Quinoa Expeditions offers the only exclusive Lares Trek route that goes completely off the beaten path, passing through remote indigenous communities that preserve Inca traditions. This scenic trail features glaciers, waterfalls, blue lakes, and herds of llamas and alpacas. Quinoa is also the only operator that includes a visit to the Maras Salt Mines. Note: the 3-day trek does not include the Lares Hot Springs, which are only visited on the 4-day trek.
Quinoa Expeditions – Exclusive Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3D
Quinoa Expeditions proudly offers a unique and exclusive Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, following a completely off-the-beaten-path route that no other tour operator provides. This original trekking experience is designed to combine breathtaking natural beauty with deep cultural immersion—making it one of the most authentic and scenic treks available in Peru.
Exclusive Route & Scener
- The only company offering a custom trekking route that avoids crowded paths.
- Hike through remote Andean landscapes, far from other tourists.
- Encounter stunning natural sights such as:
- Towering glaciers
- Turquoise glacial lakes
- Cascading waterfalls
Herds of llamas and alpacas
Authentic Cultural Interaction
- Pass through isolated indigenous communities that still preserve Inca customs, language, and traditions.
- Unique opportunity to interact directly with local Quechua families in their ancestral environment.
Maras Salt Mines Included
Quinoa Expeditions is the only tour operator that includes a visit to the Salt Mines of Maras on the Lares Trek itinerary—adding a fascinating cultural and historical dimension to your journey.
Hot Springs Availability
4-Day Lares Trek: Includes a relaxing visit to the Lares Hot Springs, a perfect reward after trekking.
3-Day Lares Trek: Due to time limitations, the hot springs are not included on this version.
Choose Quinoa Expeditions for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends spectacular landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, and exclusive destinations. With personalized service, expert guides, and a strong commitment to local communities, your journey to Machu Picchu will be unforgettable the true spirit of the Andes, far from the crowds.
Day 1: Cusco – Salt Mines – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
Begin your adventure with a 5:00 a.m. pickup from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The first stop is the stunning Maras Salt Mines, followed by breakfast at Huaran, the trek's starting point. After meeting your horsemen and horses, begin a gradual 3-hour ascent to the remote village of Cancha Cancha, one of the most traditional and isolated Andean communities. After lunch and interaction with the locals, continue 2 more hours to the campsite. Enjoy afternoon tea with views of the snow-capped peaks and learn about Inca constellations after dinner.
- Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
- Time: ~6 hours
- Meals: B, L, Tea,
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Kiswarani – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, begin a challenging 4-hour trek over three high mountain passes, reaching the highest point at Pachacutec Pass (4,700m / 15,420ft). Enjoy incredible panoramic views of glaciers, blue lakes, and farmlands. After lunch beside a glacial lake, descend for 2 hours through scenic valleys to Kiswarani, interacting with Quechua-speaking locals and witnessing a stunning waterfall. From Kiswarani, travel by van to Ollantaytambo, then take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in a 3-star hotel.
- Distance: 14 km / 10.3 miles
- Time: ~8 hours
- Meals: B, L, D
- Accommodation: Hotel 3★
Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional cost, must be booked in advance), walk to the Sun Gate, or visit the local museum or hot springs in Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, board the Expedition train at 4:22 p.m. to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco by van, arriving around 8:00 p.m.
- Meals: B
- Activities: Guided tour + optional hikes
- Return: Train + van to Cusco
This 3-day Lares Trek offers a perfect blend of remote mountain adventure, cultural immersion, and a once in a lifetime visit to Machu Picchu, with exclusive experiences only offered by Quinoa Expeditions.
Includes:
Transportation & Tickets
- Airport-to-hotel transfer (any date)
- Private transport: Cusco → Salt Mines of Maras→ Huaran (trailhead)
- Entrance tickets: Salt Mines of Marass & Machu Picchu
- Round-trip train: Ollantaytambo ↔ Aguas Calientes
- Bus tickets: Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu (round trip)
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco
Guiding & Accommodation
- English-speaking licensed guide (2 guides if group > 8 people)
- 2-hour private tour of Machu Picchu
Hotel in Aguas Calientes (private bath, hot shower, Wi-Fi, storage, buffet breakfast)
Full camping equipment:
- 4-person DOITE tent (for 2 people use)
- Thick comfortable mattress
- Meals & Support
- Gourmet meals during trek (as per itinerary)
- Trekking chef + cooking equipment
- Horsemen & mules to carry camping gear + 7kg of your personal belongings
- Emergency horse available
- Boiled drinking water for refills
- Rain poncho
- First-aid kit + emergency oxygen
- Backpack rain cover
- Cultural Interaction
Visit and interact with local children and Andean communities
Not Included:
- Sleeping bag: $20
- Air mattress (Therm-a-Rest): $20
- Walking poles: $15
- Personal tent (solo travelers): $30
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
Tips for guides, cooks, horsemen (optional but appreciated)
What to Bring:
- Original passport (+ ISIC card if applicable)
- Sleeping bag (rent available)
- Daypack
- Waterproof hiking boots and jacket
- Warm layers: jacket, thermals, wool socks, gloves, hat
- T-shirts, comfortable trekking pants
- Sun hat + sunscreen (SPF 35+)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries: toilet paper, toothbrush, wipes, sanitizer
- Personal medications
- Headlamp or flashlight + spare batteries
- Water bottle or camelback
- Camera
- Extra cash (at least 300 soles) for tips, snacks, souvenirs
- Bathing suit (optional, for hot springs if staying extra night in Aguas Calientes)
This package is comprehensive, culturally rich, and fully supported, ensuring an unforgettable and comfortable Lares Trek to Machu Picchu with Quinoa Expeditions.
ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS FOR THE TREK:
- Valid, original Passport (a copy will not be accepted)
- Valid, Student Card (if you booked as a student)
- Trekking boots (light, comfortable and broken in)
- A good quality daypack (light, small and comfortable)
Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel bag or water bottle(s)
FOR YOUR DAYPACKS:
Below is a list of items that we highly recommend you keep with you at all times in your personal backpack. Remember you will be carrying this with you everyday of the trek so we recommend you bring a good quality daypack which is both light and comfortable. It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25L. All larger backpacks can not be taken into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.
- Hat and sunglasses
- Rain gear
- Warm layers (fleece / long sleeved tops)
- Sun cream, bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- Band-aids, moleskin
- Camera, extra batteries
- Head Torch
- Extra snacks, power bars, chocolate
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips (small change is useful for paying to use the villagers’ toilets on the first day)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR YOUR DUFFEL BAGS:
During the trek will provide you with a duffel bag in which you can pack any items that you won’t need to keep with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note this bag should weigh a maximum of 7 kg including the weight of your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). When rented from us these two items weigh approximately 3 kg. During the Inca Trek, you will travel through different temperatures as you climb/descend, it can also be cold at night when at the campsite. Therefore layers work best!
- Sleeping bag for Inca trail (can be rented from us)
- Air mattress for Inca trail (can be rented from us)
- Some light, comfortable shoes for the camp
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves for Inca trail
- 2-3 t-shirts (wicking t-shirts are best)
- 1-2 hiking pants/trousers
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket for the coldest nights
- Quick-dry towel
- Soap
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Face moisturizer
- Power pack / battery charger
- Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate
Group Service Price
Price per person US$469.00
Private Service Prices
2 Persons – $589 USD per person
3 Persons -$559 USD per person
4 Persons – $529 USD per person
5 +Persons – $469 USD per person
Important: Prices Include 3 star hotel for third night and mules to carry up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$30 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
Under 18’s Discount: US$30
Important: Prices Include mules to carry up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings.
Equipment Rental:
Walking Pole US$15(pair)
Sleeping Bag US$20
Inflatable Mattress US$20
Single Tent Supplement US$30
Optional Extras/Not Included (Need to book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Vistadome Train Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo: USD50.00 (Need to book in advance).
Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of Hotel desired (Need to book in advance).
How to book, Group or Private Service:
You can either book by emailing us or by using the Booking form provided on this site.
By e-mail:
Send us your main Departure date and back up date: By providing us with a main date and a back up date for your trek (classic Inca Trail, Lares, Salkantay, etc) you automatically authorize Quinoa Expeditions to use either of these dates for your reservation. Quinoa Expeditions within the next 24 hours (after you have sent us your booking form and confirm deposit was made) will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek.
Send us your Personal Details for Booking: Your passport number and other information must be valid. Please advise if you change your passport number after booking the tour (especially for booking the classic Inca Trail as if we do not make a change in your official details, you may not be permitted to do the trek). Please Note changing passports’ numbers requires an extra fee (we are able to change passports numbers easily on our receipt but its also extremely important that we make the changes with the Inca Trail authorities)
Student rate: In order to obtain this discount you must have a valid ISIC card. It is important you scan and e-mail this to us at the time of booking and that it is valid on the date you are booked on the Inca Trail/alternative trek (you will need to show the real ISIC card upon your arrival here in Cusco and in Machu Picchu).
Payment of deposit: For any of our Adventure treks ending in Machu Picchu.
We request a non-refundable deposit per person along with personal details of each member participating in the trek:
Full name
Passport number,
Gender,
Nationality,
DOB
Payment of deposit amount is:
US$ 200 per person for the Lares Trek only Or
US$ 275 per person for the Lares Trek + Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu climbing. Please confirm if you want to climb Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu as they need to be booked well in advance too; there are 2 time sessions:
7 – 8am or 10 – 11am – this also needs to be specified although you need to be flexible to either time.
Please note, if you get the permits for the 7am start you will probably have to miss the Machu Picchu guided tour.
Quinoa Expeditions – Important Information (3-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu)
Arrival & Briefing:
You'll be picked up from the Cusco airport (send flight details 14 days in advance). Pre-trek briefing is held the night before at 6 p.m. at your hotel or Quinoa office.
Luggage:
You can store your main luggage at the office or hotel. You'll receive a duffel bag (7kg limit) for the trek, carried by pack horses. Bring a personal daypack (30–40L).
Booking Process:
Complete the booking form with passport details.
Send scanned passports.
Pay a US$211 deposit per person (via VISA or PayPal).
Balance Payment:
Pay in cash (USD or PEN) upon arrival or by PayPal/VISA (+5.5% fee).
Passport Requirement:
Bring your original passport (must match booking info). If you renew it, bring both old and new passports or pay a $25 update fee.
Altitude Sickness:
Acclimatize in Cusco 1–2 days. Remedies: water, coca tea, and oxygen (carried by guides).
Trek Conditions:
The route is quiet, even in high season. If unable to finish, Quinoa Expeditions assists you to safety (costs apply). No refunds are provided.
Tips:
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. It’s a way to reward good service.
This trek offers a personalized, remote experience with professional support, cultural immersion, and a visit to Machu Picchu.
Why Choose Quinoa Expeditions
Quinoa Expeditions is a 100% locally owned Cusqueñian travel agency and tour operator, founded on years of experience and a passion for authentic Andean adventures. Our mission is to offer personalized, small-group treks and tours with a strong focus on quality, responsibility, and sustainability.
Locally Rooted & Responsible
Entirely run by locals with no outside shareholders.
We ensure fair wages and respectful treatment for all our staff—our extended family.
Committed to giving back through community service projects and local employment.
Small Group Policy
Max 8 people per group to ensure a more intimate and personalized experience, far from the crowds.
Top Guides
Professional, fun, and fluent in English.
Hold degrees in fields like archaeology, history, tourism, and anthropology.
Passionate about Inca culture and constantly expanding their knowledge.
Well-Cared Pack Animals
Fully supported treks with mules to carry your gear.
We prioritize the health and humane treatment of our pack animals.
BuffetTrekking Cuisine
Delicious and abundant meals crafted by expert cooks using local and international ingredients.
We cater to all dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies, etc.).
High-Quality Equipment
4-season EUREKA or Doite tents (4-person tents used for 2 people) with extra space.
Foam and inflatable mattresses for better comfort (inflatable available for rent).
Complete camping setup: dining tent, chairs, tables, duffel bags, and biochemical toilet.
Extras: hot showers, survivor T-shirts, rain covers, and more.
Community Commitment
We invest in local communities through education, donations, and hiring.
Proud to strengthen ties with highland villages and promote sustainable tourism.
Choose Quinoa Expeditions for a life-changing trekking experience, where every step supports local people, respects nature, and delivers exceptional service and cultural authenticity.
