Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Cultural Journey + Short Inca Trail

Machu Picchu (twice!) ✓ Short Inca Trail ✓ Lares trek✓

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable Andean mountain trekking tour that combines deep cultural immersion with the iconic final approach to Machu Picchu via the Short Inca Trail. This itinerary is one of the most rewarding alternative treks to the Inca Trail, perfect for travelers seeking a scenic and culturally rich experience without the crowds of the classic 4-day Inca Trail.

Unique Trekking Experience in Peru

Over 5 days, this trek blends traditional high-altitude hiking through the remote Lares Valley cultural trek Peru with a final stretch along the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail combo. You’ll trek through Andean villages, witness indigenous weavers and farmers in their everyday life, and enjoy breathtaking mountain landscapes, glacial lakes and high passes before joining the ancient Original Inca Trail hike Sun Gate approach to Machu Picchu.
You get to visit Machu Picchu twice! How could you want more?

Sun Gate Arrival: The Classic Inca Trail Experience

Why Book This Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail Combo

1. "Why Book This Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail Combo?

"This alternative trek to Machu Picchu combines the authentic cultural immersion of the Lares Valley with the iconic Short Inca Trail finale. Unlike the crowded classic route, you'll trek through traditional Andean villages like Cancha Cancha, interact with Quechua-speaking weavers, and still enter Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku)."

2. "Permits & Availability - Book Early"

"Inca Trail permits are strictly limited to 500 per day and sell out 6 months in advance. As an authorized Inca Trail tour operator, we secure your Short Inca Trail permits immediately upon booking. For 2026 departures, we recommend booking by [Month] to guarantee your spot."

3. "The Inca Land Difference"

"We provide a fully portered trek where our team carries up to 5kg of your gear. Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs—featuring Peruvian and international cuisine with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Our small group tours (max 8 travelers) ensure personalized attention from our expert bilingual guides."

Your Andean Mountain adventure through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu begins early with your pickup at 6:00am from your Cusco hotel. Then we will drive to Huaran where will start our hike. We will meet your horsemen and horses. Time to get ready, boots on, and begin our first 3 hours gradually ascending towards Cancha Cancha. Along the way, your lunch will be served next to the river, replenishing your energy for the trek ahead with a delicious meal prepared by your trekking chef.
Cancha Cancha (3,900m/12,800ft) is one of the most isolated and traditional communities, self-sustaining as it has been for hundreds of years. There is no road to the community and they were recently connected to electricity in December, 2019. After settling into your tents and having afternoon tea, you will have the opportunity to visit a local family. You will learn all about life in a traditional Andean village, with your guide as your interpreter. After dinner, your guide will show you the Inca constellations on which they depended for their agricultural guidance and still do to this day.
Meals included: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
Distance: 9kms / 5.6 miles
Time: 3.5hrs approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha

Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani

Our Team will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy before you get up for breakfast. Feeling all revved up to begin our second day, we begin our 7 hour hike northeast. It starts out as an intense walk, accomplishing high passes on our way to the highest point of our trek at Pachacutec Pass (4,500m /14,800 ft). Motivating you along the trail for this intense part of the trek are the views of glaciers, remote lakes, alpaca herds, rugged valleys and spectacular mountain vistas. Keep your eyes on the sky for the Caracara falcons and Andean geese! After enjoying the summit, we descend for 3 hours until we reach our campsite located by the Quiswarani community, (3,700m/12,139ft). On the way, we will be taking an isolated trail where we will see indigenous highland people in their traditional outfits herding their llamas and alpacas. The local indigenous people will interact with you in Quechua (the Incas’ language). Your guide will act as your interpreter to translate and teach you some Quechua language. When you arrive at the spectacular seven waterfalls, you are almost to the campsite!
​At the campsite, everything will be ready. Enjoy hot drinks and appetizers before dinner, then snuggle in for a comfortable night sleep.

• Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner

• Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building

• Distance: 12kms / 7.5 miles

• Time: 7hrs approximately

• Difficulty: challenging

Day 3: Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo

Our adventure continues as you begin the most scenic day yet! We begin our ascent for 3 hours until we reach the Willqaqasa Pass, (4,200m/13,779ft) getting a bird’s eye view of the reflections of the mountains in mirror images in the glacial lakes. The majestic Colquecruz and Pitusiray Mountains are inspiring to admire from the pass. We continue our trek through the Puna grasslands, productive agricultural sites and natural pristine lakes. Time to descend for 2 hours to the Cucani community. Connecting with the local indigenous children, you may have the opportunity to visit their school and share in some quality time with the students.
From Cuncani we meet the driver and ride down through the valley with extensive agricultural areas, fruit bearing trees, varied flora and native flowers like begonias and wild orchids. Finally, we reach our destination, the Lares Hot Springs (3,100m/ 10,170ft), where we can soak in the natural volcanic hot springs for an hour, have lunch and relax. Time for our goodbyes for our remarkable chef and horsemen.
After lunch in Lares, we take our private transport to 2.5 hours Ollantaytambo, where we have dinner together and spend the night in our hotel.

• Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner

• 3* Accommodation: Andenes del Inca Hotel Ollantaytambo

• Distance: 15kms / 9.3 miles

• Time: 6 hrs approximately

• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – KM104 – Wiñay wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

• In the morning, drive to the Km 104 trailhead, where your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu section begins.

• Trek through original Inca pathways, passing archaeological sites like Chachabamba and lush cloud forest terrain.

• Continue to the magnificent Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful Inca ruins on the trail.

• Ascend to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, approaching via the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail combine route.

• Descend into Aguas Calientes for your overnight stay in a comfortable lodge.

Highlights:

• Original Inca Trail walk with fewer crowds

• Archaeological sites: Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna

• First sunrise view of Machu Picchu through Sun Gate

• Evening rest in Aguas Calientes

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
Time: 6hrs approximately
Accommodations: Susanna inn
Difficulty: moderate
You will leave your duffel from the trek at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Wake up early and take the bus up into Machu Picchu. Join your guide for a complete guided tour of the citadel, exploring temples, plazas, terraces, and the Inca stonework that makes this site so unique. Optional hike (if pre-booked) to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for elevated views (permit required). After your visit, descend to Aguas Calientes, enjoy lunch, then board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Finally, transfer by vehicle back to Cusco, concluding your Lares Trek Short Inca Trail MachuPicchu 5/4 experience.Highlights:

• In-depth guided tour of Machu Picchu

• Optional summit hike for panoramic views

• Scenic train ride and return to Cusco

, 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 the hotel by 7:00pm

The Best of Both Worlds: Cultural Immersion + Iconic Inca Trail Finale

This isn't just another trek to Machu Picchu—it's the ultimate alternative Inca Trail experience that smart travelers choose when the classic 4-day route is sold out (or when they want something more authentic).

✓ Authentic Andean Cultural Immersion Trek through the remote Lares Valley, where Quechua-speaking communities maintain centuries-old traditions. Visit isolated villages like Cancha Cancha (only connected to electricity in 2019), interact with local weavers, and learn about Inca constellations still used for agricultural guidance today—experiences you simply won't get on the crowded classic trail.

✓ The Legendary Sun Gate Arrival Enter Machu Picchu the way the Incas intended—through the Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Watch the mist lift over the citadel as you descend the original royal pathway, arriving at sunset for your first panoramic view. This is the Short Inca Trail experience that delivers the same iconic "wow" moment as the classic route.

✓ Two Visits to Machu Picchu Unlike standard itineraries, you get two separate entries to Machu Picchu—one sunset arrival via Sun Gate on Day 4, plus a full guided tour on Day 5. Double the photography opportunities, double the magic.

✓ Natural Hot Springs Recovery Soak your muscles in the Lares Hot Springs (3,100m), natural volcanic thermal baths that have soothed trekkers for centuries. It's the perfect mid-trek recovery before your Inca Trail finale.

✓ Off-the-Beaten-Path Scenery While others crowd the classic trail, you'll hike through: • Secluded glacial lakes with mirror reflections of Colquecruz and Pitusiray Mountains • Seven waterfalls cascading through pristine valleys
• High-altitude passes (up to 4,500m) with Andean condor sightings • Alpaca and llama herds tended by indigenous highlanders in traditional dress

✓ Expert Birdwatching Throughout During every hike, our groups engage in birdwatching—spotting magnificent Andean species like Andean Condors, Caracara falcons, Andean geese, and the rare Giant Hummingbird. Our guides carry binoculars and bird guides, making this as much a Peru birdwatching trek as a cultural and archaeological journey.

✓ Fully Porter-Supported Comfort We carry up to 5kg of your gear, provide 4-person tents for 2 people, and serve gourmet meals with options for all dietary needs. This is luxury camping meets authentic adventure.

✓ Guaranteed Short Inca Trail Permits As an authorized Inca Trail tour operator, we secure your limited KM104 permits immediately upon booking—no stress, no sold-out disappointments.

Highlights: Why Choose the Classic Inca Trail Hike?

What's Included:

• Licensed English/Spanish/Quechua-speaking guide
• All private transportation (hotel-to-hotel service)
• 2 nights camping (4-person tents for 2 people) + 2 nights hotel
• All meals (gourmet breakfast, lunch, dinner + afternoon tea)
• Horseman & mules for gear transport (Lares portion)
• Porter service for Inca Trail section (5kg personal gear)
• All entrance tickets (Lares Trek + Inca Trail + Machu Picchu)
• Round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes)
• Bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu
• First-aid kit + emergency oxygen
• Boiled drinking water throughout
• Birdwatching
• Duffel bag provided

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (highest point: 4,500m / 14,800ft at Pachacutec Pass)
Group Size: Small groups (maximum 8 travelers)
Best For: Cultural enthusiasts, photographers, birdwatchers, and trekkers seeking the Short Inca Trail experience without the classic trail crowds

Inca Trail Tour Details:

Not Included:

Optional Extras:

• Comfort Package ($120): Sleeping bag (20°F/-7°C), inflatable Therm-a-Rest mattress, walking poles, camping pillow

• Extra Porter ($130): Carries up to 8kg of personal gear

• Single Tent Supplement ($35/night)

• Vistadome Train Upgrade ($80 return)

• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb ($80 — request at booking)

Not Included:

Discounts Available:

• Students (18-25 with valid ISIC card): $30 off

• Under 18 years: $30 off

• Under 11 years: $40 off

• Groups of 5+: $30 off per person

Helps us to be great team

No Plastic Bottles on the Inca Trail

Help protect the fragile ecosystems of the Inca Trail by avoiding single-use plastic bottles. Bring a reusable water bottle or hydration system. Refill stations and boiled water are available during the trek, reducing plastic waste in this sacred Andean landscape.

Preserve the Inca Sites

The archaeological sites along the Inca Trail are priceless cultural treasures of the Inca Civilization. Please respect these ancient structures—do not touch delicate stonework, climb on ruins, or remove artifacts. Protecting these sites ensures future generations can experience their history.

Keep the Inca Trail Clean

Follow the principle: “Leave No Trace.” Carry out everything you bring in, including wrappers and small waste. Keeping the trail clean helps preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Andes.

Be Green on the Trail

Travel responsibly. Stay on designated paths, respect wildlife, reduce waste, and support sustainable tourism. By trekking responsibly, you help protect the mountains, forests, and communities that make the journey to Machu Picchu so extraordinary.

Pricing Per Person: 2026

1 people US$1250.00 per person
2 people US$1200 per person
3 people US$1150 per person
4 people US$11000 per person
5 people US$1050 per person
6 people US$1000 per person
7+ people US$950 per person.

Extra information

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