LARES HIKE & SHORT INCA TRAIL 6 DAYS 5 NIGHT Pool Service

Short Itinerary: Lares Hike & Short Inca Trail (6 Days / 5 Nights)

Day 1: Cusco City Tour – The Heart of the Empire

Begin your journey with a half-day exploration of Cusco. Visit the Cathedral, built over the palace of the Inca Viracocha, and the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun). End the tour at the massive stone fortress of Saqsayhuaman.
Overnight: Cusco Hotel.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Treasures | Chinchero – Maras – Moray

Explore the mysterious ruins of Chinchero before heading to the Moray agricultural laboratory to see its unique circular terraces. Finally, visit the ancient Salineras of Maras, where salt has been harvested since pre-Hispanic times.
Overnight: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel (2,958m).

Day 3: Lares Trek | Into the Wild Andes

Choose your path into the remote Lares region:

• Option A (Challenging): Hike from Quishuarani over the Abra Huillquijasa (4,200m), passing turquoise lakes (12 km).
• Option B (Moderate): Visit the Calca Market and Ancasmarca ruins, followed by a hike over the Yanacocha Pass (4,200m) (5.44 km).

Overnight: Huacawasi Lodge (3,835m).

Day 4: Huacawasi | High Passes & Ancient Paths

• Option A (Challenging): Climb the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450m)—the trek’s highest peak—and descend to the weaving community of Patacancha (12 km).
• Option B (Moderate/Easy): Meet an Andean Shaman for a traditional offering to Mother Earth, then explore the Pumamarca ruins and hike down to Ollantaytambo (9 km).

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

Day 5: The Choice | Cultural Immersion or The Short Inca Trail

• Option A (Cultural): A guided exploration of the Ollantaytambo fortress followed by a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.
• Plan B (Inca Trail): Train to KM 104 for a 6-hour trek through Wiñaywayna and the Sun Gate to catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

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

Day 6: Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Cusco

Enjoy a 3-hour private guided tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel, visiting the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza. In the afternoon, return to Cusco by train and private transfer.

Itinerary Overview: 6 Day Adventure

DAY 1 CUSCO CITY TOUR: HALF DAY

Cusco, the strongest and most important city of the empire, endowing it with full political, social, cultural, and religious power.

Places Included:

• The Cathedral: One of the most impressive colonial buildings, built over the ancient Inca temple dedicated to Viracocha.
• Qoricancha: The «House of Gold,» the most important temple dedicated to the Sun.
• Saqsayhuaman: The massive stone fortress that astounded the Spanish invaders.

Overnight: Cusco hotel.

DAY 2 SACRED VALLEY | CHINCHERO – MARAS – MORAY

Tour starts at 8:00 am. Travel to Chinchero (3,800m), one of the most mysterious pre-Hispanic sites.

Morning activity:

Cultural guided exploration of Chinchero and Picnic lunch.

Afternoon activity:

Guided exploration of Moray agricultural complex and the natural salt mines in Maras. Then take our private van to the hotel in the Sacred Valley.

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

DAY 3 HUAYLLABAMBA – QUISWARANI – HUACAWASI

OPTION A

Hike from Quishuarani (3,700m). Start a steep zig-zag climb up to Abra Huillquijasa (4,200m). Below lies a series of turquoise lakes. Descend to the village of Cuncani and drive to Huacawasi Lodge.

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

OPTION B

Visit Calca Market and Ancasmaraca storage buildings (3,600m). Hike over Yanacocha Pass (4,200m) and descend to Huacawasi to learn about traditional weaving techniques.

• Walking distance approximately: 5.44km (4-3 hours)
• Active hike: 4-3 hours / Moderate hike
• Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (3,835m)

DAY 4 HUACAWASI – PATACANCHA – OLLANTAYTAMBO

OPTION A

Climb over the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450m)—the highest point on the trek. Descent to Ipsaycocha Lake for lunch, then continue to the weaving community of Patacancha. Private van to Ollantaytambo.

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

OPTION B

Meet an Andean Shaman for a traditional offering to Mother Earth. Explore Pumamarka archaeological site and choose between a 2:30 hour downhill hike to Ollantaytambo or a private drive.

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

DAY 5 OLLANTAYTAMBO TO MACHUPICCHU

OPTION A (Cultural)

Optional early morning hike to Pinkuylluna Mountain. Guided tour of Ollantaytambo archaeological site before the train to Aguas Calientes.

• Walking tour approximately: 2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes (1,900m)

PLAN B (Short Inca Trail)

Train to KM 104 to start a 6-hour trek. Climb to Wiñaywayna (2,650m) and merge onto the traditional Inca Trail to reach the Sun Gate (2,730m) for the first view of Machu Picchu.

• Important: Replaces standard program; must be booked in advance to secure permits.
• Walking tour approximately: 6 hours
• Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes (1,900m)

DAY 6 MACHUPICCHU OPTIONAL VISIT – CUSCO

Private guided tour of the Machu Picchu complex. Explore the Sun Temple, the Sacred Plaza, and mysterious temples. Afternoon train and private van back to Cusco.

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

Inclusions & Exclusions: Lares Hike & Short Inca Trail (6 Days)

What is Included:

• Expert Guidance: A professional, English-speaking guide for all tours.
• Pre-trek Briefing: A 40-minute orientation session at the Cusco office.
• Premium Accommodations:
  • 1 night in a Cusco Hotel.
  • 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 & Drinks: 13 high-quality meals (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners), plus snacks and drinks at the lodges.
• Logistics & Transport: All private transportation, train tickets, bus tickets, packing llamas, and an emergency horse.
• Personal Luggage: Portaging of gear (up to 8 kg / 17 lb per person).
• Entrance Fees: All permits for Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail (Plan B), and Machu Picchu.

What is Not Included:

• Specific Meals: Dinner on the 5th night and lunch on the final day.
• Staff Tips: Gratuities for your guides, cooks, and muleteers.
• Beverages: Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• Equipment Rentals: Walking sticks ($20 per pair).
• Insurance: Travel and health insurance.

5 FAQs: Lares Hike & Short Inca Trail (6 Days / 5 Nights)

1. What is the difference between Option A and Option B during the trek?

Flexibility is the soul of this adventure! Option A is designed for those seeking a physical challenge with steeper climbs. Option B is a moderate alternative focusing on cultural immersion and a traditional Shamanic ceremony. You can decide each morning based on your energy levels.

2. How does the «Plan B» Short Inca Trail work on Day 5?

Plan B is an exciting upgrade that replaces the standard tour with a 6-hour trek starting at KM 104. Because the government limits these permits, you must book this option in advance to secure your spot.

3. How much luggage can I bring on the trek?

We provide a duffel bag during your briefing. Our team of llamas and horses will carry up to 8 kg (17 lb) of your belongings. You only need to carry a small daypack with essentials.

4. What are the «Lodge» accommodations like?

Unlike traditional camping, you stay at the Huacawasi Lodge. These facilities are eco-friendly, using solar panels, while providing the comfort of a real bed and protection from the elements.

5. Why is the Day 0 briefing in Cusco mandatory?

The briefing ensures everyone is on the same page regarding safety, dietary needs, and logistics. We also hand over your duffel bag during this session at our Cusco office.