Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu worth booking?
Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu is a 96-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $790 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 96 hours
- From
- $790 per person
During the Lares Trek, you will hike through the Andean mountains alongside llamas and alpacas, enjoying beautiful landscapes and traditional villages. Then, continue with the 2-Day Short Inca Trail, walking on the origi
What you get
About this experience
During the Lares Trek, you will hike through the Andean mountains alongside llamas and alpacas, enjoying beautiful landscapes and traditional villages. Then, continue with the 2-Day Short Inca Trail, walking on the original Inca path and discovering impressive Inca ruins on the way to Machu Picchu
What's included
Included
- Certified English-speaking guides.
- Pick up from your hotel in cusco at 5.30 am
- First aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phone for added safety.
- Briefing the night before the trek at 6:00 pm at our office.
- camping to sleep
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
Not included
- Tips for the crew
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- first day breakfast
- last day lunch
- Huaynapicchu Mountain to hike
- Machu Picchu Mountain to hike
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Lares Trek + Inca Trail
Tent and hotel Trek Duration: 4 days Meal Lares Trek + 2-day Inca Trail Tourist Transport Pickup included
Lares trek +Inca Trail
Tent Lares Trek + short inca trail Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Machula Expeditions
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful 4 days!
The best part of our trip through Peru! Ronald is a good guide who accompanies you in everything, taking care of the details, seeking for you to enjoy the experience to the fullest, and adapting in every way. We have learned a lot about Peru, the mountains, the customs… he knows a lot and knows how to tell it. You "live together" for 4 days and it is important to do so with a good person like him. As for the experience itself: we walked while he adapted to the pace we needed, the tent and sleeping bags were very good, the food was spectacular (and abundant), and the treatment from the whole team (muleteers, cook...) was very good. For us, having mixed the solitude of the Andes with the 2-day Inca Trail entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate is a perfect combination. It far exceeded our expectations. Thank you, Ronald!
Response from the operator: ¡Muchísimas gracias por un comentario tan completo y detallado! Nos alegra enormemente saber que fue lo mejor de su viaje por Perú. Ronald se va a sentir muy honrado al leer esto — adaptarse al ritmo de cada viajero y compartir el conocimiento sobre las montañas y las costumbres de la mejor manera posible es justamente lo que lo distingue como guía. También queremos agradecerles por reconocer el trabajo de todo el equipo: los arrieros y el cocinero ponen tanto esfuerzo en cada detalle — desde una comida abundante y deliciosa hasta el equipo de camping en buen estado — para que ustedes solo se concentren en disfrutar la experiencia. Leer que lo notaron significa mucho para todos ellos. Gracias por confiar en nosotros para vivir estos 4 días tan especiales, ¡esperamos verlos de nuevo pronto por Perú
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Impressive immersion into the Inca world, hard to match.
Let yourself be carried away by Ronald and his team, they will surprise you. Incredible immersion into the Inca ecosystem. Traveling for 4 days with Ronald is a luxury, how he organizes everything, his approachability and knowledge, it is incredible. It is personalized service that is hard to match. Not only would I do it again, but I am going to recommend it to everyone I know if they come to Peru. Thank you Ronald!!
Response from the operator: Muchísimas gracias por tus palabras, nos alegra muchísimo leer esto! yo y todo el equipo se van a emocionar al saber que los 4 días juntos dejaron una huella tan especial en tu viaje. Ese trato cercano y personalizado es exactamente lo que buscamos ofrecer — que cada viajero sienta que está descubriendo el ecosistema inca acompañado por alguien que realmente lo conoce y lo vive con pasión. Que decidas recomendarnos a tu entorno es el mejor cumplido que podemos recibir. ¡Muchas gracias por confiar en nosotros para esta experiencia, y esperamos poder recibirte de nuevo en Perú pronto
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Small group, authentic experience, kind, caring, and affordable
I cannot put in words how great Ronald was and how thankful I am that I got to meet him! After our trip was cancelled with a bigger agency, we found Ronald last minute and he had availability. We hiked throughout the Andean mountains and he took us to Machu Picchu. Ron grew up in the Sacred Valley, so the mountains were his backyard and he gave us wonderful perspective from a local as we went on our journey. I highly recommend Ronald as a guide, and I would definitely hire him again the next time I’m in Peru!
Response from the operator: Dear: Dan B Thank you so much for your wonderful words! We are truly happy to know that Ronald was able to make your trip such a memorable experience after your last-minute change of plans. His deep connection to the Sacred Valley and the Andes is something very special, and we’re glad you were able to experience the journey to Machu Picchu with the perspective of a local. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you again whenever you return to Peru for another adventure
via Tripadvisor
Amazing views on this trip. Roneld Troncoso Santos was very knowledgeable of life in the mountains. Our wrangler was very helpful making a tough long climb to Inka Punku easier. Please ‘be aware, this is a long hike. Hikers should be in good physical conditions.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for sharing your experience! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the stunning views along the hike and that Roneld, together with our wrangler, helped make the journey to Inti Punku easier. We also appreciate your advice for future travelers, as this trail does require good physical condition. Your kind words inspire us to keep providing authentic and unforgettable experiences in the mountains of Cusco. We would be delighted to welcome you back for another adventure
via Tripadvisor
THE BEST YOU CAN FIND
You may find the tours under the name inca trail classic, but don't worry, it's them. We did Lares Trek + Km104 to Machu Picchu (4 days/3 nights). Frankly I couldn't ask for more. The itinerary was fantastic, during the first 2 days we saw breathtaking landscapes and passed through remote villages in the mountains. Then we hiked through the jungle to get to Machu Picchu, where we enjoyed both the panoramic circuit and the closer one, exploring the ruins. The organization was flawless, communication was smooth and the food was amazing. We did many other multi day treks with other tour operators but never experienced such good cooking. The real plus of the tour was that we didn't feel like tourists too much, it was not one of those tours where there are 20 people with the same t-shirts, 20 porters and you go through the fake tourist stuff. So to sum up, I REALLY RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Mr. Leonardo, for taking the time to leave us such a positive review. We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed the Lares Trek and the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Your kind words truly motivate us to keep improving and offering the best service possible. At Inca Trail Classic Peru, as a local company, we are committed to creating authentic and memorable experiences for all our travelers. We hope to welcome you again in the future
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 96 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu cost?
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Prices start at $790 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu take?
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Plan for about 96 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 96-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 96-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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