LARES TREK AND SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
5/D 4/N (Via Huaran - Quishuarani - Cuncani and Lares Hot Springs )
Group Size
Up to 8 people
Transportation
Van, Train, Bus
Max Altitude
4200 m.s.n.m
Difficulty
Challenging
Service
Group
Duration:
5 Days
LARES TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5-DAY ADVENTURE
The Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable route combining Andean landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, and ancient Inca paths. Starting in the Sacred Valley, the journey passes through remote communities and the Lares Hot Springs, then continues on the Short Inca Trail (Km 104) to the iconic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
5-DAY LARES TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU – ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1: CUSCO - CALCA - FUNDO HUARAN - CANCHA CANCHA - ACCOPATA.
Your Lares Valley adventure begins at 5:30 a.m. with hotel pick-up in a private bus. Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive through the Sacred Valley, with a short stop in Calca for last-minute essentials.
Start your hike from Huaran Farm (3,000 m / 9,842 ft) after a freshly prepared breakfast. Trek 4 hours along gentle trails with Andean landscapes, fertile highland crops, Polylepis forests, and native wildlife.
Enjoy a gourmet lunch outdoors, then continue for 2 more hours to Acopata campsite (3,950 m / 12,959 ft). Relax with afternoon tea, panoramic views, and a delicious dinner. At night, stargaze the Milky Way and Inca constellations, still revered by local communities.
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals Included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time and dinner.
DAY 2: ACCOPATA - PACHACUTEQ PASS - QUISHUARANI.
Start the day with a warm tea, coffee, or coca tea and hearty breakfast. Today’s 7–8 hour trek takes you to the highest point of the Lares Trek: Pachacutec Pass (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), offering panoramic views of glaciers, turquoise lagoons, alpaca herds, and dramatic Andean valleys.
Descend along a secluded trail, meeting local Andean families in traditional attire and learning a few Quechua words. Stop for a gourmet outdoor lunch before continuing to the Seven Waterfalls, a hidden Andean gem.
Arrive at Quiswarani campsite (3,700 m / 12,139 ft) for tea, snacks, and a delicious dinner under the stars.
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals Included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea & dinner
DAY 3: QUISHUARANI - CUNCANI - LARES THERMAL WATERS - OLLANTAYTAMBO
Start the day with breakfast before a 3-hour ascent to Willqaqasa Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), offering breathtaking views of Colquecruz and Pitusiray Mountains. Trek across the Puna grasslands and sparkling lagoons before descending 2 hours to the Cuncani community, where you can interact with local families and children.
Continue by private transport through fertile valleys, orchids, eucalyptus forests, and Inca terraces, arriving at the healing Lares Hot Springs (3,100 m / 10,170 ft) to relax and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Ollantaytambo, settle into your hotel, and enjoy dinner.
Distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals Included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea & dinner
DAY 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – WIÑAYHUAYNA – SUN GATE – WONDER OF MACHU PICCHU
Begin early with hotel pick-up in Ollantaytambo and a scenic train ride to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Pass through the Inca Trail checkpoint and visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft).
Trek 2–3 hours along original Inca stone steps, admiring waterfalls and Andean landscapes, before arriving at Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,700 ft), a breathtaking site of terraces, temples, and ancient water channels. Enjoy a boxed lunch with panoramic views.
Continue 1.5 hours to the Sun Gate (Intipunku, 2,720 m / 8,920 ft) for your first spectacular view of Machu Picchu, then descend to the citadel and take the bus to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,692 ft). Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Challenging to Moderate
Meals Included: Box Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU EXPERIENCE – AGUAS CALIENTES TO OLLANTAYTAMBO & CUSCO
Experience the highlight of your journey—the legendary Machu Picchu. After early breakfast, take the bus to the citadel in time for sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas, an unforgettable view.
Join your expert Machupicchu Condor Trek guide for a 2-hour tour of the most important temples, plazas, and terraces, exploring the agricultural, urban, and religious sectors. Learn about the history, engineering, and mystery of this Inca masterpiece.
After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore or take optional adventures:
Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD
Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD
(Advance reservation required for both)
Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), then take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transfer to your Cusco hotel.
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Elevation: 2,040 m – 2,450 m
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Meals Included: Breakfast
INCLUDED
- Airport transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- Private Transportation Cusco – Huaran Hacienda.
- Comfortable tents (2 people accommodated in a 4-person tent).
- All camping equipment, including dining tent, tables, chairs, and kitchen tent.
- First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Mules and horses for camping equipment, plus one pack horse for up to 7 kg of your personal items (extra clothing, sleeping bag, etc.).
- Provision of an emergency horse for the group to ensure all participants can complete the trek.
- Private toilet tent for our group only.
- Comfortable foam sleeping mat.
- Boiled water for drinking and washing.
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Farewell dinner in Aguas Calientes (tourist restaurant).
- Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom.
- Round-trip bus tickets to Machupicchu.
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu and Lares.
- Professional bilingual trekking guide (English/Spanish).
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
- Local taxes.
NOT INCLUDED
- First breakfast.
- Entrance fee to the hot springs.
- Personal tent (available at an additional cost).
- Sleeping bag (available for rent from our company).
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains.
- Entrance to the Inca Bridge and Sun Gate.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
- Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
- Good rain gear
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG
- 4 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- 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
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
LARES TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU – 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS – PRICE & BOOKINGS
This exclusive adventure through the Lares Valley, combined with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is available year-round. Choose your preferred travel dates and embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey—available with a minimum of just two travelers.
Book today and make your dream of Machu Picchu a reality!
GROUP PRICE IN SHARED SERVICE.
$879 USD per person with 3* hotel
$789 USD per person (hotel not included)
- Feel free to choose and book your own hotel for a more flexible and comfortable travel experience! mportant: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter in Salkantay only Inca Trail!).
A group tour means other trekkers can join your adventure. You’ll hike with people of different fitness levels, but our expert guides ensure everyone enjoys the journey at their own pace.
PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES.
- 2 Persons: $1020 per person
- 3 Persons: $989 per person
- 4 Persons: $959 per person
- 5 Persons: $929 per person
- 6 persons: $890 per person
For groups of 7 or more travelers, please contact us for a special group price: info@www.machupicchucondortrek.com
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter in Salkantay only Inca Trail!).
PLEASE NOTE:
Pricing is determined by the number of participants, as this trek is more exclusive and typically operates with smaller groups of just 2 to 4 people — offering a more personalized and intimate experience
*Your rate includes an extra pack horse to carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings. For your convenience, we’ll provide a durable duffel bag where you can safely pack your items.
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS:
We offer special savings for travelers in the following categories:
Students (18–25 years old) – $25 USD off
Valid student ID required (must include: university name, student’s full name, photo, and expiration date). A copy of the card must be provided at the time of booking for government verification.Travelers under 18 years old – $25 USD off
A copy of your passport must be provided at the time of booking.Children under 11 years old – $30 USD off
A copy of your passport must be provided at the time of booking.
*** The Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu is almost always available year round as long as tickets are available except when it is closed in February for maintenance.
"LARES & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU"
5 /DAYS
FROM
$
789
USD
Per Person
Group Size
Up to 16
Activity Level
Moderate
INCA TRAIL TREK DAILY VIDEOS: SEE WHAT EACH DAY IS LIKE!
THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK DIFFERENCE
Since its inception, Machu Picchu Condor Trek has been dedicated to providing authentic and enriching tours to Machu Picchu, combining exploration of archaeological sites with immersion in local culture. With a team of expert local guides and meticulous attention to detail, the agency has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences that go beyond travelers’ expectations.
Camping Equipment
7 kg personal porters included
Private restroom tents
Safety on the Inca Trail
Social Projects
¡The best trekking food in Peru!
MEET THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK TREKKING TEAM!
The majority of our team has been with us from the beginning, witnessing the evolution of Machupicchu Condor Trek and contributing to the unique bond we share with our city. We are grateful to have such a dedicated, talented and happy team who share our mission of delivering authentic and transformative experiences. With Machupicchu Condor Trek , you’ll not only explore New Orleans, but you’ll also fall in love with the people who make it special.”
Our Super Porters
Equality Matters
Our Guides
Our Chefs
VIDEOS OF MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK STAFF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We know that traveling can sometimes bring logistical challenges, which is why we are fully committed to making your journey as seamless and secure as possible. Our comprehensive travel manual covers every detail—from the proper handling of camping equipment to carefully selected recommendations for accommodations and restaurants in Cusco. In addition, our dedicated team is available at all times to provide personalized assistance and answer any questions you may have—from the moment you arrive until your very last day in Cusco.
SIMILAR TRIPS IN CUSCO
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Machupicchu Condor Trek is Latin America’s most sought-after 4-day trek, featuring unmatched ecological diversity and iconic Inca archaeological sites.
This Classic Inca Trail 5D/4N route follows quieter campsites away from crowds, making it ideal for families and seniors, and culminates with a perfectly guided tour of the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu.
This 7-day Salkantay & Inca Trail trek offers a unique adventure through stunning natural landscapes, featuring views of the snow-capped Salkantay, the original Inca Trail, and iconic sites like Wiñay Wayna near Machu Picchu.
Walk the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, hiking through the national park, camping in lush vegetation, exploring impressive Inca ruins, and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate with spectacular views.
The 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers with limited time, combining scenic train travel, a short hike, and stunning Inca archaeological sites on the way to Machu Picchu.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IN TRIP ADVISOR
Our goal at Machupicchu Condor Trek is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
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