Important Information Before Your Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail
Please read these instructions from Guiding Cusco carefully before booking. They will help you prepare for your trip to Cusco, the Lares Trek, and Machu Picchu.
Acclimatization
The Lares Trek crosses high mountain passes at over 4,000 m [confirm the highest point], so we recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) before the trek to adjust properly. After Lares, the route descends toward the Sacred Valley and the Short Inca Trail, and finishes at Machu Picchu (2,430 m), where the air is thicker and your body can recover.
Do I need to be careful with what I eat?
Yes, it is highly recommended, and essential, to be careful with your food. Above all, maintain good personal hygiene when consuming any food or drink.
Briefing
A member of our team (your guide) will meet you at your hotel to explain the details of your trip: schedules, pickup times, weather conditions, and the size of your group. This meeting is important because it covers the final details before your adventure begins. [Add the usual briefing time.]
Where Can I Leave My Luggage?
Hotels in Cusco are used to multi-day excursions and will gladly store your belongings while you trek. If you are changing hotels, you can leave your luggage at our office, and we will keep it safe until you return. Pack only what you need for the trek in a small duffel bag and a daypack. [Confirm the weight limit per traveler for the porters.]
Can I Change My Trip Date?
No. Inca Trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets, train seats, and hotels are reserved in advance, and permits cannot be transferred or changed once issued. Please check your dates carefully before booking. [Adjust to your policy.]
How Do I Book My Trip?
To book the Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail, we need the following details for every traveler, through our booking form:
- Full name(s) exactly as in the passport(s)
- Passport number(s)
- Date(s) of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
This information is required to purchase your Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance tickets, and train seats, so please double-check it.
We also require a deposit of US$ 411 per person to secure your spot. The balance is paid in Cusco, usually 2–3 days before the trek. Payments can be made by interbank transfer, online payment, Openpay, or through our website. (Online payment via We Travel has an 8% additional charge, and card payment via Openpay has a 5% additional charge. Payment in Cusco has no extra fee.)
The Weather
Weather in the high Andes can change quickly. On the Lares Trek, days can be sunny and warm, but nights are cold and temperatures can drop below freezing at high camps. Rain can appear at any moment, mainly during the rainy season (November to March). Machu Picchu is warmer and more humid, so layers are essential. A rain jacket or poncho is a must year-round.
What to Bring
Pack warm, layered clothing for changeable conditions:
- Original passport (required for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu)
- Thermal base layers and warm mid-layers
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for rent: US$ 20 each, confirm)
- Refillable water bottle and a small daypack
- Swimsuit and towel for the Lares hot springs [confirm if included]
- Cash in Peruvian soles for snacks, small purchases, and tips
Where Will We Be Dropped Off?
Our service includes pickup from your hotel (or a nearby location). At the end of the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco. [Confirm the exact drop-off point.]
What Meals Are Provided?
During the trek, our cooks prepare fresh Peruvian meals adapted to dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), with vegetables, rice, potatoes, meat, and more. [Confirm which meals are included in Aguas Calientes and Cusco.] Please let us know your dietary needs when you book.
Where Will We Sleep?
You'll camp 2 nights during the Lares section in tents with mattresses provided. The last night is in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Upgrades to a single room or a higher hotel category are available for an extra fee.
How Difficult Is This Trip?
It's a moderate to demanding trip. Lares involves long days on the trail and high passes, while the Short Inca Trail is shorter but includes steps and uphill sections. Travelers who walk regularly and are well acclimatized will enjoy it much more. Our small groups and relaxed pace let you take the time you need to appreciate the views.
Should I Bring Extra Money?
Yes. Bring some extra cash in soles for emergencies, snacks, souvenirs, and meals not included.
Is Tipping the Staff Necessary?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to show appreciation to your guide, cooks, and porters after several days of hard work on the trail. Although our team receives fair wages, a tip is a meaningful gesture that motivates them to keep delivering great service. (Suggested amount: e.g. 10%.)
