Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 5D/3N to Machu Picchu | Condor Pass + Maras Salt Mines

Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 5D/3N to Machu Picchu | Condor Pass + Maras Salt Mines

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Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 5D/3N to Machu Picchu | Condor Pass + Maras Salt Mines

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Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Experience an epic combination on the 5-day Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, created to blend relaxation, living culture and the Sacred Valley’s most breathtaking landscapes before the legendary finish at Machu Picchu. You’ll start at the Lares hot springs and trek to the stunning Blue Lagoon camp (3,900 m), passing potato fields, waterfalls and grazing llamas and alpacas. The biggest challenge comes on Day 2 at Condor Pass (4,750 m), the highest point of the journey, with views of lakes, Andean geese (wallatas) and snow-capped peaks like Pitusiray and Sawasiray, before connecting with the authentic Quechua life of Cancha Cancha. You’ll then descend into the Sacred Valley to visit the extraordinary Maras Salt Mines and explore historic Ollantaytambo. On Day 4, hike the Short Inca Trail (Km 104) via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for an unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Finally, enjoy sunrise at the citadel and a guided visit before returning by train—an Andean adventure filled with culture, nature and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

5 Days and 4 nights
Local guide: English & Spanish

We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. and travel toward the Sacred Valley, stopping at the local market in Calca before continuing to Ancashmarca and a field of Puya Raimondi, giant high-Andean plants. After about three hours on the road, you’ll arrive at the Lares hot springs for breakfast and time to relax in the thermal pools—an ideal recharge before hiking. A short transfer takes you to the trailhead, then you’ll hike two hours to Kiswarani for lunch and continue two more hours to your campsite beside the Blue Lagoon (3,900 m). Along the way you’ll see potato fields, llamas and alpacas, and waterfalls. On arrival, your tent and a warm cup of tea will be ready.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Hiking time: 4 hours. Overnight: Tents, Blue Lagoon campsite.

You’ll wake up early with coffee or coca tea. After breakfast, hike uphill for four hours to Condor Pass (4,750 m), the highest point of the trek, with views of lakes, wallatas and snow-capped peaks like Pitusiray and Sawasiray. At the top, you’ll take part in a traditional offering to the sacred mountains. Then descend for three hours to the campsite at Cancha Cancha (3,750 m), a remote village where locals speak Quechua. You’ll have time to interact with residents, visit the school and learn about traditional life. In the afternoon, enjoy local-style dishes prepared by your chef before resting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Hiking time: 7 hours. Overnight: Tents, Cancha Cancha campsite.

After breakfast with mountain views, you’ll descend into the Sacred Valley, watching the landscape shift from potato fields to corn terraces. You’ll reach Huaran (2,700 m), then transfer to the stunning Maras Salt Mines, where local families have worked salt ponds for generations. Continue to Ollantaytambo, the “Last Living Inca City”, to walk its ancient streets and water channels before dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Hiking time: 5 hours. Overnight: 2–3★ hotel, Ollantaytambo.

You’ll take the first train to Km 104 at Chachabamba. After passport and permit registration at the checkpoint, start hiking and explore the Chachabamba ruins. You’ll climb gradually for about four hours to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful sites on the trail with iconic agricultural terraces in cloud-forest scenery. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then continue to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu. You’ll descend for about one hour to the citadel and enter via Circuit 1, ideal for photos. After the visit, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for dinner and an overnight stay in a 3★ hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Hiking time: 4–5 hours. Overnight: 3★ hotel, Aguas Calientes.

Wake early to catch the first buses to Machu Picchu at 5:30 a.m. and enjoy sunrise over the citadel. You’ll have a 2–3 hour guided tour of temples, palaces and fountains, with an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (separate ticket). Afterward, return by bus to Aguas Calientes; lunch is on your own, then you’ll board the Vistadome train back to Cusco, arriving around 7:30 p.m.
Meals: Breakfast. Hiking time: 3–4 hours. Overnight: Not included.

What’s included?

Hotel pick-up Cusco / Lares

Professional guide (Spanish/English)

Meals: 04 breakfasts / 04 lunches / 04 dinners (vegetarian option available)

Cook, horses and muleteers carrying the agency’s camping equipment

Machu Picchu entrance ticket

Camping equipment (double tents, mats), kitchen tent and dining tent

First aid kit and oxygen tank

Short Inca Trail permit – Km 104

Box lunch (lunch) + dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes

Round-trip train ticket (Expeditions)

Maras Salt Mines tour + buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley

01 night in the Sacred Valley

01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes

Expedition train tickets Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo

Bus transfers (down on the second day; up & down as listed)

Transport Ollantaytambo station – Cusco

What’s not included?

Suggestions for your trip

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Before$ 979

5

Days

/4 nights

From

$ 890

Price by group
per adult

Book with as little as $200 USD
International standard warranty
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We have answers to all your questions

We know how important it is for you to be well informed before your trip. Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive from our travelers. If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you plan the adventure of your dreams!

The highest point is Condor Pass (4,750 m) on Day 2.

Yes—Day 3 includes a tour to the Maras Salt Mines, visiting the salt ponds managed by local families.

Yes—on Day 4 you reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for iconic views and then enter Machu Picchu via Circuit 1.

You’ll sleep in campsites (Blue Lagoon and Cancha Cancha) and in hotels (Ollantaytambo 2–3★ and Aguas Calientes 3★).

The first breakfast and the last-day lunch and dinner are not included, as stated.

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Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail 5D/3N to Machu Picchu | Condor Pass + Maras Salt Mines