The Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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 and Short Inca Trail

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

Camp Elevation: 3,850 meters / 1,2631 fort Trekking
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 & Short Inca Trail Trip 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.

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

Included/Not Included

Included

 Professional Guides: Highly trained guides for high mountain and Incas History

 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

Important Information 

1. Altitude in Cusco

People begin to worry about altitude sickness as soon as they reserve their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco. Because there is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes than there is at sea level, your body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Your body becomes accustomed to the lower oxygen content of the air over a period of days at a high altitude.

You could initially experience the illness or a hangover when suffering from altitude sickness. You can get headaches, exhaustion, a loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty breathing while exercising. Please get in touch with our office if any of these side effects worsen, and we’ll assist you find a doctor.

These symptoms will typically be slight. Always ease into action gradually to give your body time to acclimate. Drink a lot of liquids, such as coca tea or water. Since ancient times, coca tea has been used to help avoid altitude sickness.

The coca plant’s leaves contain alkaloids that assist your body absorb oxygen and ward off the effects of altitude sickness. A lot of alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.

They will make you urinate more frequently and dehydrate you. Don’t smoke. Your body has a harder time getting oxygen when you smoke. Don’t use sleeping medicines. Your body may have a harder time absorbing oxygen when you sleep as a result of their potential for shallow breathing at night.

To assist prevent altitude sickness, your doctor may recommend medications like acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Two days before you travel to a high altitude, begin taking the medication. While you are at a high altitude, keep taking it.

2. Getting to Cusco

All international passengers by plane must disembark in Lima and pass through Customs because the airport in Cusco is currently only for local flights. You must pick up your luggage in Lima and then check them back in, even if your trip from there to Cusco is on the same day and with the same airline.

The best way to go to Cusco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. Although LAN generally offers the most options and flights, it is also the most expensive. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellations.

3. Weather

Of course, the weather is erratic. In Cusco, the dry season typically lasts from April through October, but be prepared because it can rain in June or get sunny in December.

Please make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves, no matter what month you are taking the journey.

Consider the four seasons as well. You should be prepared for all four seasons as many of the climbs over the Andes entail numerous microclimates.

Always wear layers since they make it simple to adapt to changing temperatures. Please be ready with a heavy, winter-weight jacket because evenings will always be chilly.

4. Luggage Storage

Your luggage allowance is still restricted owing to railway regulations even if this is an overnight train vacation. To be transported to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), all bags must fit in a carry-on.

While you trek, you can leave any additional luggage in Cusco at your hotel or with us at the AltitudExperience Peru deposit. On the morning of your tour, we will collect from you and return after you have reached Cusco. Make sure your baggage are identified in some way so they can be found easily.

5. First Aid

AltitudExperience guide has completed a physician-led first aid course. Every February, we hold a training session that is required for all ALTITUDE guides. When guiding you, they’ll have oxygen and a first aid pack for common medical emergencies including traveler’s diarrhea and cuts and scrapes.

In the event that anything unforeseen occurs and you feel you are unable to finish the walk, they will plan the fastest and safest route off the trail to a clinic. You won’t ever be on your own; a team member will accompany you at all times until you reach a doctor in a safe location. We’ll make sure you still have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu and get back in touch with your group when you’re feeling up to it.

6. Environmental Impact

AltitudExperience carries all of our trash back to Cusco and uses biodegradable soap. Our staff are taught to maintain the trail and collect any trash left by other groups. Additionally, we employ chemical portable restrooms that allow us to pack trash out. Leaving no trace is something we highly support.