Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
Experience the ultimate Andean adventure with the 4-Day Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail Tour, a unique "trekking combo" that blends authentic cultural immersion with the historic majesty of the Incas. This journey is perfect for travelers who want to escape the crowds of the traditional trail while still experiencing the iconic entry to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Tour Highlights
Cultural Immersion: Hike through the remote Lares Valley, visiting traditional Quechua-speaking communities where locals still live much like their ancestors. You’ll see vibrant textiles and may have the chance to interact with local families.
Stunning Landscapes: Traverse high-altitude Andean passes (up to 4,700m/15,420ft), pass turquoise glacial lakes, and witness majestic snow-capped peaks and roaming herds of llamas and alpacas.
The Iconic Entry: On the third day, you’ll join the Short Inca Trail starting at KM 104. You’ll hike past the stunning Wiñay Wayna ruins and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first panoramic view of the citadel.
Double the Magic: Most itineraries allow you to see Machu Picchu twice—once at sunset as you arrive through the Sun Gate and again the following morning for a comprehensive guided tour.
Relaxation: Begin your adventure by soaking in the natural medicinal thermal baths of Lares, the perfect way to prepare your muscles for the trek ahead.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up and Bus
Private Tourist Transportation from Cusco to lares Hotsprings.
Entrance Ticket
Lares Trek, 2 Day Inca Trail, Lares Hotspring and Machu Picchu entrance fees.
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Accommodations
Accomodations in tents and 1 night in a 2* hotel in Aguas Calientes
Chef
Chef and cooking equipment
Horseman and Horses
Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 6 kilos of your personal stuff like: ) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). And we will Provide you a Duffel bag(at The Briefing Time) for all your personal stuff to be carried by horses.
Daily tea
Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
Snaks
Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
Meals
Meals (03B, 03L, 03D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Water
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
Visit to Machu Picchu
Visit to Machu Picchu on the 4th day (2 hours guide tour to explore the whole inca site)
Bus Ticket
One way up-hill Consettur Bus to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes.
Train Ticket
Return Tourist Expeditions train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.(2 hours ride)Train time is Between 14:55 , 18:20, 19:00pm. And if you upgrade to Vistadome the train will be at 15:48, 16:22. US$80
Bus Transfer
Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
First-aid kit
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
What’s not included
Meals
Breakfast on the first day, Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
Personal Portes
Porters are not included along the 2 day Inca Trail
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag US$20
Walking sticks
Walking sticks US$15
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Huaynapicchu entrance fee
if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$ 80)
$750
Itinerary
The Ultimate 4-Day Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Embark on an unforgettable Lares Trek adventure to Machu Picchu with our meticulously planned 4-day itinerary. This unique "trekking combo" blends the stunning landscapes and rich Quechua culture of the Lares Valley with the historic majesty of the Short Inca Trail. Discover ancient ruins, turquoise glacial lakes, and the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel.
Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Wacahuasi (Lares Valley Immersion)
Cultural immersion and mountain hot springs.
Your Lares Trekking adventure begins with a 5:30 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel. We enjoy a scenic drive to the Sacred Valley, stopping at the vibrant Calca market to witness local life.
Next, we head to Lares village (3,100m / 10,170ft). Before we hit the trail, you can indulge in a relaxing soak at the medicinal Lares Hot Springs. After meeting your trekking team (chef and porters), we begin a gentle 2-hour hike to Vilcabamba for lunch.
The afternoon involves a 3-hour trek to the traditional village of Wacahuasi (3,750m / 12,303ft). You’ll encounter local children in colorful Andean textiles, offering a unique opportunity for authentic cultural exchange.
- Total Distance: 11 KM (6.84 Miles)
- Estimated Walking Time: 4–5 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 3,750m (12,303 ft)
- Campsite: Wacahuasi
Day 2: Wacahuasi – Sacsallaully Pass – Yanahuara (High Andes Challenge)
The most scenic day of trekking in the Peruvian Andes.
Prepare for the High Andes Challenge. After a 6:00 AM breakfast, we begin a 3-hour ascent to the Sacsallaully Pass (4,646m / 15,242ft), the highest point of the trek. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the glacial Aruray Cocha Lake.
Keep your camera ready for Andean wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, and the elusive caracara bird. We descend through a Queuña (native Inca tree) forest for a lakeside lunch. The day concludes with a downhill hike into the warmer climate of the Yanahuara village (2,780m / 9,120ft) near the Urubamba Valley.
- Total Distance: 18 KM (11.18 Miles)
- Estimated Walking Time: 8–9 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 4,646m (15,242 ft)
- Campsite: Yanahuara
Day 3: Yanahuara – Short Inca Trail – The Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Walking the path of the Incas.
Today, we merge our journey with the Short Inca Trail. We transfer to Ollantaytambo to board the train to KM 104, the trail’s starting point.
We begin by visiting the Chachabamba archaeological site before ascending through a lush cloud forest. After 4 hours, we reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650m / 8,694ft), the most beautiful Inca site on the trail, famous for its orchids and steep agricultural terraces.
The highlight of the day is the final trek to Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). From here, you’ll get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunset—a view most tourists never see. We then descend to Aguas Calientes for a celebratory dinner and a comfortable hotel stay.
- Total Distance: 12 KM (7.5 Miles)
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 2,720m (8,923 ft) at the Sun Gate
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Machu Picchu Exploration & Return to Cusco
The crowning jewel of your Peru adventure.
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast, we take the bus back up to the Machu Picchu Citadel. Your professional guide will lead a 2-hour private tour of the most significant sectors: the Sun Temple, the Main Plaza, and the Royal Quarters.
Optional Add-ons:
- Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked months in advance).
- Visit the Inca Bridge.
In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Activity Level: Historical Exploration
- Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430m (7,972 ft)
- Return: Arrival in Cusco around 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
