5-Star Reviews: See what our travelers say about our Tours
Feel the pulse of snow-clad mountains, isolated Andean Quechua communities, the Classic Inca Trail, and reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, on this Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, through one of Peru’s timeless and wilderness regions.
Follow highland trails surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lagoons, herds of llamas and alpacas, isolated Quechua communities, glacial valleys, and sections of the original Inca Trail before arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
This trek combines the cultural beauty of the Lares Valley with one of the most scenic sections of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Since permits for the Classic 4-day Inca Trail often sell out months in advance, this itinerary offers a unique alternative for hikers who still want to experience part of the ancient Inca road system on their way to the Machu Picchu citadel, while exploring quieter and less crowded mountain landscapes in Lares and the Sacred Valley.
The trail crosses highland valleys, habitat of llamas and alpacas. Hike through ancient Polylepis forests, and follow remote paths where local communities still preserve traditional Andean ways of life. Along the trail, the scenery constantly changes from rugged mountain passes to green valleys filled with shrubs and eucalyptus trees, and small villages hidden deep in the Andes.
Enjoy your stay in a cozy hotel in Ollantaytambo Town with windows overlooking ancient Incan crop terracing, violet-hued quinoa fields, and corn fields, and take a little stroll on the typical cobblestone alleys.
The final leg of the adventure follows the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, entering through Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), the same entrance once used by the Incas centuries ago; from the Gate of the Sun, you will have the first views of the great Inca citadel nestled among the Andes mountains.
Reaching Machu Picchu on foot after days in the mountains, visiting remote communities, experiencing ancient archaeological sites, and eating delicious local food remains one of the most rewarding experiences in Peru.
This trek is officially operated by Peru Summit Adventures, a 100% local tour operator based in Cusco.
Traveling with us you are making a big difference in favor of the environment, our trips are rated as eco-friendly trips to ensure that fragile ecosystems are protected and maintained for future human generations, also maintain ecosystem and environment integrity through considering a sustainable and ethical business model. Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translates to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices.
Upgraded Comfort
UPGRADED COMFORT: Premium or Comfort trips are led by Peru Summit Adventures experts, an experienced crew at your side, or top trip leaders/guides, and tap into private local experts' resources to allow for in-depth exploration and special access to unique sites that only the local leaders/guides know. Itineraries are carefully crafted and fully planned, with plenty of free time to roam. Camping gears are high-end and accommodations are high-end or best available. Ground transportation and most meals (especially in hikes) and activities are included in the trip price.
STRENUOUS: Designed for experienced active travelers in excellent physical condition. Full-day hikes (6-9 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 ft) on many hikes. 4-day to 6-day trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 14,500 ft are in this category with some exposed sections.
Hiking, Archaeology & Cultural Adventures
While we expect the tour will run as the itinerary describes to Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Participants should accept that there is the possibility of changes, being necessary liable to local conditions, eg, strikes, natural disasters, these changes might be at the discretion of your travel company.
Pro 4-season tents in Black Diamond and North Face with Pro Sleeping pads in Therma-Rest and pillows, tents are roomy and cozy designed for 3 people but used only for 2 guests. Our hotel in Machu Picchu town is the Inti Punku Suites & Hotels (or a similar hotel) a lovely hotel for pleasant rest.
Min 2 ppl, Max 8 ppl
Minimum of 02 people is needed to depart. Family groups, couple travelers, friends, or even if you’re a SOLO traveler, you are welcome to our trips. Price is per person, which is based on two people who might share a room/tent. The itinerary is described and based on shared services as well as semi-private service; however, if you are looking for a private service, that would be upon request.
YES. To protect the historical Inca trail, the number of people allowed to hike the Short Inca Trail each day is limited to 250. That is why you should reserve your space as soon as possible. Spaces can be filled up three to four months in advance. Spaces fill more quickly in the high tourist season, from May to September.
Please allow a minimum of 2 days in Cusco city before your hike begins to Lares Trek Via Short Inca Trail.
Your Peru Summit Adventures Trek leader will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 AM. We will then drive through the Sacred Valley toward the town of Calca, where we usually stop briefly for breakfast and any last-minute supplies before continuing deeper into the Lares Valley.
The road climbs steadily across the valleys and small farming communities before crossing the Amparaes Pass (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). From here, the views begin to open across the mountains surrounding the Lares Valley.
After a few more hours on the road, we will arrive near the Lares trailhead, where we meet our local muleteers and horses before getting ready for the trek.
For those interested, there is also time to enjoy the natural hot springs of Lares Hot Springs before starting the hike. Should this be the case, just let your trek leader know, and you can pay your entrance fee, which is PEN 10. The hot springs are optional, that’s why the entrance fees are not included in the trek package.
Once on the trail, the first section is a gentle walk through the valley, following small streams, local houses, and grazing areas filled with llamas and alpacas, and shepherds in colorful usages. This part of the route offers a quiet introduction to the Andes and daily life in the remote mountain communities of Lares.
After about two hours of hiking, we stop for lunch at a scenic spot surrounded by mountain views at approximately 3,650 m (12,139 ft); the lunch will be prepared by our experienced mountain cook.
In the afternoon, we will continue hiking gradually toward the village of Cuncani (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), where we will spend our first night. The village is home to local Quechua families who still preserve many traditional Andean customs and clothing styles.
Upon arrival at camp, we will find the tents set up, rest, and enjoy hot drinks with snacks before dinner.
Moderate to Demanding
You will be woken up early in the morning with a hot cup of coca tea or coffee delivered to your tent by our staff, followed by a nutritious breakfast to prepare you for the most challenging day of the whole trek.
After breakfast, we will begin hiking steadily uphill towards the highest point of the trail. The ascent takes around 4 hours and passes through beautiful highland landscapes surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lagoons, and grazing llamas and alpacas. With some luck, we may also spot Andean condors soaring above the valleys, which has been an important symbol in Andean culture since Incan times.
After a demanding ascent, we will reach Sicllacasa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), one of the most scenic points along the Lares Trek. From the top, the views open in every direction across remote mountain ranges and glacial valleys. We will have time here to rest, take photos, and make offerings to the mountain spirits and Pachamama (Mother Earth), a custom still practiced in many Andean communities since Incan times.
From the pass, we will continue downhill for about one hour to reach our lunch spot.
After lunch, the trail keeps descending gradually through the valley for approximately 3 more hours until we reach our second campsite at Cuyoq (4,100 m / 13,451 ft). Along the Valley, we will hike close to and through the polypodium shrubs, where it is possible to spot some highland birds and hummingbirds, and the views are still striking.
As usual, upon arrival, our tents will be ready, our trekking crew will prepare afternoon tea, followed later by dinner, and time to rest after a rewarding day in the mountains.
Very Demanding
After breakfast, we will continue hiking downhill for about 3 hours through the beautiful Pumahuanca Valley, following a trail along the crystal stream and surrounded by native Queuña (Polylepis) trees and highland scenery as we descend toward the Urubamba in the Sacred Valley.
During the hike, the landscape gradually changes as we lose elevation. The mountain vegetation becomes greener, temperatures get warmer, and the valley begins to open toward agricultural areas near Pumahuanca Village (2,950 m / 9,678 ft).
Upon arrival at the end of the trail, we will find our vehicle to transfer us to Ollantaytambo Town for 45 minutes, where we will enjoy lunch in a cozy local restaurant. We provide lunch in a restaurant because the place where our cook used to prepare it was claimed by the owners a couple of years ago, and there are no other spots in Pumahuanca where to set up our kitchen and dining tents.
At the end of the trail, before taking our van, we will say goodbye to our cook and muleteers, who have accompanied us through the mountains during the Lares Trek, and it is the perfect moment to make a present of some gratuities if you wish.
Once in Ollantaytambo, after lunch, we will reach our hotel, where you will have time to relax and take a deserved shower. In the late afternoon, you have an opportunity to take a stroll in the town named “Living Inca Town”, as the alleys are still original from the Inca Times, and the town offers a unique vibe and energy.
In the evening, you can choose one of the local restaurants for dinner, based on your guide’s recommendation (dinner is not included as our cook will not be with us anymore).
Moderate
Today we start early. Your trek leader will pick you up from the hotel at 5:30 AM and walk together to the train station for about 5- 10 minutes, depending on the hotel location. Starting early allows us to begin the hike ahead of most groups and enjoy a quieter experience along the trail.
The train departs at 6:10 AM and follows the Urubamba River deep into the cloud forest. Along the way, the scenery gradually changes from dry mountain valleys to lush green vegetation surrounding the railway. Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes after, we will arrive at KM 104, the trailhead of the Short Inca Trail. Here, we will pass the official checkpoint, so it is important to carry your original passport (mandatory).
A few minutes after beginning the hike, we will reach the small archaeological site of Chachabamba, an ancient Inca site believed to have had religious importance. Your guide will explain the importance and characteristics of the site during the Incan times before we continue gradually uphill towards Wiñawayna.
The trail to Wiñay Wayna is one of the most scenic sections of the Inca Trail. Along the way, there are beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley, Inca Sites in further directions, waterfalls, the roaring Urubamba River, steep mountainsides, and sections of original stone trail built by the Incas centuries ago.
After 2 -3 hours of hiking, we will arrive at Wiñay Wayna, considered one of the most impressive archaeological sites along the Inca Trail. The place still keeps the original ancient construction. The site features agricultural terraces, water fountains, temples, and stone homes built into the mountainside overlooking the Urubamba valley below, and the temples overlooking the main mountains around. Here, you will also learn about this great place and the Incas delivered by your trek leader.
After a short lunch break near the campsite area, we will continue hiking toward Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, for 1 hour. This final section is gentler and passes through cloud forest before suddenly opening to the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
For many hikers, this first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate after several days in the mountains becomes one of the most memorable moments of the trek. For sure, we will take our time to enjoy the views.
From the Sun Gate, we will continue downhill toward Machu Picchu for 1 more hour and visit the upper viewpoint area (for which we will use Circuit 1 route), where you can enjoy the classic panoramic views of the citadel during the quieter afternoon hours. It’s how we will embrace Machu Picchu after hiking in the mountains for several days.
After having enough time around the scenic part of Machu Picchu, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for the night. In the town, there are many restaurants for different choices, so you select one of them for dinner (dinner is not included).
Moderate to Demanding
Today a nutritious breakfast will make us ready at the hotel for our tour of Machu Picchu, after breakfast and picking you up from the hotel, we will walk to the bus station to take the bus back to Machu Picchu, once at Machu Picchu, we will visit the middle and lower part of this citadel because the Inca Trail ticket allows us to visit this part of the citadel (this route belongs to Circuit 3) where our trek leader will deliver great information of this unique site, and you will also take plenty of time to enjoy the views and take amazing pictures.
The tour will be for about 2 hours, enjoying the history and seeing unique spots like temples, granaries, dwellings, terraces, plazas, aqueducts, and the fascinating views that surround this impressive Inca citadel.
If you have booked an extra ticket for Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll climb up the mountain after the tour; however, spaces are subject to availability. In the unlikely event that Wayna Picchu permits are not available for your tour date, you will climb up Machu Picchu Mountain instead. This hike to the mountain would be unguided.
After having a great time at the great Inca citadel, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes Town, where we’ll have lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo train station, where our driver will be waiting for you to transfer back to your hotel in Cusco City. This transfer service from the train station to your hotel is included. You will arrive in Cusco around 7:30 PM or later.
Note on Machu Picchu Ticket: Since the Inca trail tickets allow you to visit Circuit 1 (the higher part of Machu Picchu for classic panoramic views) and Circuit 3 (the middle and lower parts of the citadel), you can purchase an extra ticket only for Machu Picchu (Circuit 2), a ticket that allows you to visit the full citadel. If so, please refer to your travel expert or travel designer at the moment of inquiry to see the ticket availability. The ticket cost for a regular ticket for Machu Picchu is $75.00 USD.
Easy to Moderate
Although we do our very best possible to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for several reasons beyond our control, including strikes, weather, natural disasters, and terrain conditions. On some occasions, these conditions may demand us to deviate from our original schedule, in which case we will provide the best available alternative options. And we’ll make a great experience of it!
| Number of participants | Price per person | Total ($ USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Participant | We have special rates for SOLO travelers. Get started by filling out the inquiry form. | Enquire Now | |
| 2 Participants | $ 2,200.00 | $ 4,400.00 | Enquire Now |
| 3 Participants | $ 2,100.00 | $ 6,300.00 | Enquire Now |
| 4 Participants | $ 1,900.00 | $ 7,600.00 | Enquire Now |
| 5 Participants | $ 1,800.00 | $ 9,000.00 | Enquire Now |
| 6+ Participants | We have special rates for groups, which are over 6ppl. Get started by filling out the inquiry form. | Enquire Now | |
| # | |
|---|---|
| 1 person (We have special rates for SOLO travelers. Get started by filling out the inquiry form.) | Enquire Now |
| 2 people $ 2,200.00 | Enquire Now |
| 3 people $ 2,100.00 | Enquire Now |
| 4 people $ 1,900.00 | Enquire Now |
| 5 people $ 1,800.00 | Enquire Now |
| 6+ people (We have special rates for groups, which are over 6ppl. Get started by filling out the inquiry form.) | Enquire Now |
Prices are quoted in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Prices are per person based on SEMI-PRIVATE service; we depart with 2 ppl as a minimum, 8 ppl as maximum, and an average of 4 ppl in a group. This trek is also based on double occupancy for tents in the trail and a double twin-bed (matrimonial if requested) or triple occupancy in case of families or friends for hotel rooms, single rooms are subject to a single supplement fee.
Making a choice of your right travel company/ tour operator is the most important decision you will make as you make your plans for a long-anticipated dreamed adventure. At first glance, some companies may seem cheaper. However, when you research a little deeper, you will see why traveling with Peru Summit Adventures assures that you will have the most memorable travel experience possible. In fact, we guarantee it, our TripAdvisor reviews say that.
Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translate to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices, here are the reasons why you should go with us!
Besides, Machu Picchu offers one of the world’s most spellbinding travel experiences. But it’s also a world-renowned destination, and touring the site in a big group with multitudes of tourists shoving for photos, and competing to hear the guide, your once in a lifetime visit to this World Heritage Site may lose its magic. Our Machu Picchu Trips are scheduled with an average of just four travelers, allowing for a deeper exploration of the lost city of the Incas, with our Local Experts / Tour Leaders.
We are very confident the quality of our Lares Trek Via Short Inca Trail will get your expectations and that you will savor the best possible of cultural travel experience, nature travel experience, and adventure travel experience if you are dissatisfied, we’ll happily give you credit for an extra trip or for a future journey. It’s, to our knowledge, the best guarantee in the travel business.
Probably you will see that most of the tour operators mention it on their websites that are local tour companies, however, if you research a little deeper you will find out that’s not true, they might be although half of the operation is done from here and another half abroad, they even have NorthAmerican phone number or European phone numbers, which is a clue to find out, we are not against the foreigner companies or half foreign companies, what we are against is that they lie.
In Cusco exist just few truly local tour operators. If you did not know, foreign companies come to Peru to get rich without paying a General Sales Tax or Tax Contribution to our country. If you did not know that, according to the United Nations, for every US $100 spent on a tour in a developing country or foreign travel companies, only $5 stays in the local economy. Normally, almost all of the money flows back to large companies operating outside the destination countries. As we are a local family enterprise, we guarantee that your travel expenditures will support the local economy, and improve the lives of Peruvians through contributing to general sales tax.
Be a responsible traveller! Let’s make this world a better place for everyone and for everyone that lives in it! The natural environments that we travel to are fragile and abundant with beautiful culture and traditions that are often reliant on tourism. We have a responsibility as travelers to minimize the impact of our presence, protect what is delicate, and leave a positive influence everywhere we can.
As a locally owned and based Peruvian tour company, we integrate these practices into our in-country operations we are aiming for a style of travel that makes the world a better place for everyone, and for everyone that lives in it. Since our very first days as a tour operator, responsible business has been at the heart of what we do. Peru Summit Adventures is committed not just to treading lightly, but to making a real difference by helping and investing in local communities, education initiatives, environmental conservation projects. These values are not more than just words, they are ingrained in the culture and philosophy of our crew, daily operations of Peru Summit Adventures trips, and at our office too.
The perfect custom-made private tours, adventure tours, or expeditions don’t just happen. It takes a team of talented, knowledgeable, passionate, and experienced professionals to bring it all together and possible. Our team of Peru Summit Adventures Leaders is comprised of local trip veterans, seasoned tour veterans with rich backgrounds on history, archaeology, culture, cuisine, geology, biology, and more.
With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the travel industry, our Trip Leaders safely deliver your trip-of-a-lifetime to maximize your Peru journeys and adventures every step of the way. Our Tour/Trek Leaders have worked extensively in the Peru isolated mountains, archaeological sites, hiking the Inca Trail (at least 150 times), Amazon jungle, and being at Machu Picchu for over 400 times at least, this guarantees your trip a unique and memorable experience.
Camping Equipment: Great gear is a key part of every great journey, so we’ve made our gear warehouse featuring top-performing brands like Black Diamond, Patagonia, North Face Summit Series, Therma Rest, Marmot, Leki, this is a fantastic collection of our outdoor gear, accessories, which are offered in all trekking adventures, expeditions, and Peru Summit Adventures Logo items.
In all hikes, you’ll enjoy Pro 4-season tents in Black Diamond and North Face with Pro Sleeping pads in Therma-Rest and pillows, tents are roomy and cozy designed for 3 people but used only for 2 guests.
Hotels: We select carefully our hotels in each destination all over the country. And we select our accommodations for how well they represent the distinctive character of the destination you’re in. Some of these rooms and cabanas draw their inspiration from history and others from the views they offer. What’s consistent, however, is that we stand by each and every one of these for what they’ll add to your experience.
We have created a custom comprehensive listing of Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu and Peru, Machu Picchu, and Peru travel books for this trip. Our reading list Peru is custom-designed to complement specific Peru Summit destinations. We feature a handpicked selection of travel guides, maps, literature, books on art, cuisine, nature, and culture, designed to help you get more out of your travels to Machu Picchu & Peru.
Activity Type: Physical Rating:Service Level: 
Activity Type: Physical Rating:Service Level: 
Activity Type: Physical Rating:Service Level: 
