Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
The Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a combo adventure, that everyone dreams to follow both trails and now we have available for you, as the Inca Trail is generally SOLD OUT for every month, hikers opt to hike the Lares Trek but still with some dreams about the Inca Trail, and here’s the way how to explore and follow both trails. A stunning trail with less crowded.
The trek goes through the golden Polylepis forest in the highland valleys to the snow-dusted peaks, an autumn hike along the North of Pumahuanca Mount in the Western Sierra of Cusco, overwhelms with sheer beauty and the largeness of the landscape with full of llamas and alpacas with locals in colorful clothes, a hotel stay in the Sacred Valley Ollantaytambo with windows overlooking ancient Incan crop terracings, violet-hued quinoa fields, and corn fields.
Complete this amazing adventure, hiking Peru’s famous trail and the world’s top trail—the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, witnessing the mind-blowing vistas and living a unique experience as you embark on this once in a lifetime trek of the Incas. This is truly a unique chance to hike to Machu Picchu via Lares Trek and savor Machu Picchu twice, one of the greatest sights the world has to offer.
Departure & Return Location:
Hotel Cusco.
Departure Time:
Pick up from your hotel (5:30 am – 6:00 am).
Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail – 5 Days highlights:
A non-refundable deposit (varies depending on tour) is payable from the Client to Huaynas Expeditions when reserving any Product. If the reservation is made 7 days or fewer before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. Depending on the original booking method, the client should send the non-refundable deposit to Huaynas Expeditions or the authorized Agent through whom they made their reservation.
A pre-tour briefing is given to you, ideally two days before the start of the trek. This is comprehensive information on the tour schedule, required gear, altitude, weather, etc. Questions and concerns will be clarified so that you fully comprehend the tour schedule.
It is strongly suggested to be progressively acclimatized; thus, you should arrive in Cusco 2 days previous to trek departure. Altitude sickness causes you a headache, stomache, hands tingling, etc. There is certain medicine you may take to avoid altitude sickness, for instance acetazalomide; moreover, it is helpful to have coca tea; and hot liquids to not become dehydrated. You must descend as the ultimate emergency if you develop serious altitude sickness.
If your hotel is located in the Historical Center of Cusco, Huaynas Expeditions will pick you up there. Although your guide will schedule the pickup time during the briefing, please be aware that the pickup time could change by up to 20 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an ancient city, and there are lots of winding cobblestone streets there. It may be challenging to move luggage to some hotels and Airbnbs because they are situated on car-free streets or long, including inclines. Booking lodging with adequate access is something we strongly advise.
You’ll be given a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will transport them, and the horsemen will hand them to you as you arrive at each camp. They are 60 x 24 x 22 centimetres (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
Each duffel bag can only contain a maximum of 7 kilogrammes (15.4 lb), which includes the weight of your clothing, sleeping bag, and other personal belongings.
Strikes and demonstrations are frequent in Peru, which may stop some of our tours. Roads can be stopped, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will attempt to keep your vacation as initially planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these conditions, trips may potentially be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, our operations department will manage everything with you. Your safety is our priority, and our decisions will be taken to protect it.
Because group trips are made up of various persons, physical states and ages may differ. You acknowledge that some persons may be faster or slower than you if you choose to participate in a group trip. As a result, everyone on the road may proceed at their own speed.
It is conceivable that a group may want to change the itinerary; however, after discussing with all participants, the guide will determine if such changes are allowed.
We highly advise you to buy comprehensive travel insurance before departing. A comprehensive travel insurance coverage that covers everything from high-altitude treks to unforeseen trip adjustments is a must-have travel gear. Please remember that your standard medical insurance plan will not cover some possibilities in your own country. We suggest searching for a plan that covers the following coverage:
While we try to be understanding when situations arise, the fact is that Trip Changes and Trip Cancellation incur penalties.
To book the below things in your name, we require a photo of your passport’s bio page (Peruvian Government Requirement). Please keep in mind that each traveler must be aware of the re-entry laws for their place of residence/citizenship. Some nations require a passport valid for 6 months beyond the travel date. Please confirm that your passport is current and meets your country’s and residency standards. We can purchase your flights with an expired passport, but we will require a copy of the current passport as soon as you receive it in order to update your tickets.
Most countries are permitted to obtain a visa at the point of arrival. Only a few nations require visas to be obtained in advance. Please remember that each tourist is responsible for determining whether or not a visa is required before admission. Please remember that tourist visas are usually valid for 90 days or less and require proof of return travel.
Please be aware of where you leave your belongings, and remember to take everything with you once you leave our transportation, tents, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your items throughout the trip.
Our objective is to provide great treks, tours, and adventure experiences while adhering to environmental, sustainable, ethical, and socially conscious travel practices. We make every effort throughout our excursions to avoid negative affects and enhance benefits to the local people and natural ecosystems we visit. We pay fair, livable rates to ensure that we employ and retain the best guides and support workers. We follow worldwide sustainable tourism criteria and have continuous community projects and charity activities that benefit four or more local Andean villages.
We take pleasure in offering five-star service before, during, and after your vacation. Huaynas Expeditions is committed to providing exceptional customer service and adventure experiences.
When walking over tough mountain terrain at high altitudes in unpredictable weather, it is critical to have the best equipment possible. We supply Mountain Hardwear 4-season tents (3 seasons for Inca Trail because of warmer weather), extra thick mattress mats, dry bags for your overnight gear, and other amenities to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
Any hike or tour can be tailored to your travel, fitness, financial, and time constraints. Do you need a journey or tour for a business or work event, a charity organization, or any significant occasion? Get in touch; we can handle everything!
As it should be, our journeys leave nothing but smiles and footprints.
We care about the environment, which is why we reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our equipment is reusable (no paper or plastic plates/cups/utensils), we buy locally and avoid paper/plastic packaging, and we recycle anything we can. This is not the norm in Peru, but we intend to make it so one day soon!
All of our staff are enthusiastic about their jobs. Who wouldn’t want to work in an office surrounded by gorgeous mountains and endless vistas? We are happy to provide our guides and employees with the highest rates in the industry.
Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at the agreed time in our private vehicle and travel to Calca through the Sacred Valley of the Incas where we stop to buy some snacks and toys to give to the local children at your campsite on day one.
Afterwards, we will continue driving for 2 hours crossing the Amparaes Pass (4.580 m / 15.026 ft) towards the Lares town. After a few minutes from Lares, we arrive at Thermal Baths of Lares (3.200 m / 10.498 ft.), which is the beginning of the trail; then the Peru Spirit Adventure staff will set up your first breakfast next to the hot spring.
Following breakfast, your guide will introduce you to our staff who will be with you along the Lares trail. After this, we have enough time to visit the natural Thermal Baths of Lares (Don´t forget to carry your bathing suits), then we begin by trekking for around 2 hours before stopping for lunch.
And then continue trekking for another 2.5 hours to reach the first campsite, known as Huacawasi at (3.800 m / 12.467ft). Our staff will welcome you to your overnight campsite, then you will have time to take a rest and change into something warm before happy hour. After we will have a happy hour with hot chocolate, milk, coffee, a variety of tea.
Here, we will spend some time meeting the local children with their colorful dresses and poncho. We will have the opportunity to experience their weaving techniques first-hand. Later. We enjoy our dinner followed by a briefing for the second day.
Many of the houses that you can see in Huacahuasi are built of stone and have thatched roofs. Local people produce beautiful colourful fabrics. In the morning, we learn about weaving techniques while we can admire their high-quality products such as ponchos, “chullos” (woolen hats) and other garments. We start trekking later today, it means after having lunch in the village.
We climb for about 2 hours to reach the top of Ipsaycocha Pass (4,500 m), the highest point of the trek. There, we can appreciate stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Then, we descending gently for about 1 hour until getting to the place of our second campsite near the stunning Ipsaycocha Lake. If we are lucky, we can see Andean geese, Puna ibis and other wetland´s birds around the lake. We then continue downhill until we arrive at our camp in Patacancha (3,750m/12,377ft) where we have tea and then dinner.
Today, our trekking is through the Patacancha community and Willoc valley. Most of the time trekking is a dirt road, but in many sectors, we will use a shortcut. In the community of Pumamarca. there are two trails, the first is to continue along the path to Ollantaytambo through the platforms of Patapata, and the second option is to climb hiking until you reach Pumamarca ruins (after visiting the Inca fortress).
We continue by an Original Inca Trail to Ollantaytambo village. We will overnight there and get ready to hike the short Inca trail to the “Lost City of the Incas” Machu Picchu.
To reach the trailhead of the short Inca trail Km 104 of the railway line. There are many train departure time, we will catch one of the first train services. 1 hour and 20 minutes scenic train ride to 104 km point (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft) will take us to the place where we begin our trek.
At this point, we started a moderate climb for three hours to the remote archaeological site of Wiñayhuana, (2,650m/8,747 ft.). Enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Canyon and the ethnic wonders of the ancient Inca sites, while embracing them with an open mind and the heart of its connection with the ancient Inca Trail.
After being with this beautiful view, we will continue towards the Sun Gate (2.720mts / 9.007ft) following the ancient remote path, we have our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its splendor and majesty. As we approach the citadel of Machu Picchu you will feel its mystical presence. Then we will take our bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a nice hotel.
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you the full tour, which takes about two hours. You will see all of the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry and the House of the Inca. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. Your train will depart at 14:55 or 15:20.
The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00.
We also offer a special service only for you or your group, you have the power to choose the size of your group and the date of departure, we will never add other people since it will be organized only for you.
Our Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail – 5 Days private service, includes additional items such as:
Our prices for the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail – 5 Days are reasonable and are in different packages with the prices that are handled in the city of Cusco, and discounts will apply automatically for groups of over 5 people when booking this tour together at the same time.
We are a local tour operator that never shares service with any other company in Cusco, most agencies in Cusco share their service to save operating costs with poor quality. We guarantee to make the trip even if there are only 02 people in your group.
Our booking process is simple and you can secure your trip with only a 40% deposit and pay the rest at the destination.
Adult: | USD 850 |
Student: | USD 820 |
Child: | USD 810 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 900 |
Student: | USD 870 |
Child: | USD 860 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 1100 |
Student: | USD 1070 |
Child: | USD 1060 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 940 |
Student: | USD 910 |
Child: | USD 900 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 1550 |
Student: | Not available |
Child: | Not available |
Infant: | Not available |
Adult: | USD 1900 |
Student: | Not available |
Child: | Not available |
Infant: | Not available |
*Remember that age is considered at the time of completion of the trip.
We want your vacation to Peru to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. This section contains answers to any inquiries regarding going with Huaynas Expeditions. Please read the following information; it will assist you if you have any queries regarding our services.
We have the best and easy booking system; learn here how to book any tour with Huaynas Expeditions.
You’ll pay your remaining balance once you arrive in Cusco and in cash in US dollars or soles (Peruvian currency) to the change of the day. If you prefer payment through PayPal, you’ll be charged an additional 6% due to bank commissions. It is better to pay us with cash because there is no transaction fee.
Of course! During the tour to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored in our office or at your hotel. Both of them are free.
Usually, it is not accepted since the permits, and the train tickets are not allowed to change the date or transfer to another name.
But if you need it, we’ll need to buy new permits and train tickets and the cost you’ll pay for it.
Yes! You must bring your original passport, which must be the same one you sent us at the booking time. Your passport will be checked at Machu Picchu checkpoint and when you board the train.
Updating passport numbers: If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Machu Picchu ticket. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport, please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information about your permits and train tickets.
Yes, you can book your hotel. It will decrease the price of $30 per person. If you decide to book your own hotel, don’t forget to tell us where you plan to stay so our guide will take you there safely.
We receive reservations at least 1 week in advance. However, seats are limited and are always subject to availability. Both the permits for Machu Picchu and the train ticket and permits for the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu are in high demand, sometimes selling out months in advance. For this reason, we recommend that you make your reservation as far in advance recommendable 2 or 3 months in advance.
The Expedition and Vistadome categories offer comfortable leather seats and include a snack and hot or cold drink per person. The first and main difference between both categories is that the Vistadome train has windows on the roof of the cars, which allows a panoramic view of the outside. The second difference is that the Vistadome train offers entertainment services on board, such as typical dances and parades.
If you want to get the student discount, the following requirements must be met:
The university card must meet the following requirements:
If you meet the requirements above, you will get the following discount:
All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of booking to get the student discount.
Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated if you are satisfied with the services. Even though it might not be familiar in your country, the people who will look after you during the tour place a lot of importance on it. Many Huaynas Expeditions’ destinations encourage top-notch service and are a foundational aspect of the travel and tourism sector. It’s up to you how much to tip based on how well you thought out the tour and how long it lasted. Remember that leaving a tip is optional and should only be done if you receive first-class service.
Yes, Huaynas Expeditions is a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator; for that, we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and appreciate the local places and their people.
Our guides make us so happy! Their English is excellent, and they are extremely professional. They have a great deal of knowledge and love for the history and heritage of the Incas. Constant professional and personal growth is a priority for our tour guides. They conduct research to make sure that the Inca and Andean cultural theories you are given are accurate and widely accepted. Our team members are smart, athletic, and fun-loving. All of them have academic backgrounds in archaeology, tourism, botany, history, or anthropology.
You should have at least 48 hours or more in Cusco. It’s recommended to enjoy these days in the city of Cusco and in the Sacred Valley.
Lares Trek is a new hike in Machu Picchu that is becoming very popular in the last few years. This trek is perfect for travelers who like more cultural interaction, less crowded routes, and remote mountainous areas where llamas and alpacas are the locals.
The Short Inca Trail 3 days in the Shorter Version of the Long Classic Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu. This trek will allow you to visit Machu Picchu citadel twice, one in the afternoon of the first day, and return to it on the second day’s morning.
The Lares Trek 5 days itinerary follows the same route as the 4 days Lares Trek and includes the Short Inca Trail hike at the end instead of just traveling to Machu Picchu by train.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, when it is Dry season.
When making plans for a long-awaited dream journey, choosing the right travel agency or tour operator is the most crucial option you will make. Initially, some businesses might appear more affordable. But if you dig a bit further, you’ll discover why booking with Huaynas Expeditions ensures that your trip will be as remarkable as it can be.
All our Tours & Treks are provided only by Huaynas Expeditions staff and professional guides. That means Huaynas Expeditions will never pass you on to another company or 3rd Party.
Our staff comprises tourism industry veterans eager to share their expertise and serve the passenger. They are prepared to show you the best of Cusco and Peru with their extensive knowledge.
We are a travel agency committed to providing the best tourism services and are eager to help you explore the numerous natural and archaeological treasures found in every region of the nation.
Find excursions and activities that astonish you, then reserve them. You’ll be overjoyed when the tour is over and eager to tell your friends about your fantastic trip to Peru. Choose us for your ideal vacation.