Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Please read carefully the following details — they will answer most of your questions about the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu and our travel services.

Arrival to Cusco

Upon arrival at the Cusco Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Please provide your flight details at least 15 days before your arrival.
Look for our staff member holding an orange Nickey Travel sign outside the arrival terminal.

Pre-Trek Briefing

Your Lares Trek briefing will take place the evening before your departure at 6:00 p.m.

Office address: Avenida Pachacuteq #319

Luggage Storage

You may store your main luggage safely at our office or at your hotel in Cusco while you are on the trek — whichever is more convenient for you.

How to Book the Lares Trek

Step 1 – Complete the Booking Form
Click BOOK NOW on our homepage and fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport:

• Full name

• Gender

• Passport number

• Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)

• Nationality

We require a copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking to purchase permits.

Step 2 – Pay the Deposit

A $250 USD deposit per person is required to secure your permit.
Payment methods: VISA or PayPal (links available on our booking page).

Payment of Balance

To avoid high credit-card fees in Peru, you can pay the remaining balance in cash (USD or PEN) at our office in Cusco.
Alternatively, payments via VISA or PayPal are accepted with a 5.5 % service fee.
PayPal payments should be sent to nickeytravel@gmail.com

Student Discounts

To qualify for the student discount under Peruvian law:

• Under 18 years: $30 USD discount (passport required).

• Ages 11 – 17: $30 USD discount.

• Ages 2 – 11: $40 USD discount.

• University students (under 25): must present a valid student card showing photo, university name, and expiration date for the current academic year.

Send your documents to nickeytravel@gmail.com at the time of booking.

Changing Dates

Once Machu Picchu tickets are purchased, the government does not allow date changes or transfers.
Tickets are non-refundable.
If you cancel your Lares Trek, the deposit cannot be refunded under any circumstance.

Passports

You must carry your original passport during the trek and Machu Picchu visit.
If you renew or change your passport after booking, please send us both the old and new copies.
A change fee of $25 USD per person applies if updates are made before the trek.
Otherwise, bring both passports (old + new) to avoid entry issues at Machu Picchu or train stations.

Weather

Weather in the Andes is highly unpredictable.
We recommend dressing in layers to adapt easily to rapid climate changes along the route.

Altitude Sickness

Spending 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek helps with acclimatization.
Remedies include:

• Staying hydrated

• Drinking coca tea

• Resting as needed
  Our guides are trained to assist and carry oxygen in case of emergency.

Group Size

We specialize in small, personalized groups — usually 2 to 6 people, with a maximum of 8.

Cooks & Pack Horses

Each group has one professional cook and a number of pack horses depending on group size:

• 2 trekkers → 4 horses

• 4 trekkers → 6 horses

• 6 trekkers → 8 horses

• 8 trekkers → 10 horses

Duffel Bag & Packing

The night before your trek, you’ll receive a small duffel bag (max 7 kg / 14 lbs) for your clothes.
Our horses will carry these bags — you won’t have access to them during the day.
Carry a 30–40 L daypack with:

• Warm jacket + rain gear

• Camera and snacks

• Sunscreen and water

Difficulty Level

The Lares Trek covers 39 km (24 mi) over 4 days, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,700 m.
It’s considered moderate to challenging — you should be in good physical condition and acclimatized to altitude.
Try to walk 15 km per day or do cardio workouts before your trip.

Toilets & Facilities

We provide private, sanitary toilet tents at each campsite.
On Day 3, you’ll enjoy hot showers and thermal baths at Lares Hot Springs — don’t forget your swimsuit!

If You Cannot Finish the Trek

If illness or injury prevents you from completing the trek, we’ll assist you to the nearest town and arrange transportation (at your expense).
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
In most cases, trekkers recover in Ollantaytambo and continue by train to Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu as planned.

Drop-Off After Trek

Hotel drop-off in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Urubamba is included in your package.

Train Details

Train schedules depend on availability, but we typically book 14:55 or 15:20 departures to allow plenty of time at Machu Picchu.

Vistadome Train Upgrade

Upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $65 USD per person.
Enjoy panoramic windows, comfortable seats, light snacks, and a live dance show on board.
These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy Station, where our driver will pick you up for a 25-minute transfer back to Cusco.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated.
It is a meaningful gesture for our guides, cooks, and horsemen who work hard to make your trek unforgettable.
The amount is up to your discretion based on the service quality.

Sustainable Tourism

Nickey Travel is a responsible and locally owned operator committed to sustainable tourism.
We train our staff to respect local culture, protect the environment, and support Andean communities through fair employment and cultural exchange.