Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Traveler Reviews

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  ChChC4.0•January 2026
  This trip is a superb all-around tour. Nature in the beginning and culture in the end. The Lares Trek is often...
  This trip is a superb all-around tour. Nature in the beginning and culture in the end. The Lares Trek is often run as a private tour and is perfect for people who enjoy a pinch of adventure and have an inclination toward community service. If you want go someplace few people ever reach and see virtually no other tourists along the way, this is the tour for you. It might be fair to say that this hike probably should not be done during the rainy season, as the tents that are available (Eureka Timberline) can’t withstand the winds and prolonged heavy rains that can occur overnight. Though our guide team did its best to re-secure the tents in the middle of the night, water still found its way in and soaked portions of our sleeping mats and bags. The next day (and night) was cloudy and rainy, as well. Accordingly, there really was not any time to dry things out, resulting in another chilly, damp evening. That said, we have an authentic story about roughing it in the Andes. Absolutely worth it! Aside from the continuous scroll of jaw-dropping vistas and the excellent food provided by Chef Julio and Sous Chef Victor (absolute magicians), we got to travel through remote villages and see a way of life that is fast disappearing. Our guide, Mr. Gilber was warm, personable, and knowledgable. The fact that he grew up in the Lares region and still maintains close personal relationships with many residents gave us a real insider’s view. Before setting out, he advised us that the people of Lares have very little and that they very much depend upon selling handicrafts to sustain their way of life. He also recommended, that we purchase some Christmas treats for the children before leaving Cusco. These sweets, together with the buying of handicrafts at several stops along the way, served as a sort of “price of admission”, ensuring that we would be welcomed into people’s villages (and in some cases, even homes where we saw how people raise guinea pigs). The second half of the trip involved some comparatively light hiking around Machu Picchu. Ms. Monica, Mr. Fernando, and Mr. Miguel kept our larger group (18?) on-time and well-informed. Ms. Monica was particularly knowledgable about Incan history, customs, and legends, while Mr. Fernando and Mr. Miguel were on hand to help us with any small issues we encountered. In the end, we learned a lot and have some wonderful stories to tell! In terms of helpful hints, bear in mind that Machu Picchu tickets cost extra on top of the tour price. Also, there are three circuits for experiencing the site. Circuit 1 seems to be mostly outside the main site but includes access to the challenging Machu Picchu Mountain trail. Circuit 2 seems to provide the most complete access to the structures of Machu Picchu. Circuit 3 allows access to the lower sections of the site, together with the vertiginous but gorgeous Huayna Picchu trail. We did Circuits 2 and 3 on the same morning, at 6:00 and 9:00 respectively. While this schedule may cut short some of the guide’s explanations inside Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu offers a bit of a physical challenge that rewards one with an incredible view from a very unique perspective. Although some may try to scare you off from doing Huayna Picchu, don’t be dissuaded. A determined person of normal fitness will have no trouble completing the trail within the allotted time.Show more
  Traveled in January 1970
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  Jacob5.0•July 2021
  This was an unforgettable experience! We are experienced travelers in our mid twenties, and this was one of the most...
  This was an unforgettable experience! We are experienced travelers in our mid twenties, and this was one of the most meaningful experiences we have ever had. First off, this trip took place during covid times. Coronel had great, quick communication up to the trip and was very helpful letting us know what to expect while helping us by being flexible with scheduling as flights and local rules were changing. Once started, from beginning to end the trip was really high quality. It began with an easy briefing meeting the day before the trek began as a final check that everyone is ready. There, our guide Charly gave great tips and answered any questions anyone might have still had. The hike includes two nights tent camping and one night in a hotel before visiting Machu Picchu. All the essentials are included (you should have your own hiking boots and tops and bottoms appropriate for hiking) and the food provided was amazing the whole trip. Bathrooms are available at some of the camping sites and a portable one is made available when a permanent building isn’t there. To make the meals and the set up and tear down all possible, a group of cooks and horseman travel with you and the guide as well. They are locals who are experts in their craft and worked extremely hard to hike ahead and have things set by the time we get to each site. The food was amazing, cleaning materials are available, morning tea was always being brewed before we woke up. They really go above and beyond to make it an incredible experience and were all very friendly if you speak some Spanish. Thank you Selsor, Santos, Victor, and Renaldo. On the trek the mountains were of course amazing, but we also learned so much about Peruvian culture, history, and food, and a got a look into real Peruvian traditions in the Andes. Our guide Charly was extremely knowledgeable and passionate and being able to learn about the history and culture of his people made this so much more than a hike. We learned about plants, animals, mountains, stars, the Quechua language, Incan history, local people, and more. If you want a cultural experience this trek is much better than the classic Inca trail. It takes you through multiple small villages where you see local farmers, get a peek into their lives and homes. Machu Picchu itself is of course amazing but was made even better because of our great and knowledgeable guide Charly. In general the hike goes from Lares (hot springs) through some mountains (condor pass) and small villages, to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Caliente for a night in a hotel before going to Machu Picchu. Last, I got unlucky food poisoning the day BEFORE the hike, while still in the city. The trek team was able to help me the first day by modifying the timing, giving me extra tea and light food, and generally taking care of me so I could have an amazing three days after that. We highly recommend Trexperience from our own experience. We’re also glad to learn that this company seems to be the only one hiring women as guides, offering accident insurance to the staff, and being so community focused by employing a variety of local Andes people. They really represent Peru in a great way and seem to really care about their guests and their impact on the local community. If you are looking for a beautiful trek with cultural experiences that ends with Machu Picchu, the Lares Trek with Trexperience was perfect.Show more
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  Traveled in May 2021
  

  Reply from: TreXperience

  Dear Jacob, we highly value your kind comments, thank you! We work hard to provide a great trekking experience, and your feedback makes us very happy and helps us continue doing a great job. We will convey your message to our staff, thank you again, and come back soon!

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