Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail: The Best of Both Routes

The 4-day Lares Trek combined with the Short Inca Trail offers a unique and diverse Andean hiking experience, culminating in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This journey seamlessly blends cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and a manageable hiking challenge. Compare it to the Classic Inca Trail

Overview

Lares Trek: This part of the adventure takes you through remote Andean villages, offering a rare glimpse into traditional Quechua life. Interact with welcoming local communities while marveling at stunning natural features such as glaciers, turquoise lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
Short Inca Trail: A more accessible alternative to the full Inca Trail 4 Days, this route leads you through enchanting cloud forests and past the fascinating Wiñay Wayna ruins, all while building anticipation for Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu: The trek reaches its pinnacle as you arrive at the iconic “Lost City of the Incas,” entering through the Sun Gate.

Typical 4-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Travel from Cusco to the Lares Valley, with a short hike and relaxing visit to the soothing Lares Hot Springs.
• Day 2: Trek through the Lares Valley, crossing high mountain passes and engaging with local communities to learn about their rich culture.
• Day 3: Continue trekking, potentially reaching Ollantaytambo, the gateway to the Short Inca Trail.
• Day 4: Begin the Short Inca Trail at KM 104, hike through lush cloud forests, pass the Wiñay Wayna ruins, and enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.

Key Considerations

• Altitude: The Lares Trek reaches significant elevations, so proper acclimatization is essential.
• Difficulty: The Lares Trek is moderately challenging, while the Short Inca Trail is easier than the full Inca Trail, making it more accessible.
• Weather: Be prepared for cold temperatures at higher altitudes, especially in the evenings.
• Guides: Hiring a knowledgeable guide is strongly recommended for both the Lares Trek and the Short Inca Trail to enhance safety and enrich your experience.

Why Choose This Trek?

Cultural Immersion: The Lares Trek offers a rare chance to connect deeply with Andean culture, meeting local Quechua communities and witnessing their traditional way of life.
Spectacular Scenery: From towering glaciers to serene lakes and ancient ruins, both the Lares Trek and the Short Inca Trail showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Andes.
Ease of Access: The Short Inca Trail provides a shorter, less strenuous path to Machu Picchu, making it an excellent option for those seeking a milder hiking experience.
Embark on this unforgettable journey to immerse yourself in nature, history, and culture, all culminating in the majestic wonder of Machu Picchu..

Peru National Park Administrators (SERNANP) strictly limits the number of travelers allowed on the 4 day Inca Trail or The Short Inca Trail Hike each day, and permits sell out quickly. Let’s Secure your spot as soon as possible to guarantee your dates!

A valid passport is required to book your permit. If you don’t have your passport yet, email us at info@tourleadersperu.com We can temporarily secure your permit using your driver’s license.

At Tour Leaders Peru Adventure, we’ll secure your Short Inca Trail permit as soon as the trip’s minimum participant requirement is met.* Once met, we’ll continue securing permits for new bookings and deposits until they are sold out. Please note, permits are non-transferable to other dates or individuals.

Important: Do not make any travel arrangements until you receive confirmation from Tour Leaders Peru Adventure.
Great news! All 2026 Inca Trail Hiking trips are officially permitted and confirmed!

PACKING LIST FOR LARES TREK + SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU.

Heading out on the 2-day Lares trek? Let’s talk about packing! Being prepared is the secret to having a comfortable and safe journey. This high-Andean adventure will take you through stunning valleys with changing weather, and you’ll even get to meet some locals. Packing the right gear can make or break your trip. To make sure you’re all set, here’s a guide to what to bring and how your luggage will be handled on the trail.

When you meet with your Tour Leaders Peru guide (usually the day before your trek), we’ll give you a duffel bag. You can pack up to 6-7 kg of your personal belongings in this bag, including your sleeping bag. Our porters or horses will carry these duffels for you, along with all the camping gear and food. Just so you know, Peruvian law limits the weight a porter can carry to 23 kg (18 kg for the group’s gear and 5 kg for their personal items). If your things weigh more than the limit, you’ll need to carry the extra weight yourself or hire an extra porter.

You should also bring a small daypack for the items you’ll need during the day’s hike. Think things like your water bottle, camera, and sunscreen. You’ll have access to your duffel bag during lunch and at the campsites in the evening. Our porters usually hike ahead of the group to set things up, but we’ll all meet up for lunch, where you can grab anything you need from your duffel.

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is often described as a moderate to challenging hike. While it’s not as technically demanding as some other treks, its high altitude and overall length can make it physically strenuous.

Here’s a closer look:

• Altitude: The trek reaches elevations exceeding 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), which can lead to altitude sickness symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and headaches for some hikers. Proper acclimatization is essential.
• Terrain: Expect mountainous and uneven terrain with rocky trails and steep sections. However, there are no extreme vertical climbs or water crossings, making it manageable for most hikers.
• Distance: Covering roughly 35 kilometers (22 miles) over four days, the trek requires a solid level of physical endurance to complete daily segments.
• Fitness Level: A moderate fitness level is recommended, with the capability to hike up to 16 kilometers (10 miles) in a single day. Spending time in Cusco or another high-altitude area before the trek can help acclimate your body.
• Technical Difficulty: The Lares Trek is considered low in technical difficulty, with minimal scrambling or climbing required.

In summary, while the Lares Trek is physically demanding due to its altitude and distance, it’s an excellent choice for those with moderate fitness looking to experience the breathtaking Andes Mountains, rich local culture, and a rewarding journey to Machu Picchu..

Lodging

• Lares Trek (1 Nights): Camp Along the Lares Valley Trek with our 4 Season Tents
• Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo (1 Night): Stay in a comfortable hotel featuring en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and complimentary bottled water. Choose between a shared double or triple room for your accommodation.
• Aguas Calientes (1 Night): Stay in a Confortable hotel with en-suite bathrooms, limited Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and hairdryer. Rejuvenate at the on-site restaurant, bar, and optional spa services (additional fee). Shared double or Triple occupancy.
• Airfare.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Travel insurance: Highly Recommended
• Meals not outlined in the itinerary.

Costs for extra activities.

Gratuities for your Tour Leaders Peru guide (refer to our tipping guidelines here).
Note: Tour Leaders Peru reserves the right to adjust itineraries as needed due to weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances, group dynamics, or health and safety concerns.

Enjoy a journey that balances adventure, comfort, and unforgettable experiences!

Prices cover the entire 4-day tour package and includes door-to-door service.
We can arrange the Tour For a minimum of 2 Travelers

8+ USD 699.00 Group Size

Discounts:

Student Discount: US$30 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)

Under 18’s Discount: US$30

Optional Extras:

1. Sleeping Bag US$30

2. Walking Poles US$20

3. Inflatable air mattress $20 (sleeping pad included)

4. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña permit US$80

*If more than 5 travelers reach out to us for pricing*