Ultimate Lares Trek & Inca Trail 5 Days

It’s hard to put into words how fantastic this trip was. The landscapes took our breath away, but the staff were what brought it all together. David was our guide through the Lares and his gentle, encouraging way is what got us through some physically challenging sections, and his immense knowledge of the area, the history and the spiritual significance brought a profound sense of energy and connection to our stunning surroundings. All with a great sense of humour. The chefs - Freddy, Olinda and baby Gabriella - rustled up delicious banquets of food every meal and we’ve know idea how as facilities were very limited. It was culinary miracle to be honest, but we loved every morsel. And our horseman - Julian, worked so hard looking after the animals carrying our stuff, putting up our tents and was a welcome wake up call in the morning with hot tea. The trek itself took us through outstandingly beautiful landscapes and allowed us to camp by a lagoon and on a remote Ilama farm where we met a native family. We also enjoyed hot springs and the remove Maris salt mines. We then joined a different group for the short Inca trail through the jungle area up to the sun gate. This time we had knowledgeable commentary around circuit 3 from Amdeo and encouragement on the trek from Danny and Raoul. All the Trexperience staff were and absolute pleasure to spend time with and I’m very grateful for the experience they gave us. I was with two friends and my 14 year old son and it was honestly the best trip I’ve been on and would recommend it to anyone.

Our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids aged 8, 11 and 13) had an incredible time on our 5 day Lares Valley/Inca Trail trek. Travelling with our kids gave our trip an extra layer of logistics and I spent a long time researching different companies for our trek and finally settled with TreXperience - am so glad we did! From the initial enquiry stages, to the booking process, to the advice on preparation and last minute flexibility, and of course the actual trek and beyond - we feel that TreXperience have delivered at the highest standards and really understood what we wanted out of our experience. We are so grateful to the awesome team at TreXperience for going above and beyond to ensure that our once in a lifetime trip could go ahead as smoothly as possible. A few days before we were due to depart, our kids got sick and it became apparent that we would not be able to start the trek as scheduled. With some excellent communication from Edith and Rosmel in the office, we were able to re-arrange a few things and push back our start date to allow the kids an extra couple of days to recuperate. We will be forever grateful for the flexibility and understanding that was shown, and it really felt like everyone was doing everything they could to help us could find a solution! With the new itinerary, we started with the 2 day Inca Trail portion of the trek. What an amazing family experience we had! Our guide, Nilton, was just perfect for our group - he was kind, funny, patient and really got along with our kids (they loved him!). The trek was challenging but achievable and so rewarding - walking through the Sun Gate on a clear afternoon to the view of Machu Picchu spread out before us was just an unforgettable family experience! Nil was so knowledgeable about the history and stories of the area and really encouraged the kids to get curious, ask questions and learn from him. We were again blessed with fantastic weather on our second day and we all loved the chance to head back up to Machu Picchu for some more exploring. The next stage our itinerary was the Lares Valley trek, which proved to be another incredible few days for us to experience as a family. We loved the early morning local market visit and the dip in the hot springs before the trek. The views and landscapes along the hikes were breathtaking, and although the trek was challenging at times, the sense of achievement when we conquered Condor Pass was amazing! It was a hugely eye-opening experience for the kids to see the villages along the way and we even got to sit and chat with a local inside his hillside home. The Trexperience support team made sure that all of the background stuff was taken care - our tents were comfortable and sleeping bags were warm, the food was amazingly delicious, plentiful and nutritious - we had everything we needed so we could just concentrate on the conquering the trek! Nil remained a patient and encouraging guide - it was great to be able to stop and rest whenever necessary, especially with our younger kids who perhaps needed some more rest breaks than usual (and Nil was so good to take lots of family photos for us!). A quick stop at the Salinas de Maras and Ollantaytambo was a great way to finish our tour. The 5 days with TreXPerience was easily one of the highlights of our South America trip - in fact one of the highlights of anything we've ever done as a family! I'd encourage any family looking to adventure with younger children to get in touch with this company and they will help you tailor something to your needs. Thank you to Nil, Daniel (chef), all of the porters and camp helpers, Edith and Rosmel in the office and everyone else involved in making this amazing opportunity happen for our family! Muchas gracias!

Lares and short inca provides you with the opportunity to have a tranquil, scenic and cultural experience. It joins onto a short Inca trail group - in my case we had to join onto a new group with a new guide / larger group. As far as I know though this was due to the Inca trail closures. The tour provides you with a mix of both worlds, you camp for 2 nights and rise to beautiful views but you also have 2 nights in a hotel with the chance to shower and sleep comfortably. Overall, with the help of the Trexperience staff, in particularly my guide William, the trip was very comfortable. William is professional, calm and organised. Throughout the trip, he kept us well informed and happy. My favourite trait of William is that he set a perfect pace and always provided us breaks which were well needed on Day 2. It made the trip so much more enjoyable. He provided us with local knowledge (being from a local Quechua speaking village). You never have to worry about being hungry on this trek! Another great highlight is that Trex gives back to local villages and offers horseman in the community work. They rotate the village visits between different homes and treat their mules well.

I booked TreXperience for the 5 day Lares+short Inca for myself, my adult daughter and teenage son. Communications through email prior to the trek were prompt and clear. During the trek we had great guides and trekking teams. We were under the impression that what we booked was one complete trek but it turned out to be 2 separate treks with two separate trekking teams. I believe this is not typical and only occurred because part of the classic Inca trail was closed due to the recent mudslides and TreX has to pivot and accommodate those impacted into the short Inca. Although I wish we had the same trekking team and group throughout here is my review of each trek separately. Our guide on the Lares Trek was William with chef Felix and two excellent horsemen. They made sure to take care of every need. It was more glamping than camping with many dishes at every meal, hot water for light washing and hot water bottle and blanket for extra warmth at night. Our guide on the short Inca was Monica with chef Sinchi. Monica was a wealth of information and our lunch on the trail was delicious. I saw other trekking teams on both treks and I was even more impressed with how TreX guides and team conducted themselves with a higher degree of professionalism and respect for the communities. I learned that TreX also has more guides per group and lighter loads for their mules than other companies. Very happy we booked with TreX.

After being back for over a week I still have very mix feelings about the 5-day trek to Machu Pichcu with Trexperience. I will rate each part of the journey separately to be fair to staff who worked hard. Reservations/Office Support - 5 star - communication was great and agents were available to answer my questions. Transportation - drivers were on time and very professional - 5 stars Guide on the trek - 3 stars and I am being generous - unprofessional, she also had a hard time understanding questions. On tipping day, she tries to hassle us for 50% tip which is unheard of. We did our homework and were prepared with envelopes for the whole crew. The experience was horrible as she described how poor the porters are and how they will starve with their families unless we tip them 50% of the trip cost. We had 2 teenagers in our group, and both cried at nigh how the porters will be starving. I traveled all of the world, and I have never come across something like this as part of an organized tour. Porters, days 1 and 2, 5 stars. After tipping, 0 stars. On day 4, after tipping ceremony, we were treated to an early wakeup call because the porters all of a sudden had to run to catch 9 am local train and no other trains were available that day. At least this is what the guide told us. There was no morning water to wash or hot tea made for us. Our breakfast was chocolate cake at 5 am!!! and cold coffee. If I would have known this is how they will treat us after tipping them at a standard rate, I would not have given them anything and donated the money in Cusco. For lunch, we were the only group sitting in the full sun without a tent for shade and we were served hot soup in 85-degree weather. I just left and waited under the tree. Ridiculous. Last item about the porters, ask how many will be assigned to your group. I looked at Reddit and a group of 13 was assigned 10 porters, 2 guides and 2 chefs. For 5 of us, we had 15 porters, 3 chefs and 1 guide. Not sure why we ended up with so many people supporting us, but I suspect it had to do something with our USA passports and perception about the 50% anticipated tip. Food - 3 stars - the vegetarian food was the same every day with no protein option besides eggs on day 1. Water - 1 star - water was not boiled resulting in us getting sick. The chef only filtered water and did not follow company procedure for boiling. I started using sanitizing water tablets after I got sick. Very irresponsible. Hotel in Aqua Caliente - 4 stars - basic accommodation but clean and with a nice breakfast. Walkable everywhere. Permits - 5 stars - all permits were in place without issues including additional hike. Overall, if you go with this company make sure you educate yourself especially if traveling from USA.

We’re a family of 3 (daughter age 10) and had a brilliant experience with TreXperience. The whole team took great care of us from start to finish. The Lares trek was beautiful (even if we didn’t get the sweeping views over the pass due to snow) and so quiet - it felt special to be somewhere remote and to have the chance to see how the communities live. Seeing alpacas and llamas on the mountains and amazing stars added to the experience. We took time to acclimatise beforehand in Arequipa, Cusco and Sacred Valley and all of us were fine up to 4750m. Our guide, Royer, was amazing and taught us a lot about local plants, traditions etc, and we enjoyed playing cards together in the evenings. The chefs, Beto and Erica provided excellent meals and catered brilliantly for my gluten free diet - we are in awe of what they create! We then joined a different group for days 4 and 5 and loved the Inka trail too. The scenery, flora and fauna was totally different from the high Andes - this was something we especially liked about this trip. Our guides Gilbert (Mr G) and Danny took great care of our whole group, ensuring everyone could go at their pace. Machu Picchu was incredible and surpassed our expectations. Gilbert was incredibly knowledgable and we got so much out of our visit. Getting to see Machu Picchu on days 4 and 5 from different vantage points added a lot. The TreXperience team also knew the best photo spots! We would absolutely recommend TreXperience to anyone.

We did three days on the Lares Trek and were pleasantly surprised to find out we were the only ones booked on this trip so it ended up being more of a private tour. Sebastian was the most incredible guide we could’ve asked for, he made our trip unforgettable and taught us so much about Peru history, culture, and people. Our chefs Tiburcio and Eliseo made incredible meals every day and even made us a cake to celebrate on the final day. Our horseman Gironimo helped get all of our gear through the hike and made sure everything was set up for us in camp. Our drivers Hayme and Edwin took us safely through all the winding roads to reach our destinations. Thank you to this incredible TreXperience crew we really had the most amazing time and wouldn’t have changed a single thing! On the Inca trail Daniel was fantastic, so knowledgeable and made sure we were set up wherever we went. We met some lovely people in our tour group and had a wonderful time going up to Machu Picchu.

Had the most amazing tour. Our guide Elias and crew Felix, Benedicto & Leandro provided us with a carefree experience. The landscapes were wonderful and the food was excellent. As a bonus it turned out Elias is a great photographer so we get to take home beautiful memories AND stunning pictures. Would recommend this to anyone who prefers a more off the beaten track and less crowded hike through the Andes. Combined with the Short Inca Trail, this tour provides the best of both worlds as you get to see the cultural site of Machu Picchu as well. For this second part, our guide Virgilio and his team shared their knowledge and humor with us and taught us the ins and outs of the Incas. Again, high quality food and sights to remember.

Epic journey through the mountains on the Salkantay trek. Roger and Beltran were amazing guides. The food that Ismael cooked was delicious and everyone looked forward to each meal.

. My husband and I took the trek with the goal of completing it. Everything about it was amazing. first the food, wow! Ismael and his team went above and beyond. The flavors were always beautiful. The mango ceviche was a stand out among many others. Roger and Beltran our guides were always extremely attentive to everyone. Roger provided us with valuable history and information about flora and fauna that we would never know if doing it alone. Beltran provided extreme care and help to one couple the entire journey and I know they are forever grateful. If you want to experience a trip of a lifetime I hope you get this crew, I can’t say enough. Many memories were created with our group and I am so thankful for a trip of a lifetime!!!

We had an incredible experience on our 5-day Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail, made especially memorable by our wonderful TreXperience team. Elias, our guide for the Lares Trek, was absolutely outstanding. While parts of the trek were demanding, he made the experience continuously pleasant by sharing insights into the plants and animals we saw along with stories and his own experiences from pre-Inca, Inca, and modern Peruvian culture. Over the trip, Elias became more than a guide. He was our personal photographer, our friend to share a meal with, and our patient encourager when the trail felt difficult. He also went immediately into action when my husband woke up with stomach issues on the third day of the trek, making sure he got quinoa oatmeal at breakfast to settle his stomach and providing several natural remedies that allowed us to finish the descent without too much trouble. Elias truly made this experience one we will treasure forever. The rest of our crew, our chef, Fredy, and our horseman, Leandro, also helped make this trip incredible. We were blown away by every meal Fredy made, and we felt like the meals he made were restaurant quality, even while camping! Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and perfect for helping fuel our long days of hiking. We also appreciated the itinerary and seamless logistics. We enjoyed soaking in the Lares Hot Springs to start our trip and felt that the Lares Trek was very peaceful, with few other travelers. We particularly enjoyed the views of the sunrise over the Blue Lagoon, the a warm mug of coca tea at the top of Condor Pass, and spending time with a local family in Cancha Cancha. The Short Inca Trailis an incredible way to take Machu Picchu as the Incas would have! We are grateful to our guides, Wilian Elvis and Alejandro, who made us feel safe and well cared for throughout the experience. Though the beginning of the trek from KM 106 is difficult, Wilian and Alejandro not only took it slow with us as we ascended, but also taught us about the local plants and birds that we passed, making the climb feel less challenging. We learned so much at Wiñay Wayna, The Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu about the history and significance of these sites. Alejandro also did a phenomenal job ensuring we got photos that would capture our experience. Wilian and Alejandro did a paced the experience well, keeping us moving without pushing us past our limits and sharing information without overloading us. Wilian also went above and beyond on the first day, when I lost a filling from my tooth on the train to the trek. As soon as we arrived in Aguas Calientes that evening, he arranged for me to see an emergency dentist, and I had the filling replaced within an hour. This let me focus on enjoying Machu Picchu the next day and the rest of our time in Peru without having to worry about my tooth. We are grateful for the amazing TreXperience team for making this trip more than we could have dreamed of!

Short Inca trail led by Rosmel & David - a great way to experience Macchi Picchu, the incredible Incas and the spectacular trail.

The trek led by Juel and his crew of Oscar, Juan Jose, Adriel and Julian was the best I’ve ever experienced. Juel was extremely informative, answering all our many questions, looking after us so well and wow, the gourmet food was amazing. We had fabulous support from Adriel, our driver and Julian, our muleteer. Thank you so much for a fabulous experience!! 😊

We were a little hesitant to take on the Ultimate 5-day Inca Trail as, altho we are young 60- somethings, we wanted to be sure we could keep up with younger hikers, so we trained…. all summer. It paid off, but what made our trip really spectacular ( in addition to incredible scenery and our hiking buddies) was our amazing guide and the great team of drivers, chefs and porters. Our guide, Wilbert, was not only experienced and kept us safe, he was knowledgeable about so many things, including botany, wildlife, history, and Incan culture. He was a great story teller and was always able to answer our questions. This was our second hike of the trip with TreXperience and we would highly recommend this company.

Another 5 star review for TreXperience. A crew of 16 for just the 3 of us (ages 67 to 72), including our great guide, Anthony S. Zambrano, and our excellent chef Bruno and mi amigo Percy. Anthony made sure we could manage the rigorous trek itinerary with campsite changes 1st and 2nd nights.

I recently did the 3-day Lares Trek combined with the Short Inca Trail, and it was amazing! As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and well cared for by the entire team. Our guides, Anthony and Gilbert, were fantastic—they’re both from the region, so their knowledge of the area, history, and culture was incredible. Their passion really brought the trek to life, and they spoke great English, which made everything easier. This trek was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone, especially solo travellers. The guides and team made it a memorable and safe adventure that I’ll never forget.

My sister and I had the most wonderful time with TreXperience. Our experience was top notch all around. We first did the Lares trek with our guide Elias, chef Tiburcio, and horseman Toribio. It was my sisters birthday on the second day and the chef made her a full-on cake despite being camping in the woods without an oven. The food was delicious for every meal (we were stuffed) and the crew made us feel very welcome. It was a super authentic experience. Im glad I stuck to my gut going with this company instead of a more commercial company like alpaca exp. The second half of our trip we did the 2nd at Inca trail with guides Jason and Miguel. Jason was so so Knowledgeable about the regions history - I learned a lot from him during the two days. Would do it over if I could!

We just returned from the 4-day Lares Trek with TreXperience, and I can’t recommend it enough—especially for families traveling with teens! From start to finish, the experience was seamless, breathtaking, and deeply meaningful. I traveled with my twin daughters (teenagers), and we were lucky to spend the first few days with Rosmel as our guide. He was knowledgeable, kind, and incredibly encouraging—helping all of us connect with the land, the culture, and each other along the way. The scenery was absolutely spectacular—crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped peaks, and quiet moments in remote Andean villages. On the final two days, we joined another group led by Eddy, and the positive energy just kept going. Eddy brought such enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Incan history, and our group felt like a small family by the end of the journey. This wasn’t just a hike—it was a transformational experience. My daughters and I shared laughs, challenged ourselves, and came away with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you to the whole TreXperience team for making it so special. Highly recommend for adventurous families, curious travelers, and anyone looking to step off the beaten path in Peru.

My husband and I completed the Lares Trek in May 2025 and had the most incredible time with the best team - Tour Guide Sara, Head Chef Augusto, assistant chef/porter Paulino, and porter/horseman Demetrio. This trek and the effort the team put into it was above and beyond, we saw the most incredible landscapes, the pace was perfect and never felt too pushed at any time. We learned a lot about the flora and fauna along the way and the food was honestly the best food of any we had in our whole stay in Peru. The amount of food was also way beyond our expectations, delicious and we never felt hungry at any point, I think I even left the trek a few kilograms heavier. Every meal was perfectly made, always different with a huge variety. We were always given clear instructions from Sara about our day and what to expect. Demetrio/Paulino made sure we always had hot tea every morning on wake up and our campsite was prepared for our arrival. The team really made the whole experience and I couldn't recommend this activity more if I tried. Augusto and Paulino even made an amazing cake for us one morning for our breakfast dessert (like I said, we were always fed and never hungry) which still blows my mind how he prepared such a meal while trekking! They were all so helpful and kind and is definitely our Peru highlight!

We did the 5-day Inca trail with Trexperience. Words cannot express how amazing this trip was. Out guide Jesus Varges, cook Juvenal Quispe, and all of our porters did an incredible job tending to all of our needs. Juvenal even made my girlfriend a birthday cake after finding out she was turning 33 while we were on the trail. We had an amazing experience all around. If I were to change anything about how this company operates I’d ask them to provide better sleeping conditions for their porters and equip them with better hiking shoes. Every site we camped at was beautiful. We were the only couple on our trek so it felt like a private tour.

Just wow! Me and my other half did the 3 day lares trek and the 2 day short inca trail combined and what an experience! Pre-trip We had initially planned to do the 5 day inca trek but there was a government issue with our permits and sadly our booking for this couldnt go ahead. Credit to trexperience, they got in contact straight away, explained the situation and offered to keep trying with the booking system but also gave us some alternative options. I hadnt even heard of the lares trek before but once we read about it we were convinced it was actually the better trip for us as we were interested to learn about the people and cultures of the area, not just see the ruins etc. Communication from trexperience throughout the process was excellent and we confirmed the lares + short inca trail was the right tour for us. We met with our guide Manolo the night before our trip at our hotel where we found out we were the only people doing the trip! Pros and cons to this of course but we were reassured we'd be able to go at our own pace which was nice. We went over the trip details and got some last minute packing tips as well as our duffles for the next 5 days. Our guide Manolo Manolo made this trip. He was amazing from start to finish and a true credit to the trexperience company. His passion for the history and culture of the Quechua people is second to none and we were honoured to be able to share this with him. He was knowledgable, with excellent english and communication was a breeze. We felt so supported by him throughout the hike, particularly when we were struggling with the physical demands of the trip. He'd keep reminding us poco poco (little by little) and we never felt rushed. Honestly, Trexperience if you're reading this, give Manolol an award or something, just spectacular service. Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail The lares trek was absolutely stunning. We were winding through mountain passes, valleys and remote villages, meeting people who were still living very traditional farming lives, isolated from majors cities etc. It was a challenging 3 days, with quite high altitudes and occasionally challenging terrain but we managed it and I wouldnt say I was particularly fit. The short inca trail was a long day but easier in terms of altitude. There was a lot of stairs so anyone with ankle or knee trouble be cautious. It was quite busy with other tourists which was so different compared to the lares trek but was nice to see other people! We eventually made it to Machu Picchu and it was 100% worth it. Amazing experience. The support team Our team consisted of the two of us tourists, our guide Manolo, head chef Vidal, assistant chef Andreas and horseman L'andros, as well as 4 mules. The whole team were amazing and importantly the mules seemed well cared for. The food was genuinely amazing, 3 courses for every meal amazing. There wasnt a dish we didnt enjoy and we were blown away that Vidal and Andreas could cook to this standard in a tent on the top of a mountain. Food was plentiful and we were happy to see anything we didnt eat was given to locals, excellent to see no waste and to feel like you are supporting others in some way. Overall So impressed with trexperience. Wouldn’t have changed a thing! The team were all amazing and they are the ones that absolute make the experience. So our biggest thank you to Manolol, Vidal, Andreas and L'andros!

Super guide and fantastic tour! Would recommend to anyone who visits this interesting part of the world

We had an amazing tour with trexperience. The whole team looked after us extremely well. The food is the best we’ve ever had on a trek. A very special mention to our guide Jose Abad Cortez!!! Extremely knowledgeable, amazing guide and made the whole experience a pleasure for both of us.

This trip was amazing! Our tour guide, Manolo, was very enthusiastic and encouraging throughout the whole five days. I wasn’t sure I could do the hike but he always pushed us and it was so worth it. The views on this trip are amazing and he is very informative about everything you see along the way. You also get to see small villages and meet some of the people. It really is a one of a kind experience. Our horse man, Gregorio, was also extremely helpful with taking up our stuff, setting everything up, and the cleaning everything up. He was very quick and it was extremely impressive how he could keep up with the horses on these long hikes. Our chef, Oscar, and his assistant, Beto, also made some of the best food I have ever had. Every meal had something different and there wasn’t any dish I didn’t like. The team really put so much effort into making this a great experience and I appreciate all the hard work they did. I really recommend you try this trek yourself because words cannot fully describe how incredible this trip was.

I recently embarked on an incredible 5-day journey with Trexperience, combining the breathtaking Lares Trek with the Short Inca Trail, and I must say it exceeded all my expectations! This expedition was an absolute delight, and I can't speak highly enough of the team that made it all possible. First and foremost, I must commend the head chef, Oscar, for his exceptional talent and culinary skills. Each day, we were treated to delicious and nutritious meals that far surpassed anything I could have imagined on a trek. From hearty breakfasts to mouthwatering dinners, Oscar's ability to prepare such delightful dishes in the wilderness is truly remarkable. The meals were a delightful fusion of traditional Peruvian cuisine and contemporary flavors, and they kept our energy levels high throughout the trek. Beto, Oscar's assistant, deserves equal recognition for his invaluable contributions to our trekking experience. He was always on hand to lend support to the chef, ensuring that everything ran smoothly in the camp kitchen. Beto's warm smile and friendly demeanor added a sense of camaraderie to the entire journey, making us feel like we were among friends. The horseman, Gregorio, played a vital role in making our expedition possible. The horses carried our camping equipment and supplies, and Gregorio managed them with great expertise. His deep understanding of the region and the animals was evident, and we felt reassured knowing that our belongings were in capable hands. Gregorio's dedication and hard work were essential to the smooth logistics of the trip. Our adventure would not have been the same without the exceptional guidance of our tour guide, Manolo. Manolo's extensive knowledge of the history, culture, and natural wonders of the region made every step of the trek more engaging. His passion for the land and its heritage was infectious, and he effortlessly shared captivating stories that brought the ancient Inca civilization to life. Additionally, Manolo's commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism was evident in how he ensured we respected the environment and local communities throughout the journey. The itinerary crafted by Trexperience was well-paced and thoughtfully planned. We were treated to stunning landscapes, from picturesque Andean valleys to awe-inspiring mountain peaks. The Lares Trek allowed us to immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the Andes, away from the crowds, while the Short Inca Trail offered an unforgettable glimpse into the iconic Machu Picchu. Furthermore, the attention to detail by Trexperience was impeccable. The campsite locations were carefully chosen, providing breathtaking views and comfort after a day of hiking. The quality of the camping gear provided was top-notch, ensuring a good night's rest amidst the rugged terrain. Overall, my 5-day Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail with Trexperience was nothing short of extraordinary. The professionalism, dedication, and genuine warmth of the team, including the exceptional chef Oscar, his assistant Beto, the horseman Gregorio, and the knowledgeable guide Manolo, made this experience unforgettable. I highly recommend Trexperience to anyone seeking an authentic and well-organized trekking adventure in Peru. It's a journey that will stay with me forever, and I am immensely grateful for the memories created along the way. Thank you, Trexperience, for an unforgettable Peruvian adventure!

Our guide willian Elvis was very passionate and knowledgeable about his culture and the trip. Our cook fed us a feast at every meal and the views were beyond amazing! If you want an experience of a lifetime it’s right here!

It was very challenging, but Vincent, Daniel, Elizabeth and Toribio made it safe and fun! They made sure we had the best experience EVER!!! We had rain, snow and sunshine. If you go on this journey, be prepared for all weather conditions and have good hiking boots and a poncho!

This was the best experience ever! Everything from the logistics of booking and coordinating events throughout the trek, the food, the locations visited, and the accommodations were all amazing. But mostly the crew, Vicente, Daniel, Elisabeth, and Toribio made this a dream come true.

On the Lares Trek you’ll experience a great hike in a great landscape. The best thing about this trek & trail is that you get to see Machu Picchu twice: in the afternoon and in the morning on the next day. Miguel was THE best guide and treated us like family. He taught us a lot about Inka culture, local plants and history. Thanks to Martín (Chef) & Cecilio (Sous Chef) we ate like (Inka) Kings. Jean-Fino (porter) and his mules/horses made sure that everything was ready and in place when we arrived at the camp side. THANKS to the whole team/family, we had a very great time!

We had an outstanding experience on the 5-day Lares to Short Inca trail with Juvenal as our guide, Lorenzo as our chef, Joao as assistant chef, and Toribio as our porter. We were a small group (3) and the entire crew took incredible care of us to share the magical culture and scenery in the Sacred Valley. Please see the end of the review for a note on preparing for the altitude and general hike difficulty. First and foremost, we thank our amazing guide, Juvenal, for bringing his in-depth knowledge for and love of the culture and people in the highlands of Lares. By communicating with local people (in Quechua), Juvenal was able to deliver an unparalleled experience of the incredible lifestyle, culture, and practices of the native people here. We were extremely moved and honored to share beautiful moments with the wonderful people of the highlands. Juvenal also shared in-depth knowledge of the Inca and pre-Inca civilizations throughout the trek, and especially on the way to the stunningly beautiful and jaw-dropping ruins at Machu Picchu. The short Inca trail was an excellent way to reach Machu Picchu through the Sun gate (stunning view from here) in a single day’s hike. We are so grateful for all of Juvenal’s knowledge and warm spirit. He makes a point to treat all people (not just us, but local people, the rest of the crew etc.) with kindness and respect. We couldn’t ask for a better guide for our experience. Thank you Juvenal! Our head chef, Lorenzo, and his assistant Joao were absolutely incredible as well. Lorenzo blew our minds with how delicious (and even aesthetically pleasing) he could prepare meals while camping at 13,000 feet. My partner is vegetarian and he prepared an elaborate collection of nutritious and tailored meals for her along the way. He even prepared special meals when we both were struggling a bit with the altitude. Thank you Lorenzo and Joao! Finally, our porter, Toribio, never ceased to impress with how quickly and safely he transported the our and the crew’s gear with his team of mules. It is astonishing how well he and his mules move through such a difficult landscape. Thank you Toribio! We could never have anticipated how incredible and enriching this experience would be for all three of us. Not only did we see some the most incredible views of our lives, but we also learned and experienced an extremely rare and beautiful way of life that the native people of the highlands carry on. Their strength and kindness will stay with us for our entire lives. A quick note on the demands of the trek itself. The three of us (ages 29-32, active and relatively experienced hikers) found the Lares portion very challenging due to it being at an altitude that none of us had hiked in before. We also made the mistake of not giving ourselves ample time to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco before starting the trek (and also tried to do it without altitude medication etc.). The coca tea/leaves helped to an extent but we absolutely recommend taking time (2-3 days) to acclimate in Cusco and taking altitude medication if you (like us) are not used to hiking at altitude. That way, nothing (besides the usual challenges of a difficult hike) gets in the way of your experience. Even besides the altitude, this is a very challenging trek, so make sure you are comfortable with steep inclines/declines and heights in general before hiking the Andes. If you are up for the challenge, it is absolutely incredible! Thank you Juvenal, Lorenzo, Joao, Toribio, and all of the beautiful people we met along the way for an unforgettable experience!!

We did the tour with the amazing guide Miguel and the two excellent cooks Raimundo and Mario! It was only us in the group, so we had a very personal experience. The organization of the tour (briefing, pick up, transfers etc) was great and very professional. Unfortunately one of us got sick from altitude and we had to go back down after the first night at 4200m, but Miguel was super helpful and always took care of our wellbeing and tried to do anything to help. Miguel organized that we could spend the second night in the tent at his home in the small village Media Luna in the sacred valley. We actually both think this made the tour even better than the normal itinerary. His garden is perfect for group camping with nice grass, a fireplace, toilets and big open dining area!!! On the third day we hiked to the salt mines which is normally by car, and we could see so much more than just from the viewpoint, we would definitely recommend doing that more often. He also took us to his neighbour’s for a special peruvian tradition of drinking chicha and got to talk with locals. We hope some of the next passengers get to enjoy the same experience in Miguel’s village and at his place! The Inkatrail in the jungle was a great hiking day and it’s very nice to see Machu Picchu from the top for the very first time! Miguel explained a lot about the flora and history of the inkas and we learned so much also the following day at Machu Picchu. The food from Raimundo and Mario was very good and amazing how they prepare everything in the dining tent! Both were very kind and we got to talk a bit more while staying at Miguel’s. The accommodation in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes were very nice and comfortable. The room in Aguas Calientes was a bit too humid and had no heater/AC so the walls had a bit mold… but it was ok for one night. Thanks for taking us on this very special trip, we would definitely book here again!

Our 5 day Inca Trail hike was absolutely amazing. Vincent, our tour guide was so knowledgeable regarding the Inca's and their history. He also made it fun and enjoyable at the same time. He's such a lovely, down to earth guy who will go the extra mile to fulfil all your needs. Also, Lorenzo the chef, such amazing delicious food i do not know how he manages to create such masterpieces in a small tent with minimum equipment. Our whole experience with TreXperience was faultless. Great job guys!

Walking in abundant nature like on the Inca Trail is an amazing experience! It became even better with a great group and our very interesting guide, Vincent. And after a day of hiking the porters and cook are there for you with tea, some water to clean yourself and really good meals! A lot of respect and gratitude for the porters and our cook Lorenzo.

This was quite possibly the best experience of my life. The entire crew was amazing: Filio, JJ, Carmelo, Ramon—I cannot thank you enough for taking such incredible care of us. JJ and Filio were the best possible tour guides I could imagine—they imparted wisdom and knowledge on us and shared incredible stories about the history of the beautiful landscape. They laughed, joked and cried with us the whole way, not complaining ever and always being in high spirits. Also, Chef Carmelo is one of the most talented chefs I have ever met—prepare to be spoiled!! This trek is difficult but incredibly rewarding. Our group formed great bonds with each other and with our guides. We learned about the land, and how to appreciate mamapancha (our earth), I could not feel more humble and grateful than I do right now This will be a very special memory that stays in my memory forever. I wish I could leave higher than 5 stars. Whoever you are reading this; this trip is so beyond worth it. If you are looking for a sign, this is it. Go to Peru!

We booked the Lares Trek as a lovely alternative to the Inca trail with the final destination of Machu Picchu. The trek was very well planned and executed by the entire team. This trek is lovely as it provides more nature and a local experience going through different farmlands and villages. The food was excellent and very local with the chefs makings delicious and unique dishes for each meal. We enjoyed the scenery, animals and quite scenic landscape. The guides were wonderful and very accommodating

A truly unforgettable experience thanks to our chef Almicar, sous-chef Elias, horseman Victor and especially our great guide Elisban. The team went above and beyond to make our trip extra special. The food was of a higher quality than what we had in restaurants in Cusco and they prepared a wide variety of traditional Peruvian cuisine. They were also very considerate of our dietary preferences. We would definitely recommend eating here if Trexperience was a restaurant. Besides the food, we also enjoyed the company of our tour guide Elisban who gave us insight into Peruvian life, discussing everything ranging from Peruvian politics (we are political junkies) to cultural traditions. He really pulled us over through the tough Lares trek and short Inca trail with his enthousiasm, infinite well of knowledge, and jokes. Finally, along the trip we found out that the company is not only socially involved (by supporting isolated villages) but also environmentally involved by showing great appreciation to nature by being involved in reforestation efforts in the off-season. This is not something they actively advertise with, but is certainly something that should be considered. All in all a company that offers great value for its services and deserves the highest recommendation.

It is definitely a tricky time to travel. We found ourselves in Peru and were hoping to be able to explore the mountains in a safe and appropriate way. We chose TreXperience to guide us because out of the 10 or so companies we contacted, they were the only ones who were honest about what trails were open. That told us a lot about the integrity of the company and they earned even more of our trust during the trek. Because the Salkantay trail was damaged and not accessible, TreXperience designed a trek specific to our interests and abilities. We were challenged with a modified five day Lares Trek which included the Short Inca trail and Machu Picchu. We had an amazing team comprised of our chef Sulso and assistant chef Jenny who prepared incredible meals. Elvis is our hero as he took care of many of the details of the trek and even carried a person when she was feeling very exhausted. Leajandra and his son Jesus dealt with the horses. Everyone was extremely professional and really very lovely and it made the experience incredibly safe and enjoyable. Finally, our guide Elisavan was very knowledgeable about the history and geography of the area and always had an answer for our many questions. His English is impressive and he let us hike at our pace, including starting a bit later in the morning. Safety was a priority and protective measures for us and the people we came across on the trek were taken very seriously and respectfully. The history of the Incas and the magic of the Andes are almost impossible to describe. Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time is incredibly moving. Overall, we had a once in a lifetime experience which was only made possible through the incredible members of TreXperience team. We highly recommend this team. So much so, that we asked them to take us to Rainbow Mountain!

In September we had to chose between Incsa Trail and Lares Trek. We choose for Lares Trek, as it would be less hard to walk and we expected to meet less tourists there. And yes, we made the right decision. We had a group of 6 people and everything was arranged/organised really outstanding. Our guide Elvis spook very good English and he was really interested in us. He watched over each person of the group and was continually monitoring our physical and mental status. We couldn't wish for a better guide. Elvis knows about culture, fauna and flora, history and other things important. The way he guided us was perfect, he was just one of us. Also he was a great photographer; he helped us to find the best spots for picture and took a lot of them with our sellphone/camera. Not only the guide deserves a lot of credit. The food we've got was better than you can even imagine. Unbelievable that they can prepare such good meals with just campsite equipment. They worked so hard for us and everything was arranged with a big smile; absolutely clear they loved their job. And we loved the food; wow, it was really amazing. Also there were the horsemen, who where so fast. You have to imagine that the chefs and the horsemen were taking care of our tents, their own stuff and all cooking stuff. They left the camp site later than us, but they ran by and when we arrived to the next checkpoint, our tents were already there and they were preparing our food again. So much respect for those guys. The trek itself was not full of tourism at all; we only saw a couple of other groups. Nature were we stepped through was really pure and has such a beauty in it. Also the visit to Machupicchu was really great. The guide was with us and knew the best route to take. We were there at 7 AM and had the best view we could imagine. So many good photos were taken there, what a luck. The only point of criticism was the meeting the day before; it was a bit messy; they asked for information we already put on e-mail and they didn't know we paid the full amount already, The guide wasn't at the meeting, because he was still finishing another trek. Also at the way back, there was missing the information to which hostel we had to go, so that took a bit longer. But after all, that was only a small detail of such a beautiful journey.

My husband and I did the Ultimate Lares Trek in September 2019 with Trexperience. Trexperience was amazing - I highly recommend them. The guides (Walter & Edy) were passionate and knowledgeable, the food was fantastic and every detail throughout the entire experience was thought of. They even picked us up/dropped us off at the airport. Loved meeting the local people and really like that the company has a social/responsible travel focus. 10/10 would do it again!

I did the Lares trek with TreXperience and can only recommend it. We were only 4 in the group (plus 4 team members) and had the entire trek for ourselves - no crowds at all. The Lares trek really is “off the beaten track”. I especially liked the first camp site next to a lake and the second day of hiking (across the condor pass). The guide Edwin was fantastic - friendly, fun, helpful and knowledgeable. Our cook Carmelo was also great, surprising us every day with what he can create on the track. Great service all around from the team. The whole trip was well organised, communication with the provider was great. They even offered free airport transfer from your accommodation on the days after the trip. The only thing worth noting is that you only camp twice (the third night is in a hotel) and on day 3 you spend some time on the tour bus & train - so this is not 4 days of hiking experience. For me personally this was a good mix, but next time I will probably go for a longer hiking trek. The Lares trek gets you closer to the remote communities and away from the crowds of the Inka trail or Salcantay trek - can recommend!

The lares trek whit treXperience was amazing. Everything was taken care of. Thanks to the guids Elisban and Maribel the Made this tour unforgettable. the cooks (timoteo and Jose) surprises you every day with delicious meals. TreXperience does an amazing job in helping and educating children from villages that don’t have the resources. They give back to the people! We where also able to do something good for the people. highly recommended!

Group of 4 of us were on The Lares 3 nights 4 days Trek and we thoroughly enjoyed it . We had a excellent Guide Elisban and his co guide Tom with their crew taking care of us . They were very accommodating and very quick to give a helping hand .The whole experience was an experience never to be forgotten . Would highly recommend this Company TreXperience as they are excellent . Well done guys .

Our 5 day trek with Trekxperience was one of the best things we have ever done. Trekxperience is an amazing company which I 100% recommend and here is why: 1) The Lares Trek is stunning. Three days hiking through the Andes past beautiful scenery. We didn't see a single other tourist but we got to interact with so many locals. We ever helped a young boy heard his llama back into his farm! If you want a mix of walking and culture then this is the tour for you. The ultimate Lares Trek means you get to do the last two days of the Inca Trail which is very special. The environment is completely different from Lares but awesome. Seeing Macchu Picchu from the first time from the sun gate is unreal. 2) The whole trip was organised to perfection. I never felt stressed and honestly nothing went wrong. 3) Our guide Elvis Roque is possibly the greatest guy we've ever met. He made our trip so special and we will remember him for ever. If you want the best experience then I suggest asking for him. He is so friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. We always felt safe and Elvis went above and beyond to make sure we had the best time. Thank you Elvis, we love you. 4) The food during the trek was UNREAL. I have no idea how these amazing cooks do it. They ever baked us a cake...in the middle of the Andes!!! I could talk about this trek and about this company for hours. Thank you Trekxperience. We will remember this forever.

TreXperience prides itself on relationship building. When you are hiking you feel like you are part of the team and get an amazing introduction into the Peruvian culture both past and present. The food on the trek was amazing. Julio Cesar was our cook for the Lares Trek. His food is comparable to a 5 star restaurant in America Everytime he cooks...and it was all done in a campsite! There is no doubt in my mind he could start a restaurant anywhere he would like and it would be a hit. Although, he could work a little on his mashed potatoes. They where amazing but a bit yes Julio Cesar, they were a bit runny :P. Our supporters for the Lares Trek were Julio and Abel. Both amazing helpers always with a smile. Wouldn't let us do any work if they could help it. I had to remind myself this was a vacation and there was no need for me to set up the tents. Finally the tour guides. For the Lares Trek we had the very knowledgeable Wilbur. This man spoke great English and was well read on ancient Peru. His extensive background also made him the expert on all things Peruvian. He was also an amazing hiker and pacer. He was always aware of the condition of the group and adjusted speed on the hike accordingly. For the Inca trail we had Raymer. Another very smart individual who also spoke amazing English. He was very fun and inciteful throughout the trek. He even took some time outside the trek to introduce us to Peruvian football as they played Uruguay in the Copa America Cup. In all, TreXperience is was a great choice. They pride themselves on the involvement with the local people and on there friendly staff. I feel I made the right choice on picking TreXperience as my tour guide company. -Seth

We did the Lares Trail to Machu Picchu and it was just amazing. Beautiful and diverse nature without a lot of other groups. Trexperience was a great company to go with. Their crew was really great. Guide Elisban really knew a lot about all what we asked and all the mountains and history of Machu Picchu! Also the whole crew was very attentive and responsible during the trail. The cook Lorenzo did an amazing job. Still don't know how he is able to cook that great in a tent! Just can recommend Trexperience and the Lares trail!

Trip of a lifetime. Our guide was fantastic. Fabulous cook on hand also. Highly recommend Trexperience if you want to to see the real Peru

I cannot more highly recommend this trek. We had the most incredible team led by our guides charlie and Maribel. This was an expensive trek but it was worth the money. The views were amazing and the trek was a good level of challenging as charlie made sure to go at a pace that suited the group. The views were incredible and the food was some of the best I have had and we were also spoilt with the variety and portions. We were given hot water bottles for our camping nights and the hostels we stayed in were very nice! We all got Ill at certain points and would not have been able to complete the trek without the help of Maribel, charlie and the porters! I was basically carried up the mountain at one point! We also were worried about how the porters might be treated due to reports we had read about different companies, but we had no fears on this trek luckily! It was also nice to see the company using local people wherever they could and have started a charity to help bring books and computers to local communities. Thank you trexperience and the team!

I always wanted to visit Machu Picchu since I was young. This year I was able to go with my sister and our parents. After all of us decided to go, I began to look for treks and tours for Machu Picchu. We had a time restriction do to everyone’s work schedules. We had 4-5 days to visit. I stumbled upon the Lares 4 day trek. Not knowing what company I choose until I came to Peru! I am so happy that we were paired with Trexperience. They are top rate from beginning to finish. Our experience was enhanced because of the people which they have hired in the company. Carlos the head of the company, was patient and very informative. When we needed to change our schedules, he was quick with the problem solving decisions. While we were trekking and camping, we needed many people to help us get to places we needed to see, set up camp, cooks, and porters to carry our belongings. This would not be possible with our guide and team leader Charlie! He was patient, knowledgeable in the history of Peru, and his passion. I am thankful what he was able to do for our experience here. The cooks were great and the staff was efficient in putting everything up and tearing down when when we were trekking! The company believes in giving opportunities to the people of Peru when they hire. It shows on being able to immerse in the culture and get a full taste of Peru in every aspect. They also help with providing technology to the locals. I highly recommend booking with Trexperience! Thank you for a memory that will last me and my family a lifetime!

I had an excellent time during the hike. Wonderful landscape; decent hike and great guide and all the crew - including Lorenzo the Cook. Great food as well. Guys picked up great spots for camping as well. Our guide Edwin had been very kind knowledgeable and approachable. And if you are in doubt I am assuring you - seeing Machu Picchu was worth every penny.