Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights

Outty Ranking 57 4.9 · 8 traveler reviews120 hoursFrom $985
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights worth booking?

Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $985 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 8 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (8)
Duration
120 hours
From
$985 per person

Combine the Lares Trek and the Inca Trail in an epic 5-day journey to Machu Picchu. This route takes you away from the crowds, allows you to interact with Andean communities, and takes you through breathtaking landscapes: glaciers, lagoons, waterfalls, and streams. Enjoy nature, visit archaeological sites, and experience the best of both worlds on this tour. - The Lares Trail is a fantastic alternative route to Machu Picchu to avoid the crowds. - Travel part of the famous Inca Trail. - Learn from Andean communities. - Home to one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world. - Visit Inca archaeological sites and learn about their fascinating culture. - Enjoy a train ride through breathtaking landscapes. - End this epic journey with a guided tour of the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.

What you get

    About this experience

    Combine the Lares Trek and the Inca Trail in an epic 5-day journey to Machu Picchu. This route takes you away from the crowds, allows you to interact with Andean communities, and takes you through breathtaking landscapes: glaciers, lagoons, waterfalls, and streams. Enjoy nature, visit archaeological sites, and experience the best of both worlds on this tour. - The Lares Trail is a fantastic alternative route to Machu Picchu to avoid the crowds. - Travel part of the famous Inca Trail. - Learn from Andean communities. - Home to one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world. - Visit Inca archaeological sites and learn about their fascinating culture. - Enjoy a train ride through breathtaking landscapes. - End this epic journey with a guided tour of the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.

    What's included

    Included

    • Pre-departure briefing
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Experienced Mountain Guide
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Train ticket for the Ollantaytambo - km 104 section
    • Breakfast
    • Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
    • Tourist Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
    • All private transport and transfers during the tour
    • 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
    • Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
    • Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
    • 1 night in a hotel in Ollantaytambo (Day 3)
    • Portable toilet
    • Tickets to enter the Lares hot springs
    • Hygiene products (small towel and soap)
    • Safety: First aid kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and emergency satellite pones
    • 1 night camping in Quishuarani (Day 1)
    • Transportation of personal belongings.
    • Permits and ticket for the Inca Trail
    • Tickets to the Maras Salt Mines
    • Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
    • Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
    • 1 night camping in Cancha Cancha (Day 2)
    • Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail

    Not included

    • Gear: Inflatable mattress, Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles
    • Personal hiking clothing and gear
    • Travel Insurance (Recommended)
    • Gratuities for the staff (Optional)

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • With Huchuy Picchu Mountain

      Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included

    • With Machu Picchu Mountain

      Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included

    • Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days

      Pickup included

    • With Huayna Picchu Mountain

      Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket Gear: Sleeping Bag & Trekking poles included Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Salkantay Trekking

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
    • The Inca Trail is highly demanded, specially in high season (May to September). Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure a spot.
    • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
    • Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
    • Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
    • Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
    • Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
    • Not recommended for children under 8 years old due to walking distances and altitude.

    Photos

    Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights in Cusco, photo 2Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights in Cusco, photo 3Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights in Cusco, photo 4Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights in Cusco, photo 5Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights in Cusco, photo 6Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights in Cusco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    5 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    8 verified traveler reviews for Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    1
    3 star
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    2 star
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    Sort
    C2988YFelizabethm · June 2026

    LARES - INCA - MACHU PICCHU

    We had an amazing experience with our tour guide and team. The food was spectacular, especially considering our remote location and the limited resources available to prepare such wonderful meals. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the remote communities. The people were incredibly warm and welcoming, making us feel as though we were part of their community.

    via Tripadvisor

    davidsW7063SB · June 2026

    Great experience

    Amazing experience with lovely people Guide, chef and horsemen were all so friendly and helpful. Food was amazing. Loved the community immersion in the first few days Only disappointment was in the details pre trip. Found out on the trip we would have to pay for bus down from Machu Picchu, but this was not listed in the “not included” section of the brochure. Would have been helpful to know ahead of time to organise the cash required

    via Tripadvisor

    isabells274 · May 2026

    Beautiful Lares Trek

    Defintely worth the payment. Everything was well organized and the tickets for several entrance already paid by the guide so you don’t have to care about anything. The tour up in the mountains without any other people besides the locals and your group is amazing. You really get a feeling of the Andens and how the locals life. Also the nature is stunning and not to be captured by any picture. We really enjoyed our trip and would do ist anytime again even though the nights were very cold at this altitude. We had the best time with our guide Henry, the chef Mathias and the horseman Valentin. Thanks to you all!

    via Tripadvisor

    Diana R · May 2026

    Gorgeous trekking. Staff helpful/meals delicious. However, trust us ALWAYS have money on you; DON’T leave in your pack.

    Lovely mountains, animals and views

    via Tripadvisor

    Helle J · July 2025

    Lares trek 2025

    We did the Lares Trek fir 5 days , which was an absolutely amazing experience. The journey was full of beautiful natural scenery – with llamas and alpacas along the trail. Our team and guide, Tinni, were fantastic; everyone was kind and very helpful. I can highly recommend this trek.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    120 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $985 to $1,080
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)36
    Booking momentum (14% weight)27
    Value for money (12% weight)62
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

    How much does Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights cost?

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    Prices start at $985 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights take?

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    Plan for about 120 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.

    Is Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 120-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights?

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    Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 120-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cusco?

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    On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cusco?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cusco?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights?

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    Included: Pre-departure briefing; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Experienced Mountain Guide; Lunch; and Dinner. Not included: Gear: Inflatable mattress, Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles; Personal hiking clothing and gear; Travel Insurance (Recommended); and Gratuities for the staff (Optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 369 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights?

    +

    Across 8 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights?

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    There are 4 options to choose from, including With Huchuy Picchu Mountain, With Machu Picchu Mountain, Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days, With Huayna Picchu Mountain. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights.

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