisor and WTA
With our ISO certifications ensuring we maintain the highest safety standards and 30,000 glowing 5-star reviews, and TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Award 2024 & 2025, we’re proud to be Peru’s #1 choice for Lares trekking adventures.
Contact us today and let us help you book your dream Lares Trail to Machu Picchu hike!
What’s Included In Your Lares Trail Hike?
We take care of everything, including transport to and from your hotel, so all you have to do is focus on the hike. Every Alpaca Expeditions trek includes the essentials and more for a safe, comfortable, and successful Lares Trail hike.
Expert Mountain Crew
Permits & Machu Picchu Entry
Transport & Transfers
Pre-Climb Briefing
Full safety briefing and gear check before your team head to the Lares trails.
All Meals on the Mountain
Incredible Accommodation
One-of-a-kind accommodations along the hike, toilets, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and dining tents set up for you.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
A complete guided visit of Machu Picchu after your trek, covering all key sites.
Safe Drinking Water
First Aid & Emergency Equipment
Meet Some Of Our Incredible Guides
Get inspired by our legendary Peruvian guides, whose expertise and passion will lead you along the Lares & Inca Trails to the breathtaking heights of Machu Picchu. Your guides will be the heroes of your journey from start to finish.
Meet
Rolando
“Rolando shared so much great knowledge and really made the trek special.”
20+ years of Experience
Trailblazing Adventure Expert
Meet
Alexander
“Alexander’s amazing energy and humour kept our group strong every day.”
22+ years of Experience
Cultural History Specialist
Meet
Jimmy
“Our guide Jimmy was brilliant, thoughtful and kind”
15+ years of Experience
Mountain Trek Leader
Why 1,000s Of Climbers Trust Us To Successfully Hike The Lares Trail
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We’ve helped hikers from across the world hike across the Lares Trails with the greatest views of Machu Picchu and experience a journey that will be remembered for a lifetime.
1. Limited Permits – Book Early
The Inca Trail & Lares Trek is one of the world’s most famous hikes, and the Peruvian government strictly limits access to protect the trail. Only 500 permits per day are released for multi-day treks and 250 for the Short Inca Trail - once they sell out, they’re gone. Booking months in advance is the only way to guarantee your spot.
2. Expert Local Guides
Every trek is led by Alpaca Expeditions’ highly trained, English-speaking local guides. Born and raised in the Andes, they share not only safety and navigation expertise but also the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Incas - bringing every step of the trail to life.
3. Safety Comes First
Your safety is our top priority. From expert guides trained in first aid and mountain rescue, to well-maintained equipment and carefully planned acclimatisation, every trek is designed to keep you safe and supported from start to finish. Oxygen, first aid kits, and emergency protocols are always on hand.
4. All-Inclusive Treks
From the moment you join, everything is taken care of: permits, Machu Picchu entry, high-quality camping equipment, chef-prepared meals, clean water, transport, and even transfers to and from Cusco. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure. We also include a duffle bag, poncho and daypack covers.
5. Porter Welfare & Support
Alpaca Expeditions is Peru’s leader in porter care, ensuring fair pay, proper equipment, and meals for the incredible team members who carry gear and make the trek possible. By travelling with us, you directly support a company committed to the highest porter welfare standards in the country.
6. World-Class Recognition
Alpaca Expeditions is proud to be recognised with the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award 2024 & 2025, the World Travel Awards 2022, 2023 & 2025, and is ISO-certified in tourism sustainability. When you book your trek with us, you’re travelling with Peru’s #1 rated Lares Trail operator.
7. Pre-Hike Briefing
Join us at our conveniently located office, close to the center of Cusco, for a 45 minute briefing before all camping treks. Briefings are at 6:30am with your trekking guide and last for 45 minutes where we will run over all the important information you need to know before we begin your hike.
8. Easy Booking & 24/7 Support
From your first enquiry to the moment you return home, our team is with you every step of the way. Enjoy responsive customer service, transparent communication, and flexible booking options - giving you complete peace of mind before, during, and after your trek.
Best of the Best
You’re in safe hands with 30,000+ 5 Star Reviews on TripAdvisor
ISO Certified
Award-Winning
Environment First
Socially Conscious
What is included?
- Machu Picchu Entry (Limited availability)
- Inca Trail Permit (Limited availability - 5-Day Trek only)
- Camping Gear & Equipment
- Guides & Porters
- Mountain Chefs
- Meals (B/L/D) + Cooking Class on the trail
- Group & Private Booking Options
- 4 or 5-Day Treks
- Transportation from and to your Hotel in Cusco
- Emergency Horse & Horsemen on the Lare Trail
- Peru’s #1 Most Trusted, Safest & Responsible Operator
What’s not included?
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities to Guides & Porters
- Rentals (sleeping bags, walking poles, air matress)
- Huayna Picchu entry (Machu Picchu add-on $75)
- Day packs & Headlamps
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What is the best Month to hike the Lares Trail?
Both the Lares Trek and the Lares & Inca Trail Combo are best hiked in the dry season April–October. You’ll enjoy clearer skies and drier trails.
During the wet season (November–March), rain is heavier, especially on the Inca Trail section of the combo trek.
If you prefer fewer crowds the shoulder months April and October are the perfect time to visit.
Does the Lares Trek go to Machu Picchu?
Yes. Both routes end at Machu Picchu.
- The Lares Trek finishes with a train ride into Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu the next morning.
- The Lares & Inca Trail Combo takes you through both trails, so you enter Machu Picchu via the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku) before your guided tour – the iconic experience unique to the Inca Trail.
Do you offer group and private tours?
Yes. We offer both small group treks and private tours. Group treks are perfect if you’d like to share the adventure with other travellers and keep costs lower. Private tours are ideal if you prefer a more personalised experience, choosing your own dates, pace, and level of comfort. Both options include our full team of professional guides, porters, and chefs to ensure your trek is safe and unforgettable.
Do I need a permit for the Lares Trek?
- Lares Trek: No government permit is required. You do require a permit to access Machu Picchu so early booking is advised.
- Lares & Inca Trail Combo: Yes, an Inca Trail permit is mandatory. These are limited to 500 per day and sell out months in advance, so early booking is essential. We secure these permits for you.
Do you offer additional excursions before or after the trek?
Yes. Many trekkers add on adventures such as Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, the Sacred Valley, or Cusco city tours. These can be arranged before or after either trek. For those combining the Lares with the Inca Trail, extra time in Cusco before your trek is recommended to acclimatise.
What’s the weather like on the trek?
Both treks cross high mountain passes and cloud forest, but there are small differences:
- Lares Trek: Coldest temperatures can drop below 0°C / 32°F, warmer and more humid as you descend into the jungle.
- Lares & Inca Trail Combo: Same mountain conditions as above, plus the Inca Trail section where weather is a bit more stable but still variable. Dry season (April–October) is the most reliable for both routes.
What kind of food can I expect on the trek?
Our chefs prepare fresh, hearty, and delicious dishes using local ingredients to keep you energised throughout the trek. Expect a mix of Peruvian and international cuisine – soups, rice, pasta, fresh vegetables, chicken, beef, and even vegetarian or vegan options on request.
Each day includes:
- Hot breakfasts to start your trek strong
- Nutritious lunches with plenty of variety
- Three-course dinners served in a dining tent
- Snacks & tea time with hot drinks and treats
We happily cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs with advance notice.