Terraced ancient ruins sit on a lush green mountainside along the Lares Trek, overlooking a valley with trees, fields, and a small village surrounded by steep rocky peaks under a partly cloudy sky.

Lares Valley Peru Trek

*Example by 4 travelers in 4★ accommodation, low season. Flights priced separately. Get a quote for 1 to 99+ below

Summary - Lares Valley Peru Trek

Lares Valley Peru Trek - Tour Extension

The 4 Day Lares Valley Trek is an excellent option for an alternative Inca Trail. Less traveled and just as scenic, this Inca Trail begins at the Lares hot springs, covers terrain over 4000 meters in the Lares Valley, and ends at Ollantaytambo. Plus, it’s easy to add a tour of Machu Picchu to the end of your trek.

Note: This is a tour extension, combine this trek with one of our full package tours.

Highlights

  • Scenic trekking routes through passes over 4000 meters
  • Breathtaking views of the Lares Valley
  • Trekking through the Andes & the Sacred Valley
  • Finish off in Machu Picchu

Included

  • Transfer to/from Cusco
  • Expert guides, porters, cook, and horsemen
  • Camping and cooking equipment, included tents and sleeping pads
  • Horses to carry equipment
  • All meals, snacks, afternoon tea, and filtered water

Sample Itinerary

A highland landscape showing a series of vibrant blue lakes surrounded by rugged, grassy mountains and rocky terrain under daylight, capturing the stunning scenery along the Lares Valley Trek in Peru.
Day 1

At 6:30 am we depart from Cusco by private transportation and travel through the Sacred Valley to Lares, and spend the rest of the morning soaking in the natural hot springs of Lares. After lunch, we begin our Lares Valley Trek and hike to Wacawasi.

A thin stream of water flows from a stone spout set in an ancient, geometrically-carved stone wall along the Lares Trek, filling a small basin below. The structure features precise lines and shapes.
Day 2

In Wacawasy, you can explore Inca agricultural techniques and purchase local handicrafts includes hand-woven ponchos and chullos, from some of the finest weavers in Peru. In the morning, resume the Lares Valley trek, ascending to highest point of the route at Puma's Abra (1416 feet). After reaching the peak and enjoying the views, we descend one hour approximately, taking in the view of nearby lakes Aroray and Mantanay. Camp in Mantanay.

Ancient stone ruins with doorways sit on a steep, rocky mountainside along the Lares Trek, under a partly cloudy sky, with rugged peaks rising in the background.
Day 3

In the morning, descend from Mantanay to the village of Yanahuara and then finally to Ollantaytambo. Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is the only continually habited town since the time of the Incas. View the famous ruins of Ollantaytambo on the hillside, and then board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a comfortable hostel by the Urubamba River.

Two women in traditional colorful clothing and hats stand in a dry field along the Lares Trek, facing distant snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky with clouds.
Day 4

After an early breakfast, take the bus to Machu Picchu for a full day to explore these amazing Inca ruins. At the entrance, we will register and then start on our 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. Take some time to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu on your own as well. After enjoying the ruins, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for a late lunch before we return by train to Cusco.

Lares Valley Peru Trek
Start Planning This Tour
Name(Required)
The image shows the ornate entrance of a Gothic-style cathedral featuring pointed arches, detailed stone carvings, and three large wooden doors—perfect for visitors hoping to have a fabulous time exploring its historic beauty.

Victor Satanovsky and Tamara Sovetova

"In October-November 2013 we visited four countries (Ecuador, Peru, Brasil and Argentina) and did have a fabulous time...."
Ancient stone ruins with two large, weathered structures flank a dirt path under a clear blue sky—one of the best natural sights Brazil offers, with more ruins in the background and grass in the foreground inviting exploration.

Patsy Crisp

"I shall give you a brief overview of my impressions of the trip. On the whole it was hectic, interesting, and well-organized...."
Ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu sit atop a lush mountain ridge in Peru, surrounded by green peaks under a blue sky with scattered clouds in the background.

Ryan Petty

"Our guide was so professional and courteous..."
Steam rises from several geysers and hot springs in a rocky, open landscape, resembling the productive force of an efficient company. Distant mountains tower under a clear blue sky as wet, reflective ground surrounds the geothermal features.

J Rashbrooke

"Diego turns times and dates into a custom itinerary..."
A person on an exciting walk along a stone path beside a donkey, passing under a rustic stone archway, with trees and blue sky in the background.

Donald Rosebrook

"This was educational, exciting, and showed us everything we had asked for...."
Two people stand on either side of a statue of a uniformed soldier at an outdoor location in mainland Ecuador. The date 01/08/2012 is visible in the bottom right corner, marking a memorable moment from their Ecuador travel trip report.

Jim Stubblefield

"Read about the locations, tours, guides, hotels and more...."
Large metallic flower sculpture with open petals, set on a circular platform outdoors—an ideal spot for travelers like Denise seeking a memorable trip, framed by trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Martin & Denise Pick

"The people of Argentina & Chile were wonderful, warm, friendly, helpful, sincere; I simply cannot find enough adjectives...."
Three people are smiling and holding red containers at night, standing outdoors with bright lights and a shop behind them, capturing the festive mood of their wonderful trip.

Graham Stapleton

"Our flights, accommodation and transfers were seamless and comfortable. It was a really excellent trip!..."
Two women smiling and standing close together in front of large, scenic waterfalls—capturing a travel experience that truly exceeded expectations amid lush greenery.

Mary & Jenny

"We enjoyed ourselves immensely and hope to return to see even more someday...."
Two people ride bicycles side by side on a gravel path through a vineyard under a wooden shelter on a sunny day, enjoying one of the best tours in the region.

Kamran Kabolizadeh

"Our travel agent at SouthAmerica.travel worked with me with an amazingly high degree of patience...."

Estimated Tour Price Without Flights

Prices vary according to several factors including: season, number of people traveling, shared vs private excursions, when you book and rooming arrangements. These are from prices based on low season.

We can customize anything for any time of year! Contact us for an exact quote for your trip.

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$973
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$1165
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$973
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$1109
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$973
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$1079
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

Peru Travel Guide PDF Cover Page.
Download your free

Peru Travel Guide

Download our FREE Peru Travel Guide and get inspired to travel to Peru. Browse travel planning tips and ideas, pictures of Peru, and adventurous tours. This e-book is a great resource for planning your Peru dream vacation.
  • Colorful maps and images
  • Places to visit in Peru
  • Peru tour ideas
  • Recommended Peru hotels
  • Peru FAQs and travel tips