LARES HIKE & SHORT INCA TRAIL 5 DAY 4 NIGHT Pool Service

Short Itinerary: Lares Hike & Short Inca Trail (5 Days / 4 Nights)

Day 1: Treasures of the Sacred Valley | Chinchero – Maras – Moray

Pick up at 8:00 am to explore the mysterious ruins and colonial church of Chinchero. Visit the Moray agricultural laboratory and the ancient salt mines of Maras. Enjoy a picnic lunch before settling into the Sacred Valley.
Overnight: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel (2,958m).

Day 2: Lares Trek | High Passes & Andean Communities

• Option A (Challenging): Hike from Quishuarani over the Huillquijasa Pass (4,200m), enjoying views of turquoise lakes. (12 km / 7.45 miles).
• Option B (Moderate): Visit Calca Market and Ancasmarca storage buildings, then hike over the Yanacocha Pass (4,200m) to witness local weaving traditions. (5.44 km / 3.4 miles).

Overnight: Huacawasi Lodge (3,835m).

Day 3: Huacawasi | Cultural Immersion & Ancient Ruins

• Option A (Challenging): Climb the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450m)—the trek’s highest point—and descend to the weaving community of Patacancha. (12 km / 7.45 miles).
• Option B (Moderate/Easy): Participate in a traditional Shamanic offering, explore the Pumamarca ruins, and hike down into Ollantaytambo. (9 km / 5.59 miles).

Overnight: Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley Hotel (2,830m).

Day 4: Two Paths to Machu Picchu | History or Adventure

• Option A (Cultural): Morning guided tour of the Ollantaytambo fortress and afternoon train to Aguas Calientes.
• Plan B (Short Inca Trail): Train to KM 104 for a 6-hour hike through Wiñaywayna and the Sun Gate to catch your first glimpse of the citadel.

Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes (1,900m).

Day 5: Machu Picchu Sanctuary | The Lost City – Cusco

Early morning rise for a private guided tour of Machu Picchu. Explore the Sun Temple, the Sacred Plaza, and mysterious temples. Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon.

Itinerary: 5 Day Adventure

DAY 1 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS | TREASURES OF THE SACRED VALLEY – CHINCHERO – MARAS, MORAY

Tour starts when we pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am. We travel for about an hour to get to the town of Chinchero (30km 18.64ml from the city of Cusco). Here in this Inca site of CHINCHERO (3800m 12467ft), we will have the option to explore and visit the Inca site and the colonial church.

Morning activity

All-Group Activity: Cultural guided exploration of Chinchero and Picnic lunch.

Afternoon activity

Cultural guided exploration of Moray agricultural complex and the natural salt mines in Maras. The site consists of a large irrigation system and a series of concentric agricultural terraces. Then take our private van to the hotel in the sacred valley of the Incas.

• Overnight: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel (9,705’ / 2,958m)

DAY 2 HUAYLLABAMBA | CALCA – QUISWARANI, HUACAWASI

OPTION A

Our bus leaves sacred valley at around 07:00am. It’s a scenic drive to Quishuarani (3700m 12139ft). Heading west up a small valley we’ll arrive at a lake and start a steep zig-zag climb up to the first pass known as Abra Huillquijasa (4200m 13779ft). Below you lies a series of stunning turquoise lakes. Well drop down and picnic lunch before continuing to the village of Kunkani.

• Walking distance approximately: 12km 7.45ml (6-7 hours)
• Active hike: 6-7 hours.
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585’ / 3,835m)

OPTION B

Departing Calca town around 08:30 we head off to Ancasmaraca inca storage buildings (3600m 11811ft). We continue driving until Kunkani valley for picnic lunch and start a steep gradual climb up to Yanacocha pass (4200m 13679ft). We will walk slightly downhill for 2 hours to our lodge in Huacawasi community. Here we will learn about weaving techniques.

• Walking distance approximately: 5,44km 3.4ml (4-3 hours)
• Active hike: 4-3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate hike
• Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585’ / 3,835m)

DAY 3 HUACAWASI – PATACANCHA COMMUNITY – OLLANTAYTAMBO

OPTION A

After breakfast it begins with a climb up and over the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450m 14599ft) – the highest point on the trek. After lunch at Ipsaycocha Lake, the route descends to the Quechua weaving community in Patacancha, where we will take our private van to Ollantaytambo town.

• Walking distance approximately: 12km 7.45ml (6-7 hours)
• Active hike: 6-7 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging hike
• Overnight: Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley hotel (2,830m / 9,284’)

OPTION B

Drive for 30 minutes through the Andes mountain range. You will have the opportunity to meet with an Andean shaman or healer and witness a real offering to mother earth. Then, arrive to Pumamarka arqueological site. After exploring, enjoy a nice hike for 2:30 hours of downhill to Ollantaytambo town.

• Walking distance approximately: 9km 5.59ml (3-2 hours)
• Active hike: 3-2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Easy hike
• Overnight: Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley hotel (2,830m / 9,284’)

DAY 4 OLLANTAYTAMBO TO MACHUPICCHU

OPTION A

Begin your day with an optional early morning hike to Pinkuylluna Mountain. Afterwards, the group will meet for a guided tour of Ollantaytambo arqueological site before embarking on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.

• Walking tour approximately: 2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Overnight: Inkaterra pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes (6,232´ / 1,900m)

PLAN B (SHORT INCA TRAIL)

Train to KM 104 where we begin a moderate climb for three hours to Wiñaywayna (2,650m/8747ft). After lunch, we continue onward towards the Sun Gate (2,730m/9,007ft) for our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu. Then we take our bus to Aguas Calientes.

• Walking tour approximately: 6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes (6,232´/ 1,900m)

DAY 5 MACHUPICCHU OPTIONAL VISIT – CUSCO

After an early breakfast, we take the bus ride to the Machu Picchu complex for a tour of the Sun Temple, the House of the Priest, and the Sacred Plaza. Return by train to Cusco in the afternoon.

• Walking tour approximately: 3 hours
• Overnight: Cusco hotel

Inclusions & Exclusions: Lares Hike & Short Inca Trail (5 Days)

What is Included:

• Professional Guidance: Private expert, English-speaking guide for the entire 5-day journey.
• Pre-trek Briefing: A 40-minute orientation session held the night before departure at the Cusco office.
• Premium Accommodations:
  • 1 night at the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel Resort.
  • 2 nights at the eco-friendly Huacahuasi Lodge (Lares).
  • 1 night at the Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Meals & Snacks: 13 meals included (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners), along with snacks and drinks.
• Logistics & Transport: Private transportation, train tickets, bus tickets, packing llamas, and an emergency horse.
• Permits & Entries: All entrance fees for Sacred Valley sites, the Short Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu.

What is Not Included:

• Specific Meals: Dinner on the 4th night and lunch on the 5th day in Aguas Calientes.
• Staff Tips: Gratuities for your guides, cooks, and muleteers.
• Equipment Rentals: Walking sticks available for $20 per pair.
• Extra Luggage: Any weight exceeding 8 kg (17 lb) requires hiring an additional horse.

5 FAQs: Lares Hike & Short Inca Trail (5 Days / 4 Nights)

1. What is the main difference in this 5-day itinerary?

The 5-day version includes an extra day dedicated to the «Treasures of the Sacred Valley.» On Day 1, you will explore Chinchero, Maras, and Moray, providing a perfect cultural introduction and extra time for altitude acclimatization.

2. Can I change between Option A and Option B during the trek?

Yes! You do not need to commit to one path before the trip. You can coordinate with your expert guide each morning based on your energy levels and interest.

3. Is the «Short Inca Trail» (Plan B) on Day 4 always available?

Plan B is subject to availability due to government limits on permits. We recommend booking this specific activity as far in advance as possible to secure your spot.

4. How is my luggage transported during the 5 days?

We provide llamas and emergency horses to carry heavy equipment and personal gear (up to 8 kg / 17 lb per person). You only need to carry a small daypack.

5. What should I expect regarding meals and dietary needs?

The package includes 13 high-quality meals. If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), please inform us during your briefing so our cooks can tailor the menu.