Lares Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights

5 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 5 more

Combine the Lares Trek and the Inca Trail in an epic 5-day journey to Machu Picchu. This route takes you away from the crowds, allows you to interact with Andean communities, and takes you through breathtaking landscapes: glaciers, lagoons, waterfalls, and streams. Enjoy nature, visit archaeological sites, and experience the best of both worlds on this tour.

- The Lares Trail is a fantastic alternative route to Machu Picchu to avoid the crowds.
- Travel part of the famous Inca Trail.
- Learn from Andean communities.
- Home to one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world.
- Visit Inca archaeological sites and learn about their fascinating culture.
- Enjoy a train ride through breathtaking landscapes.
- End this epic journey with a guided tour of the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.

What's Included

Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Experienced Mountain Guide
Lunch (Optional[4])
Lunch
Dinner (Optional[4])
Dinner
Train ticket for the Ollantaytambo - km 104 section
Breakfast (Optional[5])
Breakfast
Tourist Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 3-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
All private transport and transfers during the tour
1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
1 night in a hotel in Ollantaytambo (Day 3)
Portable toilet
Tickets to enter the Lares hot springs
Hygiene products (small towel and soap)
Safety: First aid kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and emergency satellite pones
1 night camping in Quishuarani (Day 1)
Transportation of personal belongings.
Permits and ticket for the Inca Trail
Tickets to the Maras Salt Mines
Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
1 night camping in Cancha Cancha (Day 2)
Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
Gear: Inflatable mattress, Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles
Personal hiking clothing and gear
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Gratuities for the staff (Optional)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
We pick up all travelers from their hotels between 05:00 and 05:30 am.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco - Calca - Lares Hot Springs - Cuncani - Willkikasa Pass - Quishuarani

    4 stops
  • 1
    Cusco

    At 5:00 am, we will start your adventure, heading to the Sacred Valley of the Incas early.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2

    We'll make a brief stop in Calca and continue to the Lares Hot Springs to enjoy breakfast before relaxing in its medicinal waters.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Afterward, we will head to Cuncani, the starting point of the trek. From there, we will hike to the Pacchayocc waterfall and then to the highest point of the day, the Willkikasa Pass, before heading to your campsite in Quishuarani.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 4

    In the afternoon, you will explore the small community, meet the locals, and visit a children's school. Here, you will enjoy dinner and have the opportunity to stargaze before going to sleep.

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Quiswarani - Qoyalay Lake - Pachacutec Pass - Cancha Cancha

    1 stop
  • 5

    Today, we'll wake you up early with a hot beverage, followed by an energizing breakfast. We'll start the hike, heading to the Pachacutec Pass, the highest point of the trek (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). You'll enjoy the amazing 360-degree views, and then you'll have lunch. From there, we'll trek for two more hours until we reach our campsite in Cancha Cancha. You will spend the afternoon with the locals, observe their beautiful handicrafts, and learn more about their lifestyle. In the evening, you'll have another good dinner and settle in for a rest.

    17 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Cancha Cancha - Huaran - Maras Salt Mines - Ollantaytambo

    4 stops
  • 6

    Today you will wake up early to start the last stage of the Lares trek. You will appreciate beautiful landscapes and unique flora and fauna on your way to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 7

    We will arrive at the small town of Huaran for lunch and say goodbye to your muleteers and cooks.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Maras

    In the afternoon, your transportation will take us to the Maras Salt Mines, a truly unique place in the middle of the mountains.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Ollantaytambo

    Afterwards, we will head to the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where you can visit its archaeological center, and then have dinner at a restaurant and rest at a hotel.

    10 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Ollantaytambo | KM 104, Chachabamba - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

    5 stops
  • 10

    After breakfast, we will board the train to KM 104, the starting point of the hike.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 11

    First, we will stop at the Chachabamba archaeological site to explore.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Winay Wayna

    Then we will head to Wiñay Wayna, an important Inca site. Here, you will learn about its past, observe the incredible structures, and enjoy lunch.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 13

    In the afternoon, we will go to Inti Punku or Sun Gate, from where you can enjoy the first impressive views of Machu Picchu.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

    We will walk to the citadel's entrance, take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for dinner, and rest at a hotel.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 5

    Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

    4 stops
  • 15
    Aguas Calientes

    Today, we'll start the day early, at 6 am, to avoid the crowds at Machu Picchu.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 16
    Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

    Once inside, take in the spectacular views and enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the site's most significant spots. Afterward, if you booked your tickets in advance, you can hike one of the additional mountains.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 17
    Ollantaytambo

    Then, we'll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 18
    Cusco

    Your private transportation will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco to rest after your 5-day adventure.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
Supplied by Salkantay Trekking

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Tags

Hiking Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
Archaeology Tours
Small Group
Adventure Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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