4 Days / 3 Nights
Our Lares trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the ultimate four-day trek that provides the trekker with an unparalleled experience. Along the way, you will pass through remote indigenous communities that have preserved the Inca culture, allowing you to interact with them and learn about their way of life. Our unique route offers stunning views of glaciers, and glacial lakes with breathtaking blue hues, waterfalls, and plenty of llamas and alpacas.
On the Inca Trail, you will hike on the original Inca trail, just like the ancient Incas did, allowing you to experience history firsthand. As you trek, you will explore ancient Inca religious cities and enter the Machu Picchu Citadel through the Sun Gate, giving you a unique perspective of the ancient ruins. You will even get the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu twice, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing.
If you’re looking for a trek that offers the best of both worlds, then the Lares trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are for you. Click the link to read more about this unforgettable trek!
Group or Private
Trekking, Cultural and Adventure
Up to 8
Camping
Moderate
4 Days / 3 Nights
Lares trek and short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
Your exciting adventure through the Andean Mountains, from the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu, kicks off early with your hotel pickup at 6:00 am in Cusco. We’ll hit the road and drive for two hours towards Huaran, where you’ll meet your horsemen and horses. It’s time to get ready, put on your boots, and embark on our first three-hour trek gradually ascending towards Cancha Cancha. You’ll take a break for lunch next to the river, enjoying a delicious meal prepared by our trekking chef to refuel for the rest of the journey ahead.
At Cancha Cancha, located 3,900 meters or 12,800 feet above sea level, you’ll get to experience one of the most isolated and traditional communities that have been self-sustaining for hundreds of years. There’s no road leading to the community, and they were only recently connected to electricity in December 2019. After settling into your tents and having afternoon tea, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local family and learn all about life in a traditional Andean village with your guide serving as your interpreter. After dinner, your guide will show you the Inca constellations that were crucial to the community’s agricultural guidance, and they still rely on them to this day.
After enjoying another delicious breakfast, we’ll be ready to tackle the second day of our adventure. Our 7-hour hike will take us northeast, and we’ll start with an intense walk, making our way up high passes towards the highest point of our trek, Pachacutec Pass, which stands at an impressive 4,500 meters or 14,800 feet. Once you reach the summit, take a moment to pat yourself on the back and soak in the satisfaction and exhilaration of the incredible accomplishment.
As you trek through this intense part of the trail, you’ll be motivated by the stunning views of glaciers, remote lakes, alpaca herds, rugged valleys, and magnificent mountain vistas. Don’t forget to keep your eyes on the sky for the Caracara falcons and Andean geese soaring overhead. It’s an awe-inspiring experience that will leave you feeling invigorated and energized.
After reveling in the stunning views from the summit, we’ll begin our descent for three hours until we reach our campsite near the Quiswarani community, located at 3,700 meters or 12,139 feet. Along the way, we’ll take an isolated trail where you’ll get to see indigenous highland people in their traditional outfits, herding their llamas and alpacas. The local community members will warmly welcome you and interact with you in the Quechua language, the language of the Incas. Your knowledgeable guide will serve as your interpreter, helping you to learn some Quechua phrases.
As we continue along the trail, we’ll come across the breathtaking seven waterfalls, which marks the end of our journey. From there, we’ll head to Quishuarani and take transportation for two hours to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner together and spend the night. If you’re staying at the Veronica View, you’ll even have time to relax and unwind in the heated swimming pool or sauna before dinner.
We’re in for an exciting day today, and we’ll start early. Your guide will pick you up from the hotel at 5:30 am, so be sure to grab a quick bite or take your breakfast to go. When we arrive at the train station, your guide will hand you a delicious lunch to add to your daypack, so you’ll be all set for the adventure ahead.
We’ll be departing from Ollantaytambo on the train at 6:10 am, giving us just over an hour to relax and take in the stunning scenery around us. You’ll have the chance to enjoy breakfast (not included) on the train, and your hotel will provide you with a picnic breakfast to take with you or you can pack your own breakfast if you prefer. Either way, you’ll have plenty of energy to fuel your day of exploration.
When you reach Km104, your guide will accompany you off the train, marking the start of your exciting hike! At this point, you’ll be at an altitude of 2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level, and after crossing the Urubamba River on a charming footbridge, you’ll show your passport at the checkpoint and explore your first Inca site nearby.
The initial hour and a half of the hike is a gentle uphill climb, with a few shelters along the way where you can take a break from the sun or rain (depending on the season). As you continue, you’ll stop at several lookout points to appreciate the expansive view of the Urubamba River. The hike also takes you through various microclimates, including cloud forests, so be prepared for some moisture or even rain, regardless of the season. The next hour and a half is a slightly steeper uphill climb, but it’s worth it as you’ll be rewarded with a stunning waterfall at the end.
After crossing the bridge below the waterfall and taking some time for photos, you’ll be able to witness the awe-inspiring Wiñay Wayna ruins, which stand at an altitude of 2,600m/8,500ft above sea level. These ruins have a rich history, and their location in a dense jungle only adds to their allure. As you’re so close to Machu Picchu, you’ll be hiking through a lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will provide interesting insights about the ruins, the flora, and fauna of the area, and will happily answer any questions you may have. Afterward, it’s just a short, 5-minute walk to your lunch spot.
Once you’ve arrived at Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the final campground for those who hike the four-day Inca Trail, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious lunch at a covered shelter. You’ll also find outdoor sinks for hand washing and restrooms nearby. Take your time to savor your gourmet lunch and appreciate the beautiful tropical flowers surrounding the campground. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please let us know when you make your reservation.
After lunch, you’ll embark on a mostly flat walk toward the Sun Gate, which offers a spectacular first glimpse of Machu Picchu! Albeit the drawn-out walk includes delicate moving all over, you’ll ultimately arrive at a bunch of steep steps cut straightforwardly into the bedrock by the Inca, which shows that which indicates that you’re almost at the Sun Gate.
The view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate is truly breathtaking, so be sure to take some time to soak it all in and snap some photos. The last 45 minutes of the hike down from the Sun Gate provide many more photo opportunities of Machu Picchu from a unique perspective. There are also a couple of significant Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so take your time, relish your experience walking in the footsteps of the Inca along the Inca Trail, and feel free to ask your guide about these historical sites on the final leg of your journey to Machu Picchu.
After reaching Machu Picchu, you will have ample time to capture stunning photographs from the viewing platforms above the site. Since you will arrive in the afternoon, when most tourists start to leave the area, you can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the site in the soft afternoon light without the hassle of crowds in your shots. Make sure to relish this enchanting experience before heading down to Aguas Calientes by bus to check in at your hotel. Later, you can enjoy a delectable dinner and explore the charming little town by taking a leisurely walk or soaking in the hot springs. Alternatively, if you prefer to unwind after an exhilarating day, you can head straight to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
You will leave your duffel from the trek at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.
Today is the day you’ve been eagerly looking forward to! Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel, followed by boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the magical sunrise. It’s amazing to view that you don’t want to miss it. Your knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the two-hour tour and take you through all the significant areas of Machu Picchu, such as the Sanctuary of the Sun, Sanctuary of the Condor, Sanctuary of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, and the Place of the Inca. It’s a truly fascinating experience you’ll cherish for a long time.
Once you’ve completed your tour, those who have pre-booked extra hikes up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have the chance to relish the views on their own. After enjoying the awe-inspiring views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train’s departure time, you may also have some time to explore the town’s shops, museums, or hot springs.
Your train will depart at either 14:55 or 15:20, taking you back to Ollantaytambo, while following the Urubamba River, which offers breathtaking views. As you get closer to Aguas Calientes, the canyon narrows, and the river has several stunning sections of whitewater. If you look up high on the steep canyon wall, you can catch a glimpse of Wiñay Wayna from the train! Once you reach Ollantaytambo, your driver will be waiting for you at the exit from the train station, and you’ll travel back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to reach your hotel by 19:00, ending an unforgettable journey.
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator located in Cusco, Peru. With years of personal experience trekking and exploring the area, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and high-quality service to all our clients. As a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders, we are committed to supporting our local community.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We treat our staff like family and ensure that they receive a fair salary. Our team is the backbone of our company, and we are proud to have a skilled and dedicated team that helps us provide unforgettable experiences to our clients.
We understand the importance of working with a reliable and honest tour operator when planning your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. That’s why we encourage you to check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor to see what our clients have to say about their experience with us. With Apple Travel Peru, you can trust that we will go above and beyond to make your trip a success.
Also, we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet, and many blogs like Salkantay/Inka Trail! July 14th to 20th 2016 Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more intimate and personalized experience for our guests. To achieve this, we have a policy that limits our group size to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other tour companies that often operate with much larger groups. By keeping our groups small, we are able to provide more individual attention to each of our guests, ensuring a higher quality of service and a more enjoyable experience overall.
BEST LARES TREK ROUTE + SHORT INCA TRAIL
APPLE Travel Peru is the only tour operator which TREKS OFF THE BEATEN PATH with the LARES TREK MACHU PICCHU, passing through the most isolated communities, and ending at the exclusive Veronica View Hotel swimming pool. Now you get the best combination possible, our incredible LARES TREK PLUS SHORT INCA TRAIL. It is the best of both worlds and NO ONE HAS A BETTER DEAL than APPLE Travel Peru for this combination trek.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe that having the right guide can make all the difference in your travel experience. That’s why we are proud to say that our guides are highly professional and fluent in English. They are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Inca heritage and history.
Our guides are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. They conduct extensive research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands with our crew, who are not only knowledgeable but also fun-loving and great sports.
All of our guides hold degrees in one of the following fields: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. We believe that their education and expertise provide a valuable perspective and enhance your overall experience.
Trekking the Lares Trail and Short Inca Trail with Apple Travel Peru is a life-changing experience. This is a fully portered trek, where your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority. We make sure that you get the best experience for your holiday in Peru, while you interact with the locals, explore fantastic sites and re-discover remote ancient Inca towns. Our pack horses will carry your gear and are well cared for.
At Apple Travel Peru, we take pride in our food, which is a highlight of our fully portered trek. Our professional and dedicated cooks go above and beyond to prepare delicious, gourmet-style meals that receive high praise from our clients. In fact, many of them have said that the food was better than what they’ve had in restaurants!
Our cooks create a culinary experience for you, incorporating both Peruvian and international cuisine using a combination of local and exotic produce. The result is a delicious and abundant selection of dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and provide the fuel you need for your trek.
We understand that some clients may have dietary restrictions or food allergies, and we are happy to cater to those needs. Just let us know ahead of time, and our cooks will create a meal plan that meets your specific requirements. Whether you are a foodie or just enjoy good food, we guarantee that you will be impressed with the meals on our trek.
Our team (Guides, cooks, horsemen) and our equipment are what really make Apple Travel Peru stand out from all the competitors. For all our adventures, we hike we include the following items:
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at mealtime. It is a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers.
At Apple Travel Peru, we strongly believe in supporting the local communities that surround us. We are committed to responsible tourism and make it a priority to give back through various service projects and by hiring locally.
We take great pride in not only employing local people but also supporting their families and communities. The belief is in a holistic approach and we are thrilled to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. It brings us joy to be able to support our highland employees and their families in a meaningful way.
Please read carefully the following information as it will help with your questions about our services and the Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
Of course! During the Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
FIRST, to book your Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here on the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail permits and entrances without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
If you’re worried about high credit card fees while in Peru, don’t worry! You have options to pay for your tour with Apple Travel Peru. You can pay in cash (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office located in Cusco‘s historical center. There are also plenty of ATMs in the area where you can withdraw cash.
If you prefer to pay online, we accept payments through VISA or PayPal. However, please note that there is a 5.5% service fee charged by these payment platforms. To pay your balance through PayPal, simply log into your PayPal account and use our email address: appletravelperu@gmail.com.
We want to make sure that you have a stress-free and convenient payment experience. So, feel free to choose the option that works best for you!
Unfortunately, the answer is No. We cannot change the dates for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or Lares Trek once the permits have been purchased. This is due to government regulations and the permits cannot be transferred or refunded. If you decide to cancel the Inca Trail or Lares Trek, unfortunately, the deposit will not be refunded.
It’s essential that you bring your original passport for your Lares Trek or Short Inca Trail, as well as any other entrances and reservations. This is because officials will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu, embark on the trek, and board the train. It’s important to note that the passport you bring must be the same one you used to book your trek and other reservations.
If you plan to renew your passport or change your name, please send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can update it once you get your new passport or updated name for a fee of $25 USD per person. To make the change, we’ll need a copy of your old and new passports.
If you prefer not to pay the fee, you must bring both your old and new passports with you to Peru. You can enter the country with your new passport, but you’ll need to present both passports (old and new) to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or board the train. It’s important to have both passports with you, as you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or board the train without them.
The weather on the Trail can be quite unpredictable, making it difficult to plan in advance. That’s why we recommend dressing in layers to make it easier to adjust to any sudden changes in temperature or weather conditions.
Altitude sickness can be a concern for those traveling to higher elevations such as Cusco and the Sacred Valley. However, if you exercise regularly and spend a few days in the area, you can usually acclimate normally within 24-48 hours. It is always a good idea to consult with a physician for appropriate advice and medications.
To combat altitude sickness, we recommend drinking plenty of water, drinking coca tea, and using oxygen if needed. Our guides are trained to help you manage any symptoms of altitude sickness, so you can rest easy knowing you are in good hands. For more detailed information about altitude sickness, please refer to our FAQs section.
Before starting your Lares Trek, you will be provided with a small duffel bag to pack your clothing for the next four days. You are allowed to pack up to 7kg/14 lbs in weight. Don’t worry about carrying your duffel bag or camping gear, as our team of pack horses will handle it for you. However, please note that you will not have access to your items until the end of each day, as the porters will be ahead of the group. For the duration of the trek, you will need a day backpack to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water. We recommend a 30 to 40L backpack size, which should be sufficient for your needs.
The Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 39 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,700m/15,419ft). The Trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well-prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You need to exercise regularly.
In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well-acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
At Apple Travel Peru, we understand that our clients, especially trekkers, value their privacy and prefer clean and sanitary toilet facilities. That’s why we take pride in providing our clients with a private toilet tent equipped with a camping toilet that has a comfortable seat. Check out the picture through this link, which shows how we set up our camping toilet during the trek. We always make sure that our toilet is at a safe distance from the campsite and easily accessible at night. Our clients can rest assured that our toilet facilities are clean and well-maintained, unlike the subpar government-provided facilities.
Although it is unlikely, if you encounter a health issue that prevents you from completing the Trek, Apple Travel Peru is here to support you. We will help you get to the nearest town for transportation assistance. For any respiratory problems, we carry oxygen on the trek. If the situation becomes extreme, we can arrange a helicopter pick-up at your own expense. (Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance!) However, we are unable to provide refunds if you are unable to complete the trek.
Typically, individuals who require assistance are taken to Ollantaytambo. If they recover quickly, they can continue their journey to Aguas Calientes (the cost incurred by the trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
Absolutely!! Included in the package, we will drop you at your hotel on the last day. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too. If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we will pick you up there.
If you’re pleased with the services you’ve received from our staff, we welcome any gratuities you may wish to offer. While tipping may not be a standard practice in your home country, it is an essential part of the tourism industry in many destinations we operate in. Tipping inspires our staff to provide exceptional service, and it is greatly appreciated. The amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you and should be based on the quality and duration of your trip. We want to emphasize that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given if you feel you’ve received excellent service.
Absolutely! Apple Travel Peru is committed to being a responsible tourism operator that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement. We believe in following universal principles of tourism that protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism while respecting their culture and beliefs. To ensure that we achieve this, we have extensively trained all our local staff to understand, appreciate, and respect the local communities and places we visit.
When you book with us, we want to make sure you have a comfortable and safe experience. That’s why we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and include an extra porter to carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs, which includes your sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing. It’s important to note that Peruvian law sets a limit of 7 kilograms (15 lbs) for duffel bags to protect the health of the porters or horses. We will weigh your bag before accepting it to ensure it meets this requirement.
If you require more than 7 kilograms, you will need to carry the extra weight with your day pack. It’s important to keep in mind that the 7 kilos should also include 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad, leaving you with approximately 4 kilos for your personal gear. We hope this information helps you plan accordingly for your trekking adventure.
We highly recommend a small backpack of 30 to 40L for hiking during the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us, these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the Citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.
January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read moreOctober 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.
Read moreOctober 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I expected and more. Gorgeous from beginning to end. The tour guides were great and very knowledgeable.
Read moreOctober 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
It was a great experience with all the team Apple Travel. I enjoyed my whole trip. Thanks a lot for being part of my vacation in Cusco.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.
Read moreOct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.
Read moreFeb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.
Read moreApril 21, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
Expert guides, strong porters, and memorable meals helped turn a demanding trail into a remarkable group experience.
Read moreApril 18, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guides kept the schedule smooth and attentive, making the first visit to Machu Picchu easy to recommend.
Read moreApril 9, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide, cook, and porter team brought great energy, answered questions, and even helped celebrate a birthday.
Read moreApril 17, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide respected a slower pace, shared useful knowledge, and made the route feel supportive and enjoyable.
Read more
Permits
