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About This Tour
Experience the best of both worlds with our Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail adventure, an extraordinary journey through the heart of Peru's Andes Mountains. This meticulously crafted itinerary combines the cultural immersion of the Lares Trek with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Short Inca Trail, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Embarking on a journey through the heart of Peru's Andes Mountains offers an unparalleled adventure for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. While the Inca Trail is undoubtedly one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, its popularity has led to restrictions and limited availability. However, for those looking for an alternative that combines the best of trekking and cultural immersion, the Lares Trek coupled with a Short Inca Trail excursion presents an enticing option.
The Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail Conclusion:
The Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail offers an unparalleled blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. From traversing remote Andean villages to marveling at ancient Inca ruins, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience. Whether weaving through lush valleys or ascending towards Machu Picchu, every moment is infused with the rich tapestry of Peru's Andean heritage.
Highlights
- Visit traditional villages like Huacahuasi and Patacancha, witnessing ancient customs.
- Enjoy warm hospitality as locals share their traditional weaving techniques and culinary delights.
- Experience stunning landscapes, from verdant valleys to rugged mountain passes.
- Trek through remote Andean villages, immersing in Quechua culture.
- Discover archaeological gems like Wiñay Wayna, steeped in history and mystery.
- Embark on a condensed trek through lush cloud forests and ancient Inca ruins.
- Marvel at Machu Picchu emerging from the mist, revealing its ancient terraces and temples.
- Experience the magic of the legendary citadel, a testament to Inca engineering and ingenuity.
Tour Plan
Expand allCollapse allCusco - Calca - Aguas termales de Lares (opcional) - Wacawasi.
Early in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel. We will then drive for about 3 hours and 30 minutes to get to Lares hot springs, located at an altitude of 3,200 m / 10,496 ft. On the way, we’ll stop in Calca, a small town in the Sacred Valley, to visit its typical market and get some items for the trail.
Upon our arrival at the hot springs, we’ll meet our muleteers and prepare our rucksacks to start the adventure. The trail begins by gradually ascending the highland valley. Today, we’ll enjoy our lunch at approximately 1:30 pm, halfway to the first campsite.
After lunch, the adventure continues. Along this section of the trail, we’ll encounter herds of llamas and alpacas. Eventually, we’ll reach our first campsite located in Wacawasi village, situated at an altitude of 3,800 m / 12,464 ft.
At the campsite, upon our arrival, we’ll have our tea time and dinner. Today, you'll have the option to swim at the hot springs before our hike starts, with a cost of 10 PEN (not included). Alternatively, you can choose to begin hiking to the first campsite instead, as most hikers do. This decision will be managed by you and your trek leader.
Lunch and dinner are included in the tour package (except for breakfast, which is supplied at your hotel).
Wacawasi - Wacawasi Pass - Mantanay.
Today, we’ll rise early in the morning, fueled by a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the challenging day ahead. After breakfast, we'll begin our ascent towards the highest point on the trail, Wacawasi Pass, standing at an impressive 4,420 m / 14,498 ft. The hike will take approximately 4 hours from our campsite.
As we trek, we’ll still encounter herds of llamas and alpacas, amidst stunning scenic vistas. Upon reaching the summit, we’ll take a well-deserved break, soaking in the breathtaking views and offering Coca leaves to the Andean spirits by creating an Apacheta, a traditional cairn made of stones.
Descending from the pass, we'll make our way to our lunch spot near the picturesque Aurora Qocha lagoon, where we'll indulge in freshly prepared meals and hot drinks. After lunch, our journey continues as we descend further into Mantanay valley, characterized by beautiful Andean trees known as Queuña.
In the evening, we’ll gather for hot drinks and dinner at our second campsite. All meals are included in the tour package, ensuring you stay energized and nourished throughout the day's adventures.
Mantanay - Yanahuara - Ollantaytambo Town.
Another great day awaits us, and a hearty breakfast prepares us for the adventure ahead. After breakfast, we’ll begin our descent, which will take approximately 3 hours, to Yanahuara, a charming village nestled in the Sacred Valley. Here, we’ll enjoy our final lunch and bid farewell to our muleteers and cook.
Following lunch, we’ll board our transportation to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, where we'll spend our third night. After unwinding at the hotel, we'll set out to explore the authentic Incan streets of the town. In the evening, dinner will be at one of the many restaurants in town (not included).
Breakfast and lunch are included in the tour package (except for dinner).
Ollantaytambo - Km 104 - Short Inca Trail - Machu Picchu.
At 6:10 am, we depart from Ollantaytambo train station bound for Km 104, the starting point of our trail adventure. Upon reaching Km 104, the train halts, allowing us to disembark and proceed to the main checkpoint for registration, situated at an elevation of 2,150 m/ 7,052 ft.
After completing registration, a short walk leads us to the first Incan site, Chachabamba, boasting temples, a main patio, and sacred rock formations. Our guide provides fascinating insights into the site's significance.
Continuing our journey, we ascend gradually, soaking in the breathtaking scenery until we reach the Wiñaywayna Incan temple, meaning "forever young." Here, our guide delves into the rich history of the site, enriching our understanding of the ancient civilization.
Following our exploration, we pause at the Wiñaywayna Checkpoint to enjoy snacks or a packed lunch. Energized, we resume our hike towards Machu Picchu, trekking for two more hours until we reach the famed Gate of the Sun. From this vantage point, we are treated to our first captivating views of the Incan city.
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, we take advantage of the quieter afternoon hours to capture stunning photographs of the ancient citadel. Afterwards, we board a bus to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes town), where we'll be accommodated at the cozy Hotel Cabaña. Dinner will be at a local restaurant (not included).
Hiking & Explore Machu Picchu - Cusco.
Today marks the long-awaited finale of our trek: Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising early after a rejuvenating night at our hostel, we aim to beat the crowds and savor the tranquility of Machu Picchu in the soft morning light. The Machu Picchu entrance checkpoint is open from 06:00 AM until 17:00 PM.
We'll embark on a hike up to Machu Picchu, with an optional bus ride available for $12.00. Upon entering the hidden Royal Citadel of the Incas, we'll embark on a 2-hour guided tour through this incredible ancient city. Marvel at the temples, terraces, palaces, and sundial, while pondering the engineering genius of the Incas, whose techniques remain partially shrouded in mystery to this day.
Following the tour, you'll have the freedom to explore further. Options include climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked in advance), each offering a rewarding 3-hour hike. Alternatively, trek to the Sun Gate or visit the Incan Bridge for a less demanding excursion.
You'll have ample time to soak in the magic of Machu Picchu, with over 4 hours to explore before descending back to Aguas Calientes for the 18:20 hrs train ride (subject to availability) to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will then transport our group back to your hotel in Cusco around 21:30 hrs.
As you rest your weary feet and body, know that the memories of Machu Picchu will continue to uplift your spirit for weeks and years to come.
What’s Included
- Transportation.- Tourist bus from Cusco to “LARES” starting point of the Trek.- Tourist train EXPEDITION CLASS round trip from “Ollantaytambo” to “Aguas Calientes town and from “Aguas Calientes” town to “Ollantaytambo”; transfer from “Ollantaytambo” to Cusco.- Bus up and down from “Aguas Calientes” town to Machu Picchu.
- Camping equipments.- We provide four-people capacity tent for two persons, brand new four season tents, Therm-a-rest, dinning room tent, kitchen tent, toiled tent, seats, tables, tent for Guides and porters, kitchen gears.
- Accommodations.- 01 night hotel accommodation in the town of “Aguas Calientes” based in double ocupancy. 3-stars category hotel.
- Entrace Fees.- To Machu Picchu.
- Meals.- 3 breakfast.- 3 hot lunches.- 3 hot dinners delicious meals prepared by professional chef food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude. Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn), we offer vegetarian option, We provide available boil water each mourning for your water bottles.
- Guide.- English speaking professional guides, 2 guides over 8 people.
- Trekking Cook.- Professional trekking chef and Chef assistants.
- Horses .- For camping equipment, food and kitchen gears as well to carry your personal items (6kls per person) in duffel bags that we provide. Muleteers.
- Others.- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
Not Included
- Sleeping bag.- can be rented in our office for US$ 20 for the entire trek (every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use).
- Breakfast.- on the first morning. Some hotels offer early morning breakfast service. If not, we stop at “Calca” town for your breakfast and also you can buy some items for the “Lares trek to Machupicchu”.
- Meals.- in “Aguas Calientes” town on the final day you must consider a bugged of US$ 15 to 30 in average restaurant.
- Entrance fees to “Huaynapicchu” Mountain (US$30). Please advise at time of booking as the spaces are limited.
- Entrance.- to the thermal baths in “Aguas Calientes” town (optional) US$ 3.00 and “Lares” town (optional) US$ 3.00.
- Tips.- for the staff.