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Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days / 4 Nights
Take the adventure of a lifetime with the Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights, a trek that combines the serene beauty of the Lares Valley with the historic Inca Trail. Over the course of five days, you’ll walk through remote Andean landscapes, visiting isolated villages where time seems to stand still.
Learn about traditional weaving techniques and farming methods as you interact with local communities. After exploring the cultural richness of the Lares Valley, embark on the Short Inca Trail, one of the most iconic trekking routes in the world, offering views of spectacular mountain ranges and lush forests.
Finally, reach the fabled Machu Picchu, entering through the Sun Gate, a magical spot that provides an unforgettable first glimpse of this ancient wonder. This perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and historical exploration offers a unique experience for adventurers and history lovers alike.
Overview
Embark on the Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights, a perfect blend of cultural exploration and historic adventure. Discover traditional Andean villages, camp under the stars, and finish your journey by walking through the Sun Gate for an unforgettable first view of Machu Picchu.
Useful Information:
- Tour Type: This 5-day, 4-night trek combines the Lares Trek and Inca Trail. Enjoy scenic landscapes, cultural immersion, and the iconic view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
- Good For: All hikers, including families with younger, active children.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some challenging sections.
- Considerations: Emergency horse service is available until you enter the Inca Trail. A permit is required for the Inca Trail.
Book your Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights adventure today and create memories that will last forever, all while exploring the beauty and history of Peru.
Itinerary
Pre-trek briefing:
Before embarking on your Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights, you will have a detailed briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days prior to departure. This session, held at your hotel, provides the perfect opportunity to ask questions, go over final details, and ensure you are fully prepared for the journey ahead.
Day 1- Cusco – Calca – Lares Hot Springs (optional) – Wacawasi.
We’ll begin early in the morning with a hotel pickup, followed by a scenic 3.5-hour drive to the Lares Hot Springs, located at 3,200 meters (10,496 feet). Along the way, we’ll stop in Calca, a quaint town in the Sacred Valley, to explore its vibrant market and pick up supplies for the trail.
Upon arrival at the hot springs, we’ll meet our muleteers, organize our rucksacks, and begin our trek. The trail gradually ascends through the beautiful highland valley. Around 1:30 pm, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch at a scenic spot halfway to our first campsite.
After lunch, we continue the journey, passing through areas with herds of llamas and alpacas. Our destination for the day is Wacawasi village, located at 3,800 meters (12,464 feet). Once we arrive at our campsite, we’ll enjoy tea time followed by a hearty dinner.
For those interested, there’s an option to relax in the hot springs before the hike begins, with a cost of 15 PEN (not included). Alternatively, most hikers prefer to head straight to the first campsite. This decision will be made with your trek leader, based on your preference.
- Meals: Lunch/Dinner.
- Hiking distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles.
- Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours.
- Lowest elevation: 3,200m / 10,496ft (hot springs).
- Highest elevation: 3,800m / 12,464ft (camp site).
Day 2 – Wacawasi – Yanacocha Lagoon – Mantanay.
We’ll rise early in the morning and fuel up with a hearty breakfast to prepare for the challenging day ahead. After breakfast, we’ll begin our ascent to the highest point of the trek, Wacawasi Pass, located at 4,420 meters (14,498 feet), which will take about 4 hours from our campsite.
As we hike, we’ll encounter herds of llamas and alpacas, along with breathtaking scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. Once we reach the pass, we’ll take a well-deserved break, soaking in the panoramic views. This is also the perfect moment to honor the Andes spirits by offering Coca leaves and creating an Apacheta (a traditional cairn of stones to mark a boundary or path).
From the pass, we’ll descend to our lunch spot near the stunning Aurora Qocha lagoon, where we’ll enjoy freshly prepared meals and hot drinks while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
After lunch, we continue our descent to our second campsite in Mantanay Valley, a place surrounded by the beautiful Queuña trees, native to the high Andes. These hardy trees thrive between 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) and 4,300 meters (14,104 feet), with their rugged, scaly bark adding a unique touch to the landscape.
In the evening, we’ll relax with hot drinks and a delicious dinner, reflecting on the day’s adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
- Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles.
- Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours.
- Lowest elevation: 3,700m / 12,136 ft (camp site).
- Highest elevation: 4,420m / 14,498 ft (pass).
Day 3 – Mantanay – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo Town
A brand-new day of adventure awaits, and after a fulfilling breakfast, we’ll be ready to hit the trail. We’ll begin by descending for about 3 hours to the peaceful village of Yanahuara, nestled in the Sacred Valley. Here, we’ll enjoy our final lunch, savoring the flavors of the region, and take a moment to say our goodbyes to the wonderful muleteers and cook who have been with us throughout the journey.
After lunch, we’ll board our transportation for a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, a picturesque town known for its impressive Incan ruins and charming streets. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel and take time to relax and rejuvenate after the trek.
In the late afternoon, we’ll embark on a leisurely exploration of Ollantaytambo, wandering through its authentic Incan streets and soaking in the historical significance of this ancient town. The energy of the place, combined with its fascinating Incan architecture, offers a unique window into the past.
As the day winds down, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the town’s inviting tourist restaurants, where we’ll reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared and the stunning landscapes we’ve experienced.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
- Hiking distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles.
- Hiking time: 2 – 3 hours.
- Lowest elevation: 3,050 m / 10,004 ft (The end of the trail).
- Highest elevation: 3,700m / 12,136ft (camp site).
Day 4: Cusco – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
We’ll depart from Ollantaytambo at 06:00 am and take the train to Kilometer 104, the starting point of our trek. Today’s hike covers one of the most scenic sections of the Classic Inca Trail. Along the way, we’ll visit stunning Inca sites, spot a variety of flora and fauna, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes.
Our journey begins in the Sacred Valley and ascends the paved Inca trail towards the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna. After exploring Wiñay Wayna, we’ll take a well-deserved break for a box lunch.
Following lunch, we’ll continue our hike through the lush cloud forest, surrounded by vibrant plant life, orchids, and birds. This section of the trail offers a unique glimpse into the region’s biodiversity.
After a rewarding day of hiking, we’ll reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the afternoon, where we’ll be treated to our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu nestled on the mountain ridge below. The afternoon light is perfect for capturing stunning photos, and with fewer tourists around, it’s an ideal time to appreciate the site’s beauty.
From the Sun Gate, we’ll continue hiking for another 45 minutes to reach Machu Picchu. Once there, we’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, check into our hotel, and enjoy a delicious dinner to conclude the day.
- Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
- Distance to walk: 9.3 miles/15 km
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
On our last day, you will get up very early to visit one of the 7 wonders of the World – ¨Machu Picchu¨. At 5:30 am. We will go directly to the line to wait for the first buses to Machu Picchu.
We will arrive at the gate when the sky lights up and ascend to the top of Machu Picchu, while taking in the impressive views of the city. On a clear morning, the sunrise over Machu Picchu is magnificent; This moment is unforgettable.
Our tour guide will take you on a 2-3 hour guided tour, where we will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience.
If you have booked Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price).
Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft.
Inclusions
Included:
- Hotel Transfer: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private Transportation: From your hotel to Lares – Trailhead.
- Experienced Guide: Licensed guide fluent in both English and Quechua.
- Train Ticket: Round-trip train from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104.
- Bus Tickets: Two bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and back.
- Entrance Tickets: Admission to the Machu Picchu Archaeological site.
- Inca Trail Tickets: Entrance to the Short Inca Trail.
- Accommodation: 2 nights at a hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, storage, and buffet breakfast included.
- Camping Gear: 2-person Igloo tents (spacious and comfortable).
- Sleeping Comfort: Thick foam mattress for added comfort.
- Meals: Delicious meals throughout the 4-day trek as outlined in the itinerary.
- Cook & Equipment: Professional chef and full cooking equipment.
- Horsemen & Mules: Mules and horsemen to carry camping and personal equipment (up to 6kg of your personal items such as clothing and sleeping bag) – available on the Lares Trek portion.
- First-Aid Kit: Fully equipped first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen tank.
- Drinking Water: Boiled water to fill your drinking bottles.
- Guided Machu Picchu Tour: A guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Kitchen Setup: Chef, cooking equipment, and a dedicated kitchen tent.
- Return Transfer: Group transfer back to Cusco at the end of the trek.
Not Included:
- Sleeping bag
- Water on Day 1
- Energy snacks which can very useful such as chocolate and granola bars and dried fruits
- Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch on Day 5
- Porter to carry your personal belongings
- Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain USD $75.00
- Travel Insurence.
- Tips: Guide, Cook, Porters
Bring for the Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights:
Hiking the Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights is a high-altitude adventure, requiring proper preparation. Since the trek begins early in the morning, it’s important to pack the following essentials:
- Daypack (Eagle Creek Afar Backpack or similar)
- Original passport & Peru migration card
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Swimwear (for hot springs)
- Lightweight trekking boots with good ankle support
- 3 pairs of trekking pants (1 hiking, 1 cotton)
- Layers for varying temperatures, especially at night
- 1 rain jacket
- 1 warm/winter jacket
- Thermals (wool socks, gloves, scarf, woolen hat)
- 4 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks (bamboo or cotton/nylon blend)
- 3 t-shirts, 2 long-sleeve shirts
- Sleeping bag
- Travel-size tissues and wet wipes
- Sun protection cream (SPF 45+)
- Bug spray with 30% DEET
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack (Camelbak)
- Camera and film
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Bandages or moleskin
- Flip flops for after the trek
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, nail clippers, etc.)
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, & tips
- Plastic bags for wet clothes
- Gift for Andean children (optional)
Prices
We are flexible with departure dates and can depart any day of the week, subject to permit availability. Please note that permits are only required for your selected start date.
Price:$739USDPer person
***This exclusive small-group adventure is guaranteed to run with as few as two guests.
Discounts:
- 18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:
- Inka terra (5 star hotel) – US $380 per person per night (double occupancy).
- Hotel El Mapi (4 star hotel) – US $145 per person per night (double occupancy).
- Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy).
Train Upgrades:
- Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.
Rentals:
- Hiking poles – US$20.00.
- Sleeping bag – US$20.00.
- Private Tent – US$25.00.
Terms & Conditions
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
- Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
- You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
- You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
- The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
- Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
Cancellation By |
Terms |
| 91 days or more before departure | we will retain 50% of your deposit. |
| 90 – 30 days before departure | we will retain 75% of the total tour cost. |
| 29 – 0 days before departure | we will retain 100% of the total tour cost. |
Inca Trail Tours:
- Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
- In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
- Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
- You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
- You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
- Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
- Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
- It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
- All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems. - All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
- If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
- Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
- Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
- Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
- Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
- All tours are done in English.
Delays:
- Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.
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