- Day tours
- Ollantaytambo- Rainbow mountain
The Lares Trek combined with the Short Inca Trail is one of the most complete and authentic ways to reach Machu Picchu: two days of cultural trekking through Quechua communities in the Lares Valley, followed by two days hiking the final stretch of the original Inca Trail up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Operated by Inca Trail Classic, a local agency with an official Ministry of Culture permit to operate the Inca Trail and 7 years of experience guiding this route.
Quick tour facts
This combination brings together the best of two distinct routes in a single journey:
It’s the ideal alternative for travelers who couldn’t secure a permit for the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail, or who are looking for a more cultural experience before connecting with the traditional Inca route.
See the full day-by-day itinerary, with altitudes, distances, and included meals, further down this page.
Documents: Original passport (mandatory, copies not accepted)
Clothing: Thermal layers for variable weather, waterproof jacket or poncho, hat and gloves, wide-brim hat, change of clothes for Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu
Gear: Small daypack, headlamp, trekking poles (rental available), reusable water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen (SPF 35+ recommended), binoculars, camera with extra batteries
Toiletries: Soap, towel, wet wipes, toilet paper
Pickup takes place at your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 AM on the morning of Day 1. We recommend staying in Cusco for at least 2 nights before starting the trek to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400 m). The tour ends with a transfer back to your hotel in Cusco at the end of Day 4.
How difficult is the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail? It’s a moderate to challenging trek. The most demanding part is Day 2, with the ascent to Ipsaycocha Pass (4,400 m). No technical mountaineering experience is required, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended.
How far in advance should I book? We recommend booking 6 to 7 months in advance to secure your permit for the Short (2-day) Inca Trail. This is because the Peruvian government authorizes only 500 total daily permits for the Inca Trail, of which approximately 250 correspond to hikers (the rest is support staff). Permits sell out months in advance, especially during the June-August high season.
What’s the best time of year for this trek? The dry season (May to September) offers clearer skies and less rain, and is the most popular — June, July, and August see the highest demand. The rainy season (November to March) has fewer tourists and lower rates, though with a higher chance of rain on the Lares Trek. The Inca Trail closes every year in February for maintenance, so no departures run that month.
Do I need my physical passport? Yes, presenting your original passport (not a copy or photo) is mandatory to enter the Inca Trail, since the permit is issued under each person’s name and is verified at the Km 104 checkpoint.
Should I worry about altitude sickness (soroche)? It’s an important factor to consider: the trek reaches 4,400 m at Ipsaycocha Pass (Day 2). We recommend arriving in Cusco (3,400 m) at least 2 days before the trek to acclimatize, avoiding alcohol for the first 48 hours, staying hydrated, and chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea, a traditional Andean remedy. Our guide team carries a first aid kit and emergency oxygen throughout the trek.
What’s the difference between this tour and the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail? The Classic Inca Trail follows the full Inca route starting at Km 82. This combination replaces the first days with the Lares Trek, offering deeper cultural immersion with Andean communities and fewer hikers, connecting with the Inca Trail only on its final stretch (Km 104), the same one that ends at the Sun Gate.
What happens if I can’t get a permit for the Inca Trail? If permits for the Short Inca Trail are sold out, our team will help you find the best available alternative. Depending on availability, we can offer a different travel date, an alternative trek to Machu Picchu, or a train tour to Machu Picchu. We’ll discuss the available options with you and help you choose the one that best fits your travel plans.
Do I need previous trekking experience? No technical mountaineering experience is required, but a basic level of physical fitness is recommended for multi-hour hikes at altitude. Walking or doing cardio in the weeks before your trip helps considerably, especially for Day 2.
Ready to combine the Lares Trek with the Short Inca Trail? Reach out to our team to check availability and secure your spot — remember, Inca Trail permits are limited to 250 hikers per day and sell out months in advance.
📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 WhatsApp: +51 954 400 642
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!
