Lares trek and short Inca Trail – 5 Days

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Kiswarani

Our journey to the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail begins at 6:30 am, after breakfast at your hotel. We depart by private transportation for approximately two hours to the Sacred Valley town of Calca, then continue ascending to the highest point of the road at 4,275 meters (13,891 feet), where we pause to admire the stunning snow-capped peaks.

From here, we continue to the Lares hot springs, where you may relax in the thermal waters while our professional chef prepares a delicious lunch. Afterward, we drive to the remote village of Kiswarani, known for its residents who proudly wear traditional Andean clothing.

The trek officially begins in Kiswarani, leading us to the beautiful Seven Waterfalls of Kiswarani. After enjoying this natural wonder, we continue hiking toward our first campsite, Qoyllalay, located near Yanacocha Lake. Along the trail, we encounter local farmers and native animals such as alpacas and llamas.

• Altitude Gain: 385 m / 1,263 ft
• Altitude Loss: 0 m / 0 ft
• Hiking Distance: 4 km / 2.48 miles
• Hiking Time: 3 hours (approx.)
• Campsite Elevation: 3,930 m / 12,795 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accommodation: Camping in Tents

Day 2: Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha

After breakfast, we begin hiking at 6:30 am toward Condor Pass, the highest point of the trek. From the summit, we enjoy breathtaking landscapes, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes where Andean geese (wallatas) swim peacefully.

At the pass, your guide offers a warm cup of coca tea and performs a traditional spiritual offering to the sacred mountain of Sawasiray. We then descend toward the lakes, where we enjoy lunch surrounded by Andean ducks and queullas.

This day takes us through the impressive Huaran mountain range, offering opportunities to spot Andean bird species such as condors, hawks, and swallows.

• Highest Point: 4,735 m / 15,541 ft
• Hiking Distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles
• Hiking Time: 8 hours (approx.)
• Campsite Elevation: 3,742 m / 12,277 ft
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Accommodation: Camping in Tents

Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Ollantaytambo

Today we descend through the scenic Cancha Cancha Valley for approximately three hours until reaching the town of Huaran, known for its warm climate. Along the way, we pass terraced fields of corn and potatoes nourished by glacial waters that feed the sacred Urubamba River.

Upon arrival in Huaran, we transfer by vehicle to Ollantaytambo, where we enjoy a traditional lunch at a local home. We then check into our 2-star hotel. The afternoon is free to explore Ollantaytambo or optionally hike up Pincuylluna Mountain for panoramic views.

• Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.72 miles
• Hiking Time: 3 hours
• Town Elevation: 2,848 m / 9,343 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Ollantaytambo

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

We depart Ollantaytambo at 6:00 am by train to kilometer 104, the starting point of our Short Inca Trail. Today’s trek follows one of the most beautiful sections of the Classic Inca Trail, passing impressive archaeological sites and diverse flora and fauna.

We hike along the ancient stone paths to the remarkable site of Wiñay Wayna, where we enjoy a box lunch. Continuing through the lush cloud forest, we arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the afternoon, where we enjoy our first unforgettable views of Machu Picchu.

After taking photos, we hike down to Machu Picchu and take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we check into our hotel and enjoy dinner.

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

We wake up early to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu and witness the sunrise over this magical citadel. Your expert guide provides a comprehensive guided tour of approximately three hours, explaining the history and significance of the site.

After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore independently or hike Huayna Picchu if you have reserved this optional activity. In the afternoon, we return by train to Ollantaytambo and then by bus to Cusco, where we transfer you to your hotel.

• Includes
• A porter who will carry your lunch on day 4 while you are hiking the Inca Trail.
• Entrance fee to Lares private lands.
• 7 Kilograms of your personal for only Lares trek, but not for the Short Inca trail. 
• Tranportation from Huaran to Ollantaytambo.
• Private transportation from the hotel to the Kiswarani trailhead.
• English speaking guide.
• Round trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Short inca trail permits and Machu Picchu ticket.
• Hotel of 2 stars in Ollantaytambo(Tunupa Lodge or similar)
• Hotel of 3 stars in Aguas Calientes (Tara Machu Picchu or similar)
• 3 person tents for 2 people.
• Foam mattress
• Meal service at the campsites (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 4 snacks). With option for vegetarians, gluten free, lactose Intolerance and any food allergy.
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horseman and horses 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)
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• Boiled water to fill your drinking bottles
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

• Not Included
• Sleeping Bag: $20 USD
• Air Mattress: $20 USD
• Walking Poles: $15 USD
• Personal tent: $30 USD