Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Begin your adventure in Cuzco, once the geographic, cultural and political centre of a vast Inca empire. After Spanish conquistadors invaded, they built on top of Inca structures, resulting in unique architecture, a fusion of Spanish and Inca styles. Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Peruvian welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Cuzco? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Inkarri Hotel (or similar) (D).

We keep today deliberately flexible to help with acclimatisation at altitude. Those staying in Cuzco join our tour leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre, introducing key landmarks and giving useful context for the days ahead. Alternatively, there is the option to join a full-day hike to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, a quieter alternative to Vinicunca with broad views across multicoloured ridgelines. Travellers choosing this hike will not take part in the orientation walk. The remainder of the day is free to rest, explore independently or enjoy a long lunch in one of the city's cafes. Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Inkarri Hotel (or similar) (B).

Travel by private vehicle into the Sacred Valley (departing around 8am), following the Urubamba River through a landscape shaped by agriculture for centuries. Terraced hillsides and maize fields still define the valley floor. Midway through the journey, we spend time with an Andean community, learning about traditional weaving techniques and making our own bracelets under local guidance. Lunch is a pachamanca, cooked using hot stones in the earth – a method that predates the Incas.

In the afternoon, we visit the Maras salt ponds, where thousands of shallow pools have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times. We then continue to our hotel in the valley, arriving mid to late afternoon. Upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: San Agustin Urubamba Hotel (or similar) (B/L).

Transfer from the Sacred Valley to Huaran village, the start point of the Lares Trek. From here, we begin our hike into the quieter highlands north of Cusco. The trail climbs steadily to Cancha Cancha campsite, passing grazing land and small settlements. We have time to explore the local community, where Quechua remains the first language for most residents, before settling in for the night. Our support team prepares dinner at camp, with the surrounding peaks catching the last of the evening light. Stay: Cancha Cancha campsite (altitude: 12,695ft/3,870m) (B/L/D).

Set off early, climbing gradually towards the highest point of the trek at 15,175ft (4,625m). Along the way, the landscape opens up to reveal a high-altitude lake and a small waterfall, with snow-covered peaks lining the horizon. From the pass, we begin a long descent through scattered villages, where traditional dress is still part of everyday life. The trail leads us to Quishuarani campsite, where we arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a well-earned dinner. Stay: Quishuarani campsite (altitude: 12,470ft/3,800m) (B/L/D).

Our final walking day takes us over Huillquicasa Pass (13,945ft/4,250m). The route passes small settlements and open grazing land, with frequent sightings of llamas and alpacas. With luck, we may also spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru's national bird. After descending to Cuncani, we transfer by vehicle to Lares village, where there is time to relax in the hot springs – a welcome reward after several days on the trail.

Later, we continue (2hr 30min) by road to Ollantaytambo. Arriving in the early evening, we have time to raise a toast to our trek with chicha, an ancient corn beer, in a local bar. Stay: Samapaq Hotel (or similar) (B/L).

An early start sees us board the 6. 30am tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1hr 30min). From here, a shuttle bus takes us up to Machu Picchu. We spend around two to three hours exploring the site, following the designated circuit with our guide, who explains how the Incas engineered the city and why it was abandoned within a century of its construction.

After returning to Aguas Calientes, there is free time to explore the town or visit the market before our afternoon train journey back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min), followed by a private transfer to Cuzco (2hr 30min). Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Inkarri Hotel (or similar) (B).

You've trekked through the Lares Valley, soaked in Andean hot springs and explored Machu Picchu, but now it's time to begin your return journey home. Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative about our range of extension options, including Lake Titicaca, the Amazon Rainforest or additional time in Cuzco (B).