Lares Trail & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Day 1: Cusco-Pumahuanca - Cuyoq.
Between Queuña Forests and Andean Waterfalls: The Road to Cuyoq Camp
We will pick you up from your hotel at 05:30 am for a panoramic tour of the Sacred Valley, passing through Chincheros and stopping in the town of Urubamba.
We will drive another 25 minutes by Van to the entrance of the Pumahuanca Valley. This is the place where we will meet the muleteers. We begin our walk through this beautiful valley, dominated by Queuñas (polylepis) forests with a gentle zigzag ascent, with impressive views of the valley, and a 2-hour walk to the "Inca-Kancha" archaeological complex. After exploring this complex, we will have our first organic lunch next to the waterfall.
Time to relax or take a nap, then we will continue walking towards the Queñas forest until we reach the Andean community of Paccha, where herds of llamas, sheep, and alpacas. After two more hours of walking we will appreciate many small waterfalls and We will arrive at our camp (4000 meters above sea level) called Cuyoq.

Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Steps: 17,820 approx steps
Hours of hiking: 6 hrs
Lowest altitude: 2,850 masl / 9,350 ft (Cusco)
Highest altitude: 4,000 masl / 13,123 ft (Camp Cuyoq)
Elevation Gain: 1,150 m / 3,773 ft
Campsite Altitude: 4000 masl / 13,123 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Hike to Lares Valley.
Following in the Footsteps of the Apus: From the Pumahuanca Pass to the Lares Hot Springs and the Living City of Ollantaytambo
We get up early with a cup of coca leaf tea, then a good breakfast and we restart our walk with panoramic views of the Cerro Chicon, San Juan, and Verónica. Surrounded by a native forest for a challenging 2-hour climb. A dirt road with some stone steps, in some parts there are zig-zag curves towards the Pumahuanca Pass located at 4,700 meters above sea level (A sacred Apacheta is a series of stacked stones, made by pilgrims as a symbol of gratitude and respect to the Apus), once we reached the pass we honored the top of this mountain with coca leaves such as the local customs.
Enjoy incredible views of parts of Moray, Maras, and Salineras. Then we are ready to descend. For 2 hours along a stone path with a nice view on both sides, you will enjoy impressive lakes along the way. We will make a stop at the Cuncani Community, where you will have a delicious lunch with local people. Cuncani is also very famous for its textiles produced with ancient weaving techniques; Where you can buy textile crafts handmade by the residents of Cuncani/Lares.
After lunch, we will take a Van for 30 minutes in our private transportation to the medicinal thermal baths, and springs and relax for 2 hours.
Finally, 2 hours and 30 minutes away is the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo, where you can rest in a cozy Hotel.

Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Steps: 17,820 approx steps
Hours of hiking: 7 hrs
Lowest altitude: 3,900 masl / 12,795 ft (Cuncani)
Highest altitude: 4,700 masl / 15,419 ft (Pumahuanca Pass)
Elevation Gain: 700 m / 2,297 ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Difficulty: Challenging


Day 3: Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
Sacred Path to the Sun Gate: First Encounter with Machu Picchu
After breakfast, we will walk to the train station of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board the train to Km 104. We’ll disembark and cross a hanging bridge that spans the mighty river, and visit the ruins of Chachabamba, which is believed to have been a spiritual center dedicated to water deities. Now it’s a 3-hour ascent to a second important spiritual center, Wiñay Wayna. These ruins are built into a steep slope on the way up to the Sun Gate. After we explore for a bit, we’ll cut across the ridge above Machu Picchu to reach Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. This is a dramatic moment, as we look down on the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins spread out far below, gaining a glimpse into a mystical, forgotten world. We’ll spend the night in a hotel in the village of Machu Picchu.

Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Steps: 19,440 approx steps
Hours of hiking: 6 hrs
Lowest altitude: 2,040 masl / 6,693 ft (Km 104)
Highest altitude: 2,730 masl / 8,956 ft (Inti Punku – Sun Gate)
Elevation Gain: 690 m / 2,263 ft
Accommodation Altitude: 2,040 masl
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Circuit to explore in Machu Picchu.
Circuit 1: Enjoy the most iconic panoramic views of the Inca citadel.

Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour
Sunrise at the Lost City: Exploring the Wonder of Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, we’ll hop on board the bus up to the ruins, a half-hour ascending ride. Your English-speaking guide will accompany you as you explore the breathtaking ruins and learn about the various structures and buildings and the lifestyles of its former inhabitants. You’ll be immersed in the sheer beauty of the complex and its verdant surroundings, as you breathe in the rarefied air of the cloud forest. Return to the village below in the afternoon, where you’ll board a train back to Cusco or Ollantaytambo. (Hotel overnight and dinner on your own).
This journey is a chance to reconnect, deepen your connection, and rediscover that love—like any meaningful adventure—is meant to be experienced side by side. Along the way, you’ll explore vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the strength that lies within you.

Distance: 4 km approx. / 2,4 miles
Steps: 6,480 approx steps
Hours of guided tour: 2–3 hrs
Lowest altitude: 2,040 masl / 6,693 ft (Aguas Calientes)
Highest altitude: 2,430 masl / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu citadel)
Elevation Gain (bus): 390 m / 1,279 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Circuit to explore in Machu Picchu.
Circuit 3: Explore its main temples, terraces, and most representative sacred sites.
A perfect combination that gives you a nearly complete Machu Picchu experience.

CUZ Teniente Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

The Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru

It's not luck that this place is called sacred. The whole region of Cusco has a mystical feel to it. The moment you step out of the airport, you'll feel that the energy here is special. Even though there's hustle and bustle as you drive through the city on your way to the valley, you'll also notice a quiet energy.

There's palpable peace emanating from the Andes mountains in this region, and the feeling of peace here is undeniable.

Cusco comes from the Quechua wo

You will have a memorable dining experience while you’re on the Trail with us. We strive to provide you healthy and sustainable food at every single meal; the products are grown on our organic farm.

• Briefing session
• Private transportation in a tourist van.
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (round trip).
• Expedition train departing from Aguas Calientes in the afternoon (round trip).
• Pickup at the train station and transfer to your hotel in Cusco or Urubamba.
• Permits and Tickets – Short Inca Trail Trek
• Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site.
• Entrance to the Hot Springs.
• Experienced Tour Guide.
• Accommodation:
• 01 - Night Camping
• 02 - Nights Hotel
• Organic, Super and Gourmet Meals on the Trail
• Breakfasts (3): Fresh fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bread, jams, hot drinks.
• Daily Snacks (4): Fruit, cookies, nuts, and chocolate.
• Buffet Lunches (4): Soups, 3–4 hot main courses, salads, desserts, and hot drinks.
• Afternoon Tea (3): Popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, Andean herbal teas.
• Comfort Dinners (3): Soups, chicken, pasta, vegetables, and more.
• Safe drinking water: Boiled and filtered water available starting from lunch on Day 1.
• Safety & Emergency Gear

What's Not Included

• Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (Optional)
• Accommodation (Cusco).
• Personal Travel Insurance.
• Laundry Service.
• Additional Service.
• Tips
• Extras