It is moderately challenging with daily hikes over high passes. No prior trekking experience is required, but a basic fitness level helps.
The Lares Valley and the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu over four days. From $820 per person.
Blend deep Andean culture with the historic Inca Trail on this 4-day Lares adventure with INKANET ADVENTURE, ending at Machu Picchu.
Trek the Lares Valley past glacial lakes and weaving villages, soak in hot springs, then join the Short Inca Trail through Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate for a dramatic arrival.
Walk through remote villages where Andean traditions and master weaving thrive, meeting local families along the way.
Cross high passes past turquoise lakes, waterfalls and snow-capped summits, with llamas and alpacas grazing below.
Soak in the soothing Lares thermal baths before the trek begins.
Reach Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the legendary Inca citadel.
Connect with Quechua communities famed for their colorful handwoven textiles.
Horses, a chef, camping gear and a hotel in Aguas Calientes keep you well looked after.
Your complete day-by-day itinerary for the Lares and Inca Trail 4 Days, with distances, altitudes, meals and what to expect each day.
A 5:30 AM pickup drives to the Sacred Valley and the Calca market, then on to Lares (3,100 m) and its soothing thermal baths. A gentle two-hour walk reaches the Vilcabamba bridge for lunch, then three more hours to camp at Wacahuasi (3,750 m), welcomed by children in traditional dress.
A three-hour climb to the Sacsallaully Pass (4,646 m) reveals valleys, snow peaks and Aruray Cocha lake, with llamas, alpacas and vicuñas en route. You descend past glacial lakes and Queuña forest to camp at Yanahuara (2,780 m).
A transfer to Ollantaytambo and the train to Km 104 (2,200 m) start the Short Inca Trail. After Chachabamba you climb past waterfalls and orchids to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m), then on to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and a first view of Machu Picchu, descending to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night.
A morning two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with free time for the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge (optional Huayna Picchu, $75), then lunch in Aguas Calientes, the train to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer to Cusco.
Exactly what is covered in your Lares and Inca Trail 4 Days tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Lares and Inca Trail 4 Days day the most rewarding possible.
Spend a day or two in Cusco (3,400 m) before this high-altitude trek. Hydrate well, eat light, drink coca tea and avoid alcohol. Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit throughout.
The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.
Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.
The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 14 travelers | US $820 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $779 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $738 / pp | Automatic group discount at checkout |
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Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Lares and Inca Trail 4 Days guides