BigFoot Machu Picchu

Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days

Duration

5 Days

Group

12

Max Altitude

4,680 m (15,354 feet)

Difficulty

Difficult

Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days

This unique adventure blends two incredible Andean routes into one unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu.

Begin on the Lares Trail, where you’ll spend time hiking through traditional mountain villages, connecting with local families, and experiencing authentic Andean culture far from the crowds. Then step onto the legendary Inca Trail, walking ancient stone paths toward one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.

It’s the perfect combination of culture, nature, and history — all leading to the majestic Machu Picchu.

Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days Inclusions

What’s Included?

  • Pre-trek briefing the night before departure

  • Professional English-speaking local guide (certified and born in the Cusco region)

  • Official Inca Trail permit (subject to availability)

  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu

  • Personal duffel bag provided at briefing

  • Horsemen to carry your duffel bag during the Lares portion

  • Emergency horse available during the Lares section

  • Hotel pickup in Cusco (early morning departure)

  • Private transportation to the Lares trailhead

  • Transfer to Ollantaytambo after completing the Lares hike

  • Expedition train to Aguas Calientes

  • Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco

  • Round-trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

  • One night hotel in Aguas Calientes

  • Meals during the trek (as per itinerary)

  • Water provided during hiking days

  • First-aid kit and oxygen carried by your guide

  • Satellite phone for emergency communication

  • Comfort equipment: small pillow, foam mattress, rain poncho, backpack cover

  • All local taxes and operational logistics

What’s Not Included

  • Sleeping bag (available for rent – $25)

  • Inflatable air mattress (available for rent – $20)

  • Walking sticks with rubber tips (available for rent – $20)

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket ($75 – must be reserved in advance)

  • Lunch after the Machu Picchu tour

  • Travel insurance

Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days - Itinerary

Day 1
Lares Hot Springs – Punta Carretera – Kiswarani
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We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. and begin our scenic drive through the Sacred Valley toward the Lares Hot Springs. After about three hours, we’ll arrive to enjoy breakfast with stunning Andean views.

You’ll have time to relax in the famous thermal baths, known for their mineral-rich volcanic waters. After soaking, we continue by vehicle for 20 minutes to Punta Carretera (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), where your trekking adventure officially begins.

Here you’ll meet our horsemen and hand over your duffel bags. The hike starts with a gradual uphill walk through the “Potato Valley,” where local families cultivate dozens of native potato varieties. Along the way, your guide will explain local farming traditions and point out medicinal plants.

We’ll stop for a freshly prepared lunch in Kiswarani village. Afterward, you’ll experience a traditional llama presentation led by local herders, learning about the importance of llamas in Andean culture.

You’ll also have the chance to visit local homes and interact with families who still speak Quechua. In the afternoon, we continue hiking uphill for about two more hours to reach our waterfall campsite at 3,850 m (12,631 ft). Enjoy hot drinks, dinner, and a peaceful night under the Andean stars.

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Elevation: 3,850 m
Weather: Cold

Day 2
Kiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha
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Wake up with hot drinks and beautiful views of the valley. After breakfast, we begin the most challenging day of the trek: a steady 3–4 hour ascent to Condor Pass (4,680 m / 15,354 ft).

The climb rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and roaming alpacas. An emergency horse is available if needed.

At the summit, we’ll enjoy a hot drink while taking in the 360° mountain scenery, including Mount Pitusiray (5,700 m). After photos, we descend toward our lunch spot at a scenic viewpoint.

In the afternoon, we continue downhill for about three hours to Cancha Cancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), a remote Andean village with no electricity or modern infrastructure. Most homes are still built using traditional Inca techniques.

You’ll visit a local family, learn about weaving traditions, and see how guinea pigs are raised in Andean homes. Dinner and overnight camping in this authentic mountain village.

Distance: 14 km / 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 830 m
Camp Elevation: 3,750 m
Weather: Cold

Day 3
Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras – Ollantaytambo
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After breakfast, we hike downhill for about four hours toward Huaran in the Sacred Valley (2,700 m / 8,858 ft). Along the way, you’ll notice the shift in climate as we descend into warmer agricultural zones growing corn, quinoa, and fruit.

In Huaran, we say goodbye to our horsemen and trekking team. From there, we travel by van to visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines, where over 3,000 salt pools cascade down the mountainside. These pre-Inca salt pans are still operated by local families today.

After the visit, we continue to Ollantaytambo where you’ll spend the night in a hotel.

Distance: 9 km / 6.2 miles
Overnight: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Weather: Cold morning, warmer afternoon

Day 4
Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate
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Early pickup from your hotel and train departure to KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Bring your original passport for the checkpoint.

We begin with a visit to Chachabamba, then hike uphill for about three hours to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological sites along the Inca Trail. After a guided tour and lunch, we continue toward the Sun Gate.

Arriving at Inti Punku (2,720 m), you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. From here, we hike down to the citadel and then take the bus to our campsite near Puente Ruinas.

Dinner and overnight camping near Machu Picchu.

Distance: 15 km / 8 miles
Highest Elevation: 2,720 m
Weather: Warm and humid

Day 5
Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
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We wake early to catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and experience the sunrise (weather permitting).

Enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the citadel, followed by free time to explore on your own. If you have tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this is your opportunity to hike.

Later, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and board the afternoon Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transport returns you to Cusco and your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Weather: Warm and humid
Train: Expedition Class

Packing List

Documents & Essentials

  • Original passport (required for Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entry)

  • Travel insurance information

  • Cash (Peruvian soles) for small purchases, tips, or snacks

  • Personal medications

  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (2–3 liters recommended)

Clothing (Layering System Recommended)

Upper Body

  • 2–3 moisture-wicking hiking shirts

  • 1 warm fleece or insulated jacket

  • 1 waterproof / windproof jacket

  • 1 lightweight shirt for warmer sections (Inca Trail day)

Lower Body

  • 2 hiking pants

  • 1 pair of comfortable clothes for evenings

  • Thermal base layer (for cold nights)

  • Waterproof rain pants (recommended)

Underwear & Extras

  • 3–4 sets of underwear

  • 3–4 pairs of hiking socks (wool recommended)

  • Warm hat (for cold mornings)

  • Sun hat or cap

  • Gloves (for high-altitude mornings)

  • Buff or neck gaiter

Footwear

  • Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots (water-resistant recommended)

  • Comfortable shoes or sandals for campsite / hotel

  • Optional: Gaiters for rainy season

Toiletries & Personal Items

  • Sunscreen (high SPF)

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Sunglasses (UV protection)

  • Toothbrush & small toiletries

  • Wet wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Small quick-dry towel

  • Insect repellent (important for lower altitude & Machu Picchu area)

Trekking Gear

  • Daypack (25–35L recommended)

  • Rain cover for backpack

  • Headlamp with extra batteries

  • Trekking poles (with rubber tips required for Inca Trail)

  • Sleeping bag (if not renting)

  • Personal snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate)

Optional but Recommended

  • Camera or phone with power bank

  • Earplugs (for campsite nights)

  • Swimsuit (for Lares hot springs)

  • Small gifts for local children (notebooks, pencils, school supplies – optional and respectful)

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Essential Information About Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days

Trek Difficulty

This trek is considered moderate to challenging. The Lares section includes high mountain passes, with the highest point at Condor Pass (4,680 m / 15,354 ft). A good level of fitness and proper preparation are recommended.

Maximum Altitude

The highest elevation reached during the trek is Condor Pass at 4,680 m (15,354 ft). We strongly recommend proper acclimatization before starting the hike.

Acclimatization

Arrive in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek to adapt to the altitude and minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Inca Trail Permits

An official government permit is required to hike the Inca Trail. Permits are limited and often sell out months in advance. Once confirmed, they are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Machu Picchu Entrance

Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included. Entry circuits are assigned based on availability at the time of booking.

Weather

Expect cold mornings and nights in the Lares region and warmer, more humid conditions near Machu Picchu. Weather in the Andes can change quickly throughout the day.

Accommodation

Camping during the Lares and Inca Trail sections, plus one hotel night in Ollantaytambo before starting the Short Inca Trail.

Meals

Freshly prepared meals are included during trekking days, along with breakfast before your Machu Picchu visit. Lunch on the final day is not included.

Luggage Allowance

Your main luggage can be stored in Cusco. During the Lares portion, horsemen carry your duffel bag. You must carry your personal daypack at all times.

Safety

All guides are trained in first aid and carry oxygen and a complete medical kit. An emergency horse is available during the Lares section.

Optional Mountain Hikes

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain require separate permits and must be reserved in advance due to limited availability.

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FAQs

How difficult is this trek?
It is a moderate to challenging trek due to high altitude and long hiking days. Good physical condition and prior acclimatization are strongly recommended.

Do I need previous trekking experience?
Previous multi-day hiking experience is helpful but not mandatory. Being comfortable walking 6–8 hours per day at altitude is important.

How far in advance should I book?
As soon as possible. Inca Trail permits are limited and often sell out several months in advance, especially during high season.

What happens if Inca Trail permits are sold out?
If permits are unavailable for your desired date, we will offer alternative dates or alternative routes to reach Machu Picchu.

Where do I store my main luggage?
You can safely leave your main suitcase at your hotel in Cusco. You will only carry a daypack during the trek.

Will I have access to showers during the trek?
There are no showers during the camping nights. You will have access to shower facilities at your hotel before and after the trek.

What type of train is included?
The Expedition tourist class train is included. An upgrade to Vistadome is available for an additional cost.

Is altitude sickness common?
Some travelers may experience mild symptoms. Arriving in Cusco 2–3 days early, staying hydrated, and taking it slow helps significantly.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.

Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, but permits are limited and must be reserved in advance. Availability is not guaranteed.

What is the best time of year to do this trek?
The dry season from April to October offers the best hiking conditions. The trek is closed in February for maintenance of the Inca Trail.

What time do we arrive back in Cusco?
Arrival time depends on your train schedule but is usually in the evening.

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