05 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu│Lares + Short Inca Trail 

The Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Are you prepared for an unparalleled expedition? Envision the mesmerizing beauty of the Andean mountains, the elegance of idyllic indigenous communities, and the enigmatic allure of the fabled Inca Trail. Now, envisage encountering all of this, not merely once, but TWICE, as you embark on a captivating voyage to the awe-inspiring marvel of Machu Picchu!

05 Day Lares trek Highlights:

Discover the Hidden Gems of Lares Trek: Embark on a breathtaking journey through the enchanting Lares Valley. Experience untouched landscapes as you trek from Pumahuanca to Puyoc, reaching an altitude of 4100m. Spot rare Andean wildlife like Viscachas and Andean Foxes. This unexplored path allows full immersion in natural beauty.

Cultural Encounters in Local Villages: Delve into Andean culture as you traverse traditional villages and interact with locals dressed in vibrant red clothing. Learn Quechua phrases and exchange stories with warm-hearted families. In Cuncani, visit a local family and marvel at their alpaca crafts.

Relax in Lares Hot Springs: Unwind in the soothing embrace of Lares Hot Springs after a rewarding trek. The therapeutic waters will rejuvenate your body and soul.

The Thrill of Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Add history and magic to your journey with a captivating 2-day Short Inca Trail experience. Hike from kilometer 104 to Wiñay Wayna, immersed in the cloud forest’s verdant beauty. Catch glimpses of elusive wildlife like the Spectacled Bear and admire the views at Inti Punku (Sun Gate) before descending to Machu Picchu. Witness the legendary Inca ruins and explore iconic sections with a knowledgeable guide.

Why book with Inkayni?

Inkayni Peru Tours is a local tour operator exceptionally recommended by its clients, guidebooks, forums, and others. Our principal objective is to provide the best service, achieve the maximum satisfaction of our customers, and assume the responsibility as guardians of Nature in all our undertakings.

• Experienced and Professional Team: Get assistance and support from our team, a group of specialists highly qualified to organize your trek to Machu Picchu.
• Eco-friendly Local Tour Operator: We respect and protect the environment and the local communities that we visit. We use biodegradable products, recycle waste, support local businesses, and donate to social projects.
• Door-To-Door Service: Pick-up and drop-off are included at no additional cost from your hotel or Airbnb located mainly in the surrounding area of the Historic Center of Cusco.
• Delicious Andean Fusion Food: During your expedition to Machu Picchu, taste delicious foods prepared by our highly recommended chefs for this kind of experience to Machu Picchu. If you have any dietary request or allergy let us know.
• High-Quality Camping Equipment: Included kitchen tent, dining tent with tables and chairs, portable private toilet, and comfortable 4 people Eureka Tent (2 people per tent).
• Comfortable Sleeping Pads: Included double thickness foam sleeping mattress, and inflatable pillow.
• Labor Welfare: We take care of all our staff, and fully comply with the salary and insurance of our porters, cooks, horsemen, and additional staff.

Overview 5 day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu:

DAY 1: CUSCO – PUMAHUANCA – PUYOC

To commence, the Lares trek of Peru commences at the diminutive village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley. We shall leisurely ascend one of the adjacent valleys, covering a total distance of approximately 14km, while ascending roughly 1150m / 3373ft, as we progress towards the village of Puyoc. Consequently, during our ascent, we shall pay a visit to the petite Inca site of Pumahuanca and acquire knowledge about the indigenous flora, fauna, and avian species that inhabit this region.

Furthermore, it is not customary for other companies to undertake this specific route for the Lares trek, thereby allowing us to relish the serenity and tranquility of our surroundings devoid of any disruptions or disturbances. Due to the scarcity of visitors in this area, there exists a favorable possibility of encountering Viscachas (a Chinchilla-like rabbit) and potentially catching a glimpse of the Andean Fox. Subsequently, our designated campsite for the evening is situated at Puyoc (4100m / 13451ft); the terrain at this altitude is rather desolate, and it is not uncommon for arid conditions to prevail here during the dry season, hence the recommendation of gloves and a hat.

• Lodging: Campsite in Puyoc

DAY 2: PUYOC – YANACOCHA – CUNCANI

Similarly, today is an absolutely breathtaking day of the Lares trek Peru and it is definitely much more manageable compared to yesterday. Starting from our campsite, we have a delightful 13km stroll ahead of us towards the charming village of Cuncani. The best part is that most of the route is downhill, making it a relatively easy journey. We will be treated to magnificent views of snowcapped peaks towering above us and tranquil mountain lakes, including the mesmerizing Yanacocha – also known as Black Water. Moreover, we will have the incredible opportunity to meet the friendly locals, who are adorned in their vibrant and traditional bright red attire.

It is fascinating to note that this side of the pass showcases a completely distinct culture compared to the other side. As we make our way down from the pass, your knowledgeable guide will share intriguing insights about the people and their captivating way of life. Furthermore, you will have the chance to learn a handful of useful Quechua phrases, enabling you to engage in meaningful interactions with the warm and welcoming local community.

• Lodging: Campsite in Cuncani

DAY 3: CUNCANI – LARES – OLLANTAYTAMBO

The focus of today’s agenda is to engage with the local residents of Lares trek Peru. Consequently, in the early morning hours, our guide will escort us to one of the residences, affording us the opportunity to interact with a local family. Similarly, the locals display an exceptional level of hospitality and are equally eager to learn about your background, just as you are intrigued by theirs. Hopefully, you have acquired a basic grasp of the local language and can pose a few inquiries, much to the delight and amusement of everyone involved. Subsequently, you will have the chance to present any gifts you have brought for the locals and avail yourself of the opportunity to purchase the region’s renowned alpaca products.

Upon departing Cuncani, a brief journey of 6 kilometers will bring us to the Lares hot springs. Along the way, we will traverse several small communities and witness the cultivation of various crops, such as Quinua and Tarwi. Furthermore, it is highly likely that we will catch glimpses of Andean parrots soaring above, easily distinguishable by their distinctive calls. Following a rejuvenating soak in the hot springs, we will be collected by our bus and transported back to the Sacred Valley. We’ll spend the night at Ollantaytambo town.

• Lodging: Casa Blanca Hotel (Ollantaytambo)*** or similar

DAY 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – AGUAS CALIENTES

Initially, we will depart from our hotel in Ollantaytambo towards the Ollantaytambo train station. The train journey will take approximately one hour as we traverse the valley to reach our starting point for hiking Machu Picchu. Our expedition commences at the banks of the Urubamba River, specifically at kilometer 104 known as Chachabamba. Subsequently, we will gradually ascend to intersect with the original Inca Trail hike at the Wiñay Wayna site. Prior to progressing towards the Sun Gate and ultimately reaching the Machu Picchu citadel.

During our journey, we will traverse a dense cloud forest that encompasses a diverse range of plants, flowers, and avian species. If we are fortunate, we may encounter some of the indigenous mammals such as Viscachas (resembling rabbit-like Chinchillas) or the rare Spectacled Bear. The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu showcases awe-inspiring vistas, providing us with the most remarkable scenery.

Consequently, following a full day of trekking, we will arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon. This vantage point grants us the initial glimpse of Machu Picchu majestically sprawled across the mountain ridge below. The lighting during this time of day creates a stunning backdrop for capturing photographs. Subsequently, descending from the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, we will proceed along the exquisitely paved stone path to hike towards Machu Picchu. However, we will only ascend to the renowned “look-out point” situated above the central section of the citadel. From this elevated position, we will then descend to the town of Aguas Calientes in the valley below for hotel check-in and dinner.

• Lodging: Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel *** or similar.

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU!

The most important aspect will be that we will be able to enter Machu Picchu as soon as it opens by waking up early and taking the first bus back up. Thus, we will conduct a 2-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel during which you will learn about the Incas and visit all of its most important features. You will then have the opportunity to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you have the permits. In the afternoon, you will return to Ollantaytambo where you will proceed to Cusco by bus.

05 DAY LARES TREK PERU INCLUDED:

• Pre-departure briefing with the tour guide.
• Personalized service with not more than 08 people.
• Professional bilingual tour guide.
• Assistant tour guide for groups of 9+.
• Professional Chef.
• Mules carry cooking and camping equipment and 15 lbs/ 07kg of your items.
• Door-to-door service. Pick-up from your hotel located around the historic center of Cusco.
• Return transportation by train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
• Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
• 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks, and 4 Dinners.
• If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food, please let us know.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs.
• Double thickness foam sleeping mattress (which you must carry).
• Inflatable pillow (which you must carry).
• EUREKA- Comfortable and very spacious four-person tent (two people use one tent).
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes, Day 3.
• Oxygen bottle.
• First aid kit.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Round Trip).
• Train ride to kilometer 104
• Permits for Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Return train ticket to Ollantaytambo

NOT INCLUDED:

• Tips.
• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us).
• Walking Sticks (Can be hired from us).
• Breakfast on Day 1, lunch on Day 5.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$ 85.00
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

WHAT TO BRING FOR LARES TREK 5 DAYS:

• Original Passport
• Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Walking shoes
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
• Insect repellant
• Toiletries and hand sanitizer
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Torch with spare batteries or Headlamps.

PRIVATE SERVICE – LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU ****Daily Departure with at least two people****
NUMBER OF PAXS	PRICE PER PERSON	ACTION
2 People	US$ 879	Book Now

Discounts for Lares Trek Peru + Short Inca Trail:

• Group of 05 or more: US$ 25.00 All of you need is to book the trek altogether at the same time.
• Under 18 years old: US$ 25.00 Please send us a copy of the passport at the booking time.
• Student Discount (Maximum Age 25 years old): US$ 25.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. Likewise, For those using a university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the map at booking. Similarly, For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. So, Please send all to info@inkayniperutours.com.  More Information about STUDENT CARD.

SERVICE	PRICE
Hire of sleeping bag 5 season	$20.00
Walking stick highly recommended!	$10.00
Single supplement	$50.00
Additional night at a 3-star hotel	$85.00