ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAIL HIKE

LUXURY LARES + SHORT INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS

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Get ready for an unforgettable journey! This adventure is perfect for travelers who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the Incas. Hike along ancient Inca roads and marvel at the stunning lagoons, majestic mountains, traditional villages, and diverse flora and fauna along the way. Don't miss this opportunity to soak in the culture and beauty of Lares and the Inca Trail, book your trip now!

Breakfast Luxury Lares and Short Inca Trail 5 Days | Machu Picchu Luxury Hiking Tours

Embark on a journey of discovery and fall in love with Lares. This unique trek fuses the beauty of the Lares trek with the iconic Short Inca Trail, leading to the unforgettable Machu Picchu. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Incas and engage with their direct descendants on this one-of-a-kind adventure. Along the ancient Inca roads, you will witness the interweaving of past and present, as the traditional way of life remains unchanged since the time of the Incas. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, including lagoons, mountain ranges, cloud forests, rivers, and snow-capped peaks, you will be amazed by the diverse array of flora and fauna, including a wealth of bird species and exotic plants. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the beauty of Lares and the Inca Trail. 

SHORT PREVIEW OF YOUR ADVENTURE!

ITINERARY AT GLANCE

 DAY 1: CUSCO - CALCA - CANCHA CANCHA (L, D)

Today the adventure begins! Traverse modern and traditional Andean villages and arrive at the start point of the hike, exploring the highlands of the Andes.

 DAY 2: CANCHA CANCHA – PACHACUTEC PASS - QUISWARANI (B, L, D)

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andean highlands! Discover the dazzling beauty of two lagoons. Continue the hike surrounded by breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys, and lakes.

 DAY 3: QUISWARANI - LARES HOT SPRINGS – SACRED VALLEY (B, L)

The last day of the Lares trek but the adventure continues!  Nature and Culture meet during the journey while local children hike with you along the way. Conclude this journey with a rejuvenating soak in the soothing Lares hot springs and spend one night in Ollantaytambo, one of the most beautiful towns of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. 

 DAY 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO - WIÑAYWAYNA - INTIPUNKU - MACHU PICCHU - AGUAS CALIENTES (B, L, D)

An ancient Inca path awaits! Today we take the train to the starting point of the Inca Trail. Hike through a well-preserved Inca site while exploring the beautiful landscape that surrounds it. Head to the famous Inti Punku or the sun gate where you will discover Machu Picchu from a different perspective.

 DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES - EXPLORE MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (B, L)

Complete your Machu Picchu experience! Explore the most famous Inca citadel, and discover the mysteries and theories that surround Machu Picchu with an expert guide by your side. 

OUR SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE IN PICTURESS

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LARES + SHORT INCA TRAIL

 THE TRAIL  A complete experience in the Andes, hike through different landscapes until arriving at the amazing Machu Picchu citadel. This option suits perfectly for hikers who avoid crowds

 NATURE The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu passes through a wide range of microclimates as a result of varying altitudes. Along this trail, travelers hike from the Andean highlands to the high jungle part of Cusco. Lares trek is an amazing option for travelers who don´t like crowded places and are interested in connecting with nature and traditional Andean culture. 

 CULTURE & TRADITION The short Inca trail takes hikers along valleys and through mountain passes, and grants access to well preserve archaeological sites. During the Lares Trek visitors will discover friendly traditional Andean villages on the road. 

 HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE The Inca trail to Machu Picchu holds great significance as it is the only hiking trail that grants access to Machu Picchu. After hiking along valleys and through mountain passes, all hikers reach Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate – an important construction of Machu Picchu that provides an amazing view of the famous Inca citadel. 

 

 DAY 1: CUSCO - CALCA - CANCHA CANCHA (L, D)

Begin your adventure in the Sacred Valley of the Incas after a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Cusco (or grab a boxed breakfast from your hotel). Your guide will then lead you to Calca, a town located 1.5 hours away. Here, you'll have the opportunity to pick up any last-minute items before continuing your journey for 30 minutes to Huaran, the starting point of the breathtaking Glamping Lares trek.
Our experienced team will be there to greet you and guide you throughout the adventure. Start your uphill hike for 3.5 hours, taking in the stunning endemic forests along the way. Stop for a delicious gourmet lunch at "Piedra Grande" or Great Rock (3780 mt. / 12401.6 ft.) and continue hiking for another 2.5 hours, with breathtaking views of the Peruvian Andes Mountains and valleys.
Arrive at the luxurious high-end campsite, Cancha Cancha (3980 mt. / 13057.7 ft.), surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Indulge in a hot shower in the shower tent, followed by a relaxing massage using aromatic natural oils, offered by our skilled therapist. Enjoy a sumptuous gourmet dinner prepared by our chef and served in the dining tent. Finally, retire to your private and comfortable bedroom tent, equipped with all the amenities, for a peaceful night's sleep under the stars.

  • Trek starting time: 09:00 am
  • Arrival at the campsite: 16:30 pm
  • Minimum altitude: Huaran Town (2966 masl / 9730.9 ft.)
  • Maximum altitude: Cancha Cancha campsite (3980 masl / 13057.7 ft.)
  • Distance covered: 7 km/4.4 MLS (6 hours walking approx.)
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
  • Meals included: Snacks, lunch, and dinner.

 DAY 2: CANCHA CANCHA – PACHACUTEC PASS - QUISWARANI (B, L, D)

Embark on a beautiful day with an early morning yoga session to awaken your senses, surrounded by the melodious chirping of the birds. Fuel up for the day ahead with a hearty breakfast.
Today's challenge is a 4-hour ascent to reach the pinnacle of the Lares trek, the Pachacutec Pass (4690 mt / 15387.1 ft.). Enjoy stunning views of the glistening lagoons of Azulcocha and Suerococha, surrounded by the majestic Peruvian Andes Mountains as you hike. You might also meet local families and children along the way, who will cheer you on. Consider bringing school supplies to offer to the kids.
Reach the summit of the Pachacutec Pass, feeling accomplished and surrounded by breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys, lakes, and llamas grazing. After toasting to your success, take a 2-hour descent to the picturesque Qoyalaycocha Lagoon (4140 mt. /13582.7 ft.), where you'll be greeted by your chef and staff with a delicious gourmet lunch. Afterwards, continue the descent for another 2 hours to the upscale Quiswarani campsite (3902 mt./12801.8 ft), where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the local culture, perhaps buying some beautifully crafted woolen items.
Relax with a hot shower and massage before indulging in another sumptuous gourmet dinner. Retire to your luxury tent for a restful night under the starry sky. Goodnight!

  • Trek starting time: 07:00 am
  • Arrival at the campsite: 16:30 pm
  • Minimum altitude: Quiswarani campsite (3902 masl / 12801.8 ft.)
  • Maximum altitude: Pachacutec Pass (4690 masl/15387.1 ft.)
  • Distance covered: 14 km. / 8.7 mi. (8 hours walking approx.)
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner

 DAY 3: QUISWARANI - LARES HOT SPRINGS – SACRED VALLEY (B, L)

On the final day of the Lares trek, immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes while local children hike with you along the way. Conclude this journey with a rejuvenating soak in the soothing Lares hot springs.

Good morning! Start your day with a delectable breakfast before setting off on the final stretch of the Lares trek. Hike towards the Huillquijassa Pass (4400 mt. / 14435.7 ft.) and take in the stunning views of the Peruvian Andes. After a 2.5-hour descent to Cuncani (3900 mt. / 12795.3 ft.), you will be greeted by friendly alpacas, llamas, and sheep roaming their natural habitat. Take a relaxing dip in the hot springs at Lares (3260 mt. / 10695.5 ft.) before indulging in a flavorful picnic lunch. Bid farewell to your expert guides and thank them for their exceptional service. Board your private transport to your luxury hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a well-deserved rest. Sleep soundly in the tranquil surroundings of the Sacred Valley.

  • Trek starting time: 07:00 am
  • Minimum altitude: Sacred Valley – 2870 masl/ 9416 ft.
  • Maximum altitude: Huillquijassa Pass – 4400 masl/ 14435.7 ft.
  • Distance covered: 9 km 6 MLS (6 hours walking approx.)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch 

 DAY 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO– WIÑAYWAYNA – INTIPUNKU – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES (B, L, D)

Today, after a delectable breakfast, we embark on a scenic train ride on the Vistadome service, heading to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Our first stop is the Chachabamba archaeological site, located in the lush cloud forest. Here, we'll admire stunning views of the Andes Mountains, and marvel at the diverse array of orchids, birds, and other wildlife. 
We will hike until we reach the Chachabamba archaeological site (2178 mt. / 7145.7 ft.) an impressive Inca site that is surrounded by greenery. We will continue the hike until Wiñaywayna archeological inca site (2650 mt. / 8694.2 ft) the name of this site means "forever young", there we'll enjoy a delicious boxed lunch while surrounded by the serenity of nature. Then, we'll tackle a strenuous 1.5-hour hike to reach Sun Gate or Intipunku (2750 mt. / 9022.3 ft.), the entrance to Machu Picchu, where we'll get our first glimpse of the iconic citadel. After capturing some memories, we'll embark on a one-hour descent to Machu Picchu and take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

  • Hiking time:  6 hours
  • Distance covered: 12 km/7.5 mi
  • Difficulty: Moderate

 DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES - EXPLORE MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (B, L)

Today is the day to fulfill your dream of visiting the magnificent Machu Picchu Inca citadel!

Get ready for an amazing adventure! Start the day with a delicious breakfast and take a shuttle bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the iconic Machu Picchu (2430 mt. / 7972.4 ft.). Today is the day to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World and experience the magic of the perfect citadel built by the Incas. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, step into the rich history and theories of this stunning site as you explore the many temples and corridors.
After a spellbinding tour, enjoy a sumptuous Peruvian meal at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, followed by an unforgettable journey on the Vistadome train and complete the adventure with a small  Andean show, as you travel in style to the Poroy station. Your private transportation will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco, where you can rest and reflect on the unforgettable memories of your day at Machu Picchu.

  • Hiking time: 2 hours 
  • Distance covered: 4 km. / 2.5 ml.
  • Difficulty: Easy - Moderate

 

What is included?

Professional English-speaking guide

All overland private transfers are indicated in private service

Briefing for the Lares & Short Inca trail one night before your adventure. 

A private, hand-crafted, and fully personalized service with our staff

All entrance fees and permits

Meals indicated: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Professional equipment 

2 nights of comfortable camping

1 Hotel night in Aguascalientes 

1 Hotel night in the Sacred Valley 

Trained porters from local communities

Train tickets 

What is not included?

International flights and taxes

Domestic flights 

Meals not indicated on the itinerary

Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Visa and related expenses

Personal expenses & Gratuities.

Huayna Picchu or Mountain tickets (we can arrange them for you)

Services not indicated on the itinerary. 

 

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