Lares trek and short Inca Trail
The 5 Day Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique adventure. It combines beautiful Andean scenery with the famous Inca Trail.
This special route takes you into the wild Andes. You will see glaciers, turquoise lakes, and waterfalls. You will also pass traditional Andean communities with llamas and alpacas.
On your journey, you will relax in the natural Lares Hot Springs. Then, you will continue to the original Inca Trail. Here, you will explore ancient ceremonial sites. You will hike the same stone paths that the Incas used centuries ago.
The journey ends with a stunning entrance through the Sun Gate. You will visit Machu Picchu twice. This includes a guided tour and time to explore the citadel independently.
Huayna Picchu is the tall peak located right behind Machu Picchu. It provides one of the most amazing views of the ancient site.
With Happy Gringo Tours, we handle your entry tickets and scheduling to ensure your preferred date and time are secured. Because access is limited to 300 visitors per day, booking early is essential.
If you are joining our 2-Day Short Inca Trail, your Huayna Picchu climb is usually scheduled for 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. This happens right after your two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
The hike takes about two to two and a half hours round-trip, including a steep 60-minute ascent and a 45-minute descent. Along the way, you’ll find fascinating Inca terraces and stone constructions still being studied by archaeologists.
Be aware that the trail is steep, narrow, and includes sections where you’ll need your hands for balance. It’s an unforgettable but demanding adventure, recommended only for those comfortable with heights.
Machu Picchu Mountain rises 3,082 meters (10,111 ft) above sea level. It is located south of the Inca citadel and provides a unique challenge.
This hike is different from Huayna Picchu. It has a wider, less steep trail with traditional Inca stone steps. This makes it great for travelers who want a moderate climb and beautiful views.
Permits are limited to 250 per day, split into two groups: 7–8 a.m. and 9–10 a.m. For guests on our 2-Day Short Inca Trail, we usually receive a later entry. This way, you can hike after your guided tour of the citadel.
The full hike takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, including 1.5 hours to ascend, 30 minutes at the summit, and an hour to descend. From the top, you will see wide views of the Urubamba Valley, the nearby mountains, and Machu Picchu — a sight you will always remember.
Note: During your 2-day Inca Trail program, you can choose either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. You cannot visit both because their times overlap.
Your Short Inca Trail 2 Days package includes round-trip transportation on the Expedition Train. This train is for travelers seeking comfort and scenic views.
You can improve your return trip by upgrading to the Vistadome Observatory Train. This first-class experience features large windows, glass ceilings, and comfortable seats. You can enjoy every detail of the Andean landscape.
Onboard, you will have a cultural experience. There will be live dance shows and fashion displays. You can also enjoy light snacks. This is a great way to end your Machu Picchu adventure.
Please note that the Vistadome option is only for the return trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The earlier departure time of the Expedition Train (06:10 a.m.) helps you start your hike on time. The earliest Vistadome train departs at 07:05 a.m., which would shorten your window for trekking.
Trekking poles are optional but highly recommended, especially if you have knee concerns or limited hiking experience. Even seasoned trekkers find them helpful for maintaining stability and reducing strain during the ascent and descent. If you don't bring your own, you can rent them from the agency.
Keep in mind that walking sticks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu or on Huayna Picchu Mountain. Your guide will collect them at the citadel entrance and store them safely in Aguas Calientes.
The next day, you will visit Machu Picchu without the poles. This will let you enjoy the experience and take great photos freely.
Your adventure in the Andes starts early. You will be picked up from your Cusco hotel at 6:00 am. We drive to Huaran, where the trek starts, and you will meet our experienced horsemen and horses.
After getting ready, we begin a gradual 3–3.5-hour ascent toward Cancha Cancha, walking through scenic mountain landscapes. Along the way, we enjoy a freshly prepared lunch beside the river, giving you energy for the hike ahead.
Cancha Cancha (3,900 m / 12,800 ft) is a remote, traditional Andean community. It has lived much like this for centuries. With no road access and electricity only recently introduced, this village offers a rare glimpse into authentic Andean life.
After you set up your tents and have afternoon tea, you will visit a local family. Your guide will help you learn about their daily life. After dinner, your guide will explain the Inca constellations, still used today for agricultural guidance.
You’ll wake up to a hot mug of tea or coffee before breakfast, preparing for a challenging and rewarding day. We begin a 7-hour hike northeast, starting with a steady climb toward the highest point of the trek, Pachacutec Pass (4,500 m / 14,800 ft).
As you go, you will see amazing views of glaciers, alpine lakes, herds of alpacas, rough valleys, and stunning mountains. Keep an eye out for Andean wildlife, such as caracaras and Andean geese.
After we finish enjoying the pass, we hike down for about three hours. We reach our campsite near the Quiswarani community at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,139 feet).
This quiet trail lets you meet local highland families. They wear traditional clothing and herd llamas and alpacas.
You’ll hear Quechua spoken, the language of the Incas, and your guide will help translate and teach you a few words. Near the end of the hike, you’ll pass a stunning series of seven waterfalls before reaching camp, where hot drinks and appetizers await.
Today is one of the most scenic days of the trek. We hike for about 3 hours to Willqaqasa Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). We enjoy wide views of glacial lakes. These lakes reflect the nearby mountains, including the impressive Colquecruz and Pitusiray peaks.
The trail goes through puna grasslands, farms, and clear highland lakes. After that, it descends for about two hours to the Cuncani community. Here, you may visit a local school and spend time interacting with indigenous children.
From Cuncani, we meet our private transport. We drive through fertile valleys filled with crops, fruit trees, and native flowers. We also see begonias and wild orchids.
We then reach the Lares Hot Springs (3,100 m / 10,170 ft). Here, you can relax for about an hour in the natural volcanic pools before lunch.
After saying goodbye to our trekking chef and horsemen, we take a private ride to Ollantaytambo. There, we have dinner and spend the night in a nice hotel.
We start early with a 5:30 am pickup. At the train station, your guide provides your boxed lunch for the day. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10 am, offering beautiful views along the Urubamba River. Breakfast is not included, but your hotel can prepare a takeaway breakfast if requested.
The team disembarks at KM 104 (2,000 m / 6,560 ft), where the Short Inca Trail begins. After crossing the Urubamba River and passing the checkpoint, we visit the first Inca site.
The trail starts with a gentle ascent, passing scenic viewpoints and cloud forest. After reaching a beautiful waterfall, we arrive at the impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins (2,600 m / 8,500 ft). Your guide will explain the site’s history, flora, and fauna before a short walk to our lunch spot.
After lunch, we hike toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll have your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu. The final descent offers spectacular photo opportunities before reaching the citadel.
You will have time to take in views, including the House of the Guardians. You can take great photos in the afternoon light when the crowds get smaller. We then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check into the hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax.
Your trek duffel bag will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo directly to Aguas Calientes.
After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. We want to see the sunrise over the citadel.
Your guide will lead a 2-hour tour. You will explore the key areas of Machu Picchu and learn about its interesting history.
After the visit, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, you may have time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the hot springs or the museum. In the afternoon, board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo, following the Urubamba River.
Upon arrival, private transport will return you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at approximately 7:00 pm.
Huayna Picchu Mountain hikes are unguided and must be booked in advance; availability is subject to change.
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