Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail – 5 Days

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.

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.

• Pre trek Briefing (briefing at the hotel).
• Pick up from your hotel on the morning of departure.
• Transportation from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the hike by private car.
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu US$ 80 extra) and Lares Trek.
• English / Quechua / Spanish professional guide speak.
• Second Tour Guide over 12 people.
• Tents – 2 people in a 4-person tent, which allows for greater comfort and storage of backpacks.
• Thermarest air-inflate Comfortable sleeping Mattress.
• Professional Cook.
• Cooking equipment.
• Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables.
• Local food service in the campsites (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 4 snacks).
• Vegetarian and free gluten food for no extra cost.
• Daily tea service (weak up Coca tea and afternoon tea time or happy hour with full of popcorn, chocolate, coffee, and special snacks made by our cooks).
• Water for Drinking: we will supply filtered and boiled water and your bottles will be filled at each mealtime. Please bring enough water for the first day only.
• Single tents upon request with no extra cost.
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Horseman and horses. (they will carry our duffel bag of 7 kilos, including your sleeping bag, matt, and clothes.).
• Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu round trip (5th day).
• Expedition train ticket to the head of trail (104 Km.).
• Expedition train ticket Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo.
• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• 1-night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (twin bedroom with private bathroom and hot shower).
• Insurance policy of life for cooks and horsemen.
• Visit Machupicchu on the last day (2 hours of guided tour to explore the whole incan sites).

• Extra expenses.
• Breakfast – Day 1.
• Lunch and dinner – Day 5.
• Pillows.
• Not detailed meals.
• Porter to carry your personal stuff along the short Inca trail Extra Porter (Full Porter 12kg) US$150 – Extra Porter (Half Porter 6kg) US$75
• Travel and health insurance (bring copies with you).
• Huayna Picchu entrance US$ 80 extra.
• Sleeping bags (it can be rented from us for US$ 30 for the entire trip).
• Walking sticks (it can be rented from us for US$ 20 for the entire trip).
• Tips (optional).
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• Original Passport.
• Original Student Card (if you book as a student).
• A travel insurance card is essential.
• Sleeping bag.
• Walking sticks.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants) or poncho. Plastic ponchos can be purchased for about $ 2 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots are recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breathe at night if you want to take them.
• Warm clothes include jackets, fleeces, gloves, scarves, and knit / tour beanies. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Camera, films, and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
• Hat or cap to protect you from sun, rain, and cold.
• Sunblock.
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported.
• Toilet paper.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• Your own first aid kit with special medicines you may need, paracetamol, second skin blisters, etc.
• Small towel.
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you think swimming in the hot springs)
• Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips, and souvenirs.
• Eager and adventurous spirit to enjoy your hike.

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 to Machu Picchu – 4 Days private service, includes additional items such as:

• Extra Emergency Horse to ride (1-2 day – only for any emergency).
• Extra Porter (to carry your personal stuff 7kg/person) for the Short Inca Trail
• Hotel 3 Stars (At Aguas Calientes Town).
• North Face 4 season tents.
• Entrance to climb Huaynapicchu Mountain.
• Vistadome Train (First Class train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo).
• Private Van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Bus Round Trip (Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes).
• Lunch in Machupicchu or Aguas Calientes.
• Sleeping Bag.
• 02 Waking Poles per Person.
• 1 Duffel Bag to carry all your sleeping bags, self-inflating pad as well as your clothes.
• Tour Guide to explore Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu all day. And of course, we pay a little more to our Staff and Guide.

We offer 3 types of service, each with different price ranges and you can book in any of these services according to your convenience, we just need you to be a minimum of 02 people to organize your trip on the date that suits you, all our services are 100 % guaranteed.

We are a direct TOUR OPERATOR that never passes clients to other agencies as most agencies do it here in Cusco to save operating costs with poor quality.

We will make the trip even if there are only 02 people in your group.

Can I be picked up from the Sacred Valley?
Yes, let us know in advance to organize your pick-up time.