LARES TREK AND INCA TRAIL 4 Days 3 Nights
Why choose between culture and history when you can have both? The Lares Trek more Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days and 3 Nights is the perfect hybrid adventure for travelers who want to experience authentic Andean life and walk the original Inca path in a single trip.
This exclusive Lares trek experience begins in the remote highlands, where you will immerse yourself in “Living Culture,” meeting locals in traditional dress and relaxing in thermal baths. Then, you will switch gears to conquer the legendary Short Inca Trail, hiking past ancient ruins and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate—a privilege reserved only for Inca Trail hikers.
With Local Trekkers Peru, you get a seamless journey: from the high mountain passes of the Lares trail Peru to the lush cloud forest of the Incas. Prepare for the most complete trekking adventure in Cusco.
LARES TREK AND INCA TRAIL 4 Days 3 Nights Why choose between culture and history when you can have both? The Lares Trek more Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days and 3 Nights is the perfect hybrid adventure for travelers who want to experience authentic Andean life and walk the original Inca path in a single trip. This exclusive Lares trek experience begins in the remote highlands, where you will immerse yourself in “Living Culture,” meeting locals in tradi See More
Locations Visited:
Lares Valley, Ollamtaytambo & Machu Picchu
Starting Altitude:
3250 masl = 10662 pieds.
Highest Point:
4450 masl = 14599 pieds
Group:
Minimum 2 paxs & Maximum 10 paxs
Physical Grading:
3/5
- We have competitive prices
- Fast customer service all the time
- Guaranteed lifetime experience
- We have social responsibility, we do social work
Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Calca – Lares Hot Springs – Wacahuasi
Relaxing thermal waters and immersion in the high Andes.
05:30 AM – Pickup & Scenic Drive: We start our journey early. We pick you up from your hotel lobby in Cusco to travel towards the Sacred Valley. We stop at a scenic lookout for panoramic photos before arriving in Calca to visit the vibrant local market.
Lares Hot Springs: We continue for 2 hours to the village of Lares (3,100 m / 10,170 ft). Here, we meet our road team (chef and carriers). Before the hike, you can relax in the medicinal Lares Hot Springs (3,250 m / 10,662 ft), with temperatures between 28°C and 34°C.
The Trek Begins: We start walking on flat terrain for 2 hours to acclimatize, reaching the Vilcabamba Bridge for lunch.
Hike to Wacahuasi: After a break, we hike for 3 hours to the village of Wacahuasi (3,750 m / 12,303 ft). Along the way, you will be welcomed by local children in traditional costumes—a heartwarming cultural exchange.
Camping Under the Stars: We set up camp in Wacahuasi. Note: It will be a cold night, so warm layers are essential. We will enjoy tea time and a delicious dinner before sleeping in the quiet of the mountains.
KEY DATA – DAY 1
- Total Distance: 11 km (6.84 miles).
- Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours.
- Max Altitude: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft.
- Highlight: Hot Springs & Local Culture.
Day 02: Wacahuasi – Sacsallaully Pass – Yanahuara
Conquering the summit and descending to the Sacred Valley.
06:00 AM – The High Pass Challenge: After breakfast, we begin our ascent to the highest point: Sacsallaully Pass (4,646 m / 15,242 ft).
Alpine Views & Wildlife: From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and Lake Aruraycocha. Look out for native birds like the Cara Cara and herds of llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
Descent through Native Forests: We descend past pristine lakes and through a forest of Queuñas (native Inca trees). We stop for lunch by a lake with stunning views.
Arrival in Yanahuara: The landscape shifts dramatically as we descend into the lush valley to reach Yanahuara (2,780 m / 9,120 ft), a warm and cozy village in the Sacred Valley. Here, we set up our second campsite.
KEY DATA – DAY 2
- Total Distance: 18 km (11.18 miles).
- Walking Time: 8 to 9 hours.
- Max Altitude: 4,646 m / 15,242 ft.
- Highlight: High Mountain Pass & Glacial Lakes.
Day 03: Yanahuara – Short Inca Trail (Km 104) – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Entering the path of the Incas.
Train to Km 104: After breakfast, we drive to Ollantaytambo to board the train (1 hour) to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
Chachabamba & Wiñay Wayna: We cross the bridge over the Willkamayuc (Sacred River) and visit the Chachabamba archaeological site. We then hike uphill for 4 hours through semi-tropical forest and waterfalls to reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), famous for its spectacular agricultural terraces and the Temple of the Rainbow.
The Sun Gate (Inti Punku): After a box lunch, we hike 2 hours to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Here, you will get your first, unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Descent to Aguas Calientes: We descend to the citadel for photos (panoramic view only today) and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. We spend the night in a comfortable hotel and enjoy an à la carte dinner.
KEY DATA – DAY 3
- Start Point: Km 104.
- Max Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft (Sun Gate).
- Highlight: Entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 04: Machu Picchu! – Cusco
The full guided experience.
05:30 AM – The Grand Tour: We wake up early, have breakfast at the hotel, and take the bus up to the citadel.
Private Guided Tour: You will enjoy a private tour of more than 2 hours, visiting the Main Plaza, the Sun Temple, the Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
Exploration Time: After the tour, you have free time to explore.
- Optional: Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Extra cost $25 USD, requires advance booking).
- Free Hikes: Walk to the Inca Bridge or revisit the Sun Gate.
Return to Cusco: In the afternoon, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, board the train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer by private car to your hotel in Cusco.
KEY DATA – DAY 4
- Activity: Guided Tour & Exploration.
- Return: Train + Private Transport.
- End of Service: Hotel in Cusco.
Why Choose the Lares + Inca Trail Combo?
This Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days and 3 Nights offers the best Lares trek Peru distance balance: challenging high-altitude hiking combined with the iconic history of the Inca Trail. It is the ultimate itinerary for diverse landscapes and deep cultural immersion.
Map
Inclusions
Includes:
- Bilingual and certified Tour Guide
- A briefing about the trek with your guide the day before
- Pick up from your accommodation in Cusco
- Private transportation to go to the Trail Head
- Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- 1 Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- A duffel bag where you can put inside 08 kilos from your personal stuff (it will be carry by the horses or mules)
- Transportations form Yanahuara to Ollantaytambo
- Touristic train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Four season tents (2 trekkers in each one) you will have enough space to put things inside
- Camping equipment (Kitchen tent, portable chairs and table)
- Mattresses
- 3 Meals per day during the trek (food served in a buffet style)
- Professional Cook
- Availability of meals to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pesquetarian, etc) for the lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Snack for each day of trekking
- Boiled water to drink during the trail
- Availability of meals to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pesquetarian, etc)
- First Aid Kit, with Oxigen ballon.
- A Survivor T – shirt, for each member of the group
Doesn’t includes:
- Tips for the team (Is not obligatory but if you wish to do it, it will be welcome)
- Extra expense if you want to buy things along the trail
- Entrance fees to Waynapicchu Mountain or Mountain Machu Picchu. (it has an extra cost of 25 dollars per person)
- Sleeping bags (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional one, which can support until -15 degrees celcius or 5 degrees farenheit)
- Walking sticks (you can rent from us which cost 15 dollars for a professional black diamond pair)
- Mineral water
- First Breakfast and last lunch and dinner
- Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Pichu (Round trip bus cost 24 dollars but just one way cost 12 dollars)
- Upgrade your Touristic Train to a Luxury Vistadome Train to Ollantaytambo (70 $)
packing list
- Original Passport
- A valid student card if you book this trek as student (25 years old as máximum)
- Travel Insurance card (This is just a recommendation)
- Day Pack
- Rain coat or Rain Poncho
- Cold Clothes (For the first and Second day)
- Trekking shirts and trekking pants
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Bottle of Water
- Flash Light
- Toilet Paper
- Sun Block
- Sun Glasses
- Caps or Hats
- Gloves (for the first and second day)
- Insect Repellent (30% DEET Recommended)
- Sleeping Bags
- Walking sticks
- Camera with extra batteries
- Extra money especially in soles to buy thing along the trek
POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE.
Price
PRICES FOR 2025 – 2026
| Number of People for GROUP SERVICE : | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5-6 | 7-10 |
| Price USD$ (per person): | ||||
| 720 USD$ | 700 USD$ | 680 USD$ | 660 USD$ | 640 USD$ |
| Number of People for PRIVATE SERVICE: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5-6 | 7-10 |
| Price USD$ (per person): | ||||
| 1100 USD$ | 1080 USD$ | 1060 USD$ | 1040 USD$ | 1020 USD$ |
