About Lares Treks Peru
Native Quechua pioneers in cultural hiking expeditions, Andean community stewardship, and authentic sustainable treks to Machu Picchu.
Years of Mountain Heritage
Hikers Guided to Machu Picchu
Native Quechua Staff
TripAdvisor Rating
Our Heritage: Sharing the Living Soul of the Andes
Founded in Cusco by native Quechua guides, Lares Treks Peru was created to offer world travelers an authentic alternative to commercialized trails. Growing up in the high valleys beneath towering glaciated peaks, our founders witnessed how conventional tourism often bypasses the rural Andean families whose ancestral knowledge shapes this landscape.
We designed our signature Lares Trek itineraries to weave through remote high-altitude communities such as Huacahuasi, Cuncani, and Quiswarani. Along these ancient paths, travelers soak in volcanic thermal springs, cross high alpine passes at 4,450 meters with breathtaking views of Mount Veronica, and learn centuries-old backstrap weaving techniques from native master artisans before taking the scenic train journey to the lost citadel of Machu Picchu.
Today, our company remains 100% locally owned and operated. Every guide, chef, and muleteer on our team is native to these highlands, guaranteeing you an intimate, deeply respectful, and unforgettable cultural adventure.
Our Purpose & Commitment
Our Mission
To provide authentic, transformative, and sustainable trekking expeditions through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu, led by native Quechua specialists who honor our ancestral heritage, protect fragile mountain ecosystems, and empower indigenous weaving communities through ethical, fair-trade tourism.
Our Future & Aspiration
Our Vision
To be recognized globally as the leading native-owned cultural adventure operator in South America, setting the benchmark for ethical muleteer welfare, living cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable trail stewardship across the Peruvian Andes.
What We Offer to Every Traveler
At Lares Treks Peru, we design comprehensive high-mountain expeditions that blend authentic Andean exploration with premier wilderness comfort. Here is what we offer to ensure your trek through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu is safe, unforgettable, and deeply enriching:
- Therapeutic Volcanic Hot Springs: Relax your muscles in the mineral-rich thermal baths of Lares before beginning the high-altitude trek.
- Living Cultural Exchange: Direct visits to indigenous weaving hamlets in Huacahuasi and Cuncani, seeing traditional backstrap loom weaving and alpaca wool dying.
- Certified Native Quechua Guides: University-licensed bilingual guides with extensive knowledge of Andean history, medicinal flora, and mountain safety.
- Gourmet Mountain Feasts: Fresh, 3-course organic buffet meals cooked daily by professional trail chefs, easily catering to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
- Comprehensive Altitude Safety: Emergency medical oxygen tanks, digital pulse oximeters, satellite radios, and first-aid kits on every departure.
- Guaranteed Small Groups: Intimate departures capped at 8 travelers, with guaranteed departures and 100% direct booking with our Cusco office.
- Ethical Muleteer Welfare: Fair living wages, warm technical gear, insurance, and strict load limits for all pack animals and mountain staff.
Why Travelers Choose Ausangate Treks Peru
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of safety, cultural respect, and traveler satisfaction in the Andes.
100% Direct Local Operator
No middlemen or foreign agencies. From your first inquiry to the summit pass, you communicate and hike directly with our local Cusco team.
Living Andean Cultural Immersion
Authentic interactions with Quechua-speaking weaving communities in Huacahuasi and Cuncani who preserve millennia-old textile arts.
Comprehensive High-Altitude Safety
Every expedition is equipped with medical oxygen, digital pulse oximeters, emergency satellite communication, and Wilderness First Aid certified guides.
Ethical Muleteer & Horseman Welfare
We guarantee fair living wages, warm technical gear, insurance, and strict humane load limits for all pack animals and muleteers.
Gourmet Andean Mountain Cuisine
Our professional trail chefs prepare fresh, 3-course organic meals daily, catering seamlessly to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Leave No Trace Trail Stewardship
Zero single-use plastics, strict waste segregation, and active participation in community trail clean-ups in the Lares Valley.
Meet Your Mountain Family
Our licensed guides, master trail chefs, and logistics experts were born in these mountains and love sharing their home with you.
Rolando Huaman
Over 14 years guiding the Lares Trek and Inca Trail routes. Native Quechua speaker with deep knowledge of Andean cosmology, weaving symbolism, and alpine flora.
Edwin Quispe
Certified WFR specialist with 11+ years guiding high-mountain passes and remote Sacred Valley routes.
Juan Carlos Mayta
Master of high-altitude Andean fusion cuisine, creating gourmet 3-course organic meals using fresh Sacred Valley ingredients.
Mario Condori
Born in the high community of Huacahuasi, ensuring top animal welfare and smooth trail camp logistics on every trip.
Social Responsibility & Lares Mountain Communities
A meaningful portion of every expedition fee goes directly to supporting rural highland schools and traditional weaving cooperatives in Huacahuasi, Cuncani, and Lares. We purchase fresh produce directly from family farms, organize seasonal warm clothing campaigns for mountain children, and support indigenous women weavers with fair-trade textile workshops.
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Highland School Supplies: Annual donations of books, warm footwear, and school supplies to children in Upis, Pacchanta, and Chillca.
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Native Reforestation: Planting native Queñua trees along Ausangate watershed corridors to restore vulnerable alpine ecosystems.
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Local Farmer Sourcing: 100% of our vegetables, Andean grains, and coffee are purchased directly from local family farms along the trail.
Trusted by Trekkers Worldwide
Rated 5 Stars on TripAdvisor. Here is what hikers say about their adventure with Ausangate Treks Peru.
"The Sky Lodge Domes at Upis were unbelievable. Sleeping warm while looking at Mount Ausangate under millions of stars was the highlight of our entire trip to Peru."
"Booking directly with this local Quechua team was the best decision. Our guide Rolando treated us like family, and the food prepared by the chef surpassed 5-star restaurants in Lima."
"They carried medical oxygen and checked our pulse oximeter readings twice daily. We felt completely safe every single kilometer up to the 5,200m pass. Outstanding team!"
Ready to Walk with the True Masters of the Andes?
Experience sacred Apu Ausangate, secure your private sky dome bed, and travel with Cusco's most trusted native Quechua team.