Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days: Cultural Trek & Short Inca Trail 2027

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5 Days / 4 Nights · Lares Valley · Short Inca Trail · KM 104 · Sun Gate · Machu Picchu

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days: Cultural Trek & Short Inca Trail 2027

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Starting Point: Cusco, Peru
Ending Point: Cusco, Peru
Trek Style: Cultural trekking, camping and archaeological exploration
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highest Point: Pachacutec Pass, approximately 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Best For: Travelers seeking Andean culture, mountain scenery and the Short Inca Trail experience

Experience the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Discover two remarkable sides of the Peruvian Andes on our 5-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu with the Short Inca Trail. This adventure combines remote Andean landscapes and traditional Quechua communities with an unforgettable hike along an original section of the Inca Trail.

Beginning near Huaran, you will hike through mountain valleys, encounter local communities, pass glacial lakes and high-altitude landscapes, and relax in the natural hot springs of Lares. You will then travel to Ollantaytambo and continue your adventure on the Short Inca Trail, exploring archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before approaching Machu Picchu.

The journey concludes with a guided visit to the famous Inca citadel and a scenic return to Cusco.

If you are looking for an alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, this itinerary offers a rewarding combination of cultural immersion, high-altitude trekking, Inca history and the landscapes of Machu Picchu.

Plan your 2027 adventure with Inca Land Adventures. Short Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entry tickets are subject to availability for your chosen travel date.

Detailed Itinerary: Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights

Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha

Meals included: Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Distance: Approximately 9 km / 5.6 miles
Hiking time: Approximately 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Your Lares Trek adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 6:00 a.m. We will drive to Huaran, where you will meet your trekking team, including the horse handlers responsible for transporting the group’s camping equipment and supplies.

After a short briefing, we begin hiking through the beautiful Lares Valley toward Cancha Cancha. The trail gradually climbs through Andean farmland and mountain scenery, offering opportunities to observe local agriculture, grazing llamas and alpacas, and everyday life in the highlands.

Along the way, we will stop for a freshly prepared lunch in a scenic location near the river. We then continue to Cancha Cancha, a traditional Quechua community situated at approximately 3,900 m / 12,800 ft.

After arriving at camp, enjoy afternoon tea and time to rest. Depending on local circumstances and community availability, your guide may arrange a respectful visit with a local family to learn about traditional weaving, agriculture and daily life in the Andes.

After dinner, your guide may introduce you to Andean interpretations of the night sky and the importance of celestial observations in traditional agricultural practices, weather permitting.

Overnight: Cancha Cancha campsite.

Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Pachacutec Pass – Quiswarani

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Distance: Approximately 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking time: Approximately 7 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Highest point: Pachacutec Pass, approximately 4,500 m / 14,764 ft

Wake up to a warm drink before breakfast and prepare for the most demanding section of the trek so far.

We hike through remote highland landscapes toward Pachacutec Pass, the highest point of this itinerary. The ascent requires a steady pace, but the panoramic views of mountain peaks, glacial lakes, open valleys and grazing alpacas make the effort worthwhile.

At the pass, take time to rest, enjoy the scenery and capture photographs of the dramatic Andean landscape, weather permitting.

We then begin our descent toward Quiswarani, following remote trails through high-altitude terrain. Along the way, you may encounter local herders and observe traditional clothing and agricultural practices that remain part of everyday life in the region.

As we approach the Quiswarani area, the landscape reveals waterfalls and mountain streams. Upon reaching camp, enjoy hot drinks, a freshly prepared dinner and time to recover from the day's hike.

Overnight: Quiswarani campsite.

Day 3: Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Distance: Approximately 15 km / 9.3 miles
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

After breakfast, we continue our trek toward Willqaqasa Pass, at approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft. The ascent offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including the Colquecruz and Pitusiray ranges, as well as high-altitude lakes and open grasslands.

We then descend through the Andean landscape toward Cuncani, passing agricultural areas and remote settlements along the way. Your guide will explain the relationship between local communities, the mountain environment and traditional farming practices.

After completing the trek, we meet our vehicle and travel to Lares Hot Springs, approximately 3,100 m / 10,170 ft above sea level.

Here, you will have time to relax in the natural thermal baths and enjoy lunch after three days of hiking. Please bring swimwear and a small towel if you plan to use the pools.

In the afternoon, we say goodbye to our trekking crew and continue by private transport to Ollantaytambo, a historic town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, enjoy dinner and prepare for the following day's Short Inca Trail adventure.

Overnight: Hotel in Ollantaytambo.

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Aguas Calientes

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Distance: Approximately 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

After breakfast, we travel to the train departure point and continue toward KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail, subject to the train schedule and permit arrangements.

After completing the necessary entrance checks, we begin hiking along an original section of the Inca Trail. Our first archaeological stop is Chachabamba, an important Inca site where your guide will introduce you to its architecture, historical context and possible ceremonial significance.

The trail continues through lush cloud forest, stone pathways and mountain scenery. We make our way toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes along this section of the Inca Trail, known for its agricultural terraces and stone structures.

After exploring the site, we continue along the designated trail toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, when included in the authorized route and permitted by the day's entry arrangements. From this area, you can enjoy a memorable view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains when weather conditions allow.

We then follow the authorized route and transportation arrangements to Aguas Calientes for the night. Your guide will explain the schedule and entry arrangements for the following day's guided visit to Machu Picchu.

Important: Access to archaeological sites and viewpoints depends on the issued permit, the authorized route and current regulations. The Sun Gate viewpoint should not be advertised as a guaranteed second entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Not included after the tour ends

Today is the highlight of your journey: a guided visit to Machu Picchu, the remarkable Inca citadel set among the mountains of the Peruvian Andes.

After an early breakfast, we take the designated bus from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological sanctuary, according to the confirmed entry schedule.

Accompanied by your professional guide, explore the authorized visitor circuit and learn about the Inca civilization, the citadel's architecture, its agricultural terraces and the historical and cultural importance of this extraordinary site.

Your visit will follow the circuit assigned to your ticket. Additional hikes, including Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, may be available by advance reservation, subject to separate ticket availability and applicable fees.

After the guided visit, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You will have time for lunch at your own expense before boarding the scheduled train to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival, our driver will meet you at the station and transfer you by vehicle to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival is expected at approximately 7:00 p.m., depending on train schedules, traffic and operational conditions.

Your five-day Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail adventure concludes in Cusco with unforgettable memories of Andean culture, mountain landscapes and the history of Machu Picchu.

Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 2027

1 traveler (private)$1,750

2 travelers $1,450

3 travelers $1,400

4 travelers $1,350

5 travelers $1,250

6 travelers $1,200

8 travelers $1,150

What's Included in the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail Tour?

Your 5-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu package includes the services listed below, subject to confirmation in your final booking itinerary.

Professional tour guide: Experienced English-speaking trekking guide for the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail.
Private transportation: Transportation from Cusco to Huaran, from the Lares Valley to Ollantaytambo, and from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.
Trekking crew: Horse handlers and pack animals for transporting designated group equipment and supplies during the Lares Trek.
Camping equipment: Shared campsite facilities and suitable tents for two people per tent.
Meals during the trek: Meals specified in the daily itinerary, freshly prepared by the trekking cook.
Hotel accommodation: One night in Ollantaytambo and one night in Aguas Calientes, based on standard double occupancy.
Short Inca Trail permit: Entrance authorization for the KM 104 route, subject to availability and confirmation.
Machu Picchu entrance ticket: One scheduled visit to the citadel, based on the confirmed ticket and visitor circuit.
Train tickets: The scheduled train services required for the Short Inca Trail itinerary.
Machu Picchu bus tickets: Bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and the entrance to Machu Picchu, as specified in the confirmed package.
Lares Hot Springs: Visit to the thermal baths; entry fees should be specified in the final quotation.
Basic first-aid equipment: Carried by the trekking team.
Duffel bag: Provided for transporting the agreed amount of personal trekking equipment, if included in the selected package.

Please request confirmation of all entrance fees, transport arrangements, accommodation standards and luggage allowances before making a non-refundable payment.

What's Not Included

The following services are not included unless specifically stated in your booking confirmation:

International flights to and from Peru.
Domestic flights, including flights between Lima and Cusco.
Accommodation in Cusco before or after the trek.
Meals not listed in the itinerary, including lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 5.
Personal trekking equipment, including hiking boots, rain gear, warm clothing and personal medication.
Sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping mat and trekking poles, unless included in your selected package.
Additional porter services or transport for personal luggage beyond the agreed allowance.
Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which require separate reservations and applicable tickets.
Tips for guides, cooks, horse handlers, drivers and other trekking staff.
Travel insurance, medical expenses and emergency evacuation coverage.
Personal purchases, snacks, alcoholic beverages and additional drinks.
Laundry, telephone calls and other personal expenses.
Additional hotel nights resulting from personal schedule changes.
Any service not explicitly listed under “What's Included.”
Book Your Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail for 2027
Planning your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in 2027? We recommend booking well in advance, particularly for travel during the popular dry-season months.
The Short Inca Trail operates under a limited-permit system. Availability depends on your travel date, the route and the official booking system. Your reservation is not confirmed until the required permits and tickets have been secured and your booking confirmation has been issued.
To request availability, please provide:
- Your preferred departure date.
- The number of travelers.
- Each traveler's full name and passport details, as required for reservations.
- Any dietary requirements or relevant trekking needs.
- Whether you prefer shared accommodation or a private service, where available.
We will confirm the itinerary, services, price and payment conditions before finalizing your booking.
Reserve your 2027 Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail adventure with Inca Land Adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 2027
How much does the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu cost in 2027?
The proposed price for our 5-day Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail package starts at US$1,150 per person for larger groups, subject to final confirmation of group size, inclusions and operating costs. Smaller groups and private departures have different rates.
Is the Short Inca Trail included in the Lares Trek?
Yes. This itinerary combines the Lares Valley trekking route with the Short Inca Trail from KM 104. The Short Inca Trail section requires the appropriate permit, which is subject to availability for your selected date.
How difficult is the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail?
The trek is moderate to challenging. The itinerary reaches approximately 4,500 m / 14,764 ft at Pachacutec Pass, and hikers should be comfortable walking for several hours on consecutive days. Acclimatization in Cusco before departure is strongly recommended.
How many days does the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu take?
This itinerary takes five days and four nights. It combines three days of trekking through the Lares Valley and surrounding Andean landscapes with the Short Inca Trail and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
When should I book the Lares Trek for 2027?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for travel between May and September. Short Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets are limited, and availability varies by date.
What is the difference between the Lares Trek and the Classic Inca Trail?
The Lares Trek emphasizes Andean landscapes and cultural experiences in traditional communities. The Classic Inca Trail follows a different route with its own archaeological sites and trekking camps. This five-day itinerary combines the Lares Valley with a separate section of the Short Inca Trail.
What should I pack for the Lares Trek?
Bring broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, warm clothing for cold nights, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, personal medication and a small daypack. Confirm whether sleeping equipment and trekking poles are included in your selected package.

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)

Discounts Available: