Lares Trek 2 Days with Short Inca Trail 2 Days
Duration:
Tour Type
Group
1-8
Difficulty
Easy
Altitude
Ver Mapa
Itinerary
Your adventure begins in Cusco. We pick you up from your hotel in our private transportation at 6:00 AM. In approximately 1.5 hours, we reach Calca District. This is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, we stop for 45 minutes to visit the local market.
Then, a 30-minute ride brings us to Huaran Community (2800 m.a.s.l.). This is inside the Sacred Valley. For a deeper cultural dive, consider our Cusco City Tour before your trek.
From Huaran, we start our hike. We gradually ascend Huaran Valley. It boasts lush flora and fauna. This is perfect for seeing llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat. Spot endemic native trees and medicinal plants. The ancient Inca community of Cancha Cancha uses these as natural remedies.
Enjoy fantastic views of mountains and snow-capped peaks in the Andes. This first stretch takes about 3 hours. We then reach our camp for lunch. Enjoy a delicious and nutritive menu. Recharge for your cultural trek. For more on the Sacred Valley, explore our Sacred Valley Tour Full Day – Salineras, Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo.
With renewed energies, we continue our hike. Enjoy first views of nearby snow-capped mountains. Within an hour, we reach the Cancha Cancha ancient community. This will be our campsite. Once settled, we visit a local home.
Learn about their lifestyle. Share some activities with them. This Lares Trek offers true cultural immersion. End the day with hot beverages and a tasty dinner. For other impressive mountain experiences, check out our Humantay Lake Trek Full Day Tour.
Day 1 Statistics: Cultural Immersion Start
Difficulty Day: Intermediate
Hiking distance: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
Maximum Altitude: 3900.00 m.a.s.l. (12,795 feet)
Minimum Altitude: 2900 m.a.s.l. (9,514 feet)
Start End Time: 06:00 am ~ 06:00 pm
Hiking Time Day: 08:30 am
Our second Lares Trek adventure day starts early. Enjoy a warm cup of coca tea. This is good for altitude acclimatization. After a hearty breakfast, fill water bottles. Begin the hike. See alpacas, llamas, and local people. Spot wild vizcachas (rodents of rocky terrains).
This day is considered the hardest. You will climb until the highest point of the hike. Pass through majestic snow-capped Mountains. Pitusiray, Sahuasiray, and Colque Cruz are revered as protector entities. Reach Pachacuti Pass at 4600 m.a.s.l. (15,092 feet).
This stunning scenery includes colorful lagoons, glaciers, and South American camelids. The climb is worthwhile. For altitude preparation, consider our Altitude Program.
Once we reach our objective, we descend to Lares Valley. Follow an ancient Inca path. Pass waterfalls, lagoons, and creeks. Enjoy the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Andes. Reach the ancient Inca community of Qishuarani.
Our second lunch place is at a lovely rustic lodge. Then, continue by bus to Ollantaytambo town. Here you will meet your family. You will have a hotel accommodation.
The next day, you can connect with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu all together. For insights into general access to archaeological sites, check our blog Tourist Ticket: The Key to Exploring the Imperial City.
Day 2 Statistics: Challenging Mountain Ascent
Difficulty Day: Challenging
Hiking distance: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles)
Maximum Altitude: 4600.00 m.a.s.l. (15,092 feet)
Minimum Altitude: 3800 m.a.s.l. (12,467 feet)
Start End Time: 05:00 am ~ 06:00 pm
Hiking Time Day: 12:00 pm (Refers to day’s activities, not continuous hiking)
The Short Inca Trail section begins today. We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 AM. Our private transportation, with a professional tour guide, is ready. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will reach Ollantaytambo train station.
Upon arrival, board the Expedition-class train at 7:45 AM. Enjoy a scenic 1 hour and 10-minute ride. Marvel at the breathtaking Andes Mountains and Glaciers of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After an hour, the landscape shifts.
We enter tropical forests, reaching Kilometer 104. Our Short Inca Trail hike begins here. Before hiking, pass through the main checkpoint. Present pre-arranged personal documentation and tickets. Restrooms are available.
The Short Inca Trail starts with Chachabamba archaeological site. A moderate climb follows. Traverse lush biodiversity, featuring endemic orchids and fern species. After a few hours, reach a small waterfall for a break and snacks.
Visit Wiñayhuayna, the second archaeological site. Our Kenko Adventures guide explains its ancient significance. You will have free time to explore this site. For a quicker trekking alternative, consider our One Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu – 2025.
Continuing the hike, reach the last campsite for 4-day Inca Trail hikers. We stop for lunch (box lunch included). This section is relatively easier. It has both uphill and downhill stretches. Finally, reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Enjoy the first fantastic view of Machu Picchu Citadel from the Inca Trail. Capture photos from the Sun Gate.
Continue 40 minutes downhill. Arrive at Machu Picchu for your first day visit. Conclude the day’s hike with a sunset view from a postcard-worthy vantage point. For a general Machu Picchu day trip without trekking, see Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco 2025.
Then board a bus to Aguas Calientes town. Bus tickets are included. You will be accommodated at a 3-star hotel. Our service includes dinner and a glass of Pisco Sour (Peru’s national drink). Enjoy it at a nearby restaurant tonight.
Day 3 Statistics: Short Inca Trail Trek
Difficulty Day: Moderate
Hiking distance: 13 kilometers (8.1 miles)
Maximum Altitude: 2700.00 m.a.s.l. (8,858 feet)
Minimum Altitude: 2000 m.a.s.l. (6,562 feet)
Start End Time: 06:30 am ~ 05:00 pm
Hiking Time Day: 08:00 am
We recommend starting very early. Catch the first bus to Machu Picchu. Witness the breathtaking sunrise at Machu Picchu. Embark on a walking tour with your private guide.
Explore the site with fewer visitors. Avoid long lines to enter Machu Picchu. Your guide will lead you through a walking tour of the Machu Picchu Inca city. This Machu Picchu visit is truly special.
Upon entering the Inca citadel, enjoy a private 2.5-hour walking tour. Explore its most remarkable places. Subsequently, have some free time. Visit interesting locations such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. (We recommend booking these extra tickets at least 2 months in advance).
For a more extensive Machu Picchu exploration, our Machu Picchu and Cusco Tour 3 Days offers a comprehensive experience.
After completing the tour, clients board a bus to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch at your leisure. Then, catch the Vistadome Train. Return to Ollantaytambo (depending on pre-arranged schedule). Our private transfer driver will be waiting. They return you to Cusco directly to your hotel.
The service concludes around 7:00 PM. This marks the end of your Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail adventure. For contrasting treks, consider the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days. Our blog Inca Trail One day vs. Inca Trail 2 days offers insights into different Inca Trail durations.
Day 4 Statistics: Grand Finale and Return
Difficulty Day: Easy
Hiking distance: Not applicable (mainly site exploration/travel)
Maximum Altitude: 3300.00 m.a.s.l. (10,827 feet) – Cusco
Minimum Altitude: 2000 m.a.s.l. (6,562 feet) – Aguas Calientes
Start End Time: 07:00 am ~ 07:00 pm
Hiking Time Day: 12:00 am (Refers to site exploration/travel time)
Includes
Accommodation:
- 1 night at comfortable campsite during your trek.
- Hotel in Ollantaytambo for one night. Enjoy comfort after your Lares Trek.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (3 stars) for one night. (We include Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or Inti Punku Hotel. Higher star hotels available upon request).
Transportation & Transfers:
- All private transfers during the tours, as specified in the itinerary.
- Pickup from Cusco Airport and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco (must be in Cusco center).
- Private transportation from Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
- Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Round trip transportation service for your entire journey.
- Transportation from Cusco to train stations and trekking starting point.
Train Tickets:
- Expedition train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104.
- Vistadome class return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. (Upgrades from Expedition on outward journey are available upon request).
Entrance Fees:
- Inca Trail trekking route entrance fee.
- Machu Picchu Citadel entrance fee. For details on permits, consult our blog on Permits for the Inca Trail in 2025? Here we tell you.
Guiding & Tours:
- Briefing service by your guide one or two days before your tour.
- Professional Bilingual speaker tour guide for your experience.
- Professional English speaker tour guide for your experience.
- Chef and cook assistant specializing in gourmet and traditional Peruvian meals.
- Private guided walking tour in all visited archaeological sites.
- Private walking tour in the Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Extra hike to Inca Bridge and/or Sun Gate (part of your guided tour).
- Machu Picchu Sunset and Machu Picchu Sunrise views (part of the experience).
Food & Meals:
- Meals included as specified on the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Drinkable water and snacks provided daily during the tour.
- A bottle of wine is provided for the last camping night.
Equipment:
- 01 oxygen tanks and a first aid kit for emergencies.
- 01 pair of Walking Sticks per person.
- 01 Riding Horse for emergency (in case clients feel very tired or for photos).
- Professional trekking equipment.
- A duffel bag is provided for your trek.
- Portable toilet available during all trek duration.
Other Services:
- Free shipping of luggage to Aguas Calientes town by train. (Clients can send by train all staff needed at the hotel and for the second day).
- We guarantee your departure when you book with us.
- Superior Private Service offers private tours and personalized attention. We create unforgettable experiences in Machu Picchu and the Cusco region. For more about personalized service, check our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu. Private Service Tour.
- Hot shower service is available during your trek.
Not Included
Additional Entrance Fees:
- Tickets for Huayna Picchu (45-minute walk) or Machu Picchu Mountain (1.5-hour walk) are not included. These require separate, advanced bookings.
Meals Not Included:
- Your last lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included. You can choose from various local options.
Meals not specified on the itinerary are excluded.
Equipment Not Included:
- Sleeping bags are not included (can be rented at our office).
Gratuities:
- Voluntary tips for guides, porters, etc., are not included. These are appreciated for exceptional service on your Lares Trek.
Pricing and Options
- Max Group Size : 8
- Our price: USD $ 799.00 per person for 2 people.
- Our price: USD $ 750.00 per person for 3 people.
- Our price: USD $ 700.00 per person for 4 people or more. The best price!
- Reservation price: USD $ 200 per person
Packing List
Kenko Adventures Peru will provide you with a duffel bag during your briefing, typically a day before your trek. This bag has a capacity of up to 6 kg for your personal items, along with a sleeping bag. Our porters or horses will carry the duffel bags, along with camping gear and food. By Peruvian law, the maximum weight a porter can carry is 23 kg (18 kg of gear and 5 kg for the porter’s personal belongings). Any excess weight must be carried by you unless you hire an extra porter. Be sure to bring a small daypack for your essentials like water, a camera, and sunscreen, as you’ll have access to your duffel bags at lunch and campsites. The porters will go ahead, and you’ll meet up with them at these points.
Recommended Gear for the Inca Trail or Alternative Hikes to Machu Picchu:
During the day, we highly recommend wearing hiking pants and long-sleeved shirts. It’s also advisable to bring fleece jackets and waterproof outerwear, particularly during the rainy season, as the weather can change unexpectedly. You should consider packing a rain poncho or jacket, and possibly rain pants.
For the camping nights, we recommend bringing warm clothes, and a down jacket will be especially useful for colder temperatures.
On your Machu Picchu tour day, it can get hot, so it’s ideal to bring convertible hiking pants that can easily switch to shorts.
Make sure to pack accordingly for your comfort and safety during the hike and Machu Picchu visit!
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Clothes in layers
- Insect repellant – DEET 20 strongly recommended.
- Passport
- Personal medication
- Plastic bags for rain situations
- Pocket money in Soles or USD dolars
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Sleeping bag
- Small pack towel and hand towel
- Sun glases
- Sun hat
- Sun scream
- Swimsuit
- Toilet paper
- Warm clothes for overnights
- Water bottle
- Water purifier
- Waterproof clothes
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Wet wipes
FAQ
Of course! During your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, you can store your main luggage free. Store it at our office or your hotel. Just pack essentials for your combined trek. For city exploration, consider a Cusco City Tour.
Yes, your original passport is essential. It must exactly match the number provided at booking. This document links to your Inca Trail permit and train tickets. Carry it for verification.
Eligible ISIC students can receive a discount. You must hold a valid, current, internationally accepted ISIC card in your name. Apply for the ISIC Card at https://www.isic.org/. Provide a copy of your ISIC card when booking.
You must be under 18 at the time of your trek. (Students 18+ need an ISIC card). Students aged 12 to 17 receive a discount. Children aged 2 to 12 also get a discount. Children under 2 join for free.
Peru’s climate is highly variable. You might experience all four seasons in one day! The Andes have two main seasons: Dry (April–September) and Rainy (October–April). Prepare for diverse weather.
To book your Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail tour, complete our booking form online. Have essential personal information ready for each participant. This ensures seamless ticket and permit acquisition.
This 4-day trek is moderately challenging. It involves sustained hiking and high-altitude passes. A good fitness level and preparation are key. For altitude preparation, consider our Altitude Program.
Your Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail includes diverse accommodation. You will enjoy 1 night of comfortable camping in Lares Valley. You also have 2 nights of hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
The Lares Trek offers deep cultural immersion. You visit traditional Andean communities. Interact with local people. Learn about their lifestyle and ancient traditions. This offers a true connection to the Andean world. For broader cultural insights, check out our blog Cusco: Unveiling Hidden Treasures.
All meals are included as specified in your itinerary. You receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks and drinkable water are also provided daily. Enjoy delicious Peruvian cuisine throughout your trek.
Yes, porter service is included for your Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail. Porters carry all camping equipment and food. We also offer free shipping of luggage to Aguas Calientes by train. For details on private service benefits, explore our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu. Private Service Tour.
This combined trek offers a unique blend. It is less crowded than the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days. You experience both cultural immersion (Lares) and Sun Gate entry (Inca Trail). It is a distinct alternative.
This Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail is longer. It offers more hiking and cultural interaction. The One Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu – 2025 or Short Inca Trail 2 Days with Camping are shorter. Our blog Inca Trail One day vs. Inca Trail 2 days offers detailed comparisons.
Our guides are trained for emergencies. They carry necessary medical supplies. We have established evacuation plans. Your safety is our top priority. Guides will assist with departure arrangements.
You will experience multiple train journeys. This includes Expedition class to Kilometer 104. The return trip features a panoramic Vistadome train. These offer scenic views of the Andes.
Charging options are limited on the Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail. We recommend bringing portable power banks or solar chargers. Ensure your devices are ready for Machu Picchu photography. For drone use, check our blog Can You Fly a Drone in Cusco? Permits and Restrictions.
Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are not included. These require separate ticket bookings and advance reservations. They offer additional experiences at Machu Picchu.
This combined trek is moderately challenging. It is generally suitable for active families. Children should have a good fitness level. Parents should consider their child’s endurance for a multi-day hike.
Absolutely! Many travelers extend their stay in Peru. Consider exploring other Andean wonders. Popular choices include the Machu Picchu and Cusco Tour 3 Days or the vibrant Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Day trip.
