Lares Trek, Mountain Biking, River Rafting and 2-Day Inca Trail to Machupicchu

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Maranpaqui.

We pick you up at 7:00 am from your hotel and drive for about 4 hours until we arrive to Lares hot springs. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to stop ate the Ancasmarca viewpoint, a really important inca construction located on the Urubamba mountain range.

Then, we continue to the Lares hot springs. While our cook prepares lunch, we will have time to relax and swim in the thermal pools. After lunch, we begin our trek uphill to Maranpaqui where we spend the night. (3900m / 12792ft).

• Total Walking Distance: 6km
• Total Walking Time: 3.5-4hs
• Minimum Altitude: 3200 m /10496ft
• Maximum Altitude: 3900m / 12792ft
• Altitude of the camp: 3900m / 12792ft
• Approx. night temperature: 7°C

Day 2: Maranpaqui – Chaullacocha

Today we start early in the morning. After a hearty breakfast, we begin our hike toward the Colquepata Pass (4,450 m / 14,596 ft). From the pass, we continue along the ridge for most of the day, enjoying spectacular scenery and passing a series of stunning glacial lakes.

Then, we descend toward the village of Chaullacocha (4,200 m / 13,776 ft), arriving in the late afternoon. Here, we will have the opportunity to meet and interact with local community members, learning about their traditional weaving practices or visiting the local school if it is a school day. Tonight, we will camp in this welcoming community.

• Total Walking Distance: 12km
• Total Walking Time: 6-7h
• Minimum Altitude: 4200 m / 13776ft
• Maximum Altitude: 4450m / 14596ft
• Altitude of camp: 4200 m / 13776ft
• Approx. night temperature: 0°C to – 5°C

Day 3: Chaullacocha – Ollantaytambo – Biking & River Rafting

After an amazing breakfast we drive for about 20 minutes uphill, where we get ready to start our next adventure day (biking or horse riding). As soon as everyone is ready we start biking down hill all the way to ollantaytambo town for about 2 hours where we have our lunch.

After lunch, get ready for your next adventure: river rafting. We drive for approximately 30 minutes to our private river dock, which is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and restrooms.
After receiving a full safety briefing and instructions from our professional guides, you begin rafting on gentle waters, allowing time to practice and become comfortable following your guide’s commands. The journey then continues through exciting rapids for about two hours. Along the way, you will enjoy views of ancient Inca buildings and impressive agricultural terraces lining the riverbanks.

This rafting experience features mainly Class III rapids, with some Class IV sections for added excitement.

For this activity, please bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel. All river rafting equipment is included.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo.

• Option 1: AM. Descend with mountain bikes or horse riding from 4000m / 13120ft to Ollantaytambo 2700 m / 8856ft.
• Option 2: PM. In Ollantaytambo, we will make all the final preparations for a 2–3 hour river rafting experience on the Urubamba River, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and ancient Inca ruins along the riverbanks.

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – 2-day Inca Trail to Machupicchu

It’s another early start. From the hotel, we walk a few minutes to the train station and travel along a very picturesque route for approximately 1.5 hours, arriving at Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

After crossing the bridge over the Vilcanota River, we visit our first archaeological site, Chachabamba (2,100 m / 6,888 ft)—a remarkable Inca complex featuring ceremonial fountains and finely engineered water channels.

From here, we begin a 6 km uphill hike (approximately 3 hours). Although the trail is mostly uphill, it is considered one of the easiest Inca Trail routes in the Cusco region; however, a reasonable level of fitness is still required.

After the climb, we reach Wiñaywayna (“Forever Young” – 2,700 m / 8,856 ft), widely regarded as one of the most impressive archaeological sites along the entire Inca Trail. This spectacular complex is composed of agricultural terraces, a religious sector, and an urban area, all beautifully integrated into the mountainside.

After enjoying our box lunch, we continue hiking for about one more hour to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) (2,750 m / 9,020 ft), where you will have your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,872 ft).

Following time for photos, we descend the final section of the Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu to capture the classic postcard views.

Then, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check into our accommodation, and enjoy a well-deserved celebratory dinner.

• Total Walking Distance: 12km
• Total Walking Time: 6hs
• Minimum Altitude: 2100m / 6888ft
• Maximum Altitude: 2750m / 9020ft

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco

After having breakfast at the hotel, we take the first bus up to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise and then you will have a 2-3 hours walking tour of this amazing Inca city of Machupicchu.

If you’re feeling adventurous you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, but if you really want to take this extra tour, this requires an extra ticket which has to be bought in advance. Be sure to tell us during the booking process if you would like to add one of these hikes.

After visiting Machupicchu, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes town. From there, we return to Cusco in the afternoon by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco.

Tour Package Details

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop-off from the hotel
• Private bus to Lares hot springs (trailhead)
• Private bus to Chaullaccocha (day 3)
• Private bus from ollantaytambo to Cusco (last day).
• Train tickets to Km 104 (day 4).
• Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.
• Box lunch on the Inca trail.
• Bus tickets to Machupicchu (day 3).
• English-speaking tour guide
• Great cook
• High quality camping equipment (4 people-tent used for 2 people), roll mattress, cooking equipment, dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, chairs and tables.
• Plentiful meals included (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners): Our meals feature a variety of freshly prepared dishes such as pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, vegetables, and snacks. Afternoon tea is served daily. Vegetarian options are available.
• Hot drinks (including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude)
• Drinking water fro you to fill up your water bottles
• Muleteers
• Pack animals (horses and mules) to carry personal items and camping equipment.
• Saddled horses
• Dinner in Ollantaytambo
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes town (day 4).
• One night accommodation in Ollantaytambo: 3-star hotel in a double or matrimonial room.
• One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu town): 3-star hotel in a double room.
• Round trip bus tickets in Machupicchu (day 5).
• Entrance tickets to Machupicchu (day 5).
• First aid kit
• Oxygen bottles
• River rafting equipment.
• Horses (day 3).
• Return train tickets to Cusco.
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Exclusions:

• Breakfast (first day)
• Lunch (last day)
• Sleeping bags (you can rent them in our office: US$ 25 for the whole trek).
• Walking sticks ( you can trent them in our office: US$ 20 for the whole trek)
• Inflatable mattress ( you can ren it in our office: US$ 20 for the whole trek
• Flight tickets
• Airport taxes
• Tips (optional)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

Optional extras not included (need to book in advance)

• Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: US$ 75 (Need to book in advance)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: US$ 75 (Need to book in advance)
• Vistadome/Panoramic 360° Train Aguas Calientes-Ollanataymbo: US$ 75 (Need to book in advance)
• Extra night in Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of hotel desired (Need to book in advance).
• Horse for personal use or saddle horse.- US$ 30 for the whole trek.

What to bring:

• Backpack to carry personal items like snacks and water
• 4-season sleeping bag (you can rent it in our office).
• Warm clothes and fleece
• Rain jacket and rain poncho
• Spare clothes
• Hiking boots and sandals
• Trousers and shorts
• Wool socks, wool hat and gloves
• Sun hat
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle and purification tablets.
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries
• Bathing suit and towel

Prices

PRIVATE SERVICE:

This is a private trek organized exclusively for you and your family. It includes private transportation and a professional tour guide to provide you with the best experience and a personal touch.

DEPARTURES: From March to January depending on your request.

Price 2026

IMPORTANT: Price is based on a double room occupancy.

An additional USD 35.00 will be charged for a single room if there’s no one else to share a double room with or if you are travelling alone.

DISCOUNTS:

Student Discount: US$25 with ISIC card to qualify.
Under 18’s Discount: US$25

Booking Information

Choose in the Calendar the date of when you would like to start this Tour -select the month, year and the day, (Starting Date). Fill in your details as requested, and details of the people traveling with you, once you have finished and sent us your reservation, you are registered to pay a booking deposit of US$ 300 + 5% . Once we receive your payment, we will confirm the tour in your email and send you the rest of the details.

BOOKING DEPOSIT REQUIRED.- Online payments.

You must pay a booking deposit of US$ 400+6% per person through Paypal.

FINAL PAYMENT: The remaining balance of the tour must be paid 2 months in advance through Paypal.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. You must inform us of any medical conditions, allergies, or health concerns prior to departure. Participants must be in good physical condition. If your health is questionable, we strongly recommend consulting a doctor before booking. Guests over the age of 70 are required to present a current medical certificate, as the Lares Trek reaches altitudes of up to 4,450 meters above sea level (masl). It is highly recommended that you arrive in Cusco 2–3 days in advance to allow adequate acclimatization to the altitude.

2. You must inform your tour guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks. If you experience any problems or dissatisfaction with the service, you must notify your tour guide immediately so the issue can be addressed as soon as possible.

3. If you suffer from vertigo or do not wish to climb Huayna Picchu under any circumstances, please indicate “NO” on the reservation form and specify this in the comments section. If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, these permits must be booked 4–5 months in advance, as availability is limited and tickets often sell out. These climbs are optional and considered alternative hikes.

4. You must carry your original passport and a valid ISIC card (if applicable) during the trek. If the passport does not match the information on your permit, authorities may cancel your permit and deny access to the Inca Trail.
If you obtain a new passport after permits have been purchased, you must bring your old passport with you. If this is not possible, you must notify us in writing and provide scanned copies of both passports so we can submit official documentation to the relevant authorities (INC). An administrative fee of US$15 applies for this change.

5. The US$25 student discount is regulated by the park authorities, not by our company. ISIC cards are verified at the park entrance and are only accepted if a clear scanned copy of a valid student card is submitted at the time of booking and confirmed with your deposit.

6. Each passenger is entitled to 8 kg of luggage carried by horses. We will provide a duffle bag for your sleeping bag, personal clothing, and mattress.

7. Accommodation in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes is provided in 3-star hotels. If you wish to upgrade to alternative accommodations, this can be arranged at an additional cost based on double occupancy. Please refer to our Recommendations and inform us at the time of booking.

8. If you are unable to participate in part of the trek, we can arrange an alternative program so you can rejoin your group and visit Machu Picchu using your existing train tickets and entrance permits. This includes: train to Aguas Calientes, overnight in a hostal, bus to Machu Picchu, guided tour, lunch in Aguas Calientes, and train return to Cusco (Day 4).

9. Date changes are only possible if the group still meets the minimum number of participants and train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets have not yet been finalized. An administrative fee of US$25 applies.
If train tickets have already been finalized, additional fees apply according to PeruRail policies, including an administrative fee of US$20 per ticket. In some cases, date changes may require an upgrade to a higher train category, and the price difference must be paid by the passenger.

10. If you become ill or injured and are unable to continue the trek, a porter and mule will be provided to escort you to the nearest point with emergency assistance. Any helicopter evacuation or medical services are at the passenger’s expense. No refunds apply; however, we will provide medical documentation for insurance claims and assist you in rejoining your group in Machu Picchu if possible.

11. Our company will take all reasonable care to ensure your safety and will employ qualified and trained staff. We are responsible for the actions of our employees but cannot be held responsible for unavoidable events, third-party actions, or improper conduct by clients. You are fully responsible for your personal belongings and any rented equipment.

12. Our travel agency is not responsible for additional costs resulting from adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, or loss of personal belongings. Clients are responsible for carrying appropriate travel insurance. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to unforeseen circumstances.

CANCELLATION PENALTIES

A.- Cancellation of the tour once you have paid a deposit and received a confirmation incurs in the loss of the booking deposit. (US$ 400) per person. Non-refundable booking deposit.
B.- Cancellation of tour within 45 days to 31 days before departure incurs a loss of 70% of total tour cost…
C.- Cancellation of tour within 30 days to 8 days before departure incurs a loss of 80% of total tour cost…
D.- Cancellation of tour within 7 days – 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of 90% of total tour cost…
E.- Cancellation of tour within 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of total tour cost

Why Choose This Trekking With Inka Expeditions?

With Inka Expeditions, your trekking through Lares trail to Machupicchu will be an unforgettable experience led by an expert local tour guide who will share all his knowledge of this Inca sites and also about the flora and fauna of this region. Our groups are limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience, led by professional tour guides fully trained in first aid.

Frequently Asked Questions About This trekking To Machupicchu:

1.-How do I prepare for the altitude sickness on this trekking?

This Lares Trail to Machupicchu reaches 4450m (14596ft) so it is recommended to acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Cusco before this tour. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

2.-How difficult is this trekking to Machupicchu?

The trek to Machu Picchu is considered moderately difficult and requires proper hiking boots.

3.-Is it safe to travel this trekking to Machupicchu during the wet season?

Yes, it is safe but during the wet season (November to March) the trail can be slippery, it is recommended to bring waterproof hiking boots and rain poncho. The dry season (April to october) is ideal for this trek because we have clear views but the weather is always unpredictable in the Andes.