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LARES TREK + SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK 4 Days / 3 Nights

Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail trek 4D/3N
  • Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Trip Type: Trekking
  • Place: Cusco
  • Journey Difficulty: MODERATE
  • TOTAL DISTANCE: 41 KM / 26 MILES.
  • GOOD FOR: THOSE WHO ENJOY HIKING AND HAVE A MODERATE LEVEL OF FITNESS.
  • CONSIDERATIONS: PERMIT REQUIRED.
  • HIKING SEASON: 11 MONTHS OF THE YEAR
  • TRAIL CLOSE: ONLY FEBRUARY.
  • ACCLIMATIZATION:  PLEASE SPEND AT LEAST REST DAYS IN CUSCO BEFORE START YOUR HIKE.
  • GROUP SIZE: CAN BE 2 OR 8 HIKER.

Overview

Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail Trek 4 Days

It is a good alternative for people who were not possible to find permits for the 4 day Inca Trail during the high season from May to August, this is a good alternative for people who love hiking.

The Lares trek with short Inca trail 4 days, is a combination of 2 days through the Andean mountains of Lares with magnificent views along the way and where you will meet native villages in the area, visiting the archaeological center of Pumamarca and the Inca trail to Ollantaytambo where you will spend the night.

On the third day you will do the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a distance of 11 km to the lost city of the Incas, you will arrive in the afternoon where there are not many people, you will be able to appreciate the magnificent Inca city and watch the sunset.

On the Fourth Day, you will return to Machu Pucchu for your guided tour within the city and you will be able to take many photos. In the afternoon you will take the train back to the city of Cusco.

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LARES TREK + SHORT INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS

  • You will enjoy the beauty of the Andes.
  • Meet native people with their typical costumes of the area.
  • You will walk the iconic short Inca trail.
  • You will arrive at the SUN GATE  – Inti Punku.
  • You will be able to appreciate Machu Picchu 2 times.

Why choose Lares trek with Inca Trail 4 days?

It is the best alternative trek after the 4-day Inca trail, considered one of the best combinations.

What to see in Lares trek?

You will visit local villages, as well as archaeological centers along the way, you will take the Inca trail from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo.

Do I need permission for the short Inca Trail?

Yes, the short Inca trail is within the historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, like the classic Inca Trail 4 days, a permit is required to enter, there are 250 permits per day (we recommend booking 4 to 5 months in advance during the hiking season). high from May to August).

What is the highest altitude in Lares Trek?

The Maximum altitude in Lares trek is the Ipsaycocha Pass 4500 meters.

What is the highest altitude on the Short Inca Trail?

The maximum height on the short Inca trail is sun Gate or Inti Punku at 2720 meters.

When is the best time to do the Lares trek?

We recommend doing the hike during the dry season, from April to October, the weather in the mountains is unpredictable, we have less chance of rain during the season.

Itinerary

DAY I CUSCO - HUACAWASI - IPSAYCOCHA PASS - IPSAYCOCHA LAGOON

DAY I CUSCO – HUACAWASI – IPSAYCOCHA PASS – IPSAYCOCHA LAGOON

Our first day we leave Cusco very early to arrive at the town of Calca, where we will stop at a local market to explore while our cooks stock up on fresh products for lunch, then we head to Huacawasi (Lares), which is the place start of our walk. Before starting the walk, we will have the opportunity to visit the community of Huacawasi and learn about the customs and traditions that are still preserved from ancient times. After this we will begin our walk, gradually ascending and passing through small towns that still wear the very colorful clothing of their ancestors and we will observe herds of llamas and alpacas. Along the way we will have the opportunity to share local experiences.

After ascending for approximately 4-5 hours, we will reach the highest pass of our hike; Ipsayccasa pass (4,500 meters above sea level). Here we will rest a little, feeling the cold of the air high in the Andes, almost touching the clouds. From here we can observe the entire chain of snow-capped mountains in the area, such as the Verónica Mountain (5,750 meters above sea level). After resting, we will descend to the Ipsaycocha lagoon (4,350 meters above sea level), a small lake with an abundance of high-altitude birds, including the Andean goose, known for its color and size; the Puna ibis, and other aquatic birds that fly through the mountains. Here we will have our first camp, near the Ipsaycocha lagoon.

  • Meals: Lunch/Dinner
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 14km
  • Hours of hiking: 6 – 7 hours
  • Minimum Elevation: 3828 m / 12559 ft
  • Maximum Elevation: 4500 m / 14764 ft
  • Campsite Elevation: 4350 m / 14272 ft
DAY II IPSAYCOCHA LAGOON - PUMAMARKA - OLLANTAYTAMBO

DAY II IPSAYCOCHA LAGOON – PUMAMARKA – OLLANTAYTAMBO

We will wake up early to the singing of local birds and have breakfast surrounded by the mountains and the lagoon in all their splendor. We begin by descending towards the community of Patacancha (3,750 meters above sea level), which is another ancestral community characterized by its colorful fabrics and indigenous culture. From here we will take a local car/van for approximately 30 minutes to the archaeological site of Pumamarka (3,750 meters above sea level), known locally as “El Pueblo de los Pumas”, a mystical and magical place in its location overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

After our visit to Pumamarka, we will have a delicious lunch and a pleasant rest. Later, we begin walking again along one of the original Inca Trails, passing through different archaeological sites, full of different flora and fauna, with incredible views of various valleys, mountains and local people along the route, finally arriving at Ollantaytambo (2850 meters above sea level), where we will spend the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 16km
  • Hours of hiking: 7 – 8 hours
  • Minimum Elevation: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
  • Maximum Elevation: 4,350 m / 14,272 ft
  • Campsite Elevation: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
DAY III OLLANTAYTAMBO - SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK - MACHU PICCHU

DAY III OLLANTAYTAMBO – SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK – MACHU PICCHU

After breakfast, we will  go to ollantaytambo (train station) from where the train trip begins until km 104. During this train trip will be able to contemplate impressive landscapes, mountains, Andean towns, snow-capped mountains and valleys, descending towards the jungle and the banks of the Urubamba River, showing all its natural beauty. At Km 104 or Chachabamba (start of today’s hike) we pass through the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. After passing through control, we visit the Chachabamba Archaeological Site (2,050 meters above sea level), beautiful in its construction and location in the valley, almost all of its architecture still intact.

Then we will ascend for approximately 3 hours to the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 meters above sea level) where we will enjoy our tasty box lunch. After a good rest, we will continue through the semitropical forest towards the mystical Inti Punku ( Sun Gate), where we will get our first incredible panoramic view of the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu. From the Inti Punku we descend approximately 30 minutes towards the citadel and we will rest in a very good place to take incredible photos. We will then head to the buses and take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Accommodations: Hotel
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 11km
  • Hours of hiking: 6-7 hours
  • Minimum Elevation: 2,050 m / 9,350 ft
  • Maximum Elevation: 2720 m / 14,272 ft
  • Campsite Elevation: 2050 m / 9,350 ft
DAY IV AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

DAY IV AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU

We start very early to take the first bus (5:30 am ) for heading to Machupicchu to make the guided tour with out many tourists to places included in the tour ( 1 hour and half) after the tour you will have a free time to explore the city and take more pictures.

If you have some ticket to visit one of the mountains as Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu mountain you will have long enough time to do it.

When you come back to aguas calientes you should be at the train station 30 minutes before taking your train back to ollantaytambo where a agency staff will be waiting for you with the bus to bring you back to Cusco and your hotel.

  • Meals: breakfast
  • Maximum altitude: 2040 m/ 6691 ft
  • Minimum altitude: 2430 m/8052 ft
  • Approximate walking time: 2 hours walking tour Machu picchu
  • Difficulty: Very easy

Includes

INCLUDED

Acclimatize Tour  Explore Cusco (optional).

  • We have for you an Optional Walk. If you have time and are interested, we can do the acclimatization tour visiting one of the archaeological centers of Cusco and discover hidden places in the city.
  • Professional Tour Guide.
  • Approximate tour of 5 hours.
  • This is a free activity for travelers who book tours from 2 days and require acclimatization.

Briefing

Informative meeting, one day before the adventure. Once there, you will receive all the pertinent information for your hike and the guide will answer all your doubts.

Transport

  • Private bus pick up from your hotel to the starting point of the trek  km 82 or Piskacucho
  • Bus ticket down.  Machu picchu to Aguas Calientes.
  • Return ticket by train EXPEDITION Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
  • Return bus from Ollnataytambo station to your hotel in Cusco.

Accommodation

  • Camps for 2 days.
  • 1 Night Hotel ***

Field Staff

  • Professional travel guide in Spanish and English with many years of experience in adventure tourism
  • Professional chef
  • Porters  to carry the necessary equipment and the personal effects of the passengers of up to 7 kg

Water

  • Cusco Andean Hike will provide you with boiled water (previously filtered and cooled) from your first lunch, last breakfast and for your bottles before each walk (you decide how many liters you need each day).
  • Drinking enough water and hydrating is very important to be able to feel good in the mountains and thus avoid altitude sickness.

 Food

  • Breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners (breakfast on day 1 and lunch, dinner on the last day are not included).
  • Option Vegan, vegetarian.

DUFFEL BAG

  • You have included 7 kg so you can carry your personal belongings (be careful with the fragile items)

Tickets

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Short Inca trail Permits

Camping equipment

  • High mountain tent for 4 people, but we use it for 2 people (more comfort for you). If you want a personal tent  we also have personal tents (you must inform us in advance)
  • Single mattress
  • Bathroom / Bath Chemical

NOT INCLUDED

  • Lares trek +  Short Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N: Breakfast not included first day, lunch and dinner of the last day.
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Walking sticks.
  • Ticket HUAYNA PICCHU and MOUNTAIN MACHU PICCHU (if you want any of the tickets you must inform us in advance to be able to make the reservation – any of the tickets has an extra cost)
  • Extra Porter to carry personal belongings of customers more than those already included (for 7 kilos to 14 kilos).
  • Tips for staff.

Huayna picchu and Machu picchu mountain both must be previously reserved more information: info@cuscoandeanhike.com

Price & Availability

INCA TRAIL AVAILABILITY

The  Short Inca Trail is a protected area. To avoid environmental and archaeological damage, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture only allows the entry of a maximum of 250 people per day.

Due to the high demand, the spaces for the Inca Trail trek are sold out every minute, so we strongly recommend that you confirm your reservation as soon as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Small Groups 2 to 8 pax
  • 24/7 assistance by our Whatsapp ✆+51 944363112
  • Extra porter 7Kg
  • Food Options  – best Chef – Vegan, vegetarian.
  • Sleeping pad included Therm a rest 
  • Professional tour guide English speaker from the beginning to end
  • 100% Quality service

LARES TREK + SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK PRICE 2024

Group service from 2 pax

  • US$ 750 per person.

Private service from 2 pax

  •   US$ 840 per person.

  • US$ 1150 One person

EXTRAS

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain –    US$ 70.00 per person.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain   –    US$ 70.00 per person.
  • Sleeping Bag – US$ 25 per person.
  • Walking Poles – US$ 20  a pair  of walking poles.

Huayna picchu and Machu picchu mountain both must be previously reserved more information: info@cuscoandeanhike.com

INCA TRAIL DISCOUNTS

  • STUDENT DISCOUNT  US$ 25.00 (Valid studend card at the time of the trek  or under 17 years old, we need to see the copy of the card for receive the discount).
  • KIDS ON THE INCA TRAIL US$ 30.00 (Just we need the copy of the passport).

Book Now

Check availability

Write to us by Whatsapp and a member of staff will be with you 24/7.

Consult our payment methods

We recommend 1st Wester Union & Money Gram, low shipping cost

Deposit and dispatch of documents

Send receipt of payment, passports or ID documents

How to book

For any of our services, you must send your personal information and a deposit of US $ 200 per person, the rest may pay at our office in Cusco two days prior to your trip, to get the student discount you must send your ISIC card original by means of a photo to our mail info@cuscoandeanhike.com:

  • Name and surname
  • Passport number
  • Gender
  • Birthday date
  • Student Card (ISIC if you are a student Yes or No)
  • Nationality
  • Email – Phone number
  • Food preferences

PAYPAL

You can make the deposit from our website by PayPal, please note that PayPal charges a 6% tax that automatically includes this option, once the deposit is made, send us the confirmation by email. To make your deposit by PayPal click on the “Pay Now” button below.

WESTERN UNION & MONEY GRAM

You can also use these means to make the deposit. On behalf of our administrator. Take into account that this deposit generates transfer costs, which our clients must assume.

  • Name: Maria
  • Last name: Catunta choque
  • Identity number: 42265390
  • Address: Urb. Progress Jr-spine L-15
  • City: Cusco
  • Country: Peru

Note:

Once the deposit is made, you will receive a receipt with the money transfer code, the client must send the receipt with a photograph to our email. info@cuscoandeanhike.com

Packing list

Lares trek + short Inca Trail trek Packing List

Packing list Make sure to pack only what is strictly necessary for the hike to Machu Picchu itself, and leave your other belongings at the hotel.

What to pack for the  lares trek + short inca trail trek?

Important items to pack for the Trail 2024.

  • Original Passport (the same name and number passport that you booked).
  • Back Pack (capacity of 36 liters).
  • Sleeping Bag that resists up to -5° celsius (23° fahrenheit) in case you are not bringing your  own, you can rent one from Cusco Andean Hike.
  • Clothes for Trekking: Hiking boots, waterproof clothes (short, pants, rain jacket), T- shirt, and light sweaters. also bring clothes and a warm sweater to change into when we rest at the campsite, preferably made of cotton to keep you warm, especially for the first two nights. when you are hiking it is best to use your waterproof gear.
  • Hiking Poles. In case you do not own any, you can rent
  • Rubber tip.
  • 3 plastic bags to be able to keep your clothes separatein these 3 categories: clean, wet and dirty
  • Toiletries: Ensure you bring enough of everything you will need for the entire trek: soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, a towel and antibacterial gel.
  • Medication: If you are currently taking specific medication, please bring enough with you for the duration of your sta. We recommend you pack some altitude sickness prevention tablets such us aspirine, coramina diamox, sorochipills or acetazolamina, anti-blister gel is also a good idea to avoid getting excessive blisters on your feet from the uphill hiking, since if this gets out of hand it could compromise your participation in the trk.
  • For those who are staying over in Aguas Calientes: Remember to bring clean clothes for your stay after the hike ends. In case you would like to visit the relaxing hot springs in Aguas Calientes. do not forget to bring swimwear and a towel.

  • Camera.
  • Flashligh and Extra Battery
  • Sun cream.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Insect Repellent.
  • Canteen or Camel bak.
  • Swiss army knife (optional)

you can also bring some small change Peruvian soles to buy beverages or somethin along the hike, but this is optional. If you are going to stay in the town of Aguas Calientes an extra night, we recommend you to bring enough cash with you.

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