The Lares Trek

[AcrylicAce]

I just have a few questions about the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu.

I am leaving tomorrow for Lima and heading towards machu picchu in about a week or so. I am wondering if I will be able to do the Lares Trek without booking in advance.

Also, I am wondering if it is even necessary to do a tour.... can I just hike the Lares Trek without hiring a tour company or is this necessary?

If you go to Machu Picchu without a guide can you get into the ruines early in the morning or do they only open to general public later in the day?

Thanks a ton for your help,
Kadin

[Mark]

Hi Kadin,

Lares Trek
You do not need to hire a travel agency or book something in advance to hike the Lares Trek. You can read a detailed itinerary of the Lares trek here.

Machu Picchu
Try to go as early as possible. The train will stop in Aguas Calientes. From there you can either hike up the hill or take a bus to Machu Picchu. Tickets to enter Machu Picchu can no longer be bought at the entrance to Machu Picchu itself. You now have to buy the entrance tickets at the Machu Picchu Cultural Centre in Aguas Calientes (10m from the main Plaza, opens at 5:15am) or in Cusco at the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INC) offices which can be found at Calle San Bernado a few blocks from the main Plaza de Armas). You can find excellent information about getting to Machu Picchu here.

Best wishes,
Mark