- Itinerary
Full 5-Day Itinerary Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Cuncani Community – Quishuarani
Your Lares Trek adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a scenic three-hour drive through Andean landscapes to the Lares Hot Springs, where a delicious breakfast and relaxing soak in the natural volcanic pools await—perfect for recharging before the trek.
Afterward, we start our hike, meeting our local horsemen and llamas, just as the Incas once did. You’ll learn about their cultural importance and have the chance to visit traditional Andean villages, meet local families, and even stop by a Quechua-speaking school.
The day ends with a gentle uphill walk to our first campsite, where our trekking team will welcome you with hot tea, a freshly prepared dinner, and a magical night of stargazing in the Andes.
- Camp Elevation: 3,850 meters / 1,2631 fort Trekking
- Weather: Cold
- Distance: 10 km/ 6.21371 miles
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2: Quishuarani Community – Cancha Cancha
Wake up to a warm drink and stunning views of Kiswarani Valley and its crystal-clear lake. After breakfast, we’ll begin a challenging yet rewarding ascent to the Condor Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), the highest point of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll see llamas, alpacas, waterfalls, and mountain lakes, surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes.
After reaching the top and enjoying 360° views above the clouds, we descend toward Cancha Cancha, a traditional Quechua village where time stands still. Here, you’ll meet local families, learn about Inca weaving techniques, and share moments with children who still speak the ancient Quechua language. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and spend the night under the stars, immersed in authentic Andean culture.
- Camp Elevation: 12,303 ft / 3,850 meters
- Weather: Cold
- Elevation Gain: 2,750 ft / 870 meters
- Walking Distance: 15 km
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras salt Mine – Ollantaytambo
Wake up with a hot drink and breakfast before exploring Cancha Cancha, one of the last traditional Quechua villages where the ancient Inca language is still spoken. After visiting the local school, we’ll begin our final descent toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing herds of llamas and alpacas and fields of potatoes, quinoa, and fava beans cultivated using ancient Inca farming techniques.
As the landscape warms, you’ll see new crops like corn, avocados, and peaches, a reflection of the region’s unique microclimates. Our hike ends in Huaran (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), where we’ll say goodbye to our trekking team and continue by private transport to the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras). These stunning terraced salt pools, dating back to pre-Inca times, produce mineral-rich pink salt still harvested by local families today.
After exploring this remarkable site, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo, a charming Inca town where we’ll spend the night before continuing the journey to Machu Picchu.
- Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,562 ft
- Weather: Cold
- Walking Distance: 6.2 miles / 7 km
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Your adventure continues early as we pick you up at 5:30 a.m. and take the train to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train rides through the Sacred Valley, with views of the Urubamba River, snow-capped peaks, and lush cloud forests.
After breakfast, we’ll visit Chachabamba, an ancient Inca checkpoint, before hiking uphill to the stunning Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, surrounded by waterfalls, orchids, and panoramic views of the Andes. After lunch, we continue toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where the first magical view of Machu Picchu unfolds before you—an unforgettable moment.
We’ll then descend to the citadel for photos before taking a short bus ride to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax at your hotel and enjoy dinner in one of the town’s best local restaurants.
- Elevations: 2,500 m / Sun Gate 2,720 m
- Weather: Humid
- Walking Distance: 14 km / 9 miles
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Wake up early and catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) to witness the sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas—a truly unforgettable experience. Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour private tour through the most iconic temples, terraces, and sacred sites, sharing fascinating stories about Inca history and culture.
Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the citadel on your own or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with prior reservation) for breathtaking panoramic views. Later, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch or relax in the hot springs before boarding your afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private transfer will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding your unforgettable Machu Picchu adventure.
- Meals Included: Breakfast Only
- Included
- Pick up: From the airport (send fly details).
- Local Guide: Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
- Briefing: We will have an information session, you will receive a travel bag, the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Lares Permits: All permits Are guaranteed according to availability, As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.
- Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions or preference for a train service, please let us know. Additionally, your bus ticket from Aguas Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes will be included.
- Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, and two person dormitory tents
- Hotel: This trek includes a one-night 3-star the third day hotel in Ollantaytambo. We have a selection of hotels, great service and accommodation (if you have any suggestions let us know).
- Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on third day. Lunch the last day is not included.
- Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.
- Travel bags: Our travel bags will be delivered to you, where you will carry your clothes and other personal items, sleeping bags and a mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos.
- First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
- Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.
- Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price.
- Satellite Phones: Our team has a satellite phone.
- Transfer Airport: Free shuttle to airport, round trip.
- Not Included
- Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. This trek has a duration of about 50 minutes and is quite the walk. It has a cost of 75 USD, and for us to be able to get permission for this mountain, you must let us know a month in advance due to its popularity.
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Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest:
Inflatable air mattress : $ 15
Walking sticks: $ 10
Sleeping bag: $ 20 - Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb.
- Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.
- Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory, normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days.
- Prices
Only group services are offered for the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail 5-day hike to Machu Picchu (from 2 persons). Then, we’ll open this service for you with a minimum of 2 people.
Price per person
USD$ 919
Only Tours
- Student discount
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The student discount applies only to people who present their valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Children under 17 years of age or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of the university card. For children 17 and under, we need a passport copy for booking.
Discount: $ 30 off per person - Additional Items
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Huayna Picchu Mountain: $ 75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $ 75 per person
- Packing List
- Passport
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Face moisturizer
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (IPhone)
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
