We will be doing the Lares trail the first two days of our trek, with the third day on the Inca trail. This is so we can experience entering Machu Picchu through the Sungate, which you can only enter if you have an Inca trail permit.

Luckily for us, we will get to enter Machu Picchu TWICE for this reason--the first time via the Sungate on the third day (around sunset), and then on the fourth day where we will spend several hours at the Inca site, including sunrise!

You might be wondering why aren't we just doing the entire Inca trail then? For one, it's the most crowded of all the treks to Machu Picchu. And two, the Lares trek is not only less busy, but it is incredibly scenic and offers a more intimate look into the culture and people who live in the remote villages in the mountains. This makes the experience all the more special and unforgettable! The Lares trek provides unparalleled spectacular scenery with beautiful mountain vistas, lakes, and waterfalls. This trek is rated MODERATE overall.

In terms of trekking, the first day we will hike approx 6 miles (9 km) to our camp in the Cancha Cancha village, stopping for lunch along the way. Our highest altitude this day is 12,800 ft (3900 m).

On the second day, our trekking distance is approx 8 miles (13 km) to our camp for the night, with the highest altitude around 14,800 ft (4500 m). The third day we will descend in altitude and take a train to the Inca trailhead and hike around 7 miles (10 km) to the Sungate, with the highest altitude being 8500 ft (2600 m).

The fourth and final day we will be at Machu Picchu where we will walk and climb some stairs. If you choose to do the *optional Huayna Picchu trail, that adds on 2.5 miles round trip (4 km) with a total altitude gain of 1000 ft (360 m). It's a real butt-kicker, but totally worth it for views of Machu Picchu from a different perspective!

I require an initial deposit of $500 per person to hold your spot and then I offer payment plan options of either 2 payments of $1200 or 4 payments of $600 (all due before March 1st, 2025). If you need a different payment plan, we can work something out. Also, I will be sending out automatic email reminders before each payment is due.

If you prefer to pay in full, please contact me.

Cusco sits at just above 11,000 ft (3400 m). The Sacred Valley hovers between 6700 ft (2000 m) to 9800 ft (3000 m). For this reason, we are starting our trip in the Sacred Valley where the altitude is a bit lower than Cusco. Machu Picchu sits at around 8000 ft (2400 m).

During our trek, we will climb a bit in altitude with our highest point reaching just below 13,000 ft (3900 m). The second day we will reach our highest point in altitude around 14,800 ft (4500 m), however we will not be spending too much time here. On the third of trekking, we will actually descend in altitude to around 6500 ft and hike to 8500 ft (2600 m) to our highest point. This trek is rated MODERATE overall.

To combat and hopefully prevent altitude sickness (which can affect some people), we will take every precaution to include walking VERY slow (this helps tremendously!), drinking a lot of water, sipping on coca tea, and if needed, taking altitude sickness medication.

Our guides are all well-trained and experienced with tourists experiencing altitude sickness, so you will be taken care of should you experience the affects of high altitude (which usually consist of a headache or nausea).

Lastly, I will be sending you a packing/prep list before the trip which will include altitude sickness medication.

If you have any questions or concerns at all, please don't hesitate to reach out.

International flights to and from Cusco are NOT included, along with tips (for guides, drivers, porters, cooks), alcoholic beverages, snacks, incidentals, and travel/visa fees.

In addition, travel insurance is not included, but HIGHLY recommended in case you need to cancel your trip or if something happens to you while in Peru. To get a free quote to cover your trip, go here.

Your trip fee covers all accommodations in Peru in mostly 4-star hotels, transportation and transfers, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), guides and excursions, trekking fees (to include porters and chefs), Machu Picchu entrance fees and photography workshops.

Peru in April is one of the best times to visit! We will be there right after the rainy season ends and enjoy green, lush valleys and pleasant temperatures in the 60-70's during the day. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly, so you will definitely want to pack layers. As always, weather can be unpredictable, especially in the Andes mountains, so you will want to be prepared for any kind of weather.

I will be emailing you a full packing list prior to the trip so you don't have to wonder what to pack.

First off, you don't need to have a lot of hiking experience in order to complete the 4 day/3 night trek to Machu Picchu, however having a good fitness level definitely helps and adds to your ease and enjoyment.

I would recommend doing some short hikes 2-3X a week, at least 2 months leading up to the trip, if possible. Or if you don't live anywhere you can hike (or the weather prevents you from hiking), I would suggest walking on an incline on a treadmill or stairclimber to prepare yourself.

Strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you be more physically fit and capable.

Please note that the trek we are doing isn't terribly challenging. It's rated moderate with some shorter difficult sections, but the Lares trek is definitely not the hardest trail to Machu Picchu, nor does it have the highest altitude.

In terms of packing, you will NOT need a large backpack or sleeping bag. Porters will be carrying the bulk of our gear and providing sleeping bags. You will just carry a day backpack for snacks, water, and smaller personal items.

You will need comfortable hiking shoes or boots, along with layers such as a rain jacket and a lightweight down jacket. I will be sending you a full packing list with recommendations about a month before the departure date.

Peru is well known for their cuisine! In fact, there are world famous Michelin-rated restaurants in Peru. During this trip you will be offered a variety of foods to include chicken, fish, beef and alpaca (which is delish, by the way!), as well as quinoa, potatoes, vegetables and fruits.

If you are vegetarian or vegan, that is not a problem! We can accommodate those food preferences, as well as most food allergies too.

Yes, for the most part, however for the trek, you will need to hike. :) Unless you get sick or injured, and then of course, we will have horses and guides to help you. All other activities outside of the trek, you can opt out of, if you choose.

You will need to book your flights to arrive in Cusco (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport) by 3PM on April 8th. Most likely you will need to arrange a connection in Lima and then it's a short flight to Cusco from Lima.

Departure flights from Cusco can leave anytime on April 16th. Transportation to and from the Cusco airport will be arranged.

If you have questions about flights, please email me.

No! The workshops are optional and for those interested in learning how to take better travel photos, even with just an iPhone! You don't need to bring a camera either. We will teach you how to improve your photos no matter what equipment you have.