Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail

The lares trek and short inca trail leads to the lost city of Machu Picchu. The trek is only five days long, but it is packed with adventure. Day one begins in lares Hot Springs with a hike through the luscious lares valley.

The valley is teeming with wildlife, and the views are simply breathtaking. Day two is a bit more challenging, as you will be hiking up to the lares pass, the highest at 4,400 m (14,400 ft). However, the effort is worth it, as you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Andes mountains, Lakes and lamas in its habitat. On day three is a bit more easy, as you will be hiking for Andean communities up to the Huaran, here as you will be rewarded with stunning views Maras salt Mine and Ollantaytambo.

On day four, The tour includes all of the highlights of the standard Inca Trail, including a visit to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu itself. In addition, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a unique opportunity to interact with local people.

On the final day, you will make your way to Machu Picchu, where you can explore the ancient ruins and learn about the Inca civilization in the sunrise.

The lares trek and Short Inca Trail is the perfect trip for those who want to experience of the nature, the culture and history about the inkas and all that Cusco has to offer.

Day by Day Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail

Day1: Begin Lares Trek, Cusco to Lares Trek hot springs – Quishuarani

Camp Elevation: 3,850 meters / 1,2631
Weather: Cold
Distance: 10 km/ 6.21371 miles

Day 2: Trek Quiswarani Condor Pass

Camp Elevation: 12,303 ft / 3,850 meters
Weather: Cold
Elevation Gain: 2,750 ft / 870 meters
Walking Distance: 15 km

Day 3: Trek to Maras Salt Mine and Ollantaytambo

Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,562 ft
Weather: Cold
Walking Distance: 6.2 miles / 7 km

Day 4:  Ollantaytambo to Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Elevations: 2,500 m / Sun Gate 2,720 m
Weather: Humid
Walking Distance: 14 km / 9 miles

Day 5: Explore  Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Elevations: 2,500 m
Weather: Humid
Walking Distance: 4 km 

Special features Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail

• Trek the fascinating andean montains.
• Learn and share the experiences in rural schools.
• Tour the fascinating the Saltpans of Maras and agricultural terraces of Ollantaytambo.
• Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail, a once-in-a- cultural lifetime experience.
• will have a llama ceremony, exhibiting these beautiful creatures.
• Explore Machu Picchu, one of the “last Inca cities”
• Visit machu picchu at sunrise to enjoy impressive views.
• Enjoy typical meals prepared by our chefs

Walking Activity Level Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail

• 1 Moderate Day | Clients should be physically healthy and ready for up to 6 hours of walking day in hilly terrain with some steep or uneven terrain.
• 2 Moderate Day | Walking for 5+ hours (more than 6 miles) across difficult, uneven mountain terrain that includes some long ascents and descents
• 3th Easy Day |easy walking on mostly flat terrain for 5 hours
• 4th Moderate Day | 4-6 hours of walking each day, some hills and steep or uneven terrain
• 5th Easy Day | 3 hours of walking, hilly with some steep or uneven terrain.

Is This Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail Right for You?

If you’re planning a trip to Cusco, you may be wondering if the lares trek and short Inca Trail are right for you. Both of these hikes offer breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and the chance to see some of Peru’s most iconic ruins, but they differ in terms of difficulty and length. Here’s a quick overview of each hike to help you decide which one is right for you.

The lares trek is a three-day hike that takes you through some of Peru’s most remote villages. It’s a challenging hike, with steep climbs and descents, but the rewards are well worth it. You’ll get to experience traditional Peruvian culture firsthand and see some incredible scenery along the way. The short Inca Trail, on the other hand, is a shorter, easier hike that takes you directly to Machu Picchu.

So, which hike is right for you? If you’re up for a challenge and want to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture, go for the lares trek and Short Inca Trail with stunning views. Whichever hike you choose will have an unforgettable experience.

Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail Itinerary 

Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs  – Cuncani Community – Quishuarani

We will pick you up from your accommodation at 5 a.m to start the renowned Lares Trek walk. Any hotel, condominium, or apartment in Cusco, Urubamba, Huaran, or Pisaq can be picked up. Until we reach the Lares Hot Springs, where you will enjoy your first breakfast while taking in breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, it will take us three hours to travel along the picturesque terrain of the Sacred Valley and into the Andes. After breakfast, you may relax in one of the hot springs’ several pools, which range in temperature from ice-cold to scorching.

They are all made of pure volcanic water, which is thought to have therapeutic properties and be beneficial for your bones, muscles, and headaches. After spending some time in the spas, you will take a 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Give the horsemen your duffel bags so they may carry them to the encampment.

Following lunch, a ritual including llamas will be performed by our horsemen llameros, exhibiting these lovely creatures. The Incas valued llamas as holy animals and an essential part of their economy. You will learn about these creatures from our llamas, who will also explain why possessing one was considered to be a show of prestige. They are currently going extinct while being continually fed with lesser animals. We intend to employ some llamas in keeping with Inca custom. We do this to benefit the neighborhood that aids in their protection. Walking with llamas is enjoyable since they are amiable creatures. Just keep your distance or they could try to kiss you.

Additionally, you will have time to stroll through the town and stop by a few local residences, where you may learn about the way of life and long-standing customs of the inhabitants. If there is time, we’ll stop by the classroom where the students still converse in Quecha, their native tongue. Toys, notebooks, and school supplies are also acceptable items to bring. Maybe you could even teach them a few English words.

It will be another two hours, gradually uphill hiking until we arrive at the campsite. There you will be welcomed by our trekking staff, who will have your tents set up. We’ll enjoy some hot drinks, as the sky darkens and the stars start appearing. Finally, you will enjoy a lovely dinner prepared on-site. If you want to keep star-gazing, you may stay up for a while longer or, if you’d rather, you can turn in to your tent.

Camp Elevation: 3,850 meters / 1,2631 fort Trekking
Weather: Cold
Distance: 10 km/ 6.21371 miles

Day 2:  Quishuarani Community – Cancha Cancha

Today, our service of hot beverages will wake you up at 5 a.m. Views of the vivid lake and the Kiswarani Valley will be breathtaking. The locals will already be up and about, taking their llamas and alpacas out to graze, so you may see them. After you have completed packing your stuff, breakfast will be provided. We’ll then prepare food and fill up our water bottles before you start your journey to Machu Picchu. The trek to the mountain’s peak will take three to four hours.

The Condor pass, is the name of this pass. We’ll zigzag up to make up for the steep ascent. Beautiful vistas may be found all around. You’ll see llamas, alpacas, lakes, and waterfalls. In the event that you become fatigued, we will have a horse to ride. You will be above the clouds and mountain peaks as you reach the Condor Pass, and the 360-degree views are breathtaking.

You’ll start the hour-long, downhill journey to Vista Point, where lunch will be served. A few llamas will be grazing nearby. After lunch, you’ll climb the final three hours downhill while taking in breathtaking views of several lakes, llamas, and alpacas before reaching your campground in Cancha Cancha, the only community without access to modern technology. located at (3,745 m/12,290 ft), where locals continue to follow traditional Inca practices. 85 percent of the homes in this Incan town are still constructed using traditional techniques, with stone walls and grass-thatched roofs. This community lacks both electricity and automobiles, unlike the other villages in the Lares Valley. Your porters will also erect your tents here while you enjoy the outdoors. You’ll have some time to interact with the neighborhood kids.

We ask our visitors to offer this support in the health and education of this local hamlet since we give them food and school materials. You are welcome to provide any supplies you feel these Quechuan-speaking kids might need for their homes or schools. When you’re finished, your guide will take you to a local family’s home where you may observe how locals live. In addition to learning about the traditional hand-woven textiles made of llama and alpaca wool, you will observe how they grow their guinea pigs. Dinner and hot beverages will be served to you in the evening.

Camp Elevation: 12,303 ft / 3,850 meters
Weather: Cold
Elevation Gain: 2,750 ft / 870 meters
Walking Distance: 15 km

Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras salt Mine  – Ollantaytambo

You’ll be woken early by our porters with a hot beverage, and you’ll have some time to pack your luggage and eat breakfast. You’ll have time after breakfast to look around the community and go to the nearby primary school, where the old Inca language, Quechua, is still taught. You’ll start the final section of your Lares excursion as soon as you’re prepared. It will take four hours to descend this magnificent trail while passing further llamas and alpacas. We’ll go by fields where ancient Incan methods are used to cultivate potatoes, fava beans, and many other traditional crops.

You will have the opportunity to learn about Peruvian agriculture from locals who still cultivate their land by hand using equipment from the Inca era. We shall now begin to descend to the Sacred Valley’s warmer region. You will begin to see crops that are different from those in the high mountains and begin to feel the microclimate changes. People cultivate corn, quinoa, kiwi, peaches, avocados, and other kinds of fruit all around the Sacred Valley. The little Sacred Valley settlement of Huaran, which is located at 2,700 m / 8,858 ft, is where your journey will come to a finish. This region has a rich Inca heritage. At this point, you will bid farewell to your horses, riders, chef, and porters.

We will board a van at Huaran and go via short-distance into the valley to the Saltpans of Maras, where the Salineras salt pans are located. A saltwater spring gushes forth and flows down the side of the mountain here, at a height of 11,000 feet above sea level. There have been built over 3,000 little evaporation chambers that appear to be sliding down the slope. Since before the Inca era, they have been in use. Because the salt is full of natural minerals and some of it even turns pink, it is claimed to have therapeutic qualities. These pans are owned by local families, who earn a livelihood by selling salt to the nearby towns. If you want to buy anything, there is a little store on the property. We will travel to our accommodation in Ollantaytambo for the evening after touring Saltpans of Maras.

Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,562 ft
Weather: Cold
Walking Distance: 6.2 miles / 7 km

Day 4:  Ollantaytambo – Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes

Our guide At 5:30 a.m., will pick you up from your accommodation. We will then proceed to the train station where we will board the 6:10 a.m. train bound for Ollantaytambo. With its breathtaking vistas of the Urubamba River, snow-capped mountain peaks, and farms with cornfields, this train trip is one of the most picturesque in the entire globe. As the temperature rises as we descend, you will see how the microclimate shifts from the highlands and cornfields to lush jungle valleys with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids. It will take one hour and 45 minutes to get off the train at Km 104. Before beginning your hike, you will also have breakfast. Since this is the very first checkpoint on the Inca Trail, be sure to carry your original passport.

You will have some time to get ready before the hike after breakfast. The first Inca site, Chachabamaba, will be ours to visit shortly after that. The earliest ancient Incan entry point for the Inca Trail was Chachabamaba. Your tour guide will give you some background information on this ruin before you begin the three-hour ascent to Wiay Wayna, the most well-known Inca monument along the route. Along the walk, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of the Urubamba River and the Machu Picchu Valley, as well as local vegetation and animals. Additionally, there are waterfalls and breathtaking views of Machu Picchu Mountain. The path itself contains a few flat stretches as well as a few quick ascents and descents. Additionally, it contains steps that are set up in portions, some of which can be narrow but are not dangerous.

You will have time for a tour with your tour guide once you get at the Wiay Wayna Inca site. The Inca site, temples, waterfalls, gardens, storehouses, watchtowers, and farming terraces will all be open for visitors to explore. Only a little distance separates you from the lunch. There will be time for a little snooze after lunch. After that, it will take you an hour to climb gradually upward and downhill to the Sun Gate, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the other valleys. The Incas utilized the Sun Gate to see the summer solstice dawn from Machu Picchu. The last hour-long climb will get you to the Machu Picchu ruins.

Once there, you may visit the watchtower area to take beautiful photos of Machu Picchu (without crowds). The 20-minute bus excursion to aguas calientes hotel will follow. Your hotel will wating for you. Will you have a free time explore aguas calientes, later that evening will you have a dinner in the best local restaurant.

Elevations: 2,500 m / Sun Gate 2,720 m
Weather: Humid
Walking Distance: 14 km / 9 miles

  Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

You will have enough time to get ready, have breakfast, and pack your daypacks and duffel bags. To be among the first in line to climb Machu Picchu, we’ll jog 30 minutes to the bus stop (sometimes there is a 20-30 min wait in the line to board the bus). The first buses will leave at 5:30 a.m. and enter Machu Picchu at 6:00 a.m. At the checkpoint, you must have your actual passport with you. Your tour guide will lead you to the ideal location to view the mountains at sunrise (weather permitting). After that, we’ll have a two-hour private guided tour of the interesting history of the Machu Picchu ruins. Additionally, you’ll get free time to discover Machu Picchu by yourself. This is a wonderful time to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you have a reservation for one (in the second slot which starts at 10:00 a.m.). For lunch and to board the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, you must board your bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will then travel back to Cusco in a private van, where we will drop you off at your accommodation.

We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour around the archeological site, including information about life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55 pm. Until then, you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.

Meals Included: Breakfast Only

Inclusions

Included in the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail

 Pick up: From the airport (send fly details)

Local Guides: Professional English Speaking Tour Guide

 Briefing: We will have an information session, you will receive a travel bag, the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress

 Lares Permits: All permits Are guaranteed according to availability, As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.

 Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions for a train service let me know. Additionally, your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be included.

 Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, two person dormitory tents

 Food: Our staff cook so delicious, our meals are typical and traditional, we respect all food restrictions, if you have any restrictions let me know. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.

 Hotel: This trek includes a one-night 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo and one night in Aguas Calientes Village. We have a selection of hotels, great service and accommodation (if you have any suggestions let us know).

 Water: From your first day you will be provided with water, for your walks, this water is boiled, it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.

Travel bags: You will be delivered our travel bags, where you will take your clothes and other personal items, taken out sleeping and mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos

First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid, in case of emergency we manage an emergency plan if necessary for the promptest and fastest possible attention

 Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details for us is very important. For them we are committed to creating the real experience towards machupicchu

 Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price.

 Satellite Phones: Our team has a satellite phone

 Transfer Airport: Free shuttle to airport, round trip

Not Included

 Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to machupicchu, has a duration of about 50 minutes, is quite enpina The walk, has a cost of 75 usd, to be able to get permission for this mountain you must do it a month in advance due to popularity

 Rentals : every traveler needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. If you do not wish to bring any of the above, all are available for rent:

Inflatable air mattress : $ 15

Walking sticks: $ 10

Sleeping bag: $ 20

 Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machupicchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb.

 Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.

 Tips: Tips are always considered, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).

 Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory, normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days.

Price 

The Lares Trek Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date of your choosing! We only need a minimum of two participants!

Price per person

• USD$ 789 per person

Means you are open for other travelers to join you. so you will have different times when walking. Our guide is prepared to keep different walking rhythms.

• Required pre-payment: $ 200 per person
• Balance in Cusco: commonly pay in cusco after the briefing

 Student discount

The student discount only applies  for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. We need you to send us a copy of your university ID Tt award the discount. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport.

• Discount: USD$ 30 per person

 Vistadome Train

All our services include the regular train service, Expeditions or Voyager. The vistadome train or panoramic train is an upgraded train.

• Vistadome train: USD$ 75 per person

 Huayna Picchu

This mountain is a 50 minute walk to the top and another 50 minutes return. If you are planning to do this hike on your own, your guide will give you all the information you need. An additional ticket is required for this hike and we can reserve it for you.

• Ticket to Huaynapicchu: USD$ 75 per person

Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail FAQs

what is the Lares trek?

The Lares Trek is a stunning and unforgettable adventure for anyone looking to explore the countryside of Peru. This three-day community-led journey takes you through some of the most breathtaking natural scenery imaginable, including sprawling valleys, luscious fields, snow-capped mountains and rushing streams. With knowledgeable local guides who know the area like the back of their hand, you’ll be immersed in intimate knowledge of traditional Andean cultural and spiritual practices along the trail. The views are spectacular, but that’s not all – your entire experience will be enriched by friendly encounters with locals, delicious homemade meals, cozy campfires and relaxing moments in hot springs surrounded by staggering beauty. Visiting the Lares Trek will fill you with wonder and an appreciation for nature – it truly is a trip of a lifetime!

what is the lares trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

Many travelers desire to experience the lares trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This iconic, Two-day trek to one of the world’s most important sanctuaries offers experienced adventurers a spectacular glimpse into an ancient city, surrounded by beautiful mountaintops, lush rainforests and magnificent valleys that span for miles. It is without a doubt why so many visitors prefer this Short Inca Trail that spans just 6 miles, as compared to its sister trek, the renowned classic Inca Trail which spans 45 miles long. The Short Inca Trail takes visitors through picturesque landscapes and finally arrive in Machu Picchu with more energy and enthusiasm than ever before. So if you’re up for an impressive journey through one of Earth’s much sought-after sites of archaeological wonders, join the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail and witness the beauty of Machu Picchu firsthand!

Briefing Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail

The briefing for the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail will take one night before the trek at 5: 40pm in your Hotel, which you must provide us with the hotel address.

Where do I leave my luggage while doing the Lares trek and Short Inca trail?

Altitude Experience has a luggage storage and and during the Lares trek Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.

What about altitude sickness in the Lares trek and short Inca Trail?

Trekking to the Lares trek and short Inca Trail is a rewarding experience that certainly has its challenges, one of them being altitude sickness. With this in mind, it’s important to plan for your journey and be aware of symptoms associated with high elevation changes. The Lares trek peaks at 4,450m, so even those in excellent physical condition can become affected by altitude sickness. However, Altitude Experience are now providing travelers with access to oxygen supplement bottles to help ensure a safe and successful trekking experience. Therefore, let altitude sickness not stop you from enjoying everything that Lares trek and short Inca Trail have to offer – choose a knowledgeable tour operator who provides extra safety measures and make sure you acclimatize properly before attempting the trek.

Is the Lares trek and Short Inca Trail is difficult? do i need to be fit?

At first glance, the Lares trek and Short Inca Trail 50 km (31 miles) a maximum height of (4,800 m/16,000 ft) , a 5-day journey taken by many travelers every year, may seem quite daunting. However, contrary to popular belief, both routes can be undertaken even by those who are anything but ultra-fit. Both offer magnificent landscapes with the opportunity to tap into Inca culture and history that makes an additional effort well worth it. Through regular breaks, plenty of water and food to maintain your energy levels, there is no reason why you should not experience the Lares trek and Short Inca Trail for yourself – all you need is a little determination!

What happens if i am unable to finish the Lares trek and short Inca Trail 5 days?

Planning for the Lares trek and short Inca Trail 5 days is both exciting and challenging. However, if you are unfortunate enough to be affected by altitude sickness or any other health issue that hinders you from completing the trek, Altitude Experience Peru has a plan in place to assist you. We will provide transportation to the nearest town, where necessary help will be provided. In addition, should the need arise, air transport can also be arranged at your own expense (make sure you have travel insurance). Unfortunately, there are no refunds if this situation arises and means that you must continue onto Ollantaytambo after recovery before embarking on your journey to visit Machu Picchu according to your original plan.

How many days before should I arrive in Cusco for the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail?

If you are planning on taking the 2 or 3 day Lares trek and short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it is in your best interest to arrive in Cusco at least 5 days before the start of the trek. You should spend those 5 days acclimating to the high altitude as well as having some extra time to explore everything this beautiful city has to offer. Not only will this be a great way to enjoy your vacation, but it will also help ensure that you are properly prepared for all that awaits you during the 5 day Lares trek and short Inca Trail. Doing so will allow you to make the most out of this wonderful experience and make sure that your time in Cusco is engaging and memorable!

Where can i book the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 day?

FIRST, to book your Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 day to Machu Picchu, please contact with Us, to see our departures and available spaces, clicking on CONTACT US on our homepage or by clicking here.

Please have the following information on hand (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We will be unable to purchase an Inca Trail permit unless we have the following information:

Personal data (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):

Gender
Number on a passport
Date of Birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality

*** We need copies of each participant’s passport to book Inca Trail permits!

SECOND, in order to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person. You can deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols at the top of our home page, or on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

Where is the Balance?

If you want to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our Cusco office (in US dollars or Peruvian soles). To withdraw money, there are numerous ATMs located throughout the historical district. You can also pay online with Paypal }, but there is a 5.5% service fee charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance via PAYPAL.

Can I change the date after buying the permits?

Regrettably, the answer is no. The Peruvian government does not allow changes once permits have been purchased, so we cannot change any dates after the permit has been purchased. If you need to change the date of your trek, there is a $100 fee because we must purchase a new permit for you. Permits are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Machu Picchu Trek, your deposit will not be refunded!

Do I need my original passport for the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 days?

Yes! You must bring your original passport, with the same passport number that you used to book your  Machu Picchu permit with us. When you enter Machu Picchu and board the train, your passport will be checked. If you are renewing your passport, send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit, and we will change it once you receive your new passport. If this is the case, please send us a copy of your newly issued passport as soon as possible.

Are tips mandatory in the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 day?

If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appreciated, though it is not required. While it may not be customary in your country, it is extremely important for the people who will be looking after you during your journey. It inspires excellent service and is ingrained in the tourism industry in many Altitude Experience Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip however much you want, based on your perception of the quality and duration of your trip. Remember that tipping is optional and should only be given when you receive exceptional service.