Discover Machu Picchu: Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic

Midscale

Upscale

Group size

Up to 8 tourists,
over 0 y.o.

Follow ancient footsteps to the heart of the Andes! There’s something unforgettable about hiking through remote mountain valleys, where the only sounds are the wind, the rhythm of your boots, and the soft call of alpacas in the distance. This trek offers a rare blend of wilderness, culture, and history—leading you through traditional Andean communities and stunning landscapes, before arriving at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate.

Over five immersive days, you'll pass glacial lakes, high passes, and small villages that are still largely untouched by modern life. Get insights from locals, see alpacas and llamas, and relax in the natural thermal springs of Lares. The journey includes hiking along the original Inca Trail—just as it was in ancient times—exploring ancient Inca religious cities along the way, and trekking through cloud forest to the spectacular ruins of Wiñay Wayna. By the time you reach Machu Picchu, you’ll have truly earned that first breathtaking view.
With experienced guides, and well-organized logistics, this trek offers comfort without losing its sense of adventure. Horses carry your gear, chefs prepare nourishing meals on the trail, and your final night is spent in a cozy hotel before visiting Machu Picchu twice—at golden hour and again at sunrise.

Only $827 USD per person with 3* hotels

Only $757 USD per person with 2* hotels

Only $697 USD without hotels (Hotel has to be booked by yourself)

Private service is available for an extra $150 per person.

Saul M. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish, Quechua

Before I became the owner and founder of our travel company, I spent a couple of years working as a porter. Then, over the next four years, I transitioned into being a guide. I've had the privilege of conducting more than 200 Inca Trail treks and exploring other alternative routes throughout the Andes. I've also traveled with groups all over Peru. My passion for the Andes mountains, Incan culture, and my knowledge of local plants has always resonated with tourists, and their appreciation fuels my enthusiasm. Realizing my childhood dream of owning a tour and trekking agency has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m committed to giving back to the communities that surround me, aiming to improve their lives and living conditions by employing locals and supporting various service projects. My experiences as a porter and guide have taught me a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—in tourism and on treks.

Tour highlights

Enter Machu Picchu Through the Sun Gate

Arrive at the iconic Sun Gate for your unforgettable first view of Machu Picchu from above — just like the ancient Inca once did

Meet the Quechua Locals and Their Llamas

Follow an ancient trail through the highlands where indigenous families herd llamas in traditional clothing and greet you in the Inca language

Hike Past Mirror-Like Glacial Lakes

Marvel at pristine alpine lakes that reflect snow-covered peaks like natural mirrors in the sky

Route details

Your unforgettable adventure through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu begins with a 6:00am pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we drive to Huaran to meet your horses and horsemen and begin a gradual 3-hour hike to the remote village of Cancha Cancha. Lunch will be served by the river, freshly prepared by your trekking chef.
At 3,900m (12,800ft), Cancha Cancha is one of the most traditional Andean communities, only recently connected to electricity in 2019 and still accessible only by foot. After settling into camp and enjoying afternoon tea, you'll visit a local family to learn about daily life in the highlands. You will learn all about life in a traditional Andean village, with your guide as your interpreter. After dinner, your guide will show you the Inca constellations on which they depended for their agricultural guidance and still do to this day.

Meals included: Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
Distance: 9kms / 5.6 miles
Time: 3.5hrs approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

We start this exciting day early—your guide will pick you up at 5:30am. Once at the train station, you’ll receive your packed lunch to carry in your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am, giving you a scenic one-hour ride to enjoy the views and have breakfast (not included). Your hotel can provide a takeaway breakfast, or you can bring your own.

At famous Km104 (2,000m / 6,560ft), the real adventure begins. After crossing the Urubamba River on a footbridge and checking in with your passport, you’ll visit your first Inca site. A gentle 1.5-hour climb offers sweeping views of the valley, followed by a steeper ascent leading to a stunning waterfall. Just beyond, you’ll find the incredible Wiñay Wayna ruins (2,600m / 8,500ft), partly hidden in the lush jungle. Your guide will share insights into the site’s history and the unique local flora and fauna before a short walk to your lunch spot.
After lunch, enjoy a mostly flat trail to the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu. The final stretch includes the famous Inca stairs and panoramic photo opportunities as you descend. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last bit of your hike to Machu Picchu.
Arriving at Machu Picchu in the quieter afternoon hours, you’ll have time for iconic photos from the “House of the Guardians” and to soak in the wonder of this sacred site. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
Time: 6hrs approximately
Difficulty: moderate

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour provider's comments

This trek is a 39 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,700m/15,419ft). The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms/9mi a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Midscale

Upscale

Tent

2 nights

Hotel

2 nights

OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.

OUR MATS: They are used to separate and insulate you from the ground. They all are comfortable.

AIR MATTRESSES: They can be rented for $20 USD.

OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal time. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers.

OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.

DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.

MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower and the biochemical camping toilet are provided on trek.

EXTRAS:

Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
Personal tent: $30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Cusco, Provincia del Cusco, Aeropuerto Alejandro Velasco Astete

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

transfer from the airport to your hotel;
private transportation from the hotel to the Huaran trailhead;
licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua;
round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes;
2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes;
admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archeological Complex;
entrance tickets to the Inca Trail national park;
2 nights hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included ((This applies ONLY if you are choosen the price which includes hotels);
4 person Igloo tents (4 person tent for only 2 people);
camping pillow and foam mattress;
delicious meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary;
cook and cooking equipment;
horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kilograms of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag, these will be carried by our mules) (on Lares Trek portion only);
provision of a horse in case of emergency (with helmet) in case of illness, to ensure the trek can be completed by all participants (only on the Lares portion of the trek);
first-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank;
boiled water to fill your drinking bottles;
guided tour in Machu Picchu;
chef, cooking equipment and kitchen tent;
transfer back to Cusco for our group;
interaction with the local kids and the community.

Extras

sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm);
air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses);
walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended);
personal tent: $30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek);
vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (Return Only);
huayna Picchu Mountain : $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek);
additional night in aguas calientes – From: $60 USD (depending on availability);
single supplement: $40 USD 3* for single travelers;
optional upgrades: hotel;
tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters.

Group size

Up to 8 tourists, over 0 y.o.

Duration

5 days

4 nights

It's important to know

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
Valid university card (if you booked as a student)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water storage: 2-3L (please bring reusable, not disposable, bottles)
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Sleeping bag (can be rented)
Headlamp: essential
Toilet paper
Good rain gear

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.

2 t-shirts
2 hiking pants at least
4 sets of undergarments
3 sets of hiking socks
Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
2 fleece or 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

TOILETRIES

Face moisturizer
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Headlamp: essential
Wool hat
Rain gear
Fleece
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
Gloves
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Trek, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco.

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON LARES TREK?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Trek, other entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have copies of both your old and new passports to make the change. Before you change your passport, keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu, or get on the train.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON LARES TREK?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually takes between 24 hours to 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. We specialises in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalized service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PACK HORSES FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.

HIKING TREK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 40 litre backpack is sufficient.

WHAT DOES THE TRAIL LOOK LIKE IN THE PEAK SEASON?
Our Trek is unique to us and an out of the way location, even during high season. We will only occasionally encounter another group.

ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE LARES TREK?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Our have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean. There are hot showers and hot water pools to soak in and relax on the 3rd day of your trek at the Lares Hot Springs. Be sure to bring your bathing suit.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TREK?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, we will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance will be required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE LARES TREK?
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, then we will pick you up there!

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, you we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20.

HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.

TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many our destinations. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places we visit and the local people.