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Full Day Sacred Valley & Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

Cusco 5 days / 4 nights Max 16 Code SV-LARES-5D
Duration5 days / 4 nights
DifficultyChallenging
Max. altitude4,600 m
Group sizeMax 16
Tour type
Adventure and cultural
Languages
EN / ES
Starts in
Cusco
Ends in
Cusco
The journey

Overview

The Full Day Sacred Valley & Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights is a beautifully complete Andean journey for travelers who want more than a standard trek. At Machu Picchu From Cusco, this experience begins with the cultural richness of the Sacred Valley, where ancient Inca sites, mountain scenery, and traditional villages set the tone for everything that follows. It is the perfect way to begin a route that feels immersive, scenic, and deeply connected to the Andes.19 A meaningful start in the Sacred Valley The first part of the journey introduces you to one of the most beautiful and historic regions in Peru. As you travel through the Sacred Valley, you discover impressive landscapes, living traditions, and important archaeological sites that help you understand the world of the Incas before the trek begins. Rather than rushing into the trail, this opening day gives the experience more depth and a stronger sense of place. A more authentic trek through the Andes As the route continues into Lares, the experience becomes quieter, more personal, and more connected to local life. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights is known for its remote villages, woven traditions, mountain passes, and scenic trails. It offers a more authentic rhythm than busier trekking routes and allows travelers to experience a side of Peru that feels both natural and cultural at the same time. Why this journey feels different What makes the Full Day Sacred Valley & Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights so special is the way it combines scenery, history, and cultural immersion in one continuous experience. The Sacred Valley provides context and beauty from the start, while the Lares section adds movement, adventure, and human connection. By the time you reach Machu Picchu, the final visit feels even more rewarding because the journey has already been so rich.

  • Chinchero, Maras and Moray
  • Weaving communities of Huilloc and Patacancha
  • Glacial lakes below snow-capped peaks
  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu
5 days, step by step

Day-by-day itinerary

3,762 m 4,100 m 4,600 m 3,800 m 2,430 m
Day 1Highest point of each dayDay 5
  1. Day01

    Cusco - Chinchero - Salt mine - Moray – Pukara

    Today we will explore a very different part of the Sacred Valley. Pick you up at your hotel at 8:00am. Then you will be taken to the small town of Chincheros, where we will visit and enjoy an impressive Inca walls inset…

    8 h3,762 m Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  2. Day02

    Yanahuara – Pukara – Mantanays

    Today our hiking begins at 05:30 am wake up in your sleeping tent with cup of coca tea; and around 06: 00 am we will star our breakfast. At 07:00 am after enjoyed delicious healthy breakfast you’ll have to enjoy the hum…

    9 km6 h4,100 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  3. Day03

    Mantanay – Qochapata – Huilloc Alto

    Today will be I little be difficult, but beautiful and interesting first you'll be wake up at 5:00 am with cup of coca tea in your tent, and at 6:00 am we will have breakfast organize by our chef, after that our challen…

    9 km7 h4,600 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  4. Day04

    Huilloc Alto - Pumamarka – Ollantaytambo

    Today we will continue hiking all the way to Ollantaytambo. First we'll have our breakfast and then start our last hiking toward to Ollantaytambo. will be easy and interesting because we just walk all down where also we…

    9 km5 h3,800 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 3-star hotel
  5. Day05

    Ollantaytambo - Machupicchu – return Cusco

    Today will be easy and the most impressive journey at 5.10 am we finally board the train to Aguas Calientes town. The train take us 2 hours approximately, once arrived to aguas calientes train station our tour guide wil…

    Full day2,430 m Breakfast
Clear prices

What's included

Included

  • Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek and Machu Picchu visit.
  • Full-day transportation during the trek and transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Muleteer drivers and pack animals to carry camping equipment during the Lares Trek.
  • Official Lares Trek permit to Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance tickets to Sacred Valley attractions.
  • Pumamarka archaeological site entrance ticket.
  • Ollantaytambo archaeological site entrance ticket.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit #2 – La Clásica Diseñada).
  • All meals during the trek prepared by a professional trekking chef.
  • Healthy and energetic breakfasts.

Not included

  • Trekking poles.
  • Sleeping bags.
  • Air mattresses.
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
  • Tips for muleteers and tour guide (optional and voluntary).
  • Personal expenses and extra services not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Get ready

Packing list and tips

  • Original passport (checked at checkpoints, trains and Machu Picchu)
  • Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
  • Daypack of 25 to 35 litres
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Warm layers: fleece, down jacket, hat and gloves
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Personal medication and toilet paper
  • Some Peruvian soles in cash
  • Swimsuit if hot springs are on the route

Recommendations

Arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimatize to the altitude.
Bring your original passport for permits, train travel, and Machu Picchu entry.
Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good grip and ankle support.
Dress in layers to handle cold mornings, warm afternoons, and variable weather.
Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold nights in the Andes.
Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
Carry a small daypack for personal items, water, and snacks.
Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and small expenses.
Consider renting trekking poles for better stability on mountain trails.
Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.
Respect local communities, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions.

Important information and precautions

  • This route goes above 4,000 m: spend at least two nights in Cusco before departure
  • Tell us about any medical condition when you book; consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems
  • Weather in the high Andes changes quickly: the guide may adapt the route for safety
  • Pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed at the briefing
  • Machu Picchu circuits and entry times are assigned by the Ministry of Culture based on availability at the moment of purchase
  • Tickets are nominal: bring the same passport you used to book
  • Train luggage is limited to one small bag of up to 5 kg per person
  • Hotel pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed the evening before
  • Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have very limited spaces: request them when you book

Route map

  1. 1Cusco
  2. 2Chinchero
  3. 3Moray
  4. 4Maras salt mines
  5. 5Patacancha / Huilloc
  6. 6Pumamarka
  7. 7Ollantaytambo
  8. 8Aguas Calientes
  9. 9Machu Picchu

Frequently asked questions

The Lares Trek is considered moderate and is suitable for travelers with good physical condition. While it involves mountain hiking and altitude, it is generally less crowded and slightly less demanding than the Classic Inca Trail. Proper acclimatization in Cusco is important, and the trek does not require technical climbing skills. Our guides maintain a steady pace and provide full support throughout the journey.

The best time to hike the Lares Trek is during the dry season, from April to October, when weather conditions are more stable and views are clearer. June to August are the most popular months and require early booking. March and November are good shoulder-season options with fewer travelers, although occasional rain may occur.

Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by a professional trekking chef. This includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water. Muleteers carry the main camping equipment, allowing you to hike with only a light daypack. This setup ensures comfort, energy, and enjoyment throughout the trek.

You should bring hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm sleeping bag. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but can be rented locally. A small backpack for daily essentials is recommended. Having the right equipment will make the trek safer and more comfortable.

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical assistance, and emergency evacuation. Although our team provides first-aid support and professional guidance, insurance offers extra peace of mind during this multi-day trek in remote mountain areas.

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From, per personUS$ 850