Lares and Short Inca Trail 4d/3n

Accommodation

• Tent: 2 people in a 4-person tent, allowing for greater comfort and backpack storage
• Toilet tent (Lares portion only)
• Comfortable foam mattress and camping pillows
• Budget hotel in Ollantaytambo
• Standard hotel in Aguas Calientes

Meals

• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs, and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
• Cook and cooking equipment
• All meals on the trail. Our professional cooks prepare a combination of traditional Peruvian and Western cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. 
• Boiled water to drink on the hike (which you can carry in your own reusable water bottle)
• Filtered water provided during the drive on the first day
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Box lunch on first day of Short Inca Trail 
• Lunch at Machu Picchu on the last day

Transport

• Collection from your hotel on the morning of the trek departure
• Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead and return at the end of the trek
• Bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (down/up/down)
• Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km104
• Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Trekking Team

• English/Quechua/Spanish-speaking professional guide
• Mules & muleteers, who carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. (Lares portion only)
• Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for our staff to sleep in, plus a budget for their meals

Safety

• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Emergency riding horse (Lares portion only)

Additional inclusions

• Pre-trek briefing
• Duffel bags for your personal items (up to 8kg/17lbs per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire a personal mule and muleteer.
• Short Inca Trail Permit
• Entry to Machu Picchu
• Entry to Lares Hot Springs

• Domestic & international flights
• Tips
• Drinks
• Souvenirs
• Meals not specified
• Hotel accommodations in Cusco before and after the trek

We offer you the opportunity to personalize your trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades. All options are available during the reservation process; please ask your sales consultant for more information.

Equipment Available for Rent

• Extra horse to carry luggage exceeding the allowed 7kg / 15 lbs per person
• Llamas to carry your own things. Note that this traditional Inca beast of burden can only carry about 7kg / 15 lbs, and will only walk in groups. The cost of hiring llamas includes a small group of 3-4 llamas and a llamero (llama driver)
• Extra horse for you to ride, and horseman to lead it
• Sleeping Bag suitable for -5˚C (1.8kg)
• Deluxe sleeping bag suitable for -15˚C (2.7kg)
• Camping pillow (0.27kg)
• Light-weight aluminum walking stick. Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.

Service Upgrades

• Single-occupancy tent supplement
• Comfort Camping Upgrade
• Aguas Calientes Hotel Upgrade

Optional Activities

• Extra Day at Machu Picchu
• If you’d like to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain , let us know at the time of booking as it requires a separate permit.

Important!

• When calculating the cost of renting equipment, calculate using the length of the entire trip, not just the number of trekking days.
• Please be careful with rented equipment! You are responsible for the cost of replacement if something is damaged or broken.
• Any upgrades or trip extensions must be requested at time of booking.
• All rental equipment needs to go in your personal duffel bag and counts towards the 8kg weight limit.

The Lares trek and Inca Trail hike is a high elevation trek. It will be cold at night, with temperatures reaching below zero. In the winter months of May to August, temperatures can reach as low as -5°C (23° F) overnight!

We recommend that you bring the following items with you:

• A fleece or down jacket is an essential item at this elevation;
• Hiking trousers with zip off shorts are a good idea, as day time temperatures can be quite warm, yet temperatures plummet as soon as the sun goes down. You can supplement these with leggings or thermals to wear underneath;
• A rain poncho or waterproof jacket is also important. It can rain or even snow at certain times of the year!;
• Water-resistant trekking boots are advisable. The trail on this hike can sometimes be muddy and wet, so we also recommend to bring extra socks!;
• A warm sleeping bag, rated to -15°C (5°F). If you prefer, you can rent one from us;
• A headlamp or torch;
• A high factor (SPF) sunscreen, a sun cap and sunglasses. The sun can be really strong, especially in dry season. Sun protection is essential!;
• Swimwear and sandals so that you can enjoy the Lares hot springs on the 3rd night;
• A small daypack to carry your necessary items for each day’s hiking.

For our full packing list for treks in the Andes, see How to Pack for a Hike.

Our blog How to Prepare for a Trek in Peru will also give you some great tips for how to get ready for your trek, before you even leave home.

• Students: USD $30 off, in certain circumstances. Please enquire for details about eligibility.
• Youth 12-17: 5% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 5-11 years: 15% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 0-4 years: 75% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking. Children under 4 will not count towards the total number of guests in a group, but will be charged 25% of the per person price based on final group size. For example, a group of 4 adults and one child under 4: adults will be charged the full price per person based on a group size of 4 and the child will be charged 25% of the per person price for a group of 4. Children under 3 will not be considered to occupy a seat on any train or bus, and instead must ride on a parent’s lap. Car seats, cribs and other baby needs may not be included and must be discussed in advance. For more information about travelling with infants and toddlers, please see this blog as well as the Age Requirements section of our Booking Conditions.
• 5% off a day tour listed price when you also book a 3-day or longer trek operated by Apus Peru

Our whole trekking team is native to the area and know the Lares region like the back of their hand! They are some of the warmest, endearing and wonderful people you are ever likely to meet.

Our guides are all licensed and receive regular training. They share their experience, professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm with our passengers on every trek.

Get to know our team!

Want to join a trek? Ready to confirm a departure date of your own, but interested in having others join you? Then Trekkers Wanted is for you! Our innovative Trekkers Wanted system matches people up who are interested in hiking the same trek, bringing costs down and multiplying the fun for everyone!

Read More about Trekkers Wanted, post your trek or search for confirmed departures!

General Information About Trekking with Apus Peru

• Each guide has their own preferred route and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group, and the guide may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.

Specific Information About Trekking the Lares & 2-Day Inca Trail

• On the Classic Lares trail you will be visiting remote, high-altitude villages. Conditions are harsh and you should be prepared for extremely cold, rustic conditions.
• This is a great trek for its opportunities to interact with local community members – a genuine and very memorable Andean cultural experience!
• The Classic Lares hike is a great wet season trek! If you want to trek anytime between December and March, read more about our Wet Season Trekking policy.
• One of the great things about this Lares trek is the chance to visit a living, breathing traditional Andean community. If you have your heart set on seeing a weaving demonstration or visiting a school, please tell us at booking. We otherwise can’t guarantee that these activities will be possible when you arrive at the village, as the school may not be in session (for instance, if it is a weekend or holiday), and community members may be out working in the fields.

Booking Your Lares & Short Inca Trail Hike

• A scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit must be provided upon booking an Inca Trail trek. This is due to government regulations which require complete passport details and full payment of the Machu Picchu entrance fee in order to issue a permit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands.
• If your passport number changes after you book, you must tell us immediately or you will lose your booking. If the name or number on your passport is different from the name or number on your Inca Trail permit, you will not be allowed to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund.
• You must carry your original passport with you on the trail.
• If you booked the Inca Trail at a student rate, you must bring your valid student card on the trail with you. If you do not present your student card, you will not be allowed to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund, nor given an opportunity to pay the full rate.

Extras & Upgrades on the Lares & Short Inca Trail Trek

• If you’d like to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, let us know at the time of booking as it requires a separate permit.
• This trek includes transportation by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on the Expedition service (Tourist Class), followed by bus transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. If you’d like more flexibility in your return travel to Cusco, consider upgrading to the Vistadome train service (Executive Class). This upgrade must be requested at time of booking.

Does this trek sound like just what you were looking for? If you’re ready to book or just want to find out a bit more information, fill out the Inquiry Form in the top right-hand corner of this page to get the ball rolling. You’ll be connected with one of our amazing sales people who will be able to turn your dream of hiking in the Andes into a reality. For more information on the entire booking process, please see our How To Book page.

Travel insurance is a must! World Nomads offers travel insurance for adventure activities.

• Total Walking Distance: 6.5 km
• Total Walking Time: 3.5-4h
• Minimum Altitude: 3200m (10,498 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4000m (13,123 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 4000m (13,123 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: -4°C to -6°C (21°F to 25°F)

From Cusco, we drive for about 4h this morning until we reach the Lares hot springs. If there is time, we will make a brief stop at the Ancasmarka ruins along the way. Lares is a well-known spot for trekkers and locals alike, and you will have a chance to take an enjoyable soak! 

We’ll have lunch here and then begin our climb up towards Rayancancha. 

We will ascend gradually for about 1.5 hours along a trail that runs alongside the Trapiche River, a river which irrigates the agricultural lands of the Lares Valley. The river’s soothing sound will accompany us as we make our way to the community of Tambohuaylla (3440m / 11,286ft). Known as “the land of dogs,” it is a tradition here for families to have many dogs as guardians of their homes and companions for herding llamas, alpacas, and sheep.

Please note: In these communities, dogs are not treated as pets in the same way as you might be accustomed to in your home country. They are working animals. They are generally well-treated and looked after, and while they might be curious about you, they are not friendly. Please ensure you keep your distance.

From this point, we will begin a zigzag ascent. We’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation and will pass several waterfalls that enhance the beauty of this natural landscape. 

After two hours of upwards hiking, we will reach our campsite at Rayancancha (3731m / 12,239ft), where we will spend the night.

We start off early from our campsite this morning, and head towards the Ruyaccancha Pass (4438m / 14,561ft). It will be a challenging day as we conquer three passes in succession, starting with the highest point on the trek: the Ruyaccancha Q’asa Pass, followed by Q’aqahuachana and Quinsaqocha.

We begin with a zigzagging ascent, surrounded by abundant vegetation such as the native queuña tree (Polylepis) and the popular kulli t’ika (Brachyotum rostratum), a purple flower known in the area as the “Inca earring.” As we continue ascending, the landscape will be dotted by roaming herds of llamas and alpacas in search of native grasses (such as yareta and ichu), as well as their temporary stone corrals.

After approximately three hours of continuous ascent, we will reach the first pass of Ruyaccancha Q’asa (4438m / 14,561ft), the highest point of the entire route. A magical place, the views from here are stunning, with majestic lakes and mountains in the distance. 

We will then continue along a highland trail until we reach the second pass of Q’aqahuachana (4380m / 14,370ft). It will take an extra 10 minutes to reach the lookout point of Q’aqahuachana Orqo (4400m / 14,435ft), a magical spot where you’ll feel like you’re “on top of the sky,” enjoying the breathtaking 360-degree views.

After enjoying this stunning viewpoint, we’ll hike back another 10 minutes to rejoin the trail, and then we continue walking until reach the third and final pass, Quinsacocha Pass (4380m / 14,370ft). From this final pass on the Lares and Short Inca Trail hike, we will end the morning with a 20-minute descent to our lunch spot at Quinsacocha (4334m / 14,219ft).

After lunch, we head down towards the village of Chaullacocha (4100m / 13,451 ft), surrounded by its signature series of 12 lakes, including its namesake “Fish Lake”.

Apus Peru has a long-time and close relationship with this community, and it is also one of the communities supported by Threads of Peru. Time permitting, we’ll have an opportunity to really engage with some community members, perhaps learning about their weaving tradition or visiting the school if it is a school day. In preparation for this community visit, we encourage you to read about being a Responsible Tourist. You can also ask for our Traveler’s Code of Conduct and read about appropriate gift-giving. We will camp here tonight.

After spending some time in Chaullacocha, our private vehicle will arrive to drive us about 2 hours down to Ollantaytambo (2792m / 9157 ft), where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

• Total Walking Distance: 13 km (8 mi)
• Total Walking Time: 7h
• Minimum Altitude: 2050m (6725 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 2700m (8858 ft)

From Ollantaytambo, we travel by train on a very picturesque route for about 2 hours until we reach Km 104, the start of the Inca Trail for us. Shortly after crossing the bridge over the Vilcanota River we visit the site of Chachabamba (2050m / 6726 ft), a lovely archaeological site with water channels and fountains.

From here, we will hike upwards for about 8km (approximately 4 hours). The trail is well established, but there are many stairs and the hike is mostly upwards! While this is one of the shortest hikes around the Cusco region, you still need to have a reasonable level of fitness to complete it. 

After our upwards climb, we arrive at what many consider the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail: Wiñay Wayna (‘Forever Young’) (2680m / 8792 ft). This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.

From here, we continue for about another hour until we arrive at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate (2730m / 8956 ft), where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu (2400m / 7874 ft). After getting those classic photos, we will walk down the last part of the trail towards Machu Picchu, taking a detour before we reach the entrance to go down to Aguas Calientes. From here, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. 

After checking into our accommodations for the night, we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner and then it’s off to bed, in preparation for the next day’s early start.

After a restful night’s sleep in your comfortable hotel, you will have time for a delicious breakfast at a reasonable hour before we make our way to the bus stop at 7:15 AM. A not-too-early start means you will enjoy your visit that much more!

We will have to wait in line for a bit to board the bus, but we will arrive to this marvellous site in time for an 8 AM entry. This is the best time of day to visit Machu Picchu, with great views, and a window of time between the Classic Inca Trail hikers and the day trippers arriving by train at around 11 AM or 12 noon. 

Once we reach Machu Picchu, your guide will give you a 2 hour walking tour of the historic citadel.  After the tour has completed, we will head to the Tinkuy Restaurant located inside the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge hotel and enjoy a wonderful buffet lunch while you reflect on our visit.

Then we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes (if you are feeling adventurous you can walk, but your bus ticket is included) where there are lots of markets for keen shoppers while you wait for your train.

We return to Cusco in the mid-afternoon by the Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will meet us and transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco. Total travel time is about 4 hours from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

If you’re feeling adventurous you may wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, but take note: this requires an extra permit, and they can sell out well in advance! Be sure to tell us at booking if you would like to add one of these hikes. For more tips on what to see, check out our Guide to Visiting Machu Picchu.