The Lares Trek combined with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu spans 4 days and 3 nights. This journey mixes highland walking with historical paths, reaching up to 4,700 meters in elevation. Groups stay small, with no more than 8 members, to allow smoother progress through narrow sections. Private transportation owned by Peceros Expeditions, operated by drivers with extensive preparation, handles ground moves. The train segments offer selections between PeruRail and Inca Rail. PeruRail provides Expedition for standard seating or Vistadome for wider landscapes, while Inca Rail includes assistance in two languages and basic provisions. Participants choose according to their requirements.
Travelers begin in Cusco and head to Huaran to start the Lares portion. The route passes through valleys with lakes and waterfalls. Local groups in the Lares area tend alpacas and live in traditional setups. These communities connect to modern elements slowly, like recent power access. Guides from Peceros Expeditions, who direct people from various nations in multiple languages, facilitate talks with residents. They explain daily practices and share Quechua terms.
The second day involves climbing to Pachacutec Pass, with sights of ice-covered peaks and animal herds. Descent leads to Quiswarani, near water flows. From there, private transportation goes to Ollantaytambo for a hotel stay. Some lodgings offer pools or saunas for relaxation. The third day shifts to the Short Inca Trail from kilometer 104. This section follows ancient Inca routes to the Sun Gate, overlooking the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
A hotel in Aguas Calientes follows the trail day. The fourth day dedicates to exploring the Inca City, with a guided look at its zones. Free time allows personal walks. The return uses train and private transportation to Cusco. A Peceros Expeditions representative oversees the entire sequence, prepared for adjustments.
This combined path highlights interactions with Andean ways of life. People in remote spots wear handmade items and manage livestock. Such contacts provide direct views into ongoing customs. Peceros Expeditions keeps groups compact for these moments. Relative to separate treks, this one links valley experiences with Inca sites without long breaks.
Meals draw from area natural products, organic from high farms. For other tastes, plates from broader sources can be included, though this increases expenses based on the selection; contact the reservations team at Peceros Expeditions. The agency manages all entries and permits, simplifying steps.
The challenging aspects stem from heights and daily distances. Advance walks at similar levels aid readiness. Peceros Expeditions supplies horses for sudden needs, like fatigue. This backup supports completion. The dual visits to the Inca City—one from the Sun Gate, another full tour—extend the time there.
Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani – Ollantaytambo
Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 a.m. using private transportation owned by Peceros Expeditions and driven by highly trained individuals. Drive 2 hours to Huaran to meet horsemen and horses. Prepare and begin a 3.5-hour steady ascent to Cancha Cancha at 3,900 meters. Lunch by the river features meals from local organic sources to build strength. A representative from Peceros Expeditions remains informed of your status.
Cancha Cancha operates as a self-reliant community, unchanged in basics for generations. No vehicles access it, and power came in December 2019. After tents and afternoon tea, visit a family. Hear about village routines via the guide’s translation. Post-dinner, the guide identifies star groups used in farming, practices continued now.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea Time, Dinner. Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building. Distance: 9 kilometers or 5.6 miles. Time: Approximately 3.5 hours. Difficulty: Moderate.
After breakfast, start a 7-hour hike northeast from camp. Initial sections demand effort to reach Pachacutec Pass at 4,500 meters. Sights include ice fields, lakes, alpaca groups, valleys, and birds like falcons and geese. Descend 3 hours to Quiswarani at 3,700 meters. The trail stays remote, passing people in handmade clothes with their animals. Share words in Quechua, with the guide helping and teaching. Guides, skilled in these paths, offer full details on the surroundings.
At seven waterfalls, near Quiswarani end. Private transportation then drives 2 hours to Ollantaytambo for hotel and dinner. If at Veronica View, use heated pool or sauna before eating.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 3-star Accommodation: Andenes del Inca Hotel Ollantaytambo. Distance: 12 kilometers or 7.5 miles. Time: Approximately 7 hours. Difficulty: Challenging.
Pickup at hotel at 5:30 a.m. At train station, receive lunchbox for day pack. Train leaves at 6:10 a.m., over an hour to see areas and eat breakfast (not included) or use hotel picnic. Disembark at kilometer 104 at 2,000 meters. Cross Urubamba River on footbridge, show passport at control, visit nearby Inca site. First 1.5 hours gentle rise with river views. Pass misty forests, ready for dampness. Next 1.5 hours steeper, ending at waterfall.
Cross bridge, pause for photos, look to Wiñay Wayna at 2,600 meters. These Inca constructions hold past stories, parts under jungle. In subtropical zones, the guide discusses sites, plants, animals, answers queries before 5-minute walk to lunch from local organics.
Post-lunch, even walk to Sun Gate, gentle over hour, ends with steep Inca steps. At Sun Gate, first sight of Inca City of Machu Picchu. Spend time there for photos. Final 60 minutes downhill offer more shots and Inca sites; ask guide about them. At Inca City, photos from platforms like House of the Guardians for wide views. Afternoon timing means fewer visitors for clearer images in soft light. Bus to Aguas Calientes for hotel. Dinner, then town walk, thermal waters, or rest. Leave duffel at Ollantaytambo for train to Aguas Calientes.
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes. 3-star Accommodation: Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu. Difficulty: Moderate.
After early hotel breakfast, board bus to Inca City of Machu Picchu for sunrise. Guide leads two-hour tour of main parts. A representative tracks. Bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). If train allows, shop or see museum or thermal springs.
Expedition train at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. to Ollantaytambo along Urubamba River, narrow canyons with rapids. Spot Wiñay Wayna on walls. Private transportation meets for Cusco hotel by 7:00 p.m. Vistadome upgrade $67 USD for times like 4:22 p.m. or 4:43 p.m. Early trains at booking. Huayna Picchu, if reserved, unguided unless extra for fee; limited, inform early.
Meals included: Breakfast. Difficulty: Easy.
Pricing and Availability
The Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu runs on dates fitting your plans, available year-round except February Inca Trail closures for upkeep.
Prices per person: $777 USD without hotels (book your own); $847 USD with 1 night 2-star and 1 night 3-star hotels.
Personal porter included.
Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Availability
Pricing per Person
Group Service:
Private Service:
Available Discounts
Additional Services & Activities (Supplement)
Travel Tips
Climate Conditions
Andean climate varies quickly. Dry May-September sunny but evenings to 4 degrees Celsius. Wet October-April rains afternoons, freshens lakes. August trek I layered mornings, lightened noon. Forecasts check; 75% dry days July stats.
Year-Round Dressing
Layers constant: breath shirts base, fleece mid, water jacket outer. Trek boots grip; gloves hats cold dawns, sun caps day. Rainy add poncho; dry vent fabrics. Ease first, break shoes.
Local People and Culture
Lares folks approachable, Quechua Spanish. Esteem customs like nods. Herd, weave daily. Family shared meal stories warmly. Polite, phrase learn connects.
Typical Food
Dishes grains, tubers, meats farms. Sample pachamanca. Organics taste pure. International burgers villages extra. Balanced height. Aguas Calientes cafes trout.
Cheap Eating Spots
Cusco markets plates $3 USD. Ollantaytambo sets $5 USD. Aguas Calientes stalls $4 USD. Local busy fresh low cost.
Free Places to Visit
Cusco plaza architecture no fee. Aguas Calientes streams. Museum exteriors. Valley paths spot.
Physical Effort and Health Needs
Challenging: 7 hours day two, pass climb. Slope train. Acclimate Cusco. No severe, lung review. Paced breaths descents, snacks aided. 60% light fatigue, studies.
| Day | Time | Rise | Advice |
| 1 | 3.5 | Grad | Hydrate |
| 2 | 7 | High | Rest pass |
| 3 | 6 | Med | Enjoy flat |
| 4 | 2 | Low | Explore |
Dry season from May to September fits the Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail as trails stay drier with less rain risk, ideal for ascents to 4,700 meters, though nights chill to about 5 degrees Celsius. Wet months October to April bring more vibrant greens and fewer hikers but potential slippery descents near waterfalls. Book permits early for Inca Trail part. Peceros Expeditions can guide on seasonal patterns to prepare gear like rain covers for better comfort.
Prepare with 8-10 kilometer hikes on varied terrain weekly to handle the 7-hour days and steep passes. Include elevation if possible to mimic altitude. Strengthen legs with squats for descents. Hydrate daily and test backpack weight. Consult health pro for heart or breathing concerns. The 4-day spread allows recovery, but stamina enhances enjoyment of valley views without exhaustion.
Passport needed for Inca Trail checkpoint at kilometer 104 and Machu Picchu entry, as it matches bookings. Student IDs for discounts include university details and image. Peceros Expeditions secures trail and site tickets. Provide copies at reservation for processing. Mismatches delay access, so verify info ahead.
Reaching 4,700 meters can cause mild symptoms like headaches. Acclimate in Cusco days prior, drink teas, avoid heavy food. Oxygen tank in kit for relief. Guides monitor, recommend slow paces. If prior problems, doctor advice on preventives. The gradual climbs in Lares help body adjust over the days.
Include waterproof layers for sudden valley showers. Paths may mud, needing good tread shoes. Camps protected. Guides adapt speed. Moisture enhances lake shines. Peceros Expeditions forecasts and supplies covers if required for dry gear.
Team sets tents before arrival with mattresses and pillows for rest. Sites near communities for visits. Meals communal. Temperatures drop, warm items key. One camp night in 4 days focuses on recovery before hotel.
Inform Peceros Expeditions at booking for gluten-free or no-meat; chefs use organics like quinoa. International options add fees, check team. Meals balance energy. Boiled water safe. Adapts to maintain strength without issues.
Remote areas lose coverage due to mountains. Brief spots for messages. Charge devices. Guides radios for needs. Offline adds to cultural focus. Agency reps manage external.
Peceros Expeditions provides all guides and aides, path-specialized. Regulations restrict outsiders. Horsemen carry loads. Multilingual guides cover. Ensures smooth safety.
Notify Peceros Expeditions early for adjustments; Inca Trail permits date-locked, hard to shift. Charges by timing, like deposit within weeks. Availability for reschedule. Insurance aids surprises. Agency offers alternatives if possible.
Choose PeruRail or Inca Rail; PeruRail Expedition basic, Vistadome $67 USD scenery. Inca Rail snacks and help. Schedules like 2:55 p.m. follow river. Private transport Ollantaytambo. Early at booking.
Huayna Picchu $75 USD, 1–2 hours steep for tops, solo post-tour unless guided extra. Adds overlooks. Guides detail options during.
No strict, under 18 consent and passport for discount. Over 60 fitness for challenges. Under 11 $40 USD off. Preparation matters. Agency groups pace safely.
Alpacas groups, geese flying, orchids sides. Avoid touch preserve. Guides link to traditions. Rules protect future.
Max 8 allows personal translations, shorter site waits. Surpasses large in others, eases passes. Peceros Expeditions emphasizes quality.
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Important
PACKING LIST
Essentials:
Duffel bag contents (max 7kg/14lbs, including sleeping bag and pad):
Toiletries:
Day backpack (30–40L):
Your personal expert will invest the time to grasp your preferences and craft them into a tailored itinerary that aligns with your budget. They will continue refining it until you're fully satisfied and prepared to confirm.
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Wiñay Peru Adventure is a trusted travel agency based in Cusco, Peru, dedicated to offering authentic and memorable experiences throughout the region.
Whether you’re seeking a family adventure, a romantic escape, or a nature-filled journey, our professional team ensures comfort, quality, and a genuine connection with local culture and traditions.
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