Inca Trail Peru
Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu picchu in 4 days
Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu picchu in 4 days

Lares Trek and Inca Trail To Machu picchu 4D-3N

Lares Trek + 2 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 4 Days

The Lares Trek and 2-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique combined trekking experience that connects two iconic routes, each offering its own landscapes, culture, and history.  This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a different and authentic way to reach Machu Picchu, combining adventure, culture, and history in one unforgettable journey. Each route provides a distinct perspective of the Andes, making this combo one of the best alternative treks to Machu Picchu

How Is Lares Trek ?

  • The Lares Trek is considered an easier hike because there are fewer stone steps compared to the Inca Trail. The trails are more natural and less crowded, offering a peaceful and authentic Andean experience.
  • There are fewer hikers on the Lares Trek, making it perfect for travelers who prefer quiet landscapes and cultural immersion.
  • Along the way, you will walk with local alpacas and llamas, passing through traditional Andean villages where communities still preserve their ancient customs and lifestyle.
  • The trek offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, beautiful high-altitude lagoons, and wide open valleys. Nature is untouched and breathtaking.
  • Wildlife can include Andean condors, wild foxes, pumas, and a variety of highland birds. The scenery feels remote and truly connected to nature.
The Lares Trek is ideal for those looking for a cultural experience combined with stunning landscapes, before connecting to Machu Picchu at the end of the journey

How is the  Short inca Trail?

  1. The journey begins with a scenic train ride to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail, also known as the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
  2. Along the way, you will visit important Inca archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, two beautiful complexes surrounded by lush vegetation. As you hike, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu and the impressive Urubamba River, one of the main tributaries that later joins the Amazon River system.
  3. The trail also marks the beginning of the Amazon jungle transition zone, where the Andes meet the cloud forest. This area is rich in biodiversity, and you may spot wildlife such as the spectacled (Andean) bear, deer, and a variety of mountain birds.
  4. After hiking through original Inca stone paths, you will reach the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu — a truly unforgettable moment. From there, you continue to the citadel itself.
  5. Each day, only 250 hikers are allowed on the Inca Trail, making it an exclusive and well-preserved experience. The trek is led by expert local guides specialized in the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, ensuring both safety and deep historical insight.
  6. This 2-Day Inca Trail is perfect for travelers who want to experience the authentic Inca path in a shorter time while still enjoying archaeological sites, incredible landscapes, and the magical arrival at Machu Picchu

Is There Any Control Around Lares Trek?

Along the Lares Trek in Peru, there is a small checkpoint run by local people before you start the hike. This is simply to register how many people are going on the trek

What is the price of the tour?

The price of the Lares Trek combined with the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is $620 per person.  This price includes everything you need to complete the trek comfortably and safely. We take care of all the logistics and permits required for this unique experience.

Included in the price:

  • Entrance tickets for the Lares Trek campsites
  • Train tickets for the Inca Trail connection
  • Official permit for the 2-Day Inca Trail
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Dinner in Aguas Calientes
  • Professional guide and full support during the trek
We organize every detail so you can simply enjoy the adventure, the landscapes, and the unforgettable experience of arriving at Machu Picchu

Briefing About Lares Trek

Our briefing takes place one day before starting the Lares Trek adventure. For any Trip with Inca Trail Classic, you will have a professional tour guide who will explain all the details of your tour with us. This is also when you make your final payment before your trek to Machu Picchu.  

Itinerary

DAY 1: Lares Hot Springs – Huacahuasi (7 km/4.3 miles, 4 hours)

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, we will pick you up and begin our journey to the village of Lares , located at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level . In this beautiful and remote place, we will meet local communities, direct descendants of the Incas , and get a closer look at their way of life in the Andes. Stepping away from modern civilization for a bit will allow us to connect with nature and imagine what Incan culture was like 600 years ago .

Upon arrival in Lares, we will visit the hot springs , located just 10 minutes from town . Here, you’ll have the chance to relax in these natural thermal waters, known for their healing properties—great for relieving stress, arthritis, and muscle tension .

Afterward, we will begin our hike to the campsite. The first day’s hike is a bit challenging, with about 2 hours of walking , but the breathtaking scenery of the Andes will make it all worthwhile. Along the way, we’ll see llamas and alpacas grazing freely in their natural habitat—a perfect opportunity to take amazing photos.

During our time here, we will also get to interact with the local people, exchange stories, and learn more about their traditions and way of life. This will be a truly unique and unforgettable experience in the Andes

  •  Meals: Breakfast/lunch/tea time/dinner
  • Lowest Elevation: 2,925
  • Highest Elevation: 4,300 (by bus untill lares town)
  • Distance to walk: 2 km
  • Approximate walking time: 1/30 hours
  • Difficulty: moderate easy
  • Camping: Huacahuasi Community

DAY 2: Huacahuasi – Ipsaycocha pass – Ollantaytambo (10 km/5 miles, 6 hours)

After enjoying a warm breakfast and a cup of tea , we will continue our journey from Huacahuasi to the highest point along the route, Ipsaycocha Pass , at 4,400 meters (14,435 feet) above sea level.  From there, we will begin our descent to our lunch spot at Ipsaycocha , located at 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) above sea level.

As we walk, we’ll witness a stunning transition in the landscape, from the dry highlands to a more humid, semi-tropical region.  This hike will be truly amazing, as we pass through beautiful and remote places such as Patacancha, Willoc, and finally Ollantaytambo.

On this second day,  we will stay overnight in a hotel in Ollantaytambo,  giving us time to explore this fascinating Inca city before starting our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.  It will be a day filled with breathtaking landscapes, culture, and adventure. Get ready for an unforgettable experience

  • Meals: Breakfast/lunch/tea time/dinner
  • Lowest elevation: 3,725 meters
  • Highest elevation: 4,400 meters
  • Approximate time to walk: 6 hours
  • Distance to walk: 10 km
  • Difficulty: challenging
  • Camping: Patacancha Village

DAY 3: Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail – Machupicchu

On this exciting day, we will embark on the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast at your hotel, we will take a short 10-minute walk to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Our train departs at 6:10 AM, taking us on a scenic 1-hour and 20 minute journey along the Urubamba River until we reach the starting point of our trek at Km 104, known as Chachabamba.

From Chachabamba, we will hike a total of 12 kilometers (6 miles) along the ancient Inca Trail , a sacred royal path leading to Machu Picchu. Along the way, we will visit fascinating archaeological sites, including Chachabamba and the stunning Wiñay Wayna, also known as «Mini Machu Picchu. These sites provide a glimpse into the incredible engineering and spiritual significance of the Inca civilization.

As we continue our journey, we will arrive at the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will get our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. After taking in this unforgettable sight, we will descend towards the Machu Picchu archaeological site.

At the end of our hike, we will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), where we will spend the night, preparing for our full exploration of Machu Picchu the next day.

  • Meals included: Breakfast/lunch/dinner
  • Lowest elevation: 2050 meters
  • Lowest elevation: 2,700 meters
  • Approximate walking: 7 hours
  • Distance to walk: 12 km
  • Difficulty: easy challenge
  • Area: Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail

DAY 4: Machu Picchu inca – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

On our final day, we will take an early bus from Aguas Calientes up the winding Machu Picchu Mountain Road to reach the entrance of this legendary Inca city.

Our Guided tour of Machu Picchu will last approximately 3 hours, during which we will explore its most important and fascinating sites. We will begin at the upper viewpoint, where you can capture the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu—a moment you won’t want to miss! After that, our guide will take you on a detailed exploration of the archaeological site, uncovering its history, mysteries, and incredible architecture step by step.

Once the tour is complete, you’ll have free time to  enjoy the surroundings at your own pace before we exit together to take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.  Here, we’ll have time for lunch before catching the train back to Ollantaytambo and continuing our journey to Cusco . This final day is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the magic of Machu Picchu before returning with unforgettable memories of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure

  • meals included: breakfast / not lunch.
  • Walking time: 3 hours
  • difficult: easy
  • accommodation: your hotel in cusco

Included

INCLUDED ON LARES TREK AND INCA TRAIL

  • Professional guide who speaks English, Spanish, and Quechua
  • Briefing in your hotel one 0r two day before your trek to explain our route and other details
  • Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
  • Train ticket from Machupicchu to Ollantaytambo
  • One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance to Macupicchu
  • Tickets round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu
  • Mattress
  • Two people tent
  • Kitchen tent
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • Toilet tent
  • Chef
  • Horses to carry all the equipment (food tents chairs table..)
  • Duffle bag for your personal gear 8kls and a horse that will carry your personal belongings
  • Emergency horse in case we need it
  • Two breakfasts three lunches and three dinners
  • Hot water for washing in the morning and in the afternoon
  • First Aid kit and emergency oxyg

Meals

Please let us know of any dietary restrictions. Hot meals are prepared fresh, on-site!

  • Breakfast on days 2, 3, and 4
  • Lunch on day 1, 2, and 3 (day 3 will be boxed lunch)
  • Dinner on days 1, 2, and 3
  • Snacks between meals
  • Chef, assistants, and cooking equipment
  • Dining utensils, tent, tables, and chairs
  • Water for filling water bottles

Camping

  • Spacious tents
  • Thermarest Mattresses
  • Toilet tent
  • Hot water for washing and/or filling your water bottle to put at the foot of your sleeping bag

Van/bus transportationN

  • Transportation from your hotel to the beginning of the trek
  • Tickets to Lares hot springs
  • Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back
  • Hotel arrangements for one night in Aguas Calientes
  • Transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
  • Tickets to Machu Picchu Sanctuary and Wayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain

Not Include

Not included the trek

  • Sleeping bags
  • Breakfast on day 1 is not included
  • Lunch and dinner on day 4 are not included

  What to bring for Lares Trek

  • Original Passport
  • sunscreen
  • sun hat
  • mosquito repellent
  • small Daypack
  • your own medicinal
  • warming clothes
  • Hiking shoe
  • walking stick

Equipment

  • Headlamp and camera with extra batteries
  • Sleeping bag and trekking poles (you can rent these from us)
  • Binoculars
  • Soap, towel, wet wipes, and toilet paper
  • Water bottle
  • Bug repellent

Clothing

  • Socks
  • Casual and thermal undergarments
  • Hiking tops, pants, and shoes
  • An extra change of clothes for walking around Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Warm jacket, gloves, and hat
  • Brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (we recommend broad spectrum water resistant 35 or greater S

Gallery

Price

Name of People                    Price Per Person

  • 1-2 Person $650 USD Per Person
  • 1 – 5 Peson. $600 USD per person
Students:  discount of $20, but you have to supply us with a copy of your ISIC card when you make the booking. Children up to 15 years of age will be charged as students, under the condition that you supply us with a copy of the passport at the time of booking time. Note:  A minimum of two people is required to run the trek, and there is a maximum of eight people per group. let us know if you want to know about hotels in cusco city, we could help you  

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Lares Trek and Inca Trail To Machu picchu 4D-3N

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