Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights

Explore the rich Inca culture and natural beauty of Peru with our 4-day “Lares Trekking and Inca Trail” package that combines the wonderful natural beauty and rich Inca culture that makes Peru a must-see destination. On this four-day trek, you will enjoy the experience of hiking through the mountains and valleys, crossing Andean meadows and villages, giving you the chance to admire breathtaking panoramas of the Andean environment.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to walk the ancient Inca Trail, where you will follow the footsteps of the Inca civilization, allowing you to learn about their ancient customs and explore the citadel of Machu Picchu, which has a great mystery. In addition, you will visit the Sun Gate, famous for leading directly to the citadel of Machu Picchu, which guarantees a unique and unforgettable experience. This 4-day package includes specialized trekking guides, private transportation, accommodation in comfortable tents, delicious and nutritious food, and high quality camping equipment. Get ready to enjoy an exciting and incredible experience while exploring the Inca culture and the natural beauty of Peru.

Day: 01: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Huacawasi

We will leave Cusco early in the morning and, optionally, you can make a stop at the thermal baths of Lares. Then, we will continue our way to Huacawasi, where we will set up our first camp.

Day 02: Huacawasi – Sacsallaulay Pass- Yanahuara

After breakfast, we will start our hike to the highest point of the route, Sacsallaullay Pass. Then, we will descend to Yanahura, which will be our second campsite.

Day 03: Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo – Km104 – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu

We will leave early in the morning to Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train to KM104, from where we will begin our trek. Arriving at Inti Punku, we will be able to appreciate the view of Machu Picchu for the first time. Then, we will transfer by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Day 04: Agua Calientes – Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Cusco

After an early breakfast, we take the bus for a guided tour of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Finally, we take the train back to Cusco.

Day: 01: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Huacawasi

Cusco (3,400 masl): You will start your day early, as the guide will pick you up at 6:00 am at your hotel to head towards the village of Lares, the starting point of our trek, through the Sacred Valley. All along the way, you will be able to admire the beautiful scenery and breathtaking views of the mountains, so it is advisable to have your camera handy.

Sacred Valley – Calca (2,920 masl): During the trek, we head to the town of Calca, where we will make a brief detour to go up to the village of Lares, which will be our starting point for the hike.

Lares (3150 masl): The hike lasts approximately 3 hours. Once we reach the village, we will be able to access the hot springs, where we can rest and enjoy a bath in these beautiful outdoor hot springs. Lunch will be served at this place.

The bus will be available and then we will continue our journey for about 20 minutes until we reach the beginning of the trail known as Pascana.

At this point, we will meet our muleteers and prepare the horses and llamas to begin our trek through the mountains of the Sacred Valley, with an approximate duration of 6 hours.

This day will allow us to enjoy beautiful landscapes and visit several Andean villages, where we will be able to appreciate their typical costumes and learn how the Andean people live in this region.

Huacawasi (3,800 masl): After completing our hike, we arrive at the small village of Huacawasi, where we will have a delicious dinner and a good rest. It is important to have the proper equipment since the nights are cold and intense.

• Time: Approx. 6 hours of trekking.
• Climate: Temperate, Cold
• Maximum Altitude: between 2, 920 – 3, 800 masl.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Overnight: Huacawasi
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02: Huacawasi – Sacsallaulay Pass- Yanahuara

Huacawasi (3, 800 masl): Early in the morning, the local children will welcome us wearing their traditional clothes while on their way to school. After breakfast, we will start walking to the highest point, the Sacsayllaylay pass.

Sacsayllaylay (4400 masl): The hike will take approximately 4 hours and will be a steep uphill climb. Fortunately, we will have an emergency horse to accompany us to make sure everyone can make it to the top. During the hike, we will enjoy breathtaking views of huge mountains and farmland. It is important to keep in mind that we will reach high altitudes and the weather can be very cold. Once we reach the highest point, we will descend and visit the lakes of Aruraycocha and Yuraccoha, as well as the Queuñas forest. There, we will enjoy an Andean lunch with beautiful views.

Mantanay (3,850 masl): After walking for 2 hours, we will arrive at Mantanay, here we will start hiking downhill through a picturesque valley of Queunales, which will give us a great opportunity to take pictures of Andean fauna and flora. Finally, we will arrive at Yanahuara.

Yanahuara (2,780 masl): This is a friendly and hospitable town, which has a pleasant climate and is located near the Urubamba Valley, where we will spend our second night camping.

• Time: Approx. 8 hours of trekking.
• Distance: 14 Km.
• Climate: Cold
• Maximum Altitude: 4, 646masl.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Overnight: Yanahuara
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo – Km104 – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu

Yanahuara ( 2,780 masl): After an early breakfast, we will go by transport to Ollantaytambo train station to take the train.

Ollantaytambo Station (2,870 masl): At this place, we will board the Expedition train that will take us back to the starting point, known as KM 104 “Chacha bamba”.

Km 104 Chacha bamba (2,100 masl): At the place where we start the trek, it is necessary to present your Inca Trail permit, your original passport and your ISIC card if you have one. Here is where the 3.5 to 4 hour hike begins until we reach Wiñayhuayna, where we will stop to enjoy a snack. During the hike to Wiñayhuayna, we will be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery and incredible flora that surrounds us.

Inti Punku (2,700 masl): After lunch, we will hike for an additional two hours until we reach Intipunku, also known as “Puerta del Sol” (Sun Gate). From this point, we will be able to enjoy impressive views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains. There, we will have about 20 minutes to relax and admire the beautiful scenery.

Machu Picchu (2,430 masl): Later we will go to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas.

Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): Afterwards, we will travel by bus to Aguas Calientes and stay at the hotel. We will arrive there around 4 or 5 in the afternoon and then we will go to the hotel to rest. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the recommended restaurants.

• Distance: 11 kilometers ( 6 hours)
• Highest point Altitude: 2,870 meters above sea level (cold weather)
• Rated: Easy
• Zone: High Cloud Forest
• Climate: Warm and very humid
• Overnight: Aguas Calientes Hotel
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (box lunch) and Dinner.

Day 04: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Cusco

Machu Picchu: For the last day of our trip, we will start the day by having breakfast at 5:00 a.m. at the hotel. Then we will head to our bus that will take us to the Machu Picchu Citadel. To enter, you must show your passport, entrance ticket and ISIC card, if you have one. Afterwards, you will take a tour with a guide for about 2 hours, visiting different ruins and temples. After the tour, you will have free time to explore the city and take as many pictures as you wish. After enjoying the magnificent city of the Incas, you will use the bus ticket to go down to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. The “Expedition Train” leaves at 6:30 p.m. and arrives in Ollantaytambo after 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, there will be a bus waiting to take you back to Cusco. The trip will end around 10:30 p.m.

• Highest point Altitude: 2,650 meters above sea level (cold weather)
• Considered: Easy
• Zone: High Cloud Forest
• Climate: Warm and very humid
• Meals included: Breakfast

Note for your camper:

The itinerary and camping locations for the 4-day, 3-night Lares Trek to Machu Picchu may vary depending on the booking date and hikers’ weather or health conditions. Also, the train included in the tour (round trip from Ollantaytambo) is the Expedition Service, whose schedules will be confirmed near the start of the trek. If you join a group afterwards, you may not be able to travel on the same trains as other members of the group. Train schedules may also change due to train company schedules or availability.

Note:

We can help you with the rental of certain equipment such as:

• Sleeping bag US $ 25.00 for the whole trip.
• Walking poles US $ 15.00 for the whole trip
• Extra horses to carry your personal equipment US $ 70.00 for 04 days.
• Supplementary single tent for camping nights US $ 30.00.
• Vistadome class tourist train (a “first class train, with panoramic windows to enjoy the view of Machu Picchu Valley”) is an additional US $ 80.00 per person.