LARES TREK + SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Group Size:
Up to 10 people
Difficulty:
Challenging
Type Service:
Group / Private
Departures:
Daily
Transport:
Van, Train, Bus
Max Altitude:
4,500 m / 14,800 ft
The Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu combines spectacular mountain scenery, authentic cultural experiences, and the historic Inca Trail into one unforgettable four-day adventure. This unique route takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes with towering glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and herds of llamas and alpacas.
Continue your journey along the legendary Short Inca Trail, following the original paths built by the Incas centuries ago. Along the way, you will discover fascinating archaeological sites before entering Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), just as the ancient Incas once did.
Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Inca citadel, followed by free time to explore on your own. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu twice, making this itinerary the perfect combination of nature, history, and adventure before returning to Cusco.
LARES TREK + SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – HUARAN – CANCHA CANCHA
Itinerary
Your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu begins with a 6:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, you’ll travel for approximately 2 hours to Huaran, where you’ll meet our horsemen and pack horses before starting a gradual 3-hour uphill hike to Cancha Cancha. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch beside the river.
At 3,900 m (12,800 ft), Cancha Cancha is one of the most remote and traditional Andean communities. With no road access and electricity only since December 2019, it has preserved its authentic customs and way of life.
After arriving at camp, enjoy afternoon tea before visiting a local family, where your guide will share insights into their traditions and daily life. Following dinner, you’ll discover the fascinating Inca constellations and learn how they have guided agriculture in the Andes for generations.
-Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner.
-Accommodation: Camping facilities.
-Distance: 9kms / 5.6 miles.
-Time: Approximately 3.5 hours.
-Difficulty: Moderate.
DAY 2: CANCHA CANCHA – QUISWARANI – OLLANTAYTAMBO
Itinerary
After breakfast, we begin our second day with an approximately 7-hour hike toward Quiswarani. The trail starts with a challenging ascent to Pachacutec Pass (4,500 m / 14,800 ft), the highest point of the trek. Along the way, enjoy incredible views of glaciers, remote lakes, alpaca herds, valleys, and the impressive Andean mountains. You may also spot local wildlife such as Caracara falcons and Andean geese.
After reaching the summit, you will begin a 3-hour descent toward the Quiswarani community, located at approximately 3,700 m (12,139 ft). Along the way, you will follow a quiet trail where you may meet local Andean families wearing traditional clothing and herding llamas and alpacas. Your guide will help you interact with the community and introduce you to some words in Quechua, the traditional language of the Andes.
After passing the beautiful seven waterfalls, you will arrive at Quiswarani, where you will enjoy lunch and have some time to rest. You will then take transportation for approximately 2 hours to Ollantaytambo, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night at your hotel.
-Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.
-3* Accommodation: Andenes del Inca Hotel Ollantaytambo.
–Distance: 12kms / 7.5 miles.
-Time: 7hrs approximately.
-Difficulty: Challenging.
DAY 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES
Itinerary
The day begins early with a pickup from your hotel at 5:30 a.m. Your guide will accompany you to the train station, where you will receive your lunch to carry in your daypack. The train departs from Ollantaytambo at 6:10 a.m., allowing you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the route. In advance, we will coordinate with the hotel to prepare a picnic breakfast for you to take with you, which will be provided to you before you leave the hotel.
After approximately one hour by train, you will arrive at the famous Km 104 (2,100 m / 6,890 ft), the starting point of your Short Inca Trail. After crossing the Urubamba River by a scenic footbridge and passing the checkpoint, you will visit your first Inca archaeological site.
The hike begins with a gradual uphill section through the cloud forest, where you may experience humid conditions or rain depending on the season. Along the way, enjoy impressive views of the Urubamba River, before continuing on a steeper ascent rewarded by a beautiful waterfall.
After crossing the bridge near the waterfall, you will reach the spectacular Wiñay Wayna archaeological site (2,600 m / 8,500 ft). Your guide will explain the history of this incredible Inca site, as well as the local flora and fauna surrounding this lush subtropical area. After exploring, you will continue with a short walk to your lunch spot.
After lunch, continue along a mostly flat trail toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) 2,720 m (8,924 ft), where you will have your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu. The trail includes gentle ups and downs and a final section with Inca-carved stone steps. Take your time to enjoy the views and capture memorable photos from this unique viewpoint.
On the way down toward Machu Picchu, you will have more opportunities to admire the citadel from different perspectives and learn about additional Inca sites along the route with your guide. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you will have time to take photos from the famous House of the Guardians viewpoint, one of the best places for the classic postcard view of the citadel. Arriving in the afternoon allows you to enjoy the site with fewer visitors and beautiful afternoon lighting.
Finally, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and have free time to explore the town, visit the hot springs, or rest after an unforgettable day.
-Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel, picnic lunch and dinner.
-3* Accommodation: Pucará Hotel in Aguas Calientes or similar.
-Difficulty: Moderate.
On this day, you will leave your duffel bag at Ollantaytambo Train Station to be transported by train to Aguas Calientes, where our staff will receive it and deliver it to the hotel where you will spend the night.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Itinerary
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to enjoy this unforgettable moment at the citadel. Your guide will lead a 2-hour guided tour, visiting the most important areas of this incredible Inca site and sharing its history and mysteries.
After exploring Machu Picchu, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, you may have free time to explore the town, do some shopping, visit the museum, or relax at the hot springs.
In the afternoon, take the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo at approximately 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Urubamba River, including the impressive canyon landscapes and views of Wiñay Wayna from the train.
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will be waiting outside the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. You will arrive at approximately 7:00 p.m., marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.
-Meal included: Breakfast.
-Difficulty: Easy.
***The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability, so please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to add it.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE 4-DAY LARES TREK + SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
INCLUDED:
- Airport transfer to your hotel upon arrival in Cusco.
- Hotel pickup with door-to-door service.
- Private transportation from your hotel to the Huaran trailhead.
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide.
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Round-trip shuttle bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance tickets
- 2 nights’ accommodation in a 3-star hotel.
- 4-person tents shared by two trekkers.
- Comfortable foam sleeping mattress.
- Freshly prepared gourmet meals throughout the trek.
- Professional trekking chef and complete kitchen equipment.
- Experienced horsemen and pack horses.
- Camping equipment and up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of personal belongings carried by pack horses.
- Emergency horse available if needed.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Boiled drinking water for refilling your water bottles.
- Transfer back to Cusco for our group.
- Cultural interaction with local communities.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Sleeping bag rental – US$20 per person per trek (clean and warm).
- Air mattress rental – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-Rest mattress).
- Adjustable trekking poles – US$15 per pair per trek.
- Personal tent – US$30 (available for solo travelers only).
- Vistadome train upgrade – US$65 per person (Return Only).
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance – US$75 per person (optional).
- Lunch on the final day in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for staff (optional).
***The visit to Machu Picchu is first carried out with our professional guide. After the guided tour, you can hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain independently. This hike is normally completed on your own. If you would like a guide to accompany you during the ascent, just let us know and we can arrange this with our team for an additional fee.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
The 4-Day Lares Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available most of the year, except in February, when the Inca Trail is closed for annual maintenance. You can choose the departure date that best fits your travel plans and enjoy a unique combination of traditional Andean communities, spectacular mountain scenery, and historic Inca pathways before reaching Machu Picchu. This carefully designed route is a great option for travelers looking to combine cultural immersion, adventure, and one of the most iconic experiences in the Peruvian Andes in a single journey.
GROUP PRICE – 3★ HOTEL (DOUBLE ROOM)
- Only $845 USD per person
PRIVATE PRICE – 3★ HOTEL (DOUBLE ROOM)
- Private service is $100 USD extra per person
***Would you prefer 4- or 5-star hotels? Contact us for the available options and their additional costs.
***A USD $60 discount per person will be applied for both Group and Private Services if hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes is not required.
***Single Supplement: USD $30 per person per night for a single room at a 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo, plus an additional USD $30 per person per night for a single room at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DISCOUNTS
-18 to 25 years old: US$30 discount. To qualify, a valid student ID is required. The card must clearly show the name of the university, the student’s full name, photo, and expiration date. A copy of the student ID must be submitted at the time of booking for government approval.
-Under 18 years old: US$30 discount. Please send us a copy of the child’s passport at the time of booking.
-Under 11 years old: US$40 discount. Please send us a copy of the child’s passport at the time of booking.
-Groups of 6 or more: US$20 discount per person. All participants must book the trek together at the same time.c
WHY CHOOSE CALLANGA FAMILY EXPLORERS?
Because we are a local, family-owned company born in Cusco, with deep roots in the communities of our region. We know and value our land, and we strive to make every travel experience create a positive impact. In addition to offering authentic and responsible travel experiences, we support environmental and social projects that benefit local communities, children, and natural areas. When you travel with Callanga Family Explorers, you are not only discovering Peru-you are also contributing to initiatives that help protect our environment and support local people.
SMALL GROUPS
At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe that smaller groups create a better travel experience. To provide more personalized service and individual attention, we limit our groups to a maximum of 10 travelers. This allows our guides to offer a more enjoyable, comfortable, and engaging experience while exploring the Andes. Our small-group approach is one of the qualities that sets us apart from operators with larger group sizes.
BEST LARES TREK ROUTE + SHORT INCA TRAIL
Experience the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and history with our Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This unique route takes you away from the crowds, passing through remote Andean communities, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic local environments before connecting with the legendary Inca Trail.
Enjoy the best of both worlds: the peaceful beauty and cultural richness of the Lares Valley combined with the unforgettable experience of hiking the original Inca path to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). With Callanga Family Explorers, you will discover a truly memorable journey that combines nature, tradition, and the magic of Machu Picchu.
OUR PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDES
We are proud of our team of professional tour guides, who are fluent in English and passionate about sharing the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Incas and the Andes. Their knowledge is supported by continuous training and professional development, ensuring that every tour is informative, accurate, and engaging.
Our guides are friendly, approachable, and highly educated. They hold academic degrees in fields such as Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology, allowing them to provide insightful explanations and answer your questions with confidence. Their passion and dedication help create memorable experiences for every traveler.
OUR HORSEMEN AND PACK HORSES
The 4-Day Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Callanga Family Explorers is supported by our experienced horsemen and well-cared-for pack horses throughout the journey. They are an essential part of our trekking team and help ensure that your adventure is comfortable and well organized.
As you trek through breathtaking Andean landscapes, visit remote communities, and discover their local traditions and culture, you can enjoy the journey with greater peace of mind and comfort, focusing on the natural beauty and authentic experience of the Andes.
OUR COOKS ON THE LARES TREK
The meals during the trek are an important part of the experience. Our professional cooks prepare fresh, flavorful, and generous dishes, combining traditional Peruvian cuisine with international options using local and carefully selected ingredients.
We take pride in providing nutritious and delicious food throughout the journey. If you have any dietary requirements, allergies, or special preferences, please let us know in advance so we can prepare suitable meals for you.
OUR EQUIPMENT
Our trekking team and the equipment we provide are an essential part of your experience on the trail. We take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the journey. The following camping equipment and services are included:
-Our Tents: Sleep comfortably in our spacious 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Each tent is designed for four people but is shared by only two trekkers, giving you plenty of room to relax and store your duffel bags. Every tent also features a front vestibule, providing extra space to keep your hiking boots, trekking poles, and other gear outside the sleeping area.
-Our Mats: We provide comfortable sleeping mats that help insulate you from the cold ground for a better night’s rest.
-Our Kitchen & Dining Tents: Our spacious dining tent serves as the gathering place for meals, where you can relax, enjoy freshly prepared food, and share your experience with fellow trekkers.
-Our Tables & Chairs: The dining tent is fully equipped with tables and chairs, offering a comfortable space for every meal. Its two-door design also provides excellent ventilation and adapts well to changing weather conditions.
-Duffel Bags: A duffel bag will be provided during the briefing on the evening before your trek.
-More: Pillows, backpack rain covers, souvenir T – shirts, hot showers, and a biodegradable camping toilet are provided during the trek.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
We believe travel can also make a positive difference. Through our social and environmental initiatives, we support local communities and children, participate in environmental clean-up campaigns, and help protect and restore natural areas in the Cusco region. These efforts reflect our commitment to responsible tourism and creating a positive impact beyond every journey.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please take a moment to review the information below. It contains helpful details about our services and everything you need to know before joining the Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
Upon your arrival at Cusco Airport, one of our representatives will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Please send us your complete flight details at least 14 days before your trek begins so we can coordinate your airport pickup. At the arrivals terminal exit, simply look for our representative holding a sign with your full name.
PRE-TREK BRIEFING
Your pre-trek briefing will take place at your hotel at 6:00 p.m. on the evening before your departure. During this meeting, your guide will explain the itinerary, review the trekking route, recommend the equipment you should bring, discuss important safety information, and answer any questions you may have. This briefing is designed to ensure you are fully prepared and ready to enjoy your adventure.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE BEFORE THE TREK?
Absolutely! All hotels in Cusco provide luggage storage for their guests before and after the trek. We recommend leaving your main luggage at your hotel and bringing only the essentials you will need during the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This way, you can enjoy the trek more comfortably while your luggage remains safe until your return. If you need any assistance, our team will be happy to help.
PAYMENT METHODS
To confirm your reservation, we offer two secure payment methods. A 40% deposit of the total tour cost is required to secure your booking.
Payment Link:
We accept credit and debit cards. We will send you a secure personalized payment link through Izipay, allowing you to complete your payment quickly and safely.
PayPal:
You can make your payment directly to our PayPal account at info@callangafamilyexplorers.com. If you prefer, we can also send you a secure PayPal payment request by email, allowing you to complete your payment safely and conveniently. Your reservation will be confirmed once the required deposit has been received.
Before confirming your reservation and purchasing your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, we require the following information for each participant in your booking:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
***Please also send us a clear copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.
WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?
To avoid credit card processing fees, you may pay the remaining balance in cash (US dollars only) during your pre-trek briefing in Cusco. ATMs are widely available throughout Cusco’s Historic Center if you need to withdraw cash. If you prefer, you may also pay the balance online by Visa or PayPal. Please note that a 6% processing fee applies to cover the transaction fees charged by the payment platforms.
CAN I CHANGE MY TRAVEL DATE?
Unfortunately, no. Once your Machu Picchu tickets have been purchased, the Peruvian government does not permit any modifications to the travel date. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
If you need to make any changes, please contact us as soon as possible. If you decide to cancel your 4-Day Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes. You must bring your original passport, and it is essential that it matches the passport number you provided when booking your Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, as well as your entrance tickets and reservations.
If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, you may complete your booking using your current passport details. Once you receive your new passport or updated information, we can update your reservation for a $25 USD per person administrative fee. Copies of both your old and new passports are required to process the change. Before renewing your passport, please keep a copy of your current one.
If you prefer not to pay the update fee, you must travel to Peru with both passports. You may enter Peru using your new passport, but you will need to present both the old and new passports when boarding the train and entering Machu Picchu. Without both passports, you will not be permitted to board the train or enter Machu Picchu.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Most travelers adjust well to the elevation when they allow enough time to acclimatize in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting their trek. At 3,400 m (11,155 ft) above sea level, Cusco is already at a significant elevation, so we recommend spending at least 2-3 days acclimatizing before beginning this trek, especially if you are not accustomed to high elevations.
Staying well hydrated, drinking coca tea, and using oxygen when necessary may help manage altitude-related symptoms. Our guides are trained to recognize and respond appropriately to altitude sickness throughout the trek.
DUFFEL BAG & DAY BACKPACK
On the evening before your trek, you will receive a small duffel bag for packing the clothing and personal items you will need during the next 4 days. The maximum weight allowance is 7 kg (15 lbs). Your duffel bag, along with the camping equipment and food, will be carried by our pack horses.
Please note that you will not have access to your duffel bag during the day, as the horses travel ahead of the group. For the hike, you should carry a comfortable day backpack with your daily essentials, such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water. A backpack with a capacity of 30 to 40 liters is generally ideal.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
The Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu covers approximately 33 km (20 miles) through the breathtaking Andean landscapes of the Cusco region. The highest point of the trek reaches 4,500 m (14,800 ft). The route is considered a challenging trek, so a good level of fitness and proper preparation are important before starting the adventure.
To prepare, consider hiking up to 15 km (9 miles) a day or following a regular fitness routine during the weeks or months leading up to your trip.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE LARES TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL?
Our private toilet facilities are one of the services most appreciated by our trekkers, providing a cleaner and more comfortable experience throughout the journey. We provide a private tent with a camping toilet and a seat for greater hygiene and convenience.
The toilet is always installed at a comfortable distance from the campsite to ensure privacy while remaining easily accessible. During the night, our trekkers can use a clean and well-maintained facility instead of relying on basic public toilets along the trail.
WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE TREK?
In the rare event that you are unable to complete the trek due to a health-related issue, our team will assist you in reaching the nearest town where you can arrange further transportation and medical support if needed. Our guides always carry emergency oxygen during the trek to help in cases of altitude-related or respiratory difficulties.
For more serious situations, a helicopter evacuation can be organized at the trekker’s own expense, and travel insurance is strongly recommended. Please note that no refunds are provided if a participant is unable to finish the trek.
Most travelers who need to leave the trail early are usually assisted to Ollantaytambo. If their condition improves, they may continue to Aguas Calientes at their own expense and visit Machu Picchu following the original itinerary.
ARE TIPS MANDATORY?
No. At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe in rewarding our staff through fair wages and responsible working conditions. Our staff are paid fairly for their professionalism, dedication, and hard work.
If you feel that our team has exceeded your expectations and would like to show your appreciation, tips are always welcome but are never expected or mandatory. Any gratuity is entirely at your discretion and is greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for exceptional service.
PACKING LIST
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
– Original passport (must be the same passport used when booking your trek).
– Valid student ID card (if you booked with a student discount).
– Small daypack (a compact backpack is recommended).
– Water storage capacity of 2–3 liters (please bring reusable water bottles or a hydration bladder).
– Comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support.
– Sleeping bag (available for rent from Callanga Family Explorers).
– Headlamp (essential).
– Toilet paper.
– Good rain gear.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG?
As a direct local tour operator, we provide a duffel bag during your pre-trek briefing. Our pack horses and horsemen will transport up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal belongings during the trek. This weight allowance includes your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and extra clothing.
The maximum weight permitted in the duffel bag is 7 kg (15 lbs). This limit helps ensure that the load remains manageable for the pack horses throughout the trek. All duffel bags are weighed before departure.
If your duffel bag exceeds the 7 kg limit, any additional weight must be carried in your daypack. Within the 7 kg allowance, please reserve approximately 2 kg for your sleeping bag and 1 kg for your sleeping pad, leaving about 4 kg available for your personal gear.
– 2 T-shirts.
– At least 2 pairs of hiking pants.
– 4 sets of underwear.
– 3 pairs of hiking socks.
– Swimsuit for the hot springs (optional).
– 2 fleece layers or thermal tops.
– Warm clothing, including a down jacket (temperatures at the second campsite can drop to around 3°C / 37°F).
– Waterproof gloves (ski gloves are also suitable).
– Comfortable shoes or sandals for camp.
– Quick-dry towel (we provide a small towel, but you may prefer to bring a larger one).
– Small bottle of soap (warm water is provided daily for washing).
– Battery charger or power bank (there is no electricity along the trek).
– Large plastic bags (provided at our office upon request).
– Sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C (5°F) (available for rent)
TOILETRIES
– Face moisturizer
– Hand sanitizer
– Wet wipes
– Toothbrush and toothpaste
– Personal medications
– Basic first aid kit (bandages, moleskin, etc.)
WHAT TO CARRY IN YOUR DAYPACK?
We recommend a small 30-40 L backpack for your daily hikes. Larger backpacks are not permitted inside Machu Picchu. The rest of your belongings will stay in your duffel bag at camp.
– Water (please bring enough water for the morning hike until the first lunch stop; reusable water bottles are recommended).
– Sun hat.
– Sunscreen.
– Headlamp (essential).
– Wool hat.
– Rain gear.
– Fleece jacket.
– Snacks such as chocolate bars, cereal bars, or dried fruit.
– Rain poncho.
– Gloves.
– Camera.
– Hand sanitizer.
– Toilet paper and a small bag for carrying waste.
– Extra cash for souvenirs, additional drinks, and tips.