Photo gallery
Lares & Short Inca Trail trek photos
Tour overview
Lares & Short Inca Trail trek at a glance
Two treks in one trip. You start in the Quechua villages of Lares, with weavers, llama herds and natural hot springs, cross a high pass among glacier lakes, and finish on the Short Inca Trail, entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Permits and tickets are confirmed in your name before you pay.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
Highlights of the Lares & Short Inca Trail trek
- Weaving villages and the Lares hot springs
- Ipsaycocha Pass and lake (about 4,450 m)
- Short Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate
- Gentler than Salkantay, ideal for active families
Detailed itinerary
Lares & Short Inca Trail trek itinerary: day by day
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Day 1 — Cusco to the Lares hot springs and Huacahuasi
The drive crosses the Sacred Valley to the Lares hot springs, followed by an easy walk to the weaving community of Huacahuasi.
Day 2 — Ipsaycocha Pass
The climb to the Ipsaycocha Pass and its lake, among glaciers and grazing herds, then the descent to a farming community near Patacancha.
Day 3 — Down to Ollantaytambo
A short walk down the Patacancha valley and a transfer to Ollantaytambo. You visit the Inca fortress and stay in town, ready for the early train the next day.
Day 4 — Short Inca Trail to the Sun Gate
The train drops you at Km 104. From Chachabamba you climb to Wiñay Wayna and continue to the Sun Gate for your first view of Machu Picchu, then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes.
Day 5 — Machu Picchu
Your guided tour of the citadel, then the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and a transfer to Cusco.
What's included
What's included in the Lares & Short Inca Trail trek
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Transport to Lares and from the trail to Ollantaytambo
- Professional guide, cook and horsemen
- Horses for the camping gear and up to 5 kg of your belongings on Days 1–3
- 2 nights of basic camping (tents, mattresses, dining tent)
- 1 basic hotel night in Ollantaytambo and 1 in Aguas Calientes
- Meals as listed in the itinerary (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners)
- Lares hot springs and community fees
- Ollantaytambo fortress entrance
- Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu ticket (Circuit 3, route 3B)
- Train to Km 104, bus down from the Sun Gate and round-trip bus on Day 5
- Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
- Emergency oxygen and first-aid kit
Not included
- Sleeping bag and walking poles (available to rent)
- Dinner on Days 3 and 4, and lunch and dinner on Day 5
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Optional extras
Ways to tailor this trip
- Vistadome return train +US$ 55
- Sleeping bag or walking poles rental
Optional services are subject to availability. Mention your preferences in the booking form notes; your quote will list the selected extras and final total.
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Entrance route
This tour uses Circuit 3 (route 3B) and Circuit 3, route 3B, confirmed in your quote. See Machu Picchu circuits explained.
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Original passport
- Daypack of 25–30 liters and a refillable 2-liter water bottle
- Sleeping bag rated to −10 °C (or rent one)
- Warm layers, wool hat and gloves, rain jacket
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel for the hot springs
- Headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses and cash in soles for the springs, crafts and tips
- Hiking shoes with good grip for the Inca stone steps
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Lares & Short Inca Trail trek FAQs
Is this a good choice for families?
Yes, for active families with children aged 10 or older. It is moderate, and the cultural visits keep younger hikers engaged.
Which Machu Picchu circuit do we visit?
You arrive through the Sun Gate and get a guided visit on Circuit 3 (route 3B).
Lares + Inca Trail or Salkantay + Inca Trail?
Lares is gentler and more cultural; Salkantay is higher and more dramatic.
Does it run in February?
No. The Inca Trail section needs a personal permit, and the trail closes every February.
Where do we sleep?
Two nights of basic camping on the Lares route, one basic hotel night in Ollantaytambo and one in Aguas Calientes. There are no upgrade options.
What is the minimum age?
10 years, because of the Inca Trail section.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about our team
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Professional attention and impeccable support
“Always responding quickly, clearly, and professionally.”
Translated from Spanish
★★★★★
Highschool’s travel buddies to Machu Picchu
“Traveleez team are so helpful in assisting our needs with their prompt response.”
★★★★★
Incredible experience
“An unforgettable experience. Super punctual, good transportation, and very good treatment.”
Translated from Spanish
