Box Lunch and Snacks MEALS
Up to 12 People GROUP SIZE
2,720 m / 8,924 ft MAX. ALTITUDE
Moderate DIFFICULTY

The Journey Begins

The Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail (5 Days / 4 Nights) is an all-inclusive journey blending high-altitude alpine terrain, authentic Andean cultural immersion, and the legendary Qhapaq Ñan trail network. During the first few days, you will cross breathtaking mountain passes like Pachacutec Pass, unwind in the natural Lares hot springs, and connect with traditional weaving communities in Cancha Cancha. After touring the Maras Salt Mines, the adventure continues from Km 104 toward the archaeological wonders of Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), culminating in two exclusive visits to the viewpoints and archaeological sectors of Machu Picchu.

SUSTAINABILITY / IMPACT

Empowering Local Communities

By choosing green travel, you directly support local indigenous communities who run the logistics of our treks. We maintain fair wages, supply premium gear, and provide professional training for all our local team members.

Day by Day Itinerary

We begin this adventure early in the morning with a hotel pickup and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After a short stop in Calca, we continue to the Lares hot springs, where you’ll enjoy breakfast and relax in the thermal baths.rnAfterward, we drive to Cuncani, the starting point of the trek. Along the way, we’ll visit the Pacchayocc waterfall and hike up to the highest point of the day, Willkikasa Pass. From there, we descend to our campsite in Quishuarani, where we spend the night. rnLodging: Campsite in Quishuarani

Included

  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (English & Spanish)
  • Entrance ticket to Lares Hot Springs
  • Entrance ticket to Maras Salt Mines
  • Inca Trail permits and entrance tickets (subject to availability, issued with your personal details)
  • Inca Trail Permit & Machu Picchu entrance ticket: Day 4: Circuit 1 (upper viewpoint) & Day 5: Circuit 3 (lower sector exploration)
  • Camping equipment and campsites (shared tents)
  • First aid kit and oxygen supply
  • Duffel bag (up to 5 kg per person)
  • Regular mattress, backpack cover
  • Portable travel toilet
  • Extra comfort items: sleeping pillow, foam mattress, backpack cover
  • Portable travel toilet
  • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
  • Daily snacks
  • Boiled and filtered water during the trek
  • Morning wake-up tea (coca tea)
  • Day 1: Private transport (Cusco – Lares – Cuncani)
  • Day 3: Transport (Huaran – Maras – Ollantaytambo)
  • Day 5: Transport (Ollantaytambo – Cusco)
  • Train tickets: Day 4: Ollantaytambo – KM 104 & Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
  • Round-trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu)
  • Mules to carry camping equipment and personal belongings (up to 5 kg)

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag (USD 20 extra cost)
  • Inflatable mattress (USD 15 extra cost)
  • Trekking poles (USD 20 extra cost)
  • 1 night in a hostel in Ollantaytambo
  • 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (Two people in one room)
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 5)
  • Dinner in Cusco (Day 5)
  • Personal hiking gear and clothing
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides, cooks, and horsemen

Important Information

Original passport: Mandatory for the Inca Trail checkpoint at Km 104 and entry into the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

Technical hiking footwear: Boots with solid ankle support and dependable grip for rocky high-altitude passes and wet stone Inca staircases.

Cold-weather sleeping bag: Rated for a comfort level of at least 14°F (-10°C) for freezing nights at the Quishuarani and Cancha Cancha campsites.

Layered clothing system: Thermal base layers and windbreakers for the high Andean plateau (puna), paired with lightweight, breathable apparel for the cloud forest segments.

Rain poncho or waterproof jacket: Essential for sudden mountain showers and high-humidity cloud forest conditions.

Swimsuit and quick-dry towel: A must-have for enjoying the Lares hot springs on Day 1.

Sun protection and bug spray: High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+), UV-blocking sunglasses, a sun hat, and insect repellent for the subtropical stretch toward Machu Picchu.

Daypack (25 L max) and power banks: To carry daily water and essentials, and to keep your electronic devices charged throughout camping nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

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