Lares Valley and Short Inca Trail Tour 4 Days
from $ USD
Lares Valley and Short Inca Trail Tour 4 Days
43 Reviews | Min Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | Max Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | 5 Days from $ 1 900.00
Introduction
The Short Inca Trail trek is for those who want to visit the most beautiful Inca sites in the Machu Picchu agrchaeological park. We will start at kilometer 104 or the Chachabamba archaeological site that is part of the Inca Trail. On the way we will find a large number of amazing landscapes that include snow-capped peaks and the green valley where the sacred river of the Incas runs, as well as a lot of flora and fauna where we will find more than 200 species of birds and a similar number of orchids. We explore the Inca Wiñayhuayna place which is a magical and mysterious place. We will also observe the hummingbirds with their beautiful colors and the spectacled bear. The part of the path that most amazes hikers is the moment we arrive at the “Puerta del Sol” and Machu Picchu and all its mystery are revealed before our eyes. The next day we will have time to explore Machu Picchu.
Reservations: The number of trekking permits is limited to 250 per day (about 200 tourists and 50 guides), it is important to book in advance, especially in the high season from May to September. In low season, between December and January, tickets can be purchased approximately 30 days in advance.
The Lares Valley Trek offers a combination of impressive landscapes, traditional cultures, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. On the fourth day, travel through beautiful mountainous terrain on elevated trails and spend two nights near traditional Peruvian villages.
Perhaps one of the most picturesque trekking routes in the Americas, the Inca Trail is an unforgettable experience not to be missed.
The route takes us through the protected nature of the Peruvian jungle and jungle-steppe, passing through several Inca archaeological sites and offering impressive panoramas. The Incas used this pilgrimage route to the holy city of Machu Picchu.
Trip Details
- Altitude: 2850 – 4400m. / 9350 – 14436m.
- High season: all year
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Difficulty level: medium
- Course: closed in February
Itinerary
Cusco - Huaca Quasi Pass - Termas de Lares - Huachadas
Around 06:00 we will pick you up at your hotel and head towards the town of Lares where we will begin the excursion.
During this trip we will make a stop in the town of Calca where you can visit the local market and buy breakfast or other necessities that you may have forgotten.
Your guide may recommend that you buy some bread to give to the children you meet along the way. Upon arrival in Lares, we will visit the hot springs where you can enjoy the hot water while our chefs prepare a delicious meal.
After lunch, we start our trek to the first camp in Huachadas (3600m/11811f). During 3 hours you have to climb little by little to have a good training for the next day at the highest point of the race.
Spend the first night with our drivers taking us on the road. When you arrive, your tents will be ready and you will receive popcorn, candy, and hot tea for dinner.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Duration: 4 hours
- Keywords: Heiss
- night: charcoal
Physical Level
1, Easy
Huacawasi - Son - Sacsayllame - Aruray-Fluss - White-See - Red
After a nutritious breakfast, we start the trek to the highest point, Sacsayllame or Paso Hucahuasi at 4400m / 14435ft. The hike takes about 4 hours and is very steep uphill. Naturally, a rescue horse leads the way, so everyone gets to the top safely.
On this hike, you’ll be treated to towering mountains, a patchwork of farmland, and breathtaking views. Please note that we reach high altitudes and the weather can be very cold. After reaching the highest point, we descend and cross a beautiful lagoon before having lunch by the river.
You can relax while our chefs prepare you a delicious lunch. Then we continue descending through a forest where you can taste the “queuñas” (polylepis), a typical Peruvian tree.
This hike takes around 4 hours before reaching our camp in Pucará (3100m/10170f). A good place to enjoy hot tea and pre-dinner snacks on arrival.
- Travel time: 8 hours
- Travel time: half an hour
- Day/Night: hot and cold
Physical Level
1, Easy
Pucará - Ollantaytambo - Km 104 - Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu Town
Our trip starts early in the morning at 6:00 am, a vehicle will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo. From there you can take a small tourist train to km 104.
Once it reaches km 104, the Royal Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m/7448f) where our guide tells us about the ancient function of this archaeological site.
Then we arrive at Wiñayhuayna (2650m/8694f), the most important archaeological site after Machu Picchu. Then our route continues towards the Puerta del Sol “Inti Punku”, a beautiful viewpoint from where we can enjoy the sunset over Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f). Then we have to continue our walk to our hotel in Machu Picchu Town.
Travel time: half an hour
Physical Level
1, Easy
Machu Picchu Town - Machu Picchu Sanctuary - Cusco
We leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 a.m. by bus to Machu Picchu. We leave very early because at this time there are fewer people and the morning is a good time to enjoy the tranquility and the ancestral spirit of the most famous archaeological site on the continent.
When we arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am, our guide will give us detailed information about Machu Picchu, as well as the history and culture of the Incas. You will then have plenty of free time to explore the site on your own (for example, crossing the Puente del Inca, exploring the variety of buildings, or climbing Waynapicchu for fantastic panoramic views).
A bus will take you to Machu Picchu Town. Here you have the option of entering the city’s thermal baths (soles/10.00 soles). In the afternoon we leave Machu Picchu Town.
- Climate: hot with mosquitoes
- Travel time: 02 hours
- Total distance: 4km.
Physical Level
1, Easy
What to Bring
For the Lares Trek and the Short Inca Trail, you will have your own backpack and travel bag each day, provided by South Winds Peru during the briefing at our office in Cusco the day before the trip.
Your main luggage will be stored at your hotel or in our private warehouse in Cusco and you will only travel with a maximum luggage of 7kg. Our porters carry your personal bag, food and camping equipment.
Sleeping bag. – 4-season sleeping bag (-10°) mandatory for the trek; You can bring your own or borrow one from us.
Inflatable mattress. -We offer foam mattresses; However, if you want more comfort for the night, we recommend that you bring or rent an air mattress.
- – We will provide you with small camping pillows on this trip.
- – Walking shoes are strongly recommended for this tour.
- – Approximately 6 pairs of thick wool socks and 4 pairs of light socks are needed for evening walks or after running.
- 3 pants: hiking pants or women’s leggings are also suitable.
- Thermal underwear. – It’s very important at night.
- -We will visit the thermal baths of Lares.
- Change of shoes after the excursion and at the hotel.
- – Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lip balm, moisturizer
- – Small and light towels
- Hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
Recomendations
Backpack with rain cover, clothing for warm and cold weather such as raincoats, walking shoes, slippers or sandals (for showers and thermal baths), synthetic or wool socks, sweater, long or short-sleeved polo shirt, rain hat, suit bathing suit, neoprene suit (to enter the thermo-medicinal waters of Lares), sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol for hand sanitizer, mineral water and cleaning tablets, toiletries and toilet paper, camera (packed in a plastic bag), flashlight and batteries, snacks such as sweets and nuts, original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
What to wear in the backpack.
The backpack will always be with you. It is your responsibility to take it with you if you want your daytime walks to be as light as possible. Remember that duffel bags are only found at campsites and everything you need for the day is in your backpack.
- Passport – The original passport should always be kept in a safe and dry place.
- Student ID: If you have booked a student ID, you will also need to bring your student ID.
- A bottle of water. – Bring a reusable water container of at least 2 liters.
- Waterproof poncho. – With the canvas bag you get a plastic poncho.
- Sunscreen, hat and long-sleeved shirt. – It leaves unprotected and must be protected at all times.
- A very warm jacket. – New frosts at dawn and at the end of the afternoon.
- First aid kit: always carry personal medications, bandages, pain relievers, Cipro, anti-allergy, Diamox, etc. with you.
- Headlights, cameras, mobile phones, sunglasses
- Toilet paper. – should always be used
- Extra money. – Make sure you have small denomination cash with you.
Pricing List
What to Bring
For the Lares Trek and the Short Inca Trail, you will have your own backpack and travel bag each day, provided by South Winds Peru during the briefing at our office in Cusco the day before the trip.
Your main luggage will be stored at your hotel or in our private warehouse in Cusco and you will only travel with a maximum luggage of 7kg. Our porters carry your personal bag, food and camping equipment.
Sleeping bag. – 4-season sleeping bag (-10°) mandatory for the trek; You can bring your own or borrow one from us.
Inflatable mattress. -We offer foam mattresses; However, if you want more comfort for the night, we recommend that you bring or rent an air mattress.
- – We will provide you with small camping pillows on this trip.
- – Walking shoes are strongly recommended for this tour.
- – Approximately 6 pairs of thick wool socks and 4 pairs of light socks are needed for evening walks or after running.
- 3 pants: hiking pants or women’s leggings are also suitable.
- Thermal underwear. – It’s very important at night.
- -We will visit the thermal baths of Lares.
- Change of shoes after the excursion and at the hotel.
- – Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lip balm, moisturizer
- – Small and light towels
- Hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
Faqs Lares Valley and Short Inca Trail Tour 4 Days
Everything you need to know about Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail Tour
There are many trekking routes in Machu Picchu such as Salkantay Trek, Classic Inca Trail, Jungle Trek and lesser known treks like Lares Trek and Inca Trail in Machu Picchu. This scenic tour takes you off the beaten track to explore remote villages in the Peruvian Andes, visit untouched glacial lakes and hike with llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat, and trek the last leg of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
What is Lares Trek?
Lares Trek is a new trek to Machu Picchu that has gained popularity in recent years. This trek is perfect for travelers who prefer more cultural interaction, less crowded trails, and isolated mountainous areas that are home to llamas and alpacas.
What is the Little Inca Trail?
The 3-day short Inca Trail in the short version of the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This excursion allows you to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu twice, once in the afternoon of the first day and once in the morning of the second day.
What is Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The 5-day Lares Trek follows the same route as the 4-day Lares Trek and ultimately includes the short Inca Trail instead of taking the train to Machu Picchu.
What is the best period for the Lares Trek?
The climate of Lares Trek is very similar to the climate of Cusco, the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek. The average daily temperature is between 10°C and 21°C (50°F-70°C). The weather is cold at night and can drop to minus 0°C (30°F).
In all the districts of Cusco there are only 2 stations. In the Andes there is no summer, winter, fall or spring, only rainy and dry seasons. Lares Trek can be visited all year round; However, the Short Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, when it is the dry season.
Mario Ordoñes Quispe Salvida
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
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