Lares Travel Guides
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AUTHENTIC LUXURY TOURS
Experience the Lares + Short Inca Trail glamping trek—a luxurious journey blending Incan history with modern comfort. Explore hidden treasures of the Andes and connect with Quechua communities while indulging in spa treatments, gourmet meals, and deluxe accommodations. Begin on the Lares Trail with stunning mountain vistas and high alpine passes, relax in the Lares hot springs, then transition to the Inca Trail, ascending to the Sun Gate for an unforgettable first view of Machu Picchu.
Program Schedule: Please note that the itinerary below is for reference only, and is subject to change based on train schedules, your physical condition, pace, and any unforeseen circumstances.
Accommodations: Our prices for two or more guests are based on double or triple occupancy per tent. If you prefer a single tent, an additional supplement of $489.00 will apply.
Train Stations and Schedules: Please be aware that train stations and schedules are subject to change based on availability. Additionally, due to rain, the Poroy train station is closed from January to the end of April each year, our friendly staff will meet and escort you from the Ollantaytambo train station.
Walking sticks are included for your convenience, ensuring added support and comfort during your glamping adventure. Please note that walking sticks are not permitted at Machu Picchu to preserve this iconic site.
If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu during your visit, please consult with your travel specialist to secure tickets, as these spots are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly. Additional costs apply for these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Comprehensive Luxury Support:
Experience seamless, stress-free travel with 24/7 support from our friendly staff, supporting you from the planning stages all the way until you return home.
Private Insider Experiences:
Unlock unique, crowd-free travel opportunities off the beaten path. With over two decades of local relationships, we provide access to unforgettable moments that truly showcase the essence of each destination.
Extraordinary Personalized Adventures: Every itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to perfectly match your tastes and preferences.
Seamless Luxury and Adventure
On glamping treks, adventure and luxury come together in perfect harmony. Explore the natural world and ancient marvels while enjoying premium comforts for an unparalleled trekking experience.
Indulgent Spa Wellness
Treat yourself to rejuvenating spa treatments along the trail, including relaxing massages after each day’s hike by our professional masseuse. Reinvigorate your mind, body and soul, on this journey with us
This rating provides insight into the level of exertion required for each trip.
Easy = These trips are a relaxing experience where you can unwind without engaging in any physically demanding activities unless you choose to.
Soft = Some easy physical activities included in your itinerary. No prior physical preparation is needed to fully enjoy your journey.
Moderate = Expect to raise your heart rate with moderate physical activities. A good level of fitness is recommended to make the most of this adventure.
Challenging = Prepare for significant physical activity. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy this trip, as most activities will test your limits.
Difficult = This is our highest physical rating. Get ready for an exhilarating adventure filled with challenges and potentially extreme conditions. A high level of fitness is required for this trip, as difficult activities are included.
The Adventure Begins! First Steps on the Lares Trail
After an early breakfast in Cusco, your guide will escort you in a private transfer to the Sacred Valley. A scenic 1.5-hour drive takes you to Calca for any last-minute purchases, then to Huaran, the start of your glamping trek where you will meet your trekking team, ready to manage every detail.
Begin with a gradual 3.5-hour trek along the Cancha Cancha River, passing Andean crops and queña forests. Enjoy a gourmet lunch by Piedra Grande, then continue 2.5 hours to our scenic campsite at Cancha Cancha, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
On arrival, join the “Ofrenda a la Madre Tierra,” a ceremony honoring Pachamama, the Mother Earth. Before dinner, relax with a hot shower, massage and á la carte spa treatments. Conclude your day with a gourmet meal before retiring to your heated tent under the stars.
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The Challenges and Rewards of the Andes: Summiting Pachacutec Pass
Start your day with a peaceful yoga session in the Andes, followed by a nourishing breakfast to prepare for the challenging ascent to Pachacutec Pass. As you climb, enjoy stunning views of Azulcocha and Suerococha lakes, meet local families, and maybe share school supplies with the children.
After about four hours, reach the trek’s highest point, Pachacutec Pass (4,690 m / 15,387 ft.), enjoy a champagne toast to your achievement with panoramic views of glaciers, valleys, and lakes. Descend for two hours to Qoyalaycocha Lake for a gourmet lakeside lunch, where you’ll be treated to an authentic Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast dating back to pre-Inca times. This tender and flavorful meal, infused with the rich earthiness of the land and a gourmet twist, will be prepared by our expert culinary team. While you feast, our knowledgeable guide will share captivating legends passed down through generations, bringing to life the ancient beliefs of Inca Gods, mountain spirits, and the powerful forces of Pachamama (Mother Earth).
After lunch, continue for two hours to our Quiswarani campsite (3,902 meters / 12,802 feet), near the Quiswarani community – famous for their weaving techniques. Meet local artisans, relax with a hot shower, and unwind with a spa treatment. Enjoy a filling dinner before resting in your heated bedroom tent.
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Heights and Hot Springs
Rise with the sun and enjoy a nourishing breakfast before setting out on the final leg of the Lares Trek. Begin your hike up to the Huillquijassa Pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft.), surrounded by dazzling lakes and the towering Peruvian Andes. After soaking in the views, descend for about 2.5 hours toward Cuncani (3,900 m / 12,795 ft.), where you’ll pass herds of alpacas, llamas, and sheep grazing along the way.
Your transport will be waiting to take you to the Lares hot springs (3,260 m / 10,695 ft.) for a well-earned soak in the mineral-rich waters, perfect for soothing your muscles and mind. After relaxing, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch nearby. Finally, bid farewell to your exceptional trekking team and thank them for their first-class care and attention. Then, board your private transport to your luxury hotel in the Sacred Valley, where an evening of relaxation awaits after dinner.
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Accommodations: Luxury Hotel in the Sacred Valley
The Journey’s Pinnacle: Machu Picchu
Begin your day with breakfast in your hotel in the Sacred Valley before a private transfer to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board the train with your guide to Km 104 – the trail’s starting point.
Cross the Urubamba bridge to start your hike, passing through the cloud forest to the Chachabamba archaeological site. Following the ancient Inca steps, we’ll pass through the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, where vibrant orchids dot the landscape with bursts of color. As we ascend, we approach the sacred Sun Gate (Intipunku), offering stunning views of the cloud forest and intricate Inca terraces as we navigate tunnels carved into the mountainside. At last, we reach the awe-inspiring Sun Gate (2,750 m / 9,020 ft.), where you’ll witness your first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu. The sight of the ancient citadel, framed by towering peaks, is an emotional and truly unforgettable moment.
Descend to Machu Picchu, then take the shuttle to Aguas Calientes. Check into your luxury hotel to relax, enjoy the many amenities, and finalize plans for the next day’s magical Machu Picchu visit before a restful night’s sleep.
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Explore the Magnificent Machu Picchu
At the designated time, join your guide on the shuttle to Machu Picchu. Explore this iconic citadel on a private tour with your guide, capturing photos and delving into its history. For added adventure, and to see the citadel from a different perspective, you can opt for a hike up Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu (advance booking required).
Afterward, enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes, then board the luxurious Hiram Bingham or Vistadome train to the station where our friendly staff member will greet you and whisk you to your hotel in Cusco (hotel accommodation in Cusco is not included, but available for booking upon request).
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This comprehensive package ensures every detail of your luxury trekking experience is taken care of, allowing you to focus on the adventure and relaxation amidst the beauty of Peru.
These items are not included, but we can assist with bookings to ensure a seamless experience
We started planning our trip in 2019 for 2020 but with the pandemic we had to postpone to Sept 2021. We just returned from our 5 day, 4 nigh Salkentay Trek. The experience above all expectations. Elvira and Milton seamlessly worked with us to reschedule our trip.
Their extensive knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and supportive nature made the trek both enjoyable and enriching. They also doubled as amazing photographers, capturing the breathtaking scenery for us.
All the others that helped support our trekking and glamping tour along the way were top tier people and we hold a warm place in our hearts for all they did to make sure our time in the incredible Peruvian mountains was memorable.
The organization is amazing, and I would recommend it to any type of traveler. They anticipated all of our need and exceeded expectations.
We had the most unforgettable trip of a life time. View Peru is a top notch tour company.
Enhance your journey with additional adventures for a truly extraordinary exploration.
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Inspiration for your next adventure