The Luxury Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 5 Days

The Deluxe 5 Day Lares Trek & Inca Trail Itinerary

Day 1: First Steps on the Way to Machu Picchu

Cusco – Calca – Cancha Cancha

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Your unforgettable luxury 5 day premium trekking route begins today. In the early morning, your private guide will collect you from your hotel. Be sure to enjoy breakfast beforehand or ask your hotel to prepare a boxed breakfast to take with you.

Travel in private transfer into the heart of the Sacred Valley. Your first stop is the charming town of Calca, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase any last-minute essentials.

From here, the journey continues to Huruan, where your exclusive glamping trek officially begins.

Begin with a scenic 3.5-hour hike along a gentle incline, following the Cancha Cancha River through peaceful queuña forests and golden Andean grasslands. The landscape unfolds around you, offering breathtaking views every step of the way.

Pause for your first gourmet lunch at Piedra Grande, a dramatic setting of ancient rock formations.

After lunch, continue hiking for another 2.5 hours until you reach your first camp at Cancha Cancha. At camp, enjoy a hot shower, indulge in a massage, and savor a chef-prepared dinner under the stars, surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks. Drift off to sleep in your deluxe tent, immersed in the serenity of the highlands.

Technical Information

• Trek starting time: 09:00 am
• Arrival at the campsite: 16:30 pm (4:30 pm)
• Minimum altitude: Huaran Town (2,966 meters / 9,731 feet.)
• Maximum altitude: Cancha Cancha campsite (3,980 meters/ 13,058 feet)
• Distance covered: 7 km / 4.4 miles (6 hours walking approx.)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
• Meals included: Snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner.

Accommodations

• Glamping

Day 2: Conquering Pachacutec Pass

Cancha Cancha – Pachacutec Pass – Quiswarani

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to fresh mountain air and enjoy breakfast in your private dining tent. Today’s journey leads you deeper into the heart of the Andes, beginning with a hike past the stunning glacial lakes Aculcocha and Suerococha.

The highlight, and most exhilarating challenge, of the day is summiting the Pachacutec Pass. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of pristine lakes, snow-dusted glaciers, and sweeping valleys, a perfect moment to pause and soak in the majesty of the Andes.

From here, descend for approximately two hours to the tranquil shores of Qoyalaycocha Lake, where a gourmet lunch awaits you with a view.

After lunch, continue hiking toward the Quiswarani campsite, nestled beside a small village known for its masterful weaving traditions, passed down through generations.

Upon arrival, unwind with a hot shower, enjoy a revitalizing massage, and settle in for another chef-prepared dinner under the highland stars.

Technical Information

• Wake-up time: 05:30 am
• Trek starting time: 7:00 am
• Arrival at the campsite: 16:30 pm (4:30 pm)
• Minimum altitude: Quiswarani campsite (3,902 meters / 12,802 feet)
• Maximum altitude: Pachacutec Pass (4,690 meters /15,387 feet)
• Distance covered: 14 km / 8.7 miles (8 hours walking approx.)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Meals included: Snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner.

Accommodations

• Glamping

Day 3: Completing the Lares Trek & Rejuvenate in the Hot Springs

Quiswarani – Huillquijassa Pass – Lares Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Wake up to your final morning in the Andes and enjoy a hearty breakfast in camp, surrounded by mountain silence and fresh air.

Today’s journey begins with an ascent to Huillquijassa Pass, one of the most scenic viewpoints on the trek. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of alpine lakes and rugged Andean peaks.

Begin your descent toward Cuncani, passing through open highland meadows dotted with grazing alpacas and llamas.

At the end of the trail, celebrate your journey with a soothing soak in the natural Lares Hot Springs, a perfect moment to relax and reflect on your accomplishments. Afterward, enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch in the serene surroundings.

Your private transfer will then take you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. After two nights on the trail, enjoy the comfort and amenities of your hotel as you prepare for the next stage of your journey to Machu Picchu.

Technical Information

• Wake-up time: 04:15 am
• Trek starting time: 07:00 am
• Minimum altitude: Sacred Valley – 2,870 meters / 9,416 feet
• Maximum altitude: Huillquijassa Pass – 4,400 meters / 14,436 feet
• Distance covered: 9 km / 6 miles (6 hours walking approx.)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, picnic lunch, dinner in hotel

Accommodations: Luxury Hotel in the Sacred Valley

• 5* Superior Belmond Rio Sagrado
• 5* Tambo del Inka
• 4* Casa Andina Premium

Day 4: Arrive at Machu Picchu

Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch After a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be privately transferred to the train station to begin one of the most anticipated parts of your journey. Board the train to Km 104, the starting point of your exclusive trek on the iconic Inca Trail. Step into history as you follow in the footsteps of the ancient Inca. Along the way, explore the breathtaking archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, an impressive display of terraces, temples, and cascading water channels. Your expert guide will point out wild orchids clinging to moss-covered walls and help you listen for exotic bird calls, perhaps you’ll spot a toucan or the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock. Continue your trek along stone paths and tunnels carved into the mountainside, slowly ascending to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the dramatic entrance to Machu Picchu. As you pass through, witness your first unforgettable view of the Lost City, framed by the lush, emerald peaks of the Peruvian cloud forest. Descend toward the citadel, taking time to observe the grandeur and mystique of this sacred site. After this rewarding arrival, take the shuttle down to Aguas Calientes, the charming mountain town nestled below Machu Picchu. Enjoy a delicious dinner and time to wander the charming streets before settling into your hotel for a restful night. Tomorrow, you’ll return to fully explore Machu Picchu with fresh eyes and deeper context. Technical Information Minimum altitude: Chachabamba – 2,178 meters / 7,145 feet Maximum altitude: Sungate (Intipunku) – 2,750 meters / 9,022 feet Walking Distance: 16 km / 6 miles (6.5 hours walking approx.) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Meals included: Box lunch, snacks, dinner in the hotel

Accommodations: Luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes

• 5* Sumaq
• 5* Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
• 4* Casa del Sol Machu Picchu

Day 5: Discovering Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide for the shuttle ride up to Machu Picchu, a sacred experience made even more special after yesterday’s arrival at the Sun Gate.

Enter the citadel and begin your guided exploration of this ancient Inca masterpiece. Your guide will bring the ruins to life, weaving together mythology, archaeology, and history, while you take in the awe-inspiring architecture and unmatched surroundings. Pause for unforgettable photographs and moments of reflection in one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider an optional hike to Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak seen rising behind the ruins in many photographs. Alternatively, Montaña Machu Picchu offers a higher, more expansive vantage point with sweeping views over the citadel and valley. Note: These hikes require separate permits, please consult your travel advisor in advance.

Following your visit, descend back to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch at one of the town’s top restaurants. Then, board the train to Ollantaytambo, with the option to upgrade to the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train, a stylish finale to your unforgettable trek.

Upon arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel in Cusco (hotel arrangements available upon request).

Congratulations on completing this extraordinary journey to Machu Picchu – an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Technical Information

• Pick up time: 07:00 am
• Tour starting time: 08:00 am
• Arrival to Cusco: 22:00 pm (10:00 pm)
• Minimum altitude: Aguas Calientes Town – 2,040 meters / 6,791 feet
• Maximum altitude: Machu Picchu citadel – 2430 meters / 7,972 feet)
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, tea time + dinner only included with Hiram Bingham train

Accommodation:

End of services, Cusco accommodation is not included but may be arranged upon request