Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4 Days
Duration
4 Days/3 Nights
Tour Type
Daily Tour
Group Size
10 people
Languages
English, Spanish
ITINERARY
DAY 01: CUSCO – CALCA – LARES – WACAHUASI
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 a.m. in our private vehicle to start the adventure. After a 1-hour drive, we’ll stop at a scenic viewpoint in the Sacred Valley, where you can take panoramic photos while your guide shares interesting facts about the area.
We’ll continue to the town of Calca, where we’ll briefly visit the local market to observe daily life and local products. From here, we travel approximately 2 hours to reach Lares village (3,100 m / 10,170 ft). Here, you’ll meet our trekking team (chef and muleteers).
Before starting the trek, we’ll visit the Lares Hot Springs (3,250 m / 10,662 ft). You’ll enjoy a relaxing soak in pools ranging from 28°C to 34°C — perfect for loosening up before the hike.
After this refreshing break, we’ll begin our trek with a 2-hour Andean flat walk to Vilcabamba Bridge, where our team will be waiting with a delicious lunch. After lunch and some rest, we’ll continue hiking for about 3 more hours toward the small village of Wacahuasi (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), our first campsite.
Along the way, we’ll encounter local children in traditional clothing, a perfect moment for cultural exchange and photographs.
Upon arrival, enjoy afternoon tea, share experiences from the day, and then relax over a hearty dinner prepared by our chef. Warm clothing is essential tonight, as temperatures drop significantly at this altitude.
- Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total distance: 11 km
- Campsite altitude: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
Overnight at Wacahuasi campsite.
DAY 02: WAKAHUASI – SACSALLAULLY PASS – YANAHUARA
After an early breakfast, we’ll start trekking around 6:00 a.m., embarking on one of the most scenic days of the journey. The route begins with a challenging 3-hour uphill hike toward the Sacsallaully Pass (4,646 m / 15,242 ft) — the highest point of the trek. From this panoramic viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and the serene Aruraycocha Lake. Along the way, keep an eye out for native Andean birds like the Caracara and various ducks, as well as herds of llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos grazing along the slopes.
From the Auroracassa Pass, we’ll descend gradually toward the twin lakes of Aruraycocha and Yuraccoha, passing through a Queuña forest, a native Andean tree species cherished since Inca times. By one of these tranquil lakes, we’ll enjoy our Andean lunch surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
After lunch, the landscape changes dramatically as we continue downhill for approximately 2 hours, entering a picturesque valley filled with Queuña trees and a variety of Andean flora — ideal for photography and quiet appreciation of nature.
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Yanahuara (2,780 m / 9,120 ft), a warm and welcoming village nestled near the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, our team will set up camp for the night.
- Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours
- Total distance: 18 km
- Campsite altitude: 2,780 m / 9,120 ft
Overnight at Yanahuara campsite.
DAY 3: YANAHUARA – SHORT INCA TRAIL – WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board a train bound for Km 104. This one-hour journey offers scenic views of the Sacred Valley. At Km 104 (2,200 m / 7,217 ft), we’ll begin our trek, crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River, known by the Incas as the Willkamayu or “Sacred River.”
At the checkpoint, you’ll need to show your passport or valid ID before starting the hike. Just a short distance ahead is Chachabamba, the first archaeological site, partially hidden in the lush semi-tropical forest. After a guided visit, we’ll ascend steadily through the forest, enjoying views of the Sacred Valley, waterfalls, and various species of orchids.
After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we’ll reach the spectacular Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). This impressive archaeological site features dozens of agricultural terraces and ancient structures like the Temple of the Iris Rainbow, reflecting the Inca’s advanced farming practices. After a guided visit of about 1 hour, we’ll enjoy a lunch box to regain energy.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue the trek for about 2 more hours, following stone staircases and Inca tambos (rest stops) until reaching the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate) (2,720 m / 8,923 ft). From this vantage point, you’ll get your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu and its surrounding valleys. After some time to admire the view and take photos, we’ll begin the 30-minute descent to the citadel itself.
From Machu Picchu, we’ll board a bus for a 25-minute ride to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) (2,160 m / 7,086 ft). Here, you’ll check in to your comfortable hotel and have time to relax. If you wish, you can visit the nearby thermal baths (entry fee of 10 soles). In the evening, enjoy a delicious à la carte dinner at a cozy restaurant in town.
For those interested, Aguas Calientes offers various bars, shops, and ATMs for your convenience.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU TOUR – CUSCO
After an early breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel to head to the bus station. You’ll take a 30-minute bus ride up to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, after passing the control point (ticket and passport required), you’ll begin your private guided tour, visiting the most iconic areas of this Wonder of the World:
- The Main Plaza
- The Temple of the Sun
- The Sacred Sundial (Intihuatana)
- The Royal Quarters
- The Temple of the Three Windows
- The ceremonial and burial areas
Your guide will explain the fascinating history, architecture, and spiritual significance of each site during a tour lasting over two hours.
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. Optional activities (additional cost of $35 USD per person) include:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Machu Picchu Mountain
If you prefer, you can hike (without additional cost) to:
- The Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
- The Inka Bridge
At the scheduled time, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch and some last-minute shopping before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our driver will meet you and transfer you by private transport back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Overnight in Cusco.
End of our services.
Included / Excluded
INCLUDED
- Pick up from your hotel in dela morning hours.
- Private transport from Cusco to Lares (the starting point of the walk).
- Professional bilingual tour guide.
- Food 3 breakfast / 3 lunches / 3 dinners
- Cook and cooking equipment.
- Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
- Transportations form Yanahuara to Ollantaytambo
- Train ticket Ollanta to Km. 104
- Professional bilingual tour guide (English-Spanish)
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Bus ticket Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (outward / return).
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes (hab. Double).
- First aid kit, oxygen bottle
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
- Transfer to the hotel.
EXCLUDED
- First breakfast and last lunch.
- Sleeping bag (can be rented in our office $ 15 for the entire trip).
- Trekking poles, you can rent in our office (the $ 15.00 USD for the entire trip).
- Entrance to Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($ 35 USD optional).
- Lunch on the last day: after the guided visit to Machu Picchu.
- Visit the thermal baths in the village of “Aguas Calientes”.
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