Short Inca Trail and Lares Trek 5 days

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Lares trek and short Inca Trail – 5 Days

Embark on a 5-day adventure with our Lares Valley Trek and Short Inca Trail, providing hikers with the ultimate blend of experiences. Immerse yourself in the authenticity of remote Quechua villages, preserving ancient traditions, and engage in meaningful interactions with the local communities. Our meticulously crafted itinerary unfolds against a backdrop of stunning glaciers, turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, adorable Chinchillas, charming children, traditionally attired locals, and the iconic presence of llamas and alpacas.

Over the final two days, trace the footsteps of the ancient Incas along the original paved Inca trail. Explore historical wonders like Wiñaywayna and Chachabamba, culminating in a hike through the Sun Gate, leading directly to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu Llacta. Join us for a journey that seamlessly combines cultural immersion, breathtaking scenery, and a glimpse into the rich history of the Incas.

Short Inca Trail Highlights

Machu Picchu: The highlight of any Inca Trail trip is, of course, the arrival at the ancient city of Machu Picchu. This archaeological wonder is one of the wonders of the world and is a breathtaking place to explore.
Scenic Trek: Although shorter, the 2-day hike still offers a beautiful hiking experience through the Peruvian Andes. You will enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and lush vegetation.
Inca Trail: Although you will not hike the entire Inca Trail in its 2-day version, you will still have the opportunity to hike some of the sections of the ancient paved road. This will allow you to appreciate the Inca engineering and the beauty of the route.
Huayna Picchu: If you wish, you can also add to your itinerary a climb of the Hayna Picchu mountain, which offers breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscape.
Cultural Experience: During the tour, you will have the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about Andean culture.
Guided Service: Our 2-day Inca Trail trek includes a guide who will provide you with information about the history, culture and nature of the region.
Avoid the Crowd: As a shorter version of the Inca Trail, it is less crowded than the 4-day trek, giving you a quieter and more relaxed experience.

Lares Trek Highlights

Authentic Cultural Encounters: Immerse yourself in the heart of Quechua culture by visiting remote villages, where ancient traditions thrive, and engage in genuine interactions with local communities.
Breathtaking Andean Landscapes: Marvel at the stunning landscapes of the Andes, featuring majestic glaciers, crystalline turquoise lakes, and cascading waterfalls that paint a picture-perfect backdrop for your trek.
Adorable Wildlife: Encounter the local wildlife, including the charming Chinchillas, and witness the serene presence of llamas and alpacas, adding a delightful touch to your trekking experience.
Historical Exploration: Discover the lesser-known historical gems along the Lares Trek, with highlights such as ancient ruins and archaeological sites that provide insights into the region’s rich history.
Scenic Routes: Navigate through picturesque pathways that offer a visual feast at every turn, ensuring that each moment of your journey is accompanied by breathtaking views and photogenic landscapes.
Culmination at Machu Picchu: Conclude your trek with a dramatic entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, adding a sense of accomplishment and awe to your exploration.

Price
USD699.00 per person

Pay in installments with your credit card

Book with flexibility
Book now and complete the balance upon arrival in Cusco.

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Itinerary

Lares Trek & Inca Trail Tour 5 days

Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Kiswarani

Commence your Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail adventure by departing from Cusco at 06:00 am. A scenic 2-hour drive takes you to the Calca valley for a delightful breakfast. From there, our private van ascends to the highest pass at 4275 meters (13,891 feet), offering panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. Continue to the Lares hot spring for lunch, an optional dip, and meeting our horseman. The trek kicks off with a hike to the Kiswarani waterfall, where our first camp is set at an altitude of 3600 meters (11,811 feet). During the 7-kilometer trek, encounter Andean farmers in traditional costumes with their alpacas and llamas.

Day 2: Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha

Start your day with a 6:30 am breakfast before ascending to the Condor pass at 4200 meters (13,779 feet), the highest point of the trek. Marvel at unparalleled landscapes, glacial vistas, and Andean geese swimming in pristine blue waters. After a well-deserved break at the summit, descend to scenic lakes for lunch amidst Andean ducks and queullas. Trek 15 kilometers (9 miles) through the Huaran mountain range, offering opportunities to spot Andean condors, hawks, and swallows.

Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Ollantaytambo

Embark on a 3-hour descent through the Cancha Cancha valley, adorned with corn and potato farms nourished by glacier-fed rivers. Observe the awe-inspiring snow peaks and the sacred river, Wilkamayu (Urubamba). After lunch, a 20-minute bus ride takes you to Ollantaytambo, an Inca village where you’ll spend the night in a hotel.

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

Depart Ollantaytambo at 06:00 am for the Inca Trail. Take a train to kilometer 104, the starting point of the trek. Covering a captivating 10-kilometer stretch, the trail leads through the Sacred Valley, reaching the archaeological site of Winay Wayna before continuing to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Enjoy a box lunch after exploring Winay Wayna. Hike through the lush cloud forest, encountering diverse flora, fauna, orchids, and birds. Reach the Sun Gate in the afternoon, providing the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Afterward, hike for 45 minutes to the site, catch a bus to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner.

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Begin the magical day with an early wake-up to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu and witness the sunrise. Your guide will provide a comprehensive 3-hour tour of the ruins. Spend additional time exploring or opt to hike Huaynapicchu (separate ticket required). Return to Aguas Calientes, take a train to Ollantaytambo, then a bus back to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, concluding this unforgettable journey.

Inclusions

What’s Included Inca Trail and Lares 5 days

Hotel of 2 stars in Ollantaytambo (Tunupa Lodge or similar)
Entrance fee to Lares private lands.
Cook and cooking equipment
Meal service at the campsites (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 4 snacks). With options for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose intolerance, and any food allergy.
Transportation from Huaran to Ollantaytambo.
Private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
English-speaking guide.
7 Kilograms of your personal for only Lares trek, but not for the Short Inca trail.
Short Inca trail permits and Machu Picchu ticket.
Boiled water to fill your drinking bottles.
Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Round trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank.
A porter who will carry your lunch on day 4 while you are hiking the Inca Trail.
3-person tents for 2 people.
Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
Private transportation from the hotel to the Kiswarani trailhead.
Horseman and horses to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kilograms of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag, these will be carried by our mules) (on Lares Trek portion only).
Foam mattress.
Hotel of 3 stars in Aguas Calientes (Tara Machu Picchu or similar).

Not Included

Sleeping Bag: $10 USD
Air Mattress: $10 USD
Walking Poles: $10 USD
Personal tent: $20 USD

What to Pack

Packing list

Backpack: A compact backpack designed for carrying personal essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, camera, and more.
Hiking Shoes: Quality hiking shoes with a durable sole for excellent traction on uneven terrain.
Hiking Socks: High-quality socks that help prevent blisters and maintain dry, comfortable feet.
Lightweight Clothing: Opt for quick-drying, moisture-wicking attire for your hiking adventure.
Insulating Layers: Don’t forget warm layers like a fleece or down jacket for cooler evenings.
Rain Gear: Be prepared for unexpected rain in the Andean region with a rain jacket or poncho.
Sun Protection: Safeguard against the sun and UV rays with a hat and sunglasses.
Sunscreen: Shield your skin with high SPF sunscreen for sun protection.
Insect Repellent: Essential to ward off insects when hiking through forested areas.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your journey with a reusable water bottle.
Snacks: Maintain your energy levels with energy bars, nuts, or fruits for quick bites.
Personal Medication: If you have specific medical needs or take regular medication, ensure you bring it along.
Camera: Capture the breathtaking scenery along the trail with a camera.
Travel Light: Pack wisely and travel with just the essentials, considering you’ll be carrying your backpack during the hike.

Documents to Keep Handy During Your Tour

Original Passports
Original Student ID: If you’ve booked the Inca Trail 2 Days as a student, have your original student ID card and passport ready for verification at the km 104 checkpoint, the starting point of the Inca Trail.

Pricing

Price

PRICES: SHORT INCA TRAIL + LARES TREK 5 DAYS

ADULTS: 699 USD dollars per person
STUDENTS: 620 USD dollars per person

How To Apply For Student Pricing

The student price is available to students from all over the world, as long as they meet the requirements established by the Peruvian government. This discount is applicable when purchasing Machu Picchu tickets from the Peruvian government.

To qualify for the student price, you must meet the following requirements:

Your student ID must be an original ID issued by your university, made of PVC material.
The student ID must have the following information printed on it:
- University information.
- Student’s name.
- Student’s photo.
- The student ID must have a valid expiration date printed on it, which is valid for one year only. For example, if you visit Machu Picchu in 2023, the expiration date on your ID should be 2023 or 2024. If you visit Machu Picchu in 2023, the maximum expiration date allowed is 2024.
The student discount is only available for students under 25 years of age.
The International Student Identification Card (ISIC) is not valid for the discount, even if it meets the above requirements.
The only valid document for the student price is the original student ID that meets the requirements established by the Peruvian government. Other documents such as certifications or virtual cards are not accepted as proof of student status.
To apply for the student price, please send a photo of both sides of your student ID to info@incatrailspecialist.com when booking the tour. If you send it later, you will not be eligible for the student discount.

Additional Option You Can Add To Your Inca Trail Tour

HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN: 65 USD dollars. CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE Link to Availability
MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN: 65 USD dollars. CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE Link to availability
PAIR OF TREKKING POLES: 10 USD dollars
UPGRADE TO VISTADOME TRAIN: 65 USD dollars

How To Book

How To Book With Inca Trail Specialist?

To secure your spot on the Inca Trail and Lares Trek 5 Days with INCATRAILSPECIALIST, follow these simple steps:

Click the “BOOK NOW” Button: Visit our booking platform and click on the “BOOK NOW” button to initiate the reservation process.
Select Your Departure Date: Choose the day that best suits your schedule for the Inca Trail 2 Days adventure.
Provide Personal Information: Fill in the necessary details for each participant, ensuring accurate and complete information.
Payment: The final step is making your payment. You can conveniently pay using your credit card or debit card.

On our booking platform, you’ll also find optional extras, including Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Vistadome train, and Machu Picchu Mountain. We recommend booking these options along with your 2-day Inca Trail, as Inca Trail permits are in high demand and can sell out quickly. However, if needed, you can rent walking sticks in Cusco one day before your trip.

Once we have secured your Inca Trail permits, we will send you a confirmation to ensure that everything is well-organized. Rest assured that all confirmed start dates are guaranteed.