Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days

The Lares Trek and Short Inca Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days is a great TREKKING COMBO for those who want the best of both treks – this way you get the best of wild Andes Mountains and the most important Inca Archeological sites.

We pass through indigenous communities and meet the locals who live without roads connecting them to the outside world. They still live as their ancestors before them, keeping their ancient culture alive. This is our own unique and very scenic route with waterfalls, llamas, alpacas and beautiful glaciers which feed shockingly turquoise blue lakes.

Along the trek, we explore the ancient Inca religious sites on the original Inca trail just like in ancient times and get to enjoy the spectacular views  from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu Citadel, where the most famous photos of Machu Picchu are taken. You even get to visit Machu Picchu twice!

More information Less information

From $687.00 per person

Book now
This tour will be operated by Sam Travel book now and you will get a 7% discount.
Great Views, Mountains, Lagoons of Lares

ITINERARY

Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

DAY 1: CUSCO – PISAC – HUARAN – CANCHA CANCHA

Our day has an early start, so be ready in your hotel lobby at 5am. Our guide will pick you up and begin our 1 hour drive to Pisac, where we stop for breakfast atop the mountain. One of the best breakfast spots you’ll ever enjoy!

With any luck we will see Crested Caracara Falcons circling above as they hunt for their breakfast. After breakfast, we will explore the Pisac Ruins and the important role they played in Inca civilization and history.

From Pisac, we  drive 40 minutes to Huaran to meet our horsemen who will care for the pack horses that carry our gear for the trek. They will pack your duffel on the pack horses and you will keep only your small daypack for the gentle 3-hour uphill walk along the river.

At the end of our 3 hour walk, we enjoy a hearty lunch prepared by our trek chef. After lunch we trek another 2 hours to our 1st campsite in Cancha Cancha. There you get to relax, enjoy some snacks, tea or coffee while taking in the amazing views of the snow-capped peaks around us.

Cancha Cancha is one of the most isolated and self sustained indigenous communities with no road to the outside world. It was only in 2019 that the village was connected to electricity. There you will experience the reality of how indigenous people have lived for centuries, and many still do.

You will be invited by the local community to share their lifestyle and homes. As an exchange, this remote Inca community would be thrilled if you could bring some toys, warm clothes, notebooks, fruit or any other items to share with the children and their families.

After dinner, our guide will teach us the Inca constellations, which are easily seen at night due to the lack of light pollution. These constellations have been used by the ancients as their agricultural guides and are still used today by many.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Snack & Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities – Large 4-person tents for every 2 people for space and comfort.
  • Distance: 12kms / 7 miles
  • Time: Approximately 6 Hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 2: CANCHA CANCHA – KISHUARANI

After a delicious breakfast, we begin our 4-hour intense hike that crosses over three different passes to the highest point of our trek: Pachacutec Pass (4,700 mt / 15,420 ft). It is a challenging morning but the views of the massive glaciers, crystal blue glacial lakes, llamas, deep valleys and endless farmlands are breathtaking.

After taking a rest at the last pass, we head downhill for an hour to have lunch by a translucent glacial lake with views of the Lares Valley. All around are herds of llamas and alpacas dotting the mountain sides.

We descend for 2 hours until we reach the Kiswarani community (3,700 m /12,139ft). On these seldom travelled paths to Machu Picchu, we will see many llama herders and the local indigenous people will interact with us in their native Quechua language (Inca language).

Our guide will translate and teach us some Quechua words, plus we get to enjoy the lovely waterfall by us. Finally, we arrive to Kiswarani; our private van will be waiting for us to drive approximately 2 hours to Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo we will stay the night in a comfortable hotel with a heated swimming pool and sauna!

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Veronica View Hotel
  • Distance: 14kms/10.3 miles
  • Time: Approximately 8 Hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO –KM 104– WIÑAY HUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU

We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 AM in our private van and drive a few minutes to catch the 6:10 AM Expedition Train for an hour and 10 minute scenic train ride to KM104. This is our starting point for the Short Inca Trail at 2,100m / 6,927ft.

After passing the checkpoint, we begin a moderate uphill hike for the next 3 hours to the ancient archaeological ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,650m / 8,747ft). At Wiñay Wayna, we enjoy views of the Urubamba Valley, explore Inca sites, and meet up with the original 4-day Inca Trail.

After we enjoy our lunch, rest and enjoy the beautiful sights, we continue for approximately 1 hour to the Sun Gate at 2,730m/9,007ft. The hour climb has relatively flat areas mixed with stairs, which is how the Incas built their paths over the steeper sections of the Andes.

At the Sun Gate we have our first view of Machu Picchu, which is where most of the famous photos of Machu Picchu are taken. It is all downhill with flat Inca steps for the next hour to Machu Picchu Citadels. The entire hour trek downhill has the most incredible views of Machu Picchu.

You will have time for photos from the viewing platforms above the Machu Picchu Citadel. At this point in the afternoon, most people are leaving the citadel and you will be able to take photos with few people in them. We then take a 25-minute shuttle bus ride down a winding road to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night  in a comfortable hotel with warm beds and hot showers and enjoy a celebratory dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast in the Hotel – Picnic Lunch – Dinner
  • 3* Accommodation: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
  • Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

On this early morning and very exciting day we have all been waiting for, we take the early shuttle bus back up the windy road to catch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. This is a truly magical experience and very much worth getting up early for! Our guide will give us about a 2 hour private tour, sharing with us the history and little secrets hidden away by the Incas who once resided there. 

Here are some other activities you can do on your own:

  • Climb Huayna Picchu  (Book in advance, it sells out very quickly in high season)
  • Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (Entrance fee to enter)

When you are ready, we will depart Machu Picchu and descend back down the curvy road again to Aguas Calientes. There you can have a relaxing lunch (lunch on your own) and/or explore Aguas Calientes before boarding the Expedition train at which departs at 2:55 or 3:20 PM. You will return to the Ollantaytambo Train Station where we will meet our private driver and vehicle for a 90-minute transfer to the doorstep of your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7pm.

  • Meals: breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy

There are now 2 sessions to enter Machu Picchu; 6am to 12pm and Noon to 5:30pm. If you book Huayna Picchu, you have an extra 2 hours.

INCLUSIONS

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Private transportation from the hotel to the Huaran Trailhead
  • Professional guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua
  • Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
  • 3 Bus tickets between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Permits for the Inca Trail
  • 2 nights in hotels with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included
  • 4 person tents (large and comfortable)
  • Foam mattress and camping pillow
  • Horsemen and pack horses to carry all camping and personal equipment (7kg / 15 lbs. of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried on the Lares Trek portion)
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
  • Boiled water to fill your drinking bottles
  • Guided tour in Machu Picchu
  • Chef, cooking equipment and kitchen tent
  • Transfer back to Cusco from Ollantaytambo

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED   

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43pm )
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
  • Optional upgrades for hotels
  • Spa services and extra drinks at the Veronica View Hotel
  • Tips for the crew, guide and cook

PRICE

BEST PRICES

No. OF PEOPLEPRICE
2 to 8 people$717

Personal porter included!

This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilograms (15 pounds). We will provide you a duffel bag to put your belongings in.
We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for every 2 people.
Private service is $100 extra per person

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Group of 5 people or more: $30 USD. All you need to do is book the trek together at the same time.

The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is almost always available year round except in February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal Tent: $30 USD – (Tent is for solo trekkers only)
  • Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco – Poroy – at 4:43pm )
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
  • Machu Picchu  Mountain: $75 USD per person  (Please request when you book your trek)
  • Hotel single supplement: $30 USD 2* for solo travelers

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

Foam mattresses for every hiker, camping pillow, transfer from airport to hotel in Cusco, duffel bags, rain ponchos (provided by Orange Nation) plastic liner bags, and extra blanket for the tent are included in the trek price!

  • Guided Tour Into Pisac Inca Ruins: Enjoy and explore the amazing Inca city of Pisac, which is one of the most important Inca cities in the famous Sacred Valley of the Inca.
  • Extra Pack Horse and Mules are included in the price and will carry your things up to 7 kgs / 15 lbs. including sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc. (Lares Trek portion only)
  • Cold Boiled Water provided along the trek, there will be hot and cold water at each meal time.
  • Oxygen Tank is available in case of emergency.
  • Emergency Horse is included which can be ridden if you feel tired or sick. (Lares portion only)
  • Best Itinerary operated by Lares Trek specialist only.

IMPORTANT INFO

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Please read the following information to help answer any questions you may have about our services and the Lares Trek & 2 day Inca Trail.

ARRIVAL TO  CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

THE BRIEFING:

The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:

ABSOLUTELY! During the Lares Trek & 2 day Inca Trail your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK

FIRST, to book your Lares Trek & 2 day Inca Trail, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.

We will need the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). This information is necessary to purchase the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu the train tickets:

  • Your full name, exactly as on your passport
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person  in order to purchase your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

You can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco to avoid the additional 5.5% charged by the Credit Card companies and PayPal. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address info@shortincatrailmachupicchu.com. 

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately No. Once the tickets for the Inca Trail have been bought, the government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any departure date after the tickets has been purchased. Tickets are also non transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Lares Trek & 2 day Inca Trail, the deposit is lost!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE LARES TREK & 2 DAY INCA TRAIL?

DEFINITELY! You MUST bring your original passport with the SAME passport number you sent us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. They will check when you enter Machu Picchu and to board the train.

In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, please send us a COPY of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can change it when we receive a COPY of your new passport for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to enter Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train.

Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into PeruPeruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

The weather is very unpredictable and always changing in the Andes Mountains, so it is difficult to say with any certainty. We recommend that you be prepared for warm weather, possible rain showers (Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu you will need a rain poncho and a jacket in case of cold weather. We also recommend that you dress in layers so you may take off or put on clothes as needed.

The climate in Cusco has temperatures between 10º – 20º C , 50º – 68º F with warm days and cold nights. The best time to hike the Inca trail is between the months of April through October, when the weather is warm. During the months of June, July and August nights are very cold which is why we rent in our office good quality 4 season sleeping bags.

The rainy season is during the months of November through March, if you want to hike the Inca Trail during this season, bring warm clothes and be prepared for rain but there will be beautiful landscapes and colorful flowers since it is spring and summer time.

The month of February, the Inca Trail is closed for repairs and restoration.

The average weather conditions on the Inca Trail:

  • Dry Season: April – October
  • Day temperature: 20ºC – 25ºC / 68º – 77º F – Night temperature: 1ºC – 7ºC / 33º – 44º F
  • Wet Season: November – March
  • Day temperature: 17ºC – 22ºC / 62º – 71º F – Night temperature: 4ºC – 7ºC

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.

DON’T DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN REST

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

STAY HYDRATED

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

DISCOVERING COCA

No one knew the effects of high altitude better than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas.

It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. We specialize in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provide personalized service.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACK PACK 

The evening before your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg / 15lbs. including sleeping bag, so 5kg / 11lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear.

It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc.  A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Lares Trek & 2 day Inca Trail is fairly difficult and you should be prepared and healthy prior to starting. You have to be relatively fit and exercise regularly.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the gym in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,350m / 11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip is appreciated. It means a lot to the staff, and their families, who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires better service and is a major part of the tourism industry across many SHORT INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending how you feel about the quality of service and the length of your tour.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?

We are a local sustainable & responsible tour operator which functions according to the ethical principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the indigenous communities respecting their culture and religion. We have trained all of our staff to know, understand and respect the local communities and the people living there.

PACKING LIST

WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack
  • Drinking Water: 2-3L (Please bring reusable BPA Free bottles, not disposable)
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented in our office)
  • Headlamp or Flashlight
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 lbs. including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • Necessary clothes, layers for hiking.
  • Bathing suit for the thermal waters.
  • Warm clothes. It can get quite cold at night.
  • Gloves (Preferably waterproof).
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel.
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented in our office.

TOILETRIES

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal Toiletries
  • Personal medications

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE LARES TREK & 2 DAY INCA TRAIL?

We highly recommend a small backpack (30 to 40L) for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal. Please bring your reusable bottles BPA free, not disposable
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp
  • Warm hat
  • Rain gear
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, ice cream, cereal bars
  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

You Might also Like