Full Itinerary of the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail

Day 1: Cusco – Lares Thermal Baths – Kiswarani – Blue Lagoon

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. and drive into the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Calca, where we’ll explore the local market. We then continue to Ancashmarca to wander through its ancient stone structures and enjoy sweeping views. A short drive farther brings us to a field of towering Puya Raimondi plants—giant Andean bromeliads found only at high altitude.

After about three hours on the road, we reach the Lares Hot Springs. Here you’ll enjoy breakfast and plenty of time to soak in the mineral‑rich pools, famed for easing tired muscles and joints. From the springs, it’s a 30‑minute drive to Pampacorral, the trailhead where we start hiking.

The first stretch is a gentle two‑hour walk to the village of Kiswarani, where our chef will be waiting with a delicious lunch. Re‑energized, we continue for another two hours to our campsite beside the Blue Lagoon at 3,900 m / 12,795 ft. The route winds past potato fields, herds of llamas and alpacas, and several waterfalls—typical sights in the Lares region.

On arrival, your tent and a hot cup of tea await. This peaceful spot is perfect for relaxing, stargazing, and hearing stories about Inca astronomy.

• Campsite Altitude: 3900 m (12795 ft)
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Duration:  7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Blue Lagoon – Condor Pass – Canchacancha

We wake you early with hot coffee or coca tea. After breakfast, we tackle a four‑hour ascent to Condor Pass at 4,750 m / 15,583 ft—the highest point of the trek. En route, we pass crystal‑clear lakes where wallatas (Andean geese) swim and admire the snow‑capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray, and Qolquecruz, all rising above 18,000 ft. At the summit, we serve a well‑deserved coca tea while your guide performs a traditional offering to the sacred mountains.

A three‑hour descent brings us to our next campsite. Watch for lagoons, vizcachas (rabbit‑like rodents), llamas, alpacas, exotic birds, and more wallatas along the way.

Tonight’s camp is in Canchacancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft)—the only Lares Valley village still completely isolated from modern technology. The locals speak only Quechua, the language of the Incas. You’ll have time to meet residents, visit the school, and play games with the children. Donations of food or school supplies are gratefully accepted. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit a family home to learn about their traditional lifestyle and sample local dishes before dinner.ple local food, and see how they raise guinea pigs, llamas, and alpacas. Our chef will prepare dinner to enjoy together before a well-earned night’s rest.

• Campsite Altitude: 3750 m / 12303 ft
• Distance: 16 km/ 910 miles
• Duration: 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Day 3: Canchacancha – Salineras of Maras  – Ollantaytambo

Enjoy mountain views and a hearty breakfast, then begin our final descent into the Sacred Valley. We say goodbye to the villagers and walk through changing ecosystems—from potato fields in the highlands to corn terraces in the valley below. The hike ends in Huaran (2,700 m / 8,856 ft).

A private bus takes us to the Salineras de Maras, spectacular salt pans still harvested by local families, and then on to Ollantaytambo, the “Last Living Inca City.” We stroll its ancient streets and water channels before dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight is in a comfortable 2‑star hotel.

• Campsite Altitude: 2700m / 8856 ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Duration: 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes

We board one of the first trains to the Inca Trail, traveling from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 at Chachabamba in the cloud forest. At the checkpoint, you’ll need your original passport.

After a delicious breakfast prepared by our trekking chef, we explore the Inca site of Chachabamba and begin our hike on a section of trail abandoned in the 16th century.

A gradual four‑hour climb brings us to Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”). We tour the site and enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch before continuing to the Sun Gate—your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, a truly unforgettable sight.

From the Sun Gate, it’s a one‑hour descent to the citadel. We enter via Circuit 1, arriving late in the afternoon when most visitors have gone—ideal for photos. Afterward, we bus down to Aguas Calientes, have dinner, and spend the night in a 3‑star hotel.

• Aguas Calientes: 2000m / 6561ft
• Highest altitude: 2700m / 8858ft
• Distance: 16km / 10 miles
• Duration: 7 hours
• Meals: Lunch, snacks, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

We rise early and join the first bus queue at 5:30 a.m. to reach Machu Picchu at dawn. On clear mornings, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over the citadel. Your guide leads a 2–3 hour tour, then gives you free time to explore or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance tickets required). We follow Circuit 3 – the Royal Circuit, visiting temples, palaces, fountains, and the citadel’s finest architecture.

After exploring, we bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), then board the Vistadome train and a private van to Cusco, arriving around 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy every step of this unforgettable journey from the remote Lares Valley to the majestic Lost City of the Incas!

• Duration: 3 – 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy

Price of the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 days

Price per person:

• From US$890 - Adults
• From US$860 - Children and students

To book the Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail, you need to make an initial payment of US$200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card or PayPal.

Student Discount:

• 30$ off per person

The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate.

Valid Student ID for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:

• 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
• The ID must have the Name of the university, the name, and the photo of the student
• The ID must have a valid expiration date

Invalid Student IDs

Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:

• Traveler is older than 25
• Expired ID
• Student ID without expiration date
• ISIC cards are not valid. 

Similar tours you might be interested in: 

• Classic Inca Trail 4 days
• Short Inca Trail 2 days
• Rainbow Mountain 1 day
• Humantay Lake 1 day

Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail Tour Packing List

For the Lares Trek, you will have your daypack that you will carry every day and a duffel bag provided by TreXperience during the briefing at our office in Cusco the day before the trip. Your main luggage will remind at your hotel or in our lockers in Cusco, and you will only travel with the duffel bag with a maximum of 7 kg. Our porters will carry the duffel bag, food, and camping equipment.

During the Short Inca Trail, we will not have porters anymore. You will only travel to the IncaTrail with your backpack; the duffle bag must return to Ollantaytambo. On request, we can transfer the duffle bag directly to the hotel in Aguas Calientes. However, we recommend traveling light. 

Essentials for the Lares trek and Short Inca Trail

This is the equipment that every hiker should have: 

• Original Passport
• Small hiking backpack
• Hiking pants
• Hiking boots
• Trekking poles
• 2 liters of water
• Sunscreen
• Rain gear
• Extra money

What to put in the bag for the Lares Trek.

The backpack will always be with you. Your responsibility is to carry it with you when hiking during the day must be as light as possible. Remember that you can only find duffel bags at campsites, and everything you need during the day must be in your backpack.

• Passport. –  The original passport must always be in a safe and dry place.
• Student card. – If you have booked a student ID, you must also bring your student ID.
• Water bottle. – Reusable water containers for at least 2 litters must be carried
• Poncho, raincoat. – Plastic poncho will be provided to you together with the duffel bag.
• Sunscreen, a hat, and a long-sleeved shirt. -You will hike in open spaces without shelters and must always be protected.
• Warm jacket. -In the early morning and late afternoons, the weather is freezing.
• First Aid Kit: You must always carry personal medicine, band-aids, painkillers, Cipro, allergy medicine, Diamox, etc.
• Headlights, cameras, mobile phones, sunglasses
• Toilet paper. -Must be carried at all times
• Extra cash. -Be sure to bring money with you in small denominations.

What to put in the duffle bag during the Lares Trek?

• Sleeping bag. – 4 seasons (-10°) sleeping bags are required for hiking; you can bring your own or rent them from us.
• Air mattress. -We will provide foam mattresses; however, if you want extra comfort at night, we recommend bringing or renting an air mattress.
• Pillows.- During this trip, we will provide you with small camping pillows.
• Shoes.- For this hike, we strongly recommend that you wear hiking boots
• Socks.- You need about 6 thick wool hiking socks and 4 light socks to walk around at night or after hiking.
• 3 pairs of trousers, hiking pants, or ladies' leggings are also suitable.
• Thermal underwear.- This is very important at night.
• Swimsuit. -We will visit Lares Thermal baths.
• Sandals. -Change after hiking and in the hotel.
• Toiletries. – Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lip balm, moisturizer
• Towel. – Small and light towels
• Hand sanitizer and toilet paper

What to pack for the Short Inca Trail?

Remember that we don't have porters for the Short Inca Trail; you must carry your belongings. Below is a list of recommended items to bring:

• A small day pack or large fanny pack to carry your belongings while trekking
• Original passport
• Walking sticks or a hiking pole
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Sunscreen and hat
• Sunglasses -Bug spray
• Sunhat
• Candy, snacks, and energy bars
• Water bottle or camelback
• First Aid kit, including supplies for blister care
• Jacket or poncho in case of rain

Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail - Frequently Asked Questions

The Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu takes you off the beaten path to explore remote villages in the Peruvian Andes, visit pristine glacial lakes, hike with llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat, and hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Below, you will find the most common questions about this fantastic trek.