Lares Trek and Inca Trail 5 Days

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 milesElevation: 3,850 mWeather: Cold

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 milesElevation Gain: 830 mCamp Elevation: 3,750 mWeather: Cold

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 milesOvernight: Hotel in OllantaytamboWeather: Cold morning, warmer afternoon

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 milesHighest Elevation: 2,720 mWeather: Warm and humid

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: BreakfastWeather: Warm and humidTrain: Expedition Class