Luxury Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail – 5 Days Private Glamping Experience

Luxury Trek Style

Overview – Luxury Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail

The Luxury Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail is a thoughtfully curated 5-day journey that combines two of Peru’s most remarkable trekking experiences into one seamless adventure, blending remote Andean landscapes with the iconic arrival at Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate.

The journey begins along the secluded Lares Trek, an off-the-beaten-path route that winds through traditional Quechua villages, high-altitude valleys, glacial lakes, and dramatic mountain passes. Far from crowded trails, this portion of the trek offers a deeper cultural connection and a sense of solitude rarely found in the Andes. Each day is supported by a private expedition team and enhanced by refined glamping camps, where hot showers, restorative massages, and gourmet meals allow you to fully enjoy the journey without sacrificing comfort.

After days immersed in the high Andes, the experience is crowned with a rejuvenating soak in the natural Lares hot springs, surrounded by towering mountain scenery. A restful night in the Sacred Valley prepares you for the second chapter of the journey: the iconic Short Inca Trail. Walking the final stretch of this historic route, you arrive at Machu Picchu through Intipunku (the Sun Gate), one of the most powerful and memorable entrances to the ancient citadel.

The experience concludes with a guided exploration of Machu Picchu, allowing time to absorb its history, architecture, and spiritual significance before returning to Cusco. Designed for travelers who seek meaningful adventure with a high level of privacy and comfort, this journey offers an exceptional balance of nature, culture, and luxury.

5 Days / 4 Nights
Private Trek Experience
Fully Supported & Secure
Year-Round

Journey Highlights

A unique combination of two iconic routes
A refined journey that blends the remote Lares Trek with the iconic final stretch of the Short Inca Trail, culminating in a memorable arrival at Machu Picchu.
Authentic encounters with Quechua communities
Walk through traditional Andean villages and gain insight into ancestral lifestyles shaped by the high mountains.
Luxury glamping in the heart of the Andes
Thoughtfully prepared glamping camps with hot showers, comfortable bedding, and personalized service at the end of each day.
Rejuvenation at the Lares hot springs
Unwind in the natural Lares hot springs, surrounded by towering mountain scenery — a rewarding pause after days on the trail.
Private, fully supported trekking experience
Travel with a dedicated private team, including expert guides, a trekking chef, and on-trail support throughout the journey.

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What is and isn't included

What’s Included

2 nights of luxury glamping along the Lares Trek, featuring comfortable tents, bedding, and on-site amenities
1 night at a luxury hotel in the Sacred Valley
1 night at a luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes
Professional English-speaking expert guide throughout the journey
Full private trekking support team, including porters, trekking chef and assistant chef, waiter, on-trail massage therapist, and driver
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, prepared with fresh local ingredients
Hiking poles for added comfort on the trail
All private ground transportation during the journey
All entrance fees and permits, including the scenic Vistadome train
- Optional upgrade to the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train (upon request)
First aid kit and oxygen bottle for safety at high altitudes
All required Peruvian taxes (IGV)

What’s Not Included

Hotel accommodation before or after the trek (can be arranged upon request)
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, laundry, or additional drinks
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Gratuities for guides and support staff

Suggestions for glamping trails

Important Information

Train schedules & stations
Train schedules and departure stations are subject to availability. Delays may occur, particularly during the rainy season.
Train upgrades
Luxury train upgrades, including the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, are available upon request. Please consult your travel advisor for details and pricing.
Optional hikes at Machu Picchu
Additional hikes such as Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Gran Caverna require separate permits and advance booking. These hikes offer unique perspectives of the site and are subject to limited availability.
Hiking & altitude considerations
This trek involves moderate hiking at high altitudes. Travelers are encouraged to consult their physician prior to travel if they have any concerns regarding altitude or physical exertion.
Inca Trail permits
Inca Trail permits are strictly limited and often sell out months in advance. We strongly recommend booking early to secure availability for the Short Inca Trail portion of the journey.

Itinerary – Day by Day

Day 1: First Steps on the Lares Trail

Your journey begins with an early morning departure from your hotel in Cusco. After breakfast, your private guide and driver escort you through the scenic Sacred Valley toward the Lares Trek trailhead. Along the way, you pass traditional Andean villages where llamas and alpacas graze freely across terraced hillsides.

Upon arrival at Huaran, you meet your dedicated expedition team, including expert muleteers, a private trekking chef, and on-trail massage therapists. The hike begins at a gentle pace, following the Cancha Cancha River through farmland and quena forests, creating a peaceful introduction to the Andes.

A gourmet lunch is served at Piedra Grande, named for its distinctive rock formations, where you enjoy freshly prepared dishes paired with mountain views. In the afternoon, continue toward Cancha Cancha Camp, beautifully set beneath snow-capped peaks. After arriving, relax with a hot shower and a soothing essential-oil massage before enjoying a carefully prepared dinner. As night falls, settle into your glamping tent beneath a vast, star-filled Andean sky.

Route: Cusco – Calca – Cancha Cancha
Meals included: Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Walking distance: 7 km / 4.4 miles
Maximum elevation: Cancha Cancha camp (3,980 m / 13,058 ft)
Accommodation: Luxury Glamping

Day 2: Pachacutec Pass & Glacial Lakes of the High Andes

Wake as the sun rises over the Andes and begin the day with freshly brewed coffee or traditional coca tea, used for centuries to support acclimatization. After a nourishing breakfast, you set out for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.

The trail leads past stunning alpine landscapes and glacial lakes, including Szulcocha Lake, a deep blue body of water framed by sweeping mountain scenery and often dotted with grazing llamas and alpacas. Continuing onward, you reach Suerococha Lake, known for its striking turquoise color.

The final ascent brings you to Pachacutec Pass, the highest point of the trek. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Andean peaks before beginning your descent. A well-earned gourmet lunch is served beside the lakes, followed by the walk toward the Quiswarani community. This traditional village offers insight into Andean life, with families maintaining ancestral farming, herding, and textile traditions. Upon arrival at camp, enjoy time to relax, followed by a therapeutic massage, hot shower, and gourmet dinner under the Andean night sky.

Route: Cancha Cancha – Pachacutec Pass – Quiswarani
Meals included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Walking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Maximum elevation: Pachacutec Pass (4,690 m / 15,387 ft)
Accommodation: Luxury Glamping

Day 3: Hot Springs & Sacred Valley Retreat

After a final gourmet breakfast on the trail, continue your journey through the high Andes toward Huillquijassa Pass. From the summit, take in sweeping views of glacial valleys and towering peaks, a memorable farewell to the Andean wilderness.

Descending from the pass, you arrive at the natural Lares hot springs, where you can soak and relax surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. A gourmet picnic lunch follows, allowing time to fully enjoy this restorative moment. In the afternoon, private transport takes you to your luxury hotel in the Sacred Valley. The evening is yours to relax, enjoy the hotel amenities, and prepare for the next day’s iconic journey.

Route: Quiswarani – Huillquijassa Pass – Lares Hot Springs – Sacred Valley
Meals included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
Walking distance: 9 km / 6 miles
Maximum elevation: Huillquijassa Pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft)
Accommodation: Luxury Hotel in the Sacred Valley

Day 4: The Iconic Inca Trail Finale – Sun Gate & Machu Picchu

After breakfast, meet your private guide and board the scenic train to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Crossing the Urubamba River, the trail leads through lush cloud forest, where misty landscapes, orchids, and exotic birds create a magical atmosphere.

Along the route, visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba before continuing to the impressive Wiñay Wayna complex. A boxed lunch is enjoyed here, surrounded by spectacular scenery. The final stretch of the trail leads to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu unfolds below — one of the most iconic arrivals in the Andes. Descend to the citadel for a guided visit before taking a shuttle to Aguas Calientes, where you settle into your luxury hotel for the night.

Route: Sacred Valley – Km 104 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Meals included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
Walking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Maximum elevation: Sun Gate (Intipunku) 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
Accommodation: Luxury Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Machu Picchu Exploration & Return to Cusco

Begin the day with a relaxed breakfast before returning to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided exploration of the citadel, learning about Inca history, architecture, and spiritual traditions while visiting its most important sectors and panoramic viewpoints.

After the guided visit, enjoy free time to explore the site at your own pace or simply take in the surrounding scenery. Later, savor a gourmet lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the scenic train back to Cusco. Upon arrival, your private driver transfers you to your hotel, concluding your journey through the Andes and Machu Picchu.

Route: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Maximum elevation: Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft)

Planning a Luxury Trip

Plan Your Luxury Lares Trek Experience

Experience the Andes on a deeper level with a trip designed for travelers who value privacy, comfort, and meaningful adventure. The Luxury Trekking to Lares with Short Inca Trail combines remote mountain landscapes, refined glamping, and the iconic arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate in a unique experience.
We plan your next personalized hike to Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail and discover Machu Picchu in comfort, style, and tranquility.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Luxury Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail

1. How challenging is the Luxury Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail?

This journey is designed for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. While some days involve hiking at high altitude and crossing mountain passes, the pace is private and well supported. Your expert guide ensures proper acclimatization, regular rest stops, and a comfortable rhythm throughout the trek.

2. What makes this Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail combination unique?

This experience blends the remote beauty of the Lares Valley with the iconic final stretch of the Inca Trail. The Lares portion offers quiet trails, glacial lakes, and authentic village encounters, while the Short Inca Trail delivers the unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, creating a balanced journey of nature, culture, and history.

3. What is included in the glamping experience during the trek?

Glamping camps are thoughtfully prepared with spacious tents, comfortable cots, duvets, pillows, and robes. You will have access to hot showers, private bathrooms, and personalized service from the trekking team. Each evening includes a gourmet dinner and time to relax beneath the Andean night sky.

4. Is this trek suitable for couples, solo travelers, or small private groups?

Yes. This is a fully private experience and can be tailored for couples, solo travelers, or small groups. The flexibility of a private itinerary allows adjustments to pacing and daily rhythm, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all participants.

5. What should I pack for the trek?

Travelers should bring layered clothing for variable mountain weather, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Essential trekking equipment such as walking poles and sleeping bags are provided, and a detailed packing list will be shared upon booking.

6. Why is the Sun Gate arrival at Machu Picchu so special?

Arriving at Machu Picchu via Intipunku, or the Sun Gate, is one of the most iconic moments of the journey. This historic entrance was used by the Incas and offers a dramatic first panoramic view of the citadel, making it a highlight of this luxury trek to Machu Picchu via the Short Inca Trail.