- 3 Day/2 Night
- Cusco - Ausangate - Cusco
The Perfect Combo: 2-Day Lares Trek + 2-Day Short Inca Trail
This unique adventure is the perfect way to experience two completely different worlds on your journey to Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek takes you deep into the Andes, where you’ll hike through remote villages, surrounded by llamas, alpacas, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. It’s an authentic cultural experience that connects you with the heart of the Andes.
Then, the 2-day Short Inca Trail offers the iconic opportunity to walk the ancient path leading directly into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate — just like the Incas did. You’ll even get to visit the sacred city twice: once in the afternoon light of the first day, and again at sunrise on the second, experiencing its mystical atmosphere from two different perspectives.
The trip includes 2 days of hiking (with camping on the Lares route), one night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, and double entry to Machu Picchu. It’s a journey that blends adventure, culture, and magic into one unforgettable experience.
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
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
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.
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!
INCLUDED ON LARES TREK AND INCA TRAIL
Please let us know of any dietary restrictions. Hot meals are prepared fresh, on-site!
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