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4D - 3N
4700
8
Group
The 2-Day Lares Trek + 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 4 days is great for those who want the best of both treks – this way you get the best of wild Andes Mountains and the most important Inca archeological sites.
We pass through indigenous communities and meet the locals who still live without roads connecting with the outside world. They still live as their ancestors before them, keeping their ancient culture alive. This is our own unique and very scenic route with waterfalls, llamas, alpacas and beautiful glaciers which feed the shockingly turquoise lakes. Along the hike we explore the ancient Inca religious sites on the original Inca trail just like in ancient times and get to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, where the most famous photos are taken. You get to visit Machu Picchu twice!
The hike through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu begins at 6:00am from your Cusco hotel. We make a quick stop at the Calca local market for any extra supplies you might need for the trek. Drive for 1 hour to Huaran and meet up with the horsemen and give our duffel bag to put on the horses. Our stop on the river bank is accompanied by a delicious breakfast to replenish our energy for the hike ahead.
On the start our ascent, be prepared for a pretty steep hike. Pace yourself, taking in the scenery with the river, gently flowing down stream to your left. See lush mountains with gorgeous flora indigenous to the region. The rest of the trail is gradual. Pass old Inca bridges, a beautiful clear lake, a perfect spot to stretch your legs and take a rest. Meet up with our chef along the way for a scrumptious 3-course lunch. After lunch continue on our scenic hike to the village of Cancha Cancha.
The village is easy to find, see the snowcapped mountains get closer and the air becomes crisper. Cross over a small stream to settle into our campsite along the river. Once we arrive in Cancha Cancha we get to interact with the locals, we can either play soccer with the local kids or visit a local school. Enjoy our afternoon tea and spend the rest of the afternoon taking in our surroundings. Take pictures of the local women herding their llamas and alpacas in traditional clothing or the breathtaking mountain peaks that tower above you.
As the sun begins to disappear behind the mountains and the stars start to brighten the skies, we cozy up inside the dinner tent for another outstanding meal by our wonderful chef. Spend the rest of the star-studded night, getting to know the rest of our group and listening to our guide explaining how the Incas have used the constellations to guide their farming. Later, settle into out tents to get ready for a challenging second day of hiking.
After a delicious breakfast, begin a 4-hour intense hike crossing over three passes to the highest point of the trek called Pachacutec Pass (4,700 mt / 15,420 ft). It is a challenging morning but the views of the massive glaciers, crystal blue glacial lakes, llamas, deep valleys and endless farmlands are breathtaking. Head downhill for an hour to have lunch next the translucent glacial lake with views of the Lares Valley and plenty of llamas and alpacas grazing on the mountains.
Then, we descend for another 2 hours until we reach the Kiswarani community (3,700 m /12,139ft). See many llama herders and the local indigenous people will interact with us in Quechua (Native language of Peru) which our guide will translate and maybe even teach us some words. Get to enjoy the eye catching seven-waters waterfall. Arrive in Kiswarani, our private van will be waiting for us for a 2 hour drive to Ollantaytambo where we will stay the night in a comfortable hotel withing walking distance to the town and train station.
Pick up from your hotel at 5:45am for a short walk to the train station, to catch the 6:10am train for a 1-hour & 15 minute scenic train ride to KM104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, show our passports at the checkpoint, pack our picnic lunch before proceeding. Stop at an ancient site just a few steps from the checkpoint, spend some time exploring site and learning for what this site was used. Begin our 3-hour trek to Wiñay Wayna archaeological site (2,650/8,747ft) also known as Forever Young in Quechua.
The first hour and a half is a gentle upward hike. Along the way, stop at several lookouts, have an expansive view of the Urubamba River and pass through several different microclimates, including a cloud forest. Stop at a beautiful waterfall with crystal clear waters, a great spot to stop and take a short break before the steep climb that awaits you to the age-less site of Wiñay Wayna.
Upon reaching Wiñay Wayna (Quechua for Forever Young), explore this site that has remained well preserved for centuries and that was only recently discovered. We climb to each section with our guide giving us a quick explanation of each. Later, arrive at the campsite of the same name. Tuck into our gourmet box lunch and enjoy the dazzling views of this amazing site. Here is where we intersect with the Classic Inca Trail.
After lunch, continue on a gradual hike towards the Sun Gate (2,730m/9,00ft). Encounter one final challenge before our first magnificent view of the Citadel, the gringo killer steps or monkey steps. Our suggestion, get on all fours and just get it done. The steep stairs are carved directly into the bedrock of the Trail. When you walk through the Sun Gate, Machu Picchu stands before you the site of it will take your breath away. After taking in the views it is just an hour down the flat rock stairs to Machu Picchu. Be sure to have your camera ready to take all of the incredible photos of Machu Picchu along the way.
Once you reach the Inca City, have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House). You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty, have the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take in this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.
After breakfast at your hotel, get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. This is a truly mystical site and not something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a complete tour of Machu Picchu, which takes two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel during your tour.
When you have had your fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting in one of the many restaurants (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 7:00pm.
***IMPORTANT:
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 to 8 people | $ 747 USD per person |
Personal porter included!
*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilograms (15 pounds). We will provide you a duffel bag to put your belongings in.
*** We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for every 2 people.
*** Private service is $100 extra per person (minimum of 2 people)
*** The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available year round except in February when it is closed for maintenance.
Foam mattresses for every hiker, camping pillow, transfer from airport to hotel in Cusco, duffel bags, plastic liner bags, and extra blanket for the tent are included in the trek price!
CHECK YOUR SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK AVAILABILITY BY CLICKING ON MONTH OF YOUR CHOICE! INCA TRAIL CLOSED IN FEBRUARY FOR MAINTENANCE.
Please read the following information to help answer any questions you may have about our services and the Lares Trek & 2 day Inca Trail.
We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments).
The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center
ABSOLUTELY! During the Lares Trek & 2 day Inca Trail your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
FIRST, to book your Lares Trek & 2 day Inca Trail, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
We will need the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). This information is necessary to purchase the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu the train tickets:
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
You can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco to avoid the additional 5.5% charged by the Credit Card companies and PayPal. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address orangenationperu@gmail.com.
Unfortunately No. Once we have bought the tickets for the Inca Trail, the government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any departure date after we purchase the tickets. Tickets are also non transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Lares Trek & 2 day Inca Trail, the deposit non-refundable!
DEFINITELY! You MUST bring your original passport with the SAME passport number you sent us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. The relevent personal will check it when you enter Machu Picchu and board the train
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, please send us a COPY of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can change it when we receive a COPY of your new passport for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to enter Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train.
Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.
The weather is very unpredictable and always changing in the Andes Mountains, so it is difficult to say with any certainty. Our recommendation is that you bring clothes to accomodate changing weather conditions including a rain poncho (provided by Orange Nation) and a warm jackets in case it gets cold. We also recommend that you dress in layers so you may take off or put on clothes as needed.
The climate in Cusco has temperatures between 10º – 20º C (50º – 68º F) with warm days and cold nights. The best time to hike the Inca trail is between the months of April through October, when the weather is warm. During the months of June, July and August nights are very cold which is why Orange Nation rents out good quality 4 season sleeping bags.
The rainy season is during the months of November through March, if you want to hike the Inca Trail during this season, bring warm clothes and be prepared for rain. On the hand, the landscape is more striking with flowers in full bloom.
The month of February, the Inca Trail is closed for safety, repairs and restoration.
The average weather conditions on the Inca Trail:
For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.
If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.
How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. We recommend you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A low protein and high carb diet is advisable.
No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.
The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. Orange Nation specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
The evening before your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg / 15lbs. including sleeping bag, so 5kg / 11lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.
The Lares Trek & 2 day Inca Trail is fairly difficult and you should be prepared and healthy prior to starting. You have to be relatively fit and exercise regularly.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,350m / 11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip is appreciated. It means a lot to the staff, and their families, who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires better service and is a major part of the tourism industry across many ORANGE Nation destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending how you feel about the quality of service and the length of your tour.
We are a local sustainable & responsible tour operator which functions according to the ethical principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the indigenous communities respecting their culture and religion. We have trained all of our staff to know, understand and respect the local communities and the people living there.
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 lbs. including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack (30 to 40L) for hiking in 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.
4700
4D - 3N
8
Van, Bus, Train
We're a family-owned Travel Company and Tour Operator located in the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco, Peru. We create individually customized tours and treks to Peru's most iconic attractions, as well as untouched, off the beaten track locations high in the Andes Mountains.
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Excellent quality at the best price
Quiet Andean night
Unique and little explored routes
Experience the culture up close
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
The Short Inca Trail with José was a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience. In the days leading up to our trek, he was highly communicative and provided all the details we needed (packing lists, expectations, timing) so everything…
Hace 3 meses
After researching extensively, I chose a Peruvian travel company to guide our Sacred Valley adventure for my husband and I. We booked a full day beginning with Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo, lunch and Pisac.…
Hace 2 meses
We did the Lares Trek with Orange Nation/ Sam's travel and would highly recommend it. Lares has far less tourists than the inca trail (we saw about 4 groups over the two days initial hike up to the 4800m high point). The views are…
Hace 3 semanas
I had extremely high expectations and they were blown away! Our guide Rolando was an absolute legend. You can tell he is looked up to by all the other guides in the industry. He speaks multiple languages, connects deeply with each hiker,…
Hace 5 meses
Two of us did the 2 days Lares trek + 1 day Inca Trail, with a tour of Machu Picchu. We were blown away by the friendliness, knowledge, and kindness showed by both of our guides - Jorge and Carlos. We booked a group tour, but this ended up…
Hace 3 meses
Me and my friend did the 4 day Inca trail with Sam travel Peru, our tour guide was Juan Carlos, he has been doing tours to matchu pichu for over 20 years and his knowledge and expertise was amazing. I would recommend to anyone to as for him…
Hace 5 meses
We did the 2 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Our guide was Ray and Michael. It was really great - Ray was amazing and was really passionate about the place and told us loads of amazing stories. We had the perfect weather and even the packed…
Hace 3 meses
Amazing trip across 3 days with Jose! A massive thanks and shout out to our guide, he enriched the entire experience with his massive background of history of the culture and the land…
Hace 5 meses
Me and my Wife did the 5 day Inca trail with Sam Travel in April 2026. Our guide Henry and the incredible team of Porters and our Chef made the trip one of a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about this group as they went over and…
Hace 3 meses
We were short on time during our trip to Peru, so we decided to do the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Everything was very well organised. We were collected from our hotel and taken to the train, where our journey to the trail began. The first part of the hike was a bit challenging, but it was absolutely worth it. The views of the mountains and the surrounding nature were breathtaking. Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was incredible. After the tour, we were taken back by train and dropped off at our hotel. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting Peru, especially if you're short on time but still want to experience the Inca Trail. I also highly recommend our guide, Antonio. He was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable, and shared so much interesting information about Machu Picchu, its history, and the local flora throughout the trek. He also allowed us to take breaks whenever we needed them.
Written August 6, 2026
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour, and I was the only one in the group who walked up the mountain. My guide Henry stayed with me the whole way, encouraging me and taking lots of photos along the trail. A truly great experience.
Written July 31, 2026
We had an amazing time with Henry our guide on our trek to Rainbow Mountian. With an early pick we left Cusco for the long car ride to Rainbow mountain with a quick stop for breakfast. When we got there Henry helped us reserve horses (highly recommend) and we started towards the mountain. The terrain, snow capped mountains and sediment settlement are a treat to see but it is worth the 10 extra minutes to the top. Because we had the horses we were able to take a long time at the top to take in all of the beautiful wonders. Henry allowed us time to explore and gave us wonderful information about how this beautiful wonder was formed. We definitely got more than our money's worth out of this gem!
Written July 29, 2026
Carlos Estrada was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and organized! Made our trip easy.
Written July 19, 2026
I had an amazing experience touring Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu with our tour guide, Carlos Estrada. He was quite helpful and knew a lot about everything. I recommend him and this tour!
Written July 19, 2026
Had an awesome day out to Rainbow Mountain with our guide Cesar Siccos! He was full of encouragement and positive energy and we made it to the top! Thank you, Cesar!
Written July 16, 2026
Following a great 2-day Inca Trail experience with SAM Travel, I signed up for the one-day Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley trek. Once again our group was small, just 4 people. Junior was our guide - he was friendly and knowledgeable. He seamlessly adjusted to our request for an earlier start time to beat the crowds, and also managed varying group member speeds / fitness levels well. Another positive experience with SAM Travel - highly recommend booking with them, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Written July 16, 2026
Rainbow mountain hike provided for gorgeous views, bunch of alpaca. At up to 5000 meters it provided for a healthy challenge even if the profile does not look that impressive…. Our guide - Cesar Siccos - was with us the whole way and provided the necessary support to get over the challenge. Great day out.
Written July 15, 2026
My trip to the rainbow mountain with my tour guide Siccos was incredible. Siccos was very energetic and kept our spirits high. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone.
Written July 15, 2026
