Specific Features of the Lares and Inca Trail Tour:
- Tour Location: Lares District, Calca and Urubamba provinces, Cusco.
- Tour Type: Combines the Lares trek (2.5 days) with the short Inca Trail, allowing you to camp under the stars and hike to the Sun Gate for your first encounter with Machu Picchu.
- Suitable For: All levels of hikers, including families with small children.
- Difficulty: Moderate but challenging.
- Considerations: Emergency horse availability and a permit are required for the Inca Trail.
This tour is an excellent alternative to experience the Inca Trail and discover the wonder of Machu Picchu. If you decide to explore Lares and this 5-day, 4-night tour, check out the full itinerary below to learn about the organization of your trip. You will also find information about what is included, what you need to bring, and details about reservations and travel dates.
Once you make your reservation, you will be in the hands of our 100% professional team. We are one of the most trusted and certified hiking companies in Peru, guaranteeing a safe and memorable experience for all our travelers.
Group Tour Price:
- $900 per person for group tours. This type of tour allows other hikers to join you, providing diversity in hiking abilities and pace. Our guides are trained to ensure everyone enjoys the tour, no matter their speed.
Accommodations:
- Ollantaytambo: Hotel Sol Natura or similar options, with rooms that include private bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. Rooms are shared (double, matrimonial, or triple), with the option of a single room for an additional $30. Other hotels are available upon request and at additional prices.
Discount for students:
- $25 discount per person for those who present a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT ID or are 17 years or younger at the time of the hike. A copy of the ID or passport is required at time of booking for the discount to apply.
Additional Articles:
- Additional options include entrance to Huayna Picchu ($75 per person), Machu Picchu Mountain ($75 per person), and upgrading to the Vistadome train (one way) for $75 per person.
For more details or to make reservations, please contact us at info@sacredexpeditionsperu.com.
This itinerary ensures you a memorable and well-organized experience on your trip to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with Sacred Expeditions Peru.
ITYRENARY
Day 1: Lares Hot Springs – Camp at Kiswarani Waterfall
You will be picked up from your hotel at 5am to begin your exciting hike from Lares to Machu Picchu. You will enjoy a breakfast with stunning views of the Andes and then you can relax in the medicinal hot springs of Lares. Afterwards, you will begin the gradual uphill hike to the campsite at Kiswarani, where you will have the opportunity to explore the village and learn about local life and traditions.
Day 2: Kiswarani – Paso Cóndor – Cancha Cancha Village After an early breakfast, you will begin the ascent towards Paso Cóndor, with spectacular views of the Andean landscapes. You will descend towards the Mirador for lunch and then continue towards the village of Cancha Cancha, where you will learn more about local traditions and have time to interact with the community.
Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras Salt Mine – Ollantaytambo You will descend towards Huaran, passing through beautiful landscapes and traditional crops. You will visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines before heading to Ollantaytambo for the night.
Day 4: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu You will start early from Ollantaytambo towards Km 104 to begin the hike along the Inca Trail. You will visit archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna before reaching the Sun Gate and finally Machu Picchu. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Visit Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco You will visit Machu Picchu early to enjoy the sunrise and explore the ruins with a guided tour. You will have free time for more exploration before returning to Cusco by train and private transport.
This itinerary combines adventure, culture and spectacular landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable experience on your trip to Machu Picchu with Sacred Expeditions Peru.
Includes:
- Professional Guides : All of our guides are graduates of universities and institutes in Cusco, and are locals committed to sharing their cultural heritage. They are fun and professional, ensuring your well-being and a wonderful experience.
- Permits : Management of government permits for the Inca Trail, including entry to Machu Picchu.
- Porters and Muleteers: Support staff to carry your duffel bag with personal items during the hike.
- Hotel : One night in Aguas Calientes and one night in Ollantaytambo, in hotels such as Inti Punku and Tunupa.
- Transportation : Pick up from your hotel in Cusco, transportation to the start of the trek, Expedition class train to Aguas Calientes, and transportation back to Cusco.
- Food : Lunch near Wiñay Wayna, dinner at the Indio Feliz restaurant in Aguas Calientes, and breakfast at the hotel.
- Water : Water bottles provided during the hike.
- First Aid : Guides trained in first aid with basic equipment and satellite phones for emergencies.
- Extras : Pillow, foam mattress, backpack cover and rain poncho.
Not Included:
- Optional rentals include sleeping bags, air mattresses and walking sticks (we can provide these).
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu.
This itinerary guarantees a safe and enriching experience on your trip to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with Sacred Expeditions Peru.
What to take on the tour?
What should I pack for the tour? This is the most common question.
Firstly note that:
When traveling to a new distant destination like South America, you’ll need to arrive a couple of days earlier than your tour, especially if you’re going to hike to get acclimatized to the altitude of above 3000m at Cusco.
However, for your trip to Peru, you will bring one or two large pieces of luggage depending on the time you spend on your vacation;
Essentials for all tours:
- Valid original passport (a copy will not be accepted) – Please note that your passport must be at least 6 months valid to enter and leave Peru.
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
- Trekking boots (light, comfortable).
- A good quality backpack (light, small and comfortable).
- Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel-bag or a bottle(s) of water.
What to put in backpacks for Machu Picchu:
Below is a list of items that we recommend you carry with you at all times in your backpack. Remember, you will take it with you every day of the hike, so we recommend you bring a good quality, light and comfortable backpack.
It is important to note that due to local regulations on the INCATRAIN, your backpack must not exceed 25L. All larger packages cannot be brought into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.
- Hat and sunglasses.
- Rain gear insta
- Warm coats (long-sleeved polos).
- Sunscreen, insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper.
- Personal medication.
- Band-Aids.
- Camera, additional batteries for Machu Picchu.
- Additional snacks, energy bars, nuts, chocolate – apples are a good source of hydration, sugar and stay whole in the bag!
- Extra money for unforeseen events, drinks and tips (coins are useful for paying for the use of toilets).
What to put in the suitcases?
Sacred Expeditions Peru will provide you with a suitcase to pack any items that you do not need to carry with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag throughout the trek. Please note that this bag must weigh a maximum of 7 kg, including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring or rent one). These two items weigh about 3 kg together (2 kg sleeping bag, 1 kg air pad). During the Inca Trail, you will travel through different temperatures as you ascend/descend. It can also be cold at night in the camp. Therefore, the layers work better!
Canvas bags will be provided in our office during the safety briefing held the day before; we can also deliver them to your hotel if you need to arrange your belongings in advance.
- Sleeping bag for the Inca Trail (can be rented with us).
- Air mattress for the Inca Trail (can be rented with us).
- Comfortable and light shoes for camping.
- Jacket, hat and warm gloves for the Inca Trail.
- 4 t-shirts (absorbent t-shirts are the best).
- 1-2 hiking pants/pants.
- Four sets of underwear.
- Four sets of hiking socks.
- 1 thick and soft cloth.
- 1 warm down jacket for the coldest nights.
- Quick drying towel.
- Soap.
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste.
- Facial moisturizer & sunscreen.
- Portable batteries and chargers.
- Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate.
Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling
- Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling shall be updated as and if needed.
Why Choose Sacred Expeditions Peru?
Here’s how booking with us, you make a positive impact:
- Intimate Experiences: We focus on creating intimate travel experiences by capping our group sizes at 8 participants during the pandemic and 16 during standard operations. This allows us to provide personalized service tailored to each traveler’s needs.
- Fair Treatment of Staff: Our dedication to equity is reflected in the fair wages and respect we extend to all our porters, cultivating a nurturing and inclusive work environment for both men and women.
- Social Impact: Your reservation plays a vital role in supporting social initiatives in Cusco, enabling us to provide local children with essential resources such as computers and internet connectivity.
- Comfort in Nature: We prioritize your comfort on all camping tours by providing portable toilets and hot showers, ensuring a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
- Transparent Practices: We uphold a commitment to transparency, which is why we do not charge any booking or credit card fees, allowing you to plan your trip without unexpected costs.
- Join Us: Experience the beauty of travel with Sacred Expeditions Peru, where your journey not only enriches your life but also positively impacts the communities we serve.
