Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco - Hot Springs – Huacahuasi

1. Cusco
   Pass by
   We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know once you have made the reservation and where you will be staying.
2. Lares Hot Springs
   Pass by
   Upon arrival in Lares , we will visit the hot springs , located just 10 minutes from town . Here, you’ll have the chance to relax in these natural thermal waters, known for their healing properties—great for relieving stress, arthritis, and muscle tension.
   
   Afterward, we will begin our hike to the campsite. The first day’s hike is a bit challenging, with about 2 hours of walking , but the breathtaking scenery of the Andes will make it all worthwhile. Along the way, we’ll see llamas and alpacas grazing freely in their natural habitat—a perfect opportunity to take amazing photos.
   
   During our time here, we will also get to interact with the local people, exchange stories, and learn more about their traditions and way of life. This will be a truly unique and unforgettable experience in the Andes

Day 2: Huacahuasi – Ipsaycocha pass – Ollantaytambo

1. Lares Trek
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   After a hearty breakfast, we ascend to the Ipsaycocha Pass at 4,400m (14,435 ft), the highest point of the trek, before descending to the stunning Ipsaycocha Lake for lunch. Along the way, the scenery transforms from high Andean peaks to lush, semi-tropical valleys, passing through authentic villages like Patacancha and Willoc until we reach Ollantaytambo.
   
   The day ends with a comfortable night in a hotel, giving you time to explore this living Inca town before starting the legendary Inca Trail. A perfect blend of landscapes, culture, and adventure awaits.

Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Inca Trail – Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

1. Ollantaytambo
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   After an early breakfast at your hotel, we will take a short 10-minute walk to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
2. Inca Trail
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   Our train departs at 6:10 AM, taking us on a scenic 1-hour and 20-minute journey along the Urubamba River until we reach the starting point of our trek at Km 104, known as Chachabamba.
   
   From Chachabamba, we will hike a total of 12 kilometers (6 miles) along the ancient Inca Trail, a sacred royal path leading to Machu Picchu. Along the way, we will visit fascinating archaeological sites, including Chachabamba and the stunning Wiñay Wayna, also known as «Mini Machu Picchu.» These sites provide a glimpse into the incredible engineering and spiritual significance of the Inca civilization.
3. Inti Punku Sun Gate
   1h · Admission ticket included
   As we continue our journey, we will arrive at the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will get our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. After taking in this unforgettable sight.
4. Machu Picchu
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   After taking in this unforgettable sight, we will descend towards the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
5. Aguas Calientes
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   t the end of our hike, we will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), where we will spend the night, preparing for our full exploration of Machu Picchu the next day.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

1. Machu Picchu
   3h
   At sunrise, we take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and begin a guided tour of its most iconic sites. From the famous postcard viewpoint to the intricate temples and terraces, you’ll uncover the mysteries and genius of this Inca masterpiece during a 3-hour exploration.
   
   Afterward, enjoy free time to soak in the atmosphere before returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then boarding the train back to Cusco. The perfect ending to a journey filled with history, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Pickup details

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know once you have made the reservation.

• 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