Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
The Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a highly popular trekking route that blends breathtaking Andean landscapes with visits to traditional indigenous communities and a portion of the iconic Inca Trail. This journey offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and natural beauty, culminating in a visit to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
As a shorter and less crowded alternative to the classic Inca Trail, it provides a unique and unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Inca citadel, followed by free time to explore on your own and the best part: you’ll get to visit Machu Picchu twice before returning to Cusco.
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – URUBAMBA – PUMAHUANCA – CUYOC
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. and begin a scenic drive for an hour and a half through the Sacred Valley, passing through Chinchero and stopping in Urubamba for a quick breakfast at a local restaurant. Restrooms will be available, and you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase any last-minute items, such as a rain poncho or extra snacks.
After breakfast, we’ll drive for another 25 minutes to reach the Pumahuanca Valley, a region renowned for its giant white corn and Chicha, the traditional corn beer of the Incas. From here, we’ll begin our trek through a stunning valley dominated by native Queuña (Polylepis) trees, following a gentle, winding ascent with breathtaking views along the way.
We’ll hike for approximately 3 hours until we arrive at the archaeological site of Inca-Kancha. After exploring the site, we’ll continue our hike through the Queuña forest toward the community of Paccha, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep.
After another 2 hours of walking and passing several small waterfalls, we’ll reach our lunch spot in Cuyoc, located at an altitude of 4,010 meters (13,156 feet). After enjoying lunch and taking some time to relax, we’ll continue our adventure with a final 2 hour hike to our campsite, where hot tea will be waiting for us.
.Meals included: Box Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
.Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
.Distance: 13.5km/8.4 miles
.Time: 6 – 7 hrs approximately
.Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 2: CUYOC – PUMAHUANCA PASS – CUNCANI – OLLANTAYTAMBO
We’ll start the day at 6:00 a.m. with a warm cup of coca tea and a hearty breakfast. Then, we’ll begin our trek with stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of Chicón, San Juan, and Verónica. Surrounded by native forests, a challenging 3-hour adventure awaits as we ascend a steep stone path with several tight switchbacks, leading us to the Pumahuanca Pass at 4,700 meters (15,420 feet).
From the top, we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Moray, Maras, and the Salt Mines of Salineras. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we’ll begin a 1-hour descent along a stone path, offering beautiful vistas as we approach the nearby lakes where we’ll stop for lunch and a short rest.
Following lunch, we’ll continue trekking for about 2 more hours, mostly downhill, until we reach Cuncani (3,900 meters / 12,795 feet), a traditional Andean village where our transportation to Ollantaytambo will be waiting. Along the way, we may encounter local farmers wearing traditional, colorful clothing—a distinctive feature of the Lares Valley.
Cuncani is especially renowned for its textiles, which are still handwoven using ancient techniques passed down through generations. If you wish, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase authentic handmade textiles directly from the local artisans of Cuncani and Lares.
Finally, we’ll take a 2.5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll enjoy dinner together and spend the night.
.Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
.Accommodation: Hotel
.Distance: 11kms / 6,83 miles
.Time: 6 – 7 hours approximately
.Difficulty: challenging
DAY 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – WIÑAYHUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU
We begin this exciting day early your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 a.m. Upon arrival at the train station, your guide will provide you with a packed lunch to carry in your daypack. From there, we board the train and travel to kilometer 104, the starting point of our trek.
Today’s hike follows one of the most beautiful sections of the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail. Along the way, we’ll explore impressive Inca archaeological sites, enjoy a rich variety of flora and fauna, and take in spectacular panoramic views of the Andes. Covering 12 kilometers, the trail begins in the Sacred Valley and ascends along a well-preserved Inca stone path to the remarkable site of Wiñay Wayna, before continuing on to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
After visiting Wiñay Wayna, we’ll pause for a picnic lunch with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Following our meal, we’ll continue our hike through the lush cloud forest, where you’ll see a variety of plants, orchids, and birds—and with a bit of luck, possibly even spot a spectacled bear, a rare and iconic species of the region.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu, beautifully spread out along the mountain ridge. The soft afternoon light is ideal for photography, and with fewer tourists around, it’s a perfect moment to capture the majesty of the site.
From the Sun Gate, we’ll hike for another 45 minutes to the Guard House, where you’ll have the chance to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. After soaking in the views, we’ll exit the site and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax and prepare for the next day.
.Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner
.Distance: 12 kms / 7.45 miles
.3* Accommodation: Hotel in Machu Picchu Town
.Difficulty: moderate
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
We recommend starting your day very early, and for good reason: by taking the first bus up to Machu Picchu, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Inca citadel, explore the site with fewer crowds, and avoid long entry lines.
Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a guided walking tour of Machu Picchu led by your private guide. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, during which you’ll discover the most iconic and historically significant areas of this World Wonder.
After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own or visit additional sites such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance reservations are required that costs $ 75 per person) we recommend booking these tickets at least two months in advance due to limited availability).
Once your visit is complete, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Later, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco, directly to your hotel concluding our services.
.Meals: Only Breakfast included
.Aguas Calientes elevation: 2040 m / 6692 ft
.Machu Picchu Elevation: 2430 m/ 7972 ft
.Difficulty: Easy
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- .Transfer from the airport to your hotel.Briefing service ( 2 or 1 day before your tour by your guide. ).Private transportation from the hotel to Pumahuanca – Trail head.Professional English speaker tour guide.
.Round trip Expedition train ticket from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
.Free shipping of luggage to Aguas Calientes town by train ( (Our Clients can send by train all your staff that you will need at the hotel and for second day) )
.3 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
.Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archeological Citadel
.Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail National Park
.2 nights hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, buffet breakfast included
.4 person Igloo tents for 2 trekkers (large and comfortable)
.Pillow and foam mattress
.Delicious meals during the 4 days, as indicated in the itinerary
.Cook and cooking equipment
.Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kg of your personal items )
.Provision of a horse in case of emergency
.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 for our group
Not Included
- .Hotel before/after the trek.Lunch and dinner on the last day.Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It can be rented from us).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)
.Huayna Picchu Mountain -$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
.Tip for your guide
How to reserve the tour?
The Lares Trek + Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu which is included in this trek is almost always available year round except it is closed in February for maintenance.
The Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 4 days service is available only by group service (from 2 persons). Then, we need minimum 2 persons to open this service for you.
.Our price: USD $ 795.00 per person
.Reservation price: USD $ 200 per person
.Balance ( cusco): USD $ 595.00 commonly paid in cusco after the briefing.
IMPORTANT INFO
Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and we drive you to your hotel, please send us the information about flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek or tour. Look out for our representative holding an Nomad In Peru logo at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
THE BRIEFING
We use to visit at your hotel 6 pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time Will be ready any time for our clients.
HOW TO BOOK THE LARES TREK + SHORT INCA TRAIL?
STEP ONE: To book your Lares trek and Short Inca Trail, please complete our booking form by clicking on the “BOOK NOW” button on our homepage or simply click here to access the form.
You will need to provide the following personal information exactly as it appears on your passport:
Important: We require a copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.
STEP TWO: We require a deposit of $ 595.00 USD per person to secure your permit for the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total cost in order to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days before the start of the service in Cusco.
To avoid the high credit card fees often applied in Peru, we recommend paying the remaining balance in cash, either in US dollars or Peruvian soles. There are numerous ATMs available throughout Cusco for your convenience. Alternatively, you may complete the payment using the same method as your initial deposit.
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any date(s) after the permit have been bought. Permits are not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 4 days, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR LARES TREK + SHORT INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport as it is very important that it is the same passport, you sent to us at the time of booking your permit. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your Lares trek + Short Inca Trail 4 days, you will be given a duffle bag to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals.
HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK, AND WHAT FITNESS LEVEL IS REQUIRED
The Lares Trek is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. considered moderate to challenging, requiring a reasonable level of fitness and stamina.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the unlikely event that you are unable to complete the trek due to health-related issues, Nomad In Peru will assist you in reaching the nearest town to arrange appropriate transportation. Our team always carries emergency oxygen during the trek to address any respiratory difficulties.
Please note that no refunds are provided in the event you are unable to finish the trek.
In most cases, trekkers who must leave the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo. If their condition improves quickly, they often continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (at their own expense) and can still visit Machu Picchu as originally planned.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip though not compulsory is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek.
WHAT TYPE OF WILDLIFE AND FLORA CAN BE ENCOUNTERED ALONG THE LARES TREK ?
The Lares Trek and short inca Trail has a variety of ecosystems in the Peruvian Andes, from high-altitude puna grasslands to lush valleys. This diverse environment supports a wide range of wildlife and plant species. Here’s an overview of the types of wildlife and flora you can encounter along the trek:
PACKING LIST
- PACKING LISTWHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU.Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek).Backpack 25 liters
.Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
.Warm clothes and trekking pants
.Layers for variable temperatures, especially at night
.Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
.Camera
.Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses
.Thermals: wool socks, gloves, scarf, and wool hat for cold nights
.Insect repellent
.A good rain jacket
.Water bottle or water reservoir
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips for your crew
Trekking poles ( you can rent it from us)
4 sets of undergarments
1 warm, down jacket
Sandals or flip-flops
Portable battery charger for phone or camera
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 porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses.
2 T-shirts
2 hiking pants at least
4 sets of undergarments
3 sets of hiking socks
2 fleece/ thermals
Warm clothes, down jacket
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
