Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Kiswarani – Blue Lake

Leave Cusco at 06:00 am for the start of your Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail. Drive for about 2 hours to the valley of Calca where we will have breakfast, before continuing on in our private van to a high pass at 4275 meters 13.891 feet. From here observe wonderful views of the snowcapped mountains. When you have enjoyed the amazing views, we continue to Lares thermo-medicinal baths. The water is excellent for your bones, muscles, stress, and headaches; therefore, this is the perfect way to prepare for your hike! After soaking our bodies, we will drive 30 minutes to the trailhead and start with a 2-hour hike to the Village of Kiswarani, where your chef will be waiting for a well-deserved lunch. The second part of the day is another 2-hour hike to the campsite on the shores of the Blue Lagoon at 3900 m (12795 ft). We will pass picturesque landscapes, potato farms, and fantastic waterfalls.

In the Lares region, villagers survive by farming potatoes and raising llamas and alpacas. On reaching our campsite, your tents and a hot cup of tea await you. This is a perfect place to relax, stargaze, and learn about Inca astronomy.

• Campsite Altitude: 3900 m / 12795 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Duration: 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Blue Lake – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha

We will wake you up early with a hot mug of tea. This is our longest day, and after breakfast, it is a 4-hour hike to Condor Pass at 4750m (15583 ft) – the highest point of this hike. While trekking witness beautiful lakes where Wallatas (Andean geese or ‘love birds’) swim in the crystal clear waters. Pass the imposing Andean mountains of Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Qolquecruz, all of which are over 18,000 ft. At the summit of Condor Pass, a hot cup of coca tea, and some time to rest awaits. Here your tour guide prepares a spiritual offering ceremony to the sacred mountains and Pachamama. It is then over a 3-hour descent through breathtaking scenery to our second campsite.

Our campsite is at Canchacancha (3750 m / 12 303 ft) – the only Lares Valley village completely isolated from modern technology. This includes no drainage system, computers, internet connection, or cellphone service. Here they speak only Quechua – the ancient language spoken by the Incas. You will have time in Canchacancha to meet and interact with the local people, visit a local school, and play games with the children.

The villagers will welcome any donations of food, school supplies, or anything else you would like to give to help support this isolated community’s health and education. With your guide, visit one of the family’s homes late in the afternoon. Here you can first experience their traditional lifestyles passed down from the Incas, sample traditional food, and see how they raise guinea pigs, llamas, and alpacas. Our chef will have prepared dinner to enjoy together before a well-earned night’s rest by the evening.

• Campsite Altitude: 3750 m / 12303 ft
• Distance: 16 km/ 910 miles
• Duration: 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Day 3: Canchacancha – Salineras of Maras – Ollantaytambo

Beautiful views of the mountains and a delicious breakfast are the perfect start to the day, while you prepare for the final descent from the highlands into the Sacred Valley. Take the time to say goodbye and thank you to the villagers for their hospitality. Before heading off for a wonderful day of trekking.

Today you can observe different ecosystems – from the cold mountains, where only potatoes are grown, to the fertile soils of the Sacred Valley, where corn is the primary product. Trek to the small town of Huaran (2700 m / 8856 ft), and from here, a private bus will drive us to Salineras of Maras, where we will take a short tour with our guide before traveling to Ollantaytambo “Last Living Incan City.” or as it is sometimes known, “World Capital of the Native America.” We will take some time to explore these ancient streets and the water channel that has been in use since Inca time. We will have dinner in a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo and spend the night in a hotel.

• Campsite Altitude: 2700m / 8856 ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Duration: 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: 3* Hotel
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes

Enjoy an early breakfast in your hotel, before taking the train from Ollantaytambo for 1 hour 30 minutes along the Urubamba River to km 104 at Chachabamba (in the cloud forest). Head straight to the checkpoint at Chachabamba, the start of your short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Please note you will need your original passport to pass through the checkpoint. After passing our first stop will be beautiful Inca site located at km 104, the guide will give us a short history. From here, we will hike along an ancient Inca Trail abandoned in the 16th century.

The first section of the trail is a gradual uphill hike for 4 hours before arriving at Wiñay Wayna (translated means Forever Young). Explore this stunning archaeological site and enjoy the Andes’ spectacular views. A packed lunch and refreshments will be provided. Once fed and energized, we will continue our hike to the Sun gate to catch your first glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas – a truly unforgettable sight. It’s a one-hour downhill walk from Sun gate to the city, with breathtaking views along the way. We will arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon and have the unique opportunity to experience the city almost empty. This is the perfect photo-taking opportunity! We will then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have dinner and spend the night in a hotel.

• Aguas Calientes: 2000m / 6561ft
• Highest altitude: 2700m / 8858ft
• Distance: 16km / 10 miles
• Duration: 7 hours
• Meals: Lunch, snacks, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Machu Picchu “The Lost City of the Incas” – Back to Cusco

On the final day, get up early and prepare for the highlight of the tour: visiting Machu Picchu—the Lost City of the Incas. Breakfast will be served in the hotel, board one the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving as the sky brightens, we can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu.

On entering Machu Picchu enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Our guide will take you on a 2-hour comprehensive tour of the city visiting all the important sites and the history of the area. Start with spectacular views from the Guardians House before visiting the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residences and Sacred Plaza, The Sacred Stone, many different temples and the Agricultural Terraces, just to name a few. Feel the Inca energy as you are surrounded by the spectacular Andes Mountain range.

For those who have booked in advance, hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked well in advance).

After the tour of Machu Picchu, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. You will have time to explore the town, choose a restaurant of your preference, and buy souvenirs in the local market. Later in the afternoon, you will board the Expedition Train and bus back to Cusco. The WaynaTrekkers representative will meet you at the train station in Ollantaytambo, and you will be driven back safely to your hotel. Our arrival time to Cusco is around 7:30 p.m.

• Altitude: 2400 m / 7874 ft
• Duration: 2-3 hours tour in Machu Picchu
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy

***IMPORTANT NOTES:

• On the 2-day Inca Trail hike, we will be doing the CIRCUIT #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you purchase an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
• OPTIONAL extra tickets for Machu Picchu (Circuit #2) will cost $55 USD per person
• Early trains can be organized at the booking time.
• The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability, confirm at the booking time.