LARES TREK AND SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU .
4 Days & 3 Night (Via Huaran - Quishuarani - Lares Hot Springs )
Group Size
Up to 8 people
Transportation
Van, Train, Bus
Max Altitude
4500 m.s.n.m
Difficulty
Challenging
Service
Group
Duration:
4 Days
OUR LARES TREK IS THE MOST SACRED PATH AVAILABLE WITH THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU.
Lares trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, gives you the best of all world in 4 days. Machupicchu Condor Trek, is pleased to offer the 4 days LARES TREK AND SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU. Our own unique route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic ice glaciers, shockingly blue lakes, waterfalls, llamas and alpacas. Pass through the most isolated indigenous communities and have the privilege to interact with the people. The trek will end at the natural hot spring Lares. Finish this amazing tour by visiting the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Discover the secret Inca city that was never discovered by the Spanish, this is the reason that it remains mostly intact today.
4-DAYS LARES TREK AND SHORT INCA TRAIL TRIP DETAILS
DAY 1: CUSCO - CALCA - FUNDO HUARAN - CANCHA CANCHA - ACCOPATA.
Your Sacred Lares Valley Adventure begins bright and early at 5:30 a.m., when we pick you up from your hotel in our private transportation. We will drive for approximately 2 hours through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoying breathtaking morning views. Along the way, we will make a short stop in the charming town of Calca to purchase any last-minute supplies before heading deeper into the Andes.
We’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast at Huaran Farm (3,000 m / 9,843 ft), the trailhead where you’ll meet our team of muleteers and horses. From here, we begin our 4-hour trek with a gradual ascent along the beautiful Cancha Cancha River. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding Andean landscapes, traditional farmlands, and native forests of Chachacomo (Polylepis Incana). Keep your eyes open for colorful hummingbirds and other highland birds that inhabit this pristine valley.
At midday, our chef will serve you a freshly prepared lunch in the heart of nature. After a well-deserved rest, we continue for 2 more hours to our campsite at Acopata (3,950 m / 12,959 ft), where we’ll enjoy afternoon tea with unforgettable views of the Cancha Cancha Valley, followed by a delicious dinner.
After dark, your guide will take you on a stargazing session to witness the dazzling Milky Way and learn about the Inca constellations celestial guides that have been used for agricultural cycles for centuries and are still respected in local communities today.
Summary day 1 – Lares.
Distance : 10 km / 6.21 miles.
Hiking time : 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Lowest elevation : 3,000 m / 9,843 ft.
Highest elevation : 3,950 m / 12,959 ft.
Difficulty : Moderate.
Weather : Warm and windy.
Meals included : Breakfast.
DAY 2: ACCOPATA - PACHACUTEQ PASS – QUISHUARANI - LARES THERMAL WATERS – OLLANTAYTAMBO.
Wake up to the gentle greeting of our Machupicchu Condor Trek team, who will bring a warm cup of tea, coffee, or coca tea to your tent. After a hearty breakfast, we begin our 7-hour trek, starting with the most challenging section of the entire route: the ascent to Pachacutec Pass (4,500 m / 14,764 ft).
Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of towering glaciers, turquoise highland lagoons, herds of alpacas grazing on the slopes, deep valleys, and dramatic Andean peaks. Keep your eyes on the skies for sightings of hawks (Caracaras) and Andean geese (Wallatas) soaring above.
After reaching the summit and taking in the stunning panoramas, we descend for approximately 3 hours along a remote trail. Here, you’ll encounter local villagers in traditional dress tending their llamas and alpacas. They will greet you in Quechua, the language of the Incas, and your guide will help translate, teaching you a few words along the way.
Just 20 minutes from our next destination, we stop at the impressive Seven Waterfalls, a hidden gem of the Andes. From here, we continue to Quiswarani (3,700 m / 12,139 ft), where our private bus awaits.
We then drive through fertile valleys filled with agricultural fields, native trees, eucalyptus groves, and colorful flowers such as begonias. Our journey brings us to the therapeutic hot springs of Lares (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), where you can soak for an hour in mineral-rich volcanic waters — the perfect way to relax your muscles after a long hike.
After lunch in Lares, we take private transportation for about 2 hours to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll enjoy dinner together and spend the night in a comfortable hotel, preparing for the next stage of our journey.
Summary day 2
Distance : 12 km / 7.46 miles.
Hiking time : 7 to 8 hours approximately.
Lowest elevation : 3,700 m / 12,139 ft.
Highest elevation : 4,500 m / 14,764 ft.
Difficulty : Challenging to Moderate.
Weather : Cold and windy
DAY 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO - KM 104 - WIÑAYHUAYNA - SUN GATE - MACHU PICCHU.
Early in the morning, our Machupicchu Condor Trek team will pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo and take you to the nearby train station. We’ll board the train for a scenic 1.5-hour ride to Kilometer 104 (Km 104), the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
After passing the official Inca Trail checkpoint, we visit our first archaeological site, Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft), an ancient religious and administrative center featuring several well-preserved stone structures.
From here, we begin a gradual 2–3 hour ascent along original Inca stone steps. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the rich flora and fauna of the region. We’ll pass a stunning high waterfall before reaching one of the trail’s most remarkable sites — Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,700 ft), meaning Forever Young in Quechua, named after a rare orchid found in the area.
Perched dramatically on the mountainside, Wiñay Wayna features agricultural terraces once used for a variety of crops, an impressive temple with seven windows dedicated to the rainbow, and sophisticated water channels that still function after centuries. Here, we’ll enjoy lunch with panoramic views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains.
We then continue for about 1.5 hours along a scenic section of the Inca Trail, with gentle ascents and descents, until we reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku) (2,720 m / 8,920 ft). This is where you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, the perfect spot for your iconic postcard photos.
After soaking in the views, we’ll descend to the bus station and take a short ride to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) (2,040 m / 6,693 ft), where your hotel is ready for you. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at a local tourist restaurant to relax and recharge for the highlight of the journey — visiting Machu Picchu itself.
Summary day 3: Inca Trail.
Distance : 12 km / 7.46 miles.
Hiking time : 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Lowest elevation : 2,170 m / 7,170 ft.
Highest elevation : 2,720 m / 8,920 ft.
Difficulty : Challenging to Moderate.
Weather : Cold and windy.
Meals included : Box Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 4: MACHUPICCHU - AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO.
Today is the highlight of your adventure — the unforgettable Machu Picchu. After breakfast at the hotel, we take one of the first buses up to the citadel to witness the magical sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas. This is an extraordinary experience you will never forget.
Your Machupicchu Condor Trek guide will lead you on a comprehensive two-hour tour, exploring the most significant areas of Machu Picchu. Based on archaeological research, the site was divided into three main sectors: agricultural, urban, and religious. You’ll learn about the history, engineering, and spiritual significance of each section, while enjoying spectacular views at every turn.
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or choose from optional activities (not included in the price):
Hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding mountains (advance reservation required with your Inca Trail booking; additional cost applies).
Visit the local museum in Aguas Calientes.
Relax in the natural hot springs of the town.
When you are ready, we’ll descend by bus to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, bringing your incredible journey to a close.
Summary day 4
Hiking time : 2 hours approximately.
Lowest elevation : 2040 m / 6,692 f.
Highest elevation : 2,450 m / 8,038 f.
Difficulty : Easy to Moderate.
Weather : Warm.
Meals included : Breakfast.
EXTRAS
– Wayna Picchu Mountain: $ 75 USD, Machu Picchu Mountain $ 75 USD – must be booked in advance if you wish to do an additional trek. Please let us know at the time of booking.
– VISTADOME Train: $ 67 USD per additional person (RETURN ONLY)
– Sleeping bag (can be rented with us for $25 USD)
– Tips for staff (Machu Picchu Condor Trek staff will be paid a fair and decent wage; once your tour is over, tips are optional but much appreciated)
INCLUDED
- Airport transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- Transporte privado de Cusco - Hacienda Huaran
- Comfortable tents (2 people accommodated in a 4-person tent).
- All camping equipment, including dining tent, tables, chairs, and kitchen tent.
- First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Mules and horses for camping equipment, plus one pack horse for up to 7 kg of your personal items (extra clothing, sleeping bag, etc.).
- Provision of an emergency horse for the group to ensure all participants can complete the trek.
- Private toilet tent for our group only.
- Comfortable foam sleeping mat.
- Boiled water for drinking and washing.
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Farewell dinner in Aguas Calientes (tourist restaurant).
- Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom.
- Round-trip bus tickets.
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu and Lares.
- Professional bilingual trekking guide (English/Spanish).
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
- Local taxes.
NOT INCLUDED
- First breakfast.
- Entrance fee to the hot springs.
- Personal tent (available at an additional cost).
- Sleeping bag (available for rent from our company).
- Sleeping bag (available for rent from our company).
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains.
- Entrance to the Inca Bridge and Sun Gate.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
- Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
- Good rain gear
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG
- 4 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
LARES TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU – 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS – PRICE & BOOKINGS
This beautiful and unique adventure through the Lares valley, combined with the short Inca trail to Machupicchu, is available year-round. even better you can choose your preferred travel dates, with a minimum of two participants. book your spot now and make this dream adventure yours.
GROUP PRICE:
- 2 Persons: $947 per person
- 3 Persons: $917 per person
- 4 Persons: $897 per person
- 5 Persons: $877 per person
- 6 persons: $857 per person
For groups of 7 or more travelers, please contact us for a special group price: info@machupicchu-condortrek.com
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter in Salkantay only Inca Trail!).
PLEASE NOTE:
Pricing is determined by the number of participants, as this trek is more exclusive and typically operates with smaller groups of just 2 to 4 people — offering a more personalized and intimate experience.
*Your rate includes an extra pack horse to carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings. For your convenience, we’ll provide a durable duffel bag where you can safely pack your items.
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS:
We offer special savings for travelers in the following categories:
Students (18–25 years old) – $25 USD off
Valid student ID required (must include: university name, student’s full name, photo, and expiration date). A copy of the card must be provided at the time of booking for government verification.Travelers under 18 years old – $25 USD off
A copy of your passport must be provided at the time of booking.Children under 11 years old – $30 USD off
A copy of your passport must be provided at the time of booking.
LARES TREK AND SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU .
4/DAYS 3/NIGHT
FROM
$
857
USD
Per Person
Group Size
Up to 16
Activity Level
Moderate
INCA TRAIL TREK DAILY VIDEOS: SEE WHAT EACH DAY IS LIKE!
THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK DIFFERENCE
Since its inception, Machu Picchu Condor Trek has been dedicated to providing authentic and enriching tours to Machu Picchu, combining exploration of archaeological sites with immersion in local culture. With a team of expert local guides and meticulous attention to detail, the agency has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences that go beyond travelers’ expectations.
Camping Equipment
7 kg personal porters included
Private restroom tents
Safety on the Inca Trail
Social Projects
¡The best trekking food in Peru!
MEET THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK TREKKING TEAM!
The majority of our team has been with us from the beginning, witnessing the evolution of machupicchu condor trek and contributing to the unique bond we share with our city. We are grateful to have such a dedicated, talented and happy team who share our mission of delivering authentic and transformative experiences. With Machupicchu Condor Trek, you’ll not only explore Inca Trail and Machupicchu, but you’ll also fall in love with the people who make it special.”
Our Super Porters
Equality Matters
Our Guides
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VIDEOS OF MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK STAFF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At Machupicchu Condor Trek, we understand that travel can present logistical problems, so we are committed to making your experience as safe as possible. We have a detailed manual that covers all logistical aspects, from proper storage of camping equipment to recommendations on accommodation and restaurants in Cusco. In addition, our staff is available at all times to answer any additional questions you may have. From your arrival to your last day in Cusco.
SIMILAR TRIPS IN CUSCO
The traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique experience and the most requested in Latin America, Machupicchu Condor Trek takes you on a trek of 04 days and 03 nights, where we will have the joy of enjoying a unique experience, there is no similar trek for its ecological and archaeological diversity.
It is a wonderful classic Inca Trail 05D/04N route and sleeps in quieter campsites away from the hustle and bustle of the other groups. It is also recommended for families with children and seniors, and it all culminates in the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu, with the perfect guided tour.
This 7 days Salkantay and Inca Trail trek is the best for those who want to live a unique experience in the middle of nature, enjoying views of the snow-capped Salkantay and the original Inca Trail. In addition, you will visit Inca constructions such as Wiñay Wayna, a wonderful Inca city located on the side of a mountain near Machupicchu.
If your dream is to visit Machupicchu through the Inca Trail and you only have a few days, we offer you this exciting trip by train and trek to Machupicchu. The 2-day Inca Trail combines beautiful scenery and archaeological sites. This trek is ideal for those who have limited time to visit the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.
Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in only 2 days and see impressive Inca constructions. The ‘Inca Trail’ crosses the national park and enters through the Sun Gate, where you will see spectacular views of Machu Picchu. Excited to start the adventure trek, and camp in the dense vegetation.
TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS
Our goal at Machupicchu Condor Trek is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
THEY SUPPORT US
