Photo gallery
A glimpse of the journey
Tour overview
Lares & Short Inca Trail, thoughtfully organized
Andean communities on the Lares Trek, then the Short Inca Trail to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. Permits, camping and tickets included.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
What makes this trip special
- Lares villages, weaving and hot springs
- Short Inca Trail from Km 104 to the Sun Gate
- Guided Machu Picchu visit on the final day
Detailed itinerary
Your journey, step by step
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Cusco to the Lares hot springs and Huacahuasi
Pickup around 5:00 am · 3 h drive + about 3 h walking · Overnight: camp in Huacahuasi · Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner The drive crosses the Sacred Valley to the Lares hot springs, followed by an easy walk to the weaving community of Huacahuasi.
Ipsaycocha Pass
About 14 km, 6–7 h · Max altitude about 4,450 m · Overnight: camp near Patacancha · Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner The climb to the Ipsaycocha Pass and its lake, among glaciers and grazing herds, then the descent to a farming community near Patacancha.
Down to Ollantaytambo
About 3 h walking + transfer · Overnight: hotel in Ollantaytambo · Meals: breakfast, lunch 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.
Short Inca Trail to the Sun Gate
Early train to Km 104 · 12 km, 6–7 h · Max altitude 2,730 m · Overnight: hotel in Aguas Calientes · Meals: breakfast, box lunch 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.
Machu Picchu
Bus from about 6:00 am · 2–2.5 h guided visit on Circuit 3 (route 3B) · Meals: breakfast Your guided tour of the citadel, then the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and a transfer to Cusco.
What's included
Clear inclusions, no guesswork
Included
- transfers
- professional guide
- cook and trekking crew
- camping equipment
- basic camping
- basic hotel nights in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
- meals listed in the itinerary
- Lares hot springs entrance
- Ollantaytambo archaeological site entrance
- train to Km 104
- Short Inca Trail permit
- Machu Picchu ticket
- Machu Picchu shuttle buses
- return train to Ollantaytambo
- transfer to Cusco
Not included
- sleeping bag rental
- hiking poles
- riding horse
- lunch and dinner on Day 5
- hotel upgrades
- travel insurance
- tips
Plan with confidence
Essential trip details
Good to know
Before you travel
Entrance routes
Understanding Machu Picchu circuits
Machu Picchu uses timed tickets and set routes. The circuit available for your trip depends on tickets, trek permits and your itinerary.
Panoramic
Elevated viewpoints and selected mountain routes.
Classic
Classic viewpoints and the urban sector.
Royalty
Lower-sector temples and royal spaces.
Routes depend on official availability. Your quote will identify the proposed ticket route.
Planning guides
Useful reading before you book
What to bring
Pack light for the day
- 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
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Before you book
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.
