Enjoy the lares trek and the short Inca Trail and the city of Machu Picchu in 4 days, you can enjoy landscapes and experiences. Take a walk through the Andes and a train trip through the Vilcanota River Valley enjoying the flora and fauna of the landscape.
On this tour you can visit beautiful places, enjoy the traditions and customs of the local people. The trail of Lares and the short Inca trail is a new option that offers Pacha Expeditions. The Lares Trek and short Inca trail is a tour for families and friends, newlyweds who want to enjoy the tranquility on their trip, since in this tour the groups are reduced, so that you can receive all the attention of our professional guides. Keep in mind that the level of difficulty depends largely on your physical condition and acclimatization.
In recent years, the tour lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, this trip has become increasingly popular, especially since the number of hikers on the Classic Inca Trail has been limited and permits are sold 5 or 6 months in advance. The advantage of this, the tour Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, is that it can be organized a few days in advance. However, most companies combine these walks with a tour of Machu Picchu, therefore, it is necessary to reserve in advance the availability of spaces for the city of Machu Picchu. End the lares trek & short Inca trail.
Overview
The Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4 Days is a unique adventure that combines the cultural richness of the Lares region with the historic beauty of the famous Inca Trail. Designed for travelers seeking both authentic Andean experiences and the opportunity to hike a section of the original Inca Trail, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, and history before arriving at the magnificent Machu Picchu.
The journey begins in the remote Lares Valley, where travelers explore breathtaking mountain landscapes, turquoise glacial lakes, and traditional Quechua communities that continue to preserve centuries-old customs and lifestyles. Along the way, hikers encounter herds of llamas and alpacas while learning about local weaving traditions, agriculture, and Andean culture.
After experiencing the beauty of the Lares region, the adventure continues with the Short Inca Trail. This scenic route follows a well-preserved section of the ancient Inca road network and passes through impressive archaeological sites hidden within the cloud forest. The highlight of the hike is arriving at the iconic Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku, where trekkers enjoy their first unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Useful Information.
- Start- altitude of 3800m / 1286ft.
- Higher altitude – 4780m / 15,682ft.
- Total distance – 34km / 21 miles
- Larges – day – Day 2-12 km / 6.7 miles.
- Coldest night- 1 about 0 ° C
- Meals – Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Acomodation – camapament / Hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Starting Altitude – 2.100m / 7,220ft.
- Highest Altitude – 2.615m / 7,780ft.
- Walking Distance – 8km / miles
- Overall Difficulty – Moderate & Easy
- Transport – Bus & Train service
Overview Day to Day
- Day 1: Cusco - Lares (Hot Spring) - Wacawasi.
- Day 02: Wacawasi - Patacancha - Ollantaytambo
- Day 03: Ollantaytambo - Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu.
- Day 04: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Tour - Cusco
Conditions for Mountains - Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu.
Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Lares (Hot Spring) – Wacawasi.
Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail. We leave Cusco early in the morning, and travel in our private transport through the Sacred Valley to the town of Calca. From this point we start a 4½ hour ascent to the town of Lares. Once here, we can enjoy a relaxing bath in the hot springs after a long trip. Before the start of our trip from Lares to Machu Picchu, passing through the famous short Inca Trail, we will enjoy a delicious lunch. Then we climb to the village of Wacawasi (3,600 m / 11,800 ft), where we camp. This is an authentic Andean community where you can see its colorful fabrics and lifestyle. Dinner and overnight.
- Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
- Accommodation: tent
- Maximum altitude: 4,458 masl
- Minimum Altitude: 2,792 masl
- Distance: 13 km
- Approximate time: 6-7 hours.
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 02: Wacawasi - Patacancha - Ollantaytambo.
After an Andean breakfast, we will start our trek steadily, through beautiful and pleasant landscapes of plants, flowers, herds of llamas and alpacas. After walking approximately three hours, we will reach the Ipsayccasa pass (4,500 m / 14,760 feet) and enjoy the stunning views of Veronica Mountain (5,750 m / 18,864 feet) and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Then we will descend to Lake Ipsaycocha, here we will enjoy the walk through the Andean geese and other water birds.
This will be the place for lunch, here we will have a delicious lunch, then continue to the town of Patacancha (3,700 m / 12,139 feet), a well-known place and where people still retain their old customs. Here we will have a transport, towards the town of Ollantaytambo, installation in the selected hotel. Dinner
- Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
- Accommodation: camping
- Maximum altitude: 4,458 masl
- Minimum altitude: 3,792 masl
- Distance: 13 km
- Approximate time: 6-7 hours.
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 03: Ollantaytambo - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu.
Very early we will board the train, bound for mk 104 of the hot water railway line. We will travel by train, along a very picturesque route for 1.40 hours, until we reach kilometer 104, the starting point of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. From here, we have a walk of approximately 3 hours to the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna ("Forever Young") (2680 m / 8792 feet).
This place is considered the most impressive of the Inca Trail in general because of its location. Here we will have our cold lunch. After lunch we will continue to "Inti Punku" ("Puerta del Sol") (2730m / 8792 ft), from where you will have your first panoramic view of the Inca city of Machu Picchu (2400m / 7873ft), after taking the pictures and enjoying the Vista, we will begin to dispense along a picturesque road, towards the Inca city of Machu Picchu. We will be very lucky to enjoy the city of Machu Picchu at sunset and sunrise. We end the day going down to Aguas Calientes for dinner and rest.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Accommodation: Private hotel.
- Difficulty: moderate
Day 04: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Cusco.
We have breakfast and then board the first bus (6.00 a.m.) to Machu Picchu. We can appreciate again the Inca city. Here your guide offers you a guided tour throughout the city, then you can explore the mysterious city for yourself. If you have included the Wayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain climb, you can do it at this time. The Wayna Picchu mountain climb lasts 45 minutes, and the Machu Picchu mountain 3 hours (approximate)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum altitude: 2.440 masl
- Minimum altitude: 2,010 masl
- Distance: 6 km
- Approximate time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
*CONDITIONS FOR THE WAYNAPICCHU AND MACHUPI PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Pick up from your hotel in the morning and transfer by private bus to Lares.
- Professional guide
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Camping: igloo tents: 2 people in each tent.
- Camping equipment: dining tent, kitchen tent, bathroom tent, oxygen, first aid kit)
- All meals during the trip.
- Cook and cooking equipment, assistant cook,
- Riders and horses to transport our equipment and passengers up to 6 kilos per person
- Train Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (Expedition Service).
- Entrance Tickets to the Inca trail
- Accommodation Hostel in Aguas Calientes
- Bus: Up and Down to Machu Picchu
- Transfer from the train station to the hotel.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Breakfast the first day
- Sleeping bag
- Lunch last day
- Re-entry ticket on the second day to Machu Picchu (Optional U$: 60)
- Expenses extras.(tips)
IMPORTANT: Prices depend on the service you hire and the number of people. You have to be flexible with your travel dates (giving alternatives of 1 or 2 days on each side of the preferred date), the availability for specific dates can change quickly since there are only 500 spaces on the Inca Trail per day.
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Original passport and student card
- Insurance card is essential
- Small backpack
- Sleeping bag up to -5
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable shoes
- A complete change of clothes
- Sweater and jacket (something warm)
- Water bottle,
- Flashlight and batteries
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunscreen (cream of protection)
- insect repellent
- Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
- Snack bars, chocolate, nuts, cookies, energy, etc.
- Camera and batteries
- Cash in soles and U$.
- Swimsuit (for hot spring)
* To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a university card, with current and updated date
OPTIONAL ITEMS TO TAKE:
- Shorts
- Walking stick
- bandages
- Sandals
- Extra money
- Bathing suit for hot springs in Aguas Calientes town -not included in price-
OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED):
- Hire sleeping bag U$: 25
- Walking sticks U$: 20
- Daypacks U$: 15
- Single Tent U$: 35
visit our secure payment methods
Price & Add - ons
Group: U$: 690
Private: U$: 770
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is 02 people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Required Prepayment: U$: 345.00
- Balance Cusco ( U$: 345 Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing)
- This trip is guaranteed to be 100% operated by us.
Discounts
- Under 18 years Discount: U$: 20
- Under 07 years Discount: U$: 35
Upgrades
- Return Hiram Bingham Train– U$: 580 per person
- Return Vistadome Train – U$: 90 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – U$: 345 Per person
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – U$: 90 Per person
Map
Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4 Days – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4 Days?
The Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail is a unique 4-day adventure that combines the cultural beauty of the Lares region with the historic Inca Trail. Travelers experience traditional Andean communities, breathtaking mountain scenery, and a scenic hike along the Short Inca Trail before arriving at Machu Picchu.
2. How difficult is this trek?
This trek is considered moderate. It involves hiking at high altitude, mountain passes, and a full day on the Short Inca Trail. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
3. How long is the trek?
The route typically includes approximately 20–30 kilometers (12–19 miles) of hiking spread over several days, depending on the itinerary.
4. What is the highest elevation reached?
Most itineraries reach elevations between 4,200 and 4,500 meters (13,780–14,764 feet) in the Lares region.
5. Do I need previous trekking experience?
No previous trekking experience is required, but prior hiking experience and good physical condition will make the trek more enjoyable.
6. Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes. Since the trek reaches high elevations, spending at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before the trek is highly recommended.
7. What makes this trek different from the Classic Inca Trail?
This itinerary combines two of Peru’s most rewarding experiences:
- Authentic cultural encounters in the Lares region
- Scenic mountain landscapes
- Less crowded trekking routes
- A section of the original Inca Trail
- Arrival at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate
8. Do I need an Inca Trail permit?
Yes. Because the itinerary includes the Short Inca Trail, a permit is required and should be reserved well in advance.
9. How far in advance should I book?
Booking at least 4–6 months in advance is recommended, especially during the high season from May to September when permits sell out quickly.
10. Is Machu Picchu included?
Yes. The tour includes entry to Machu Picchu and a guided exploration of the archaeological sanctuary.
11. Will I enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate?
Yes. Most Short Inca Trail itineraries arrive through Inti Punku, offering spectacular first views of Machu Picchu.
12. Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes. Additional permits can be added if available and booked in advance.
13. What type of accommodation is included?
Most itineraries include:
- Camping during the Lares Trek
- One hotel night in Aguas Calientes
14. Are meals included?
Yes. Most packages include breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks during the trekking portion of the trip.
15. Is drinking water provided?
Yes. Trek operators provide purified, filtered, or boiled water throughout the trek. Travelers should bring refillable water bottles or hydration systems.
16. Will I carry all my belongings?
No. Horses generally carry camping equipment and most personal gear during the Lares Trek. You only need to carry a daypack with essential items.
17. What should I pack?
Essential items include:
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Warm clothing layers
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Water bottle
- Passport
- Personal medications
18. Will I visit local communities?
Yes. One of the highlights of the Lares Trek is meeting local Quechua-speaking families and learning about traditional Andean lifestyles and customs.
19. Are there archaeological sites along the route?
Yes. In addition to Machu Picchu, hikers visit the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna along the Short Inca Trail.
20. What transportation is included?
Most tours include:
- Transportation from Cusco to the trek starting point
- Train service to the Short Inca Trail trailhead
- Return train from Aguas Calientes
- Transportation back to Cusco
21. Is the trek suitable for families?
Yes. Active families with older children and teenagers often enjoy this itinerary because it combines cultural experiences with manageable hiking distances.
22. What wildlife can be seen during the trek?
You may encounter llamas, alpacas, hummingbirds, native Andean birds, orchids, and other flora and fauna native to the Andes and cloud forest.
23. What is the best time to do the trek?
The dry season from April to October offers the best trekking conditions, clearer skies, and excellent mountain views.
24. Is travel insurance recommended?
Yes. Travel insurance covering trekking activities, medical emergencies, delays, and cancellations is strongly recommended.
25. Why choose the Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail?
This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want the best of both worlds: authentic cultural immersion in the Andes and the unforgettable experience of hiking a section of the legendary Inca Trail. It combines remote mountain scenery, local traditions, ancient Inca sites, and a spectacular arrival at Machu Picchu.
