Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the LARES TREK AND SHORT INCA TRAIL – 4 DAYS
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO - LARES - SONDOR
Off to the Andes of Lares.
We travel to the town of Lares, relax in its famous hot springs and start hiking to our first camp, surrounded by nature.
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Pick-up in Cusco and Calca market
By tourist transport, pick-up approx. 6:00 a.m. · Cusco → Calca
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and make a short stop at the Calca market to buy snacks and supplies for the trek.
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Lares hot springs
By tourist transport · Calca → Lares
We arrive in the town of Lares, where we will enjoy its famous hot springs before we start hiking.
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Hike to Sondor
On foot, after lunch · Lares → Sondor
After lunch, we begin the trek to our first camp in Sondor, where we will have dinner and rest.
Day details
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Cabin or campsite in Sondor
day 2
DAY 2: SONDOR - HUACAHUASI PASS - ARURAY COCHA - YURAC COCHA - PUCARA
The highest pass and the lakes of Lares.
We climb to the Huacahuasi Pass and descend past Andean lakes and queuña forests to our second camp in Pucara.
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Ascent to the Huacahuasi Pass
On foot, with support horses · Sondor → Huacahuasi Pass
After breakfast we hike to the Huacahuasi Pass, the highest point of the route, with spectacular views of the Andes.
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Aruray Cocha and Yurac Cocha lakes
On foot, downhill · Huacahuasi Pass → Aruray Cocha → Yurac Cocha
We descend to the Aruray Cocha and Yurac Cocha lakes, where we will have lunch.
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Queuña forests to Pucara
On foot, in the afternoon · Yurac Cocha → Pucara
In the afternoon we walk through queuña forests, home to many birds, until we reach Pucara, our second camp, where we will have dinner and rest.
Day details
- Difficulty: Challenging (highest point of the route)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Cabin or campsite in Pucara
day 3
DAY 3: PUCARA - OLLANTAYTAMBO - CHACHABAMBA (KM 104) - WIÑAYHUAYNA - INTIPUNKU - AGUAS CALIENTES
In the footsteps of the Incas: the Short Inca Trail.
We take the train to Km 104 and hike the Inca Trail, past Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna, until we see Machu Picchu for the first time from the Sun Gate.
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Transfer to Ollantaytambo
By transport, very early · Pucara → Ollantaytambo
Very early we travel to the Ollantaytambo train station.
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Train to Km 104
By train · Ollantaytambo → Chachabamba (Km 104)
We take the train to Chachabamba – Km 104, the start of the famous Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
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Chachabamba and climb to Wiñaywayna
On foot · Chachabamba → Wiñaywayna
We visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba and then climb to Wiñaywayna, one of the most impressive sites on the Classic Inca Trail.
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Sun Gate (Intipunku)
On foot, in the afternoon · Wiñaywayna → Intipunku
We continue to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), where we will see the citadel of Machu Picchu for the first time, in the late-afternoon light.
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Night in Aguas Calientes
On foot, downhill · Intipunku → Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
We descend to Aguas Calientes, where we will have dinner and spend the night at a hotel.
Day details
- Route: Short Inca Trail, from Km 104
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
day 4
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY – CUSCO
The big moment! Machu Picchu.
We go up to the citadel for a guided tour and free time, and return to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
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Bus to Machu Picchu
By Consettur bus, after breakfast · Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
After breakfast we take the bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
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Machu Picchu Highlight
Guided tour · Circuit 3, Route 3B
Your guide will explain the history, architecture and mystique of Machu Picchu. Afterwards you will have free time to explore, take photos or, with a prior reservation, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional).
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Free time in Aguas Calientes
At your own pace · Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
We return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) or to stroll its streets.
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Return to Cusco
By train and tourist transport · Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Cusco
We board the train to Ollantaytambo station and from there return to Cusco.
Day details
- Circuit: Circuit 3, Route 3B
- Meals: Breakfast
Andean communities, lakes and snow-capped peaks in Lares, and the arrival at Machu Picchu along the legendary Inca Trail. Prefer to finish the trek by train? Discover the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days.
Includes
Guide, assistance and equipment
- Briefing one day before the tour.
- Professional bilingual guide: Spanish or English.
- Cook and kitchen equipment.
- Muleteers and horses: They carry all the camping gear and your personal luggage (up to 4 kg).
- Camping equipment: Sleeping mats, dining tent with table and chairs, and toilet tent.
Transportation
- Outbound: From Cusco to Lares.
- Transfer from Pucara to Ollantaytambo station.
- Train: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 and Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Bus up: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Return: From Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Permits and tickets
- Lares hot springs.
- Inca Trail permit.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket: Circuit 3, Route 3B.
Accommodation and meals
- 3 nights of accommodation: Cabins or campsite on days 1 and 2, and a hotel in Aguas Calientes on day 3.
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and snacks: With vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Not include
Meals
- Day 1: Breakfast.
- Day 4: Lunch and dinner.
Optional
- Bus down: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Aguas Calientes hot springs.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: With prior reservation.
Prices LARES TREK AND SHORT INCA TRAIL – 4 DAYS
Rates per person
Traveling solo? The tour is confirmed with a minimum of 2 people. Message us to check availability for your date.
Payment
Option 1
Full payment when booking
Pay the full amount when you make your booking.
Option 2
50% deposit per person
Secure your spot; the balance is paid no later than the day before the tour.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents and money: Original passport, original ISIC student card (if applicable) and cash, preferably in soles.
- Clothing: Clothes for warm and cold weather (waterproof jacket and pants), a change of clothes for 3 days, long- and short-sleeved T-shirts, rain poncho, hat and swimsuit.
- Footwear: Hiking shoes and sandals (for showers and hot springs).
- Protection and hygiene: Sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol and hand sanitizer, personal hygiene items and toilet paper.
- Gear: Backpack with rain cover, sleeping bag, flashlight, water bottle and purification tablets (optional).
- Other: Camera with batteries and snacks such as chocolate bars and nuts.
Recomendations
- Book in advance: Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out fast. Ideally book about 8 months ahead and, in high season (April to October), at least 4 to 6 months ahead.
- Keep February in mind: The Inca Trail closes for the whole month of February for maintenance and reopens on March 1.
- Acclimatization in Cusco: Arrive at least 2 days before to adjust to the altitude. We suggest a half-day City Tour or a trip to the Sacred Valley. If you are coming from another high-altitude area of Peru, 1 full day will be enough.
- Documents: Bring your original, valid passport, with the same details as your booking: it is checked at the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu control points.
- Pack light: The horses carry up to 4 kg of your belongings in Lares. Leave the rest free of charge at our office or your hotel in Cusco.
- Rubber-tipped poles: Only rubber-tipped trekking poles are allowed on the Inca Trail. Drones are not allowed.
- Breakfast on day 1: Not included; at the Calca market stop you can buy snacks and supplies.
- Hot springs: Bring a swimsuit and sandals for the Lares hot springs (included).
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: If you want to climb, request it when booking, as spots are limited.
- Travel insurance: Recommended, with coverage for hiking and medical emergencies, and for unforeseen events such as strikes, road blockades or cancellations.
F.A.Qs
What does this tour combine?
It brings together two experiences in 4 days: the Lares Trek, a route through the Andes with the Lares hot springs, the Huacahuasi Pass, the Aruray Cocha and Yurac Cocha lakes and queuña forests; and the Short Inca Trail from Km 104, past Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna and the Sun Gate (Intipunku), to reach Machu Picchu as the Incas did.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible. The tour includes the Inca Trail, whose daily permits are limited and sell out fast, so ideally book about 8 months ahead and, in high season (April to October), at least 4 to 6 months ahead. We recommend booking as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
Does the tour run in February?
The Inca Trail closes for the whole month of February for maintenance and conservation, during the heaviest rains of the year, and reopens on March 1. Ask your sales executive about options for those dates.
What is the best time to do the tour?
The Andes have two seasons: the dry season, from April to October, with better hiking conditions and clearer views, and the rainy season, from November to March, when rain, sun and clouds can alternate in a single day. Machu Picchu lies in the cloud forest, with a warm, humid climate, so bring clothes for both cold and warm weather.
How do I know if this tour is right for me?
It is ideal for adventurous travelers, couples, groups of friends and families who want to discover the Lares landscapes and reach Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail. It is a challenging tour: it requires good fitness and being used to hiking several hours a day over different terrain and altitudes.
What is the recommended age?
We recommend it for children from 8 years old who are used to hiking and outdoor activities. For adults there is no maximum age; even so, we advise a prior medical check-up and travel insurance that covers hiking and medical emergencies. More than age, what matters is being able to hike several hours at a comfortable pace.
How big is the group?
It is a shared service for 2 to 8 travelers. Departures are confirmed from 2 people; if you are traveling solo, check availability with your sales executive.
How many days before should I arrive in Cusco to acclimatize?
We recommend arriving at least 2 days in advance. During that time we can help you organize acclimatization activities, such as a half-day City Tour or a trip to the Sacred Valley. If you are arriving from another high-altitude area of Peru, 1 full day in Cusco will be enough.
Where do we sleep?
On the first two nights, in Sondor and Pucara, we sleep in cabins or at a campsite, with sleeping mats, a dining tent with table and chairs, and a toilet tent. On the third night we stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. A sleeping bag is not included: bring one or ask us.
Which meals are included?
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and snacks, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Breakfast on day 1 (you can buy snacks and supplies in Calca) and lunch and dinner on day 4 are not included.
How much luggage can I bring?
The horses carry the camping gear and up to 4 kg of your personal luggage. The rest of your luggage can stay free of charge at our office or your hotel in Cusco.
Are the hot springs included?
Yes, the Lares hot springs, on the first day. The Aguas Calientes hot springs are not included. Bring a swimsuit and sandals.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
On day 3 you see Machu Picchu for the first time from the Sun Gate (Intipunku), at the end of the Inca Trail. On day 4 the guided tour follows Circuit 3, Route 3B, which covers the lower part of the citadel.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, as an option with prior reservation. Spots are limited, so it is best to request them when you book the tour.
Is the bus to Machu Picchu included?
The bus up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is included. The bus down is not included.
Is there a discount for Andean Community (CAN) countries?
No. Andean Community citizens do not get a discount on the Inca Trail or the Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
Do I need trekking poles?
They are very useful: they ease the pressure on your knees on descents and give you support on the climbs. On the Inca Trail they must have rubber tips; otherwise, park rangers will not allow them.
Can I bring drones or GoPro cameras?
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are protected by the Peruvian State and UNESCO, so drones are not allowed. You can bring a GoPro or small cameras.
What happens if I feel unwell during the trek?
The guide will immediately assess any discomfort due to altitude, exhaustion or other situations and assist you. Depending on your condition and where you are, they will arrange the return by the safest route or the necessary help from the authorities.
Is there cell phone signal during the trek?
Signal is limited along most of the hike, and there is no signal on the train. We recommend letting your family or friends know before you start.
How do strikes or road blockades affect the itinerary?
External factors such as strikes, protests or blockades may change schedules or services. Our team monitors them constantly and arranges alternatives such as schedule adjustments, alternative routes or rescheduling, according to the Ministry of Culture’s decisions. Some changes may involve extra costs, so we recommend travel insurance.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
It is not mandatory, but we recommend it for your peace of mind, as it assists you in case of lost luggage, cancellations, strikes, natural disasters or other unforeseen events.
Can I change my passport number after booking?
Only with a copy of both the new and the old passport. If you no longer have the old one, any official ID with the same name is accepted. Also make sure your passport does not expire within the six months before or during your trip, and bring the original: it is checked at the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu control points.
How do I get to Cusco?
Most travelers arrive by plane. Cusco airport only receives domestic flights: if you are coming from abroad via Lima, you must collect your luggage in Lima and check it in again for the flight to Cusco.
Will I receive information before the trip?
Yes. One day before departure, your guide will give you detailed information about the route, in a group briefing or privately at your hotel.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To arrange the Inca Trail permits and the Machu Picchu ticket we need, exactly as shown on the passport, the full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Payment: You can pay in full or make a 50% deposit per person; the balance is paid no later than the day before the tour.
4. Final confirmation: Once the permits are secured, you will receive your official confirmation invoice and your booking will be 100% guaranteed.
Can I cancel and get my deposit back?
No. The Inca Trail requires buying permits, entrance tickets and train tickets in advance, so the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Check the cancellation conditions with your sales executive before making any changes.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Yes. During the trip, your main luggage can stay free of charge at our office or at your hotel.
Are tips expected?
Tips are part of the tradition of treks to Machu Picchu. Our whole team is paid well, but an extra is always appreciated. It is not mandatory and you should never feel pressured.
