Itinerary
DAY 1: TRAVEL FROM UK TO LIMA, PERU
You will depart the UK for the trip of a lifetime! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide. If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
On arrival in Lima you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the details before your trip.
Welcome Briefing: Your welcome briefing will be at 6 pm at the hotel.
DAY 2: FREE DAY IN LIMA
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for your morning tour of Lima. You’ll start in Huaca Pucllana, a huge archaeological site in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular districts. You’ll visit Barranco and Plaza San Martín, and explore the historic buildings of Lima’s main square – the beautiful Plaza de Armas. After visiting the catacombs of San Francisco, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel. You have the afternoon free to explore further.
DAY 3: TRANSFER TO CUSCO
You will be picked up from the hotel very early and taken to the airport for your flight to the Inca capital of Cusco, followed by a transfer to your hotel. You’ll have some free time to relax and acclimatise (Cusco is 3350m above sea level), then you will be taken on a walking tour of the city (around 2 – 3 hours). The tour will visit Koriancha and Cusco’s main square, the most famous original Inca street and the Palace of Inca Roca.
DAY 4: EXPLORING CUSCO
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where you will see some of the finest examples of Inca stonework and construction, including massive rocks carefully cut and perfectly fitted together to form the walls. You’ll also have beautiful panoramic views of Cusco. Your tour will then continue to Qenqo, Puca Pucara and finally Tambomachay.
Important Information: There will be a trek briefing at the hotel at 5pm with your guides.
DAY 5: TREK TO HUACAHUASI
It’s an early-morning pick up today for the drive to the start of the trek. You’ll travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas (around 90 minutes) to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will make a brief stop to have breakfast and buy any last-minute snacks and some presents for people local to the land we’ll pass through. Our drive then continues to Patacancha (3,750m/12,377ft), where we will start trekking. A moderate uphill trek takes us to Ipsaycocha Lake, where we will stop for lunch. We’ll continue uphill to the highest point of our trek: Ipsay Pass (4,550m/15,017ft). Finally, the first camp will be outside the small Quechua-speaking community of Huacawesi.
Trekking Distance: 14 km / 8 miles
Estimated walking time: 6 – 7 hours
Starting Altitude: 3,750m / 12,377 ft
Maximum Altitude: 4,550m / 15,017 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3,900m / 12,790 ft
DAY 6: HUACAHUASI TO LARES HOT SPRINGS
Our trek today begins with an easy walk past groups of typical houses of the Huacawasi community. Local children always come out to meet us here. We descend into Huacahuasi Valley, where the scenery is strikingly different; fields of potato, barley, quinoa, and corn are abundant here. We’ll stop for lunch, then continue to our camp at the hot springs of Lares. The temperature of these springs ranges between 36°C and 44°C, and the water is rich in minerals.
Trekking Distance: 14 km / 8 miles
Estimated walking time: 5 hours
Maximum Altitude: 3,900m /12,790 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3,250m /10,660 ft
DAY 7: LARES - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
You have the first part of the morning to relax, before our final trekking day; you can have a lie-in (until 7:00 am!) or have an early-morning soak in the hot springs.
After breakfast, we’ll drive for 1.5 hours to catch and hike the remains of the original Inca trail passing through the Totora canyon until lunch (approximately 3-hour walk).
We will then drive for 2 hours to Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, which sits at the foot of Machu Picchu. We’ll be staying in Aguas Calientes for the night, so we’ll check into our accommodation, take a warm shower, then refuel with a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep before Machu Picchu.
Starting Altitude: 3,250m / 10,660 ft
Accommodation Altitude: 2,000m / 6,000 ft
DAY 8: MACHU PICCHU SUMMIT!
To best appreciate Machu Picchu, we’ll wake up early to get to the citadel in good time. You’ll have time for breakfast before we walk to the bus departure point for the short but zigzagging ascent up the road to Machu Picchu. Once we’ve passed through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site you’ll begin your guided walking tour with an experienced and highly knowledgeable guide. Our tour of Machu Picchu will last about two hours, taking you to all the most famous and spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. After the guided tour, you’ll have time to explore Machu Picchu as you please, perhaps walking to some less-visited parts such as the Inca Bridge. Once we’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch before we board the train back to the Sacred Valley. You’ll then be transferred privately to your accommodation in Cusco.
Note: there is the option to add a climb of Huayna Picchu (US$ 80.00 per person) as an alternative to exploring the site independently. Tickets are limited and sell out many months in advance, so please let us know well in advance of your trip if this is of interest.
DAY 9: EXPLORING CUSCO OR RAINBOW MOUNTAIN EXCURSION
Cusco, the foremost city of the Inca Empire, is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as being the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. You have a free day here to relax, explore and have a chance for last-minute shopping! Whether you wander around the plazas, visit a salsa bar, get a massage or just drink some fantastic coffee, today is a chance to recharge before returning home.
Or you might choose to book an add-on and head out to Rainbow Mountain today.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE DAY
After breakfast enjoy your last day at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home via Lima.
Please note – if you are booking your international flights yourself you must book a late evening flight from Lima, to allow for the internal flight from Cusco.
Food & Accommodation
- Day 1 4* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast
Lunch Dinner - Day 2 4* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 3 4* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 4 4* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 5 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 6 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 7 3* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 8 4* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 9 4* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 10 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like in Peru?
Peruvian food is one of South America’s highlights, combining Andean ingredients with Spanish, African and Asian influences. Expect fresh, flavourful dishes made with staples like potatoes, corn, quinoa and ají peppers, whether you’re eating in Lima, Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
While travelling in Peru you’ll have the chance to try local favourites such as ceviche, lomo saltado, causa, and hearty soups and stews that are perfect for cooler mountain evenings.
On the Lares Trek, meals are designed to be nutritious, filling and energising. You’ll enjoy freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches and dinners cooked by experienced trail chefs, using local ingredients to keep you fuelled for each day’s hike. Snacks and hot drinks, including traditional coca leaf tea, are also provided along the way.
To learn more about the dishes you’ll encounter, read our full guide:
What Will You Eat in Peru?
What Makes Our Trip Different?
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Lares Trek is rated Challenge Level 2, making it a great option for adventurous travellers with a reasonable level of fitness who are keen to experience a quieter, more cultural route to Machu Picchu.
You’ll be trekking for several days through remote Andean landscapes, with steady ascents and descents and varied terrain. Walking days typically last 5–7 hours, and while the pace is manageable, the altitude is the main factor that adds to the challenge. The highest point of the trek reaches around 4,400m, which can make the trekking feel more demanding than it would at lower elevations.
No technical skills or mountaineering experience are required. You’ll be fully supported by experienced local guides, with mules carrying the main luggage, so you’ll only hike with a daypack. There are regular breaks and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the way.
If you’re comfortable with multi-day walking, enjoy being active outdoors, and are prepared to do some training in advance, the Lares Trek is very achievable. We recommend allowing time to acclimatise in Cusco before the trek and following a simple training plan to help you feel confident and prepared.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Your Lares Trek adventure includes everything you need for a fully supported journey to Machu Picchu via one of Peru’s most remote and culturally rich trekking routes. Here’s exactly what’s covered:
- All accommodation throughout the trip, including hotels in Lima and Cusco and camping during the trek.
- Internal (return) flight from Lima to Cusco
- All transport within Peru as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
- Experienced local trekking guides, including a head guide and assistant guide
- All included activities and excursions listed in the itinerary, including the Lares Trek and guided visit to Machu Picchu
- All meals during the Lares Trek, freshly prepared by the trekking cook team
- Porters to carry group equipment, food and camping gear
- All group camping and cooking equipment for the trek
- Entrance tickets for Machu Picchu
- A fully planned itinerary, including acclimatisation time in Cusco before the trek
- Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ departures
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
International flights
Flights to and from Peru are not included in the base trip cost. These can be added on Bucket Lister Plus trips if you’d like us to arrange everything for you.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover trekking and adventure travel. You’ll need to provide your policy details before departure.
Meals not listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
UK Leader for BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Personal expenses
Please budget for personal spending such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, optional activities and any additional items you wish to purchase.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
Reviews
Add-Ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Peru?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
Do I need a trekking permit?
Trekking permits are not needed for the Lares trek. You will need a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, but this is included in your trip price and is arranged by us.
Do I have to take all of my luggage on the trek?
On the trek itself you will be restricted to two bags; your day pack and a 7kg duffle bag (you will be given a small duffle bag when you arrive in Cusco). You will leave a bag at the hotel in Cusco containing the items not needed; this will be stored securely until you return.
How does this compare to the Inca Trail?
Although it is at higher altitiude there are fewer ascents and descents, and you avoid the famous Inca steps! Although there are far fewer Inca ruins along the Lares trek, you will experience traditional Andean villages.
Can I drink the tap water?
No – you should drink either filtered or bottled water. You will find some places on the trek where you can buy bottled water, but a filter bottle or purification tablets are essential for this trek.
Will there be an internal flight on this trip?
There will be a return flight to Cusco from Lima (included in the trip cost). The luggage allowance for this will be slightly lower than for international flights, but will be confirmed once the flight is booked.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu?
Yes, the distinctive mountain opposite the citadel of Machu Picchu can be climbed. Permits for this are in high demand, so must be booked many months in advance, so if this is something you are interested in we’d need as much notice as possible. Be aware your tour of Machu Picchu might have to be cut short; often people climb Huayna Picchu on their second visit.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights).
Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
