You can immerse yourself in Peru’s lively living cultures and walk the famous route to Machu Picchu at the same time. You don’t have to choose anymore. The Lares trek and one day Inca trail hike offer a well-rounded adventure. This incredible duo immerses travelers into Andean cultures, and completes their trip with the iconic 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu.” Essentially, you get two different Peruvian experiences in one amazing trip – deep cultural and social interactions blended with archaeological splendor.
Why This is a Winning Combo
The achievement of the Lares trek and one day Inca trail hike combination lies in stark opposition between these experiences. For most people, the Lares section will be the most remote part of the Andes that most people will ever visit – it’s a region where people live in stone houses, and women wear colorful dresses, wrangling alpacas just like their ancestors did. Burn you’re now onto the 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu, where you’ll walk on the same stones the Incas traversed 500 years ago.
This solves the perennial travel conundrum: Should I prioritize culture or history? Now with this combo itinerary, you can have both.
The Lares section gives you insight into the way people live in the Andes today which makes your upcoming visit to Machu Picchu more special. You will appreciate the site not just as an ancient ruin but as a part that contributes to the rich cultural history that is still breathes today.
Detailed Itinerary: Lares Trek and One Day Inca Trail Hike
I will guide you through every step of the breathtaking journey. The adventure begins in Cusco, where you’re going to spend 2-3 days adjusting to the high altitude (believe me; you’ll be glad you did). Then off to Lares Valley where your trek begins.
The Lares trek part usually takes 3 days to complete as it is packed with remarkable views of the mountains, furrowed with numerous villages. The trek leads you through glacial lakes, valleys filled with alpacas, as well as over mountain passes. Expect to arrive at different campsites filled with stunning views where you would get a chance to visit local families that would offer you traditional weaving and even hot spring baths!
After the Lares section, you can hop on a train to Ollantaytambo which is about 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu. This is a shorter version of the classic Inca Trail. It commences at Km 104 and will take approximately 6-7 hours to reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
As you traverse through impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins, you will arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon when most people are leaving. That means you get to enjoy the magical golden hour light over the ruins.
What Makes the 1 Day Inca Trail Hike Special?
I bet you are thinking about how does the 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu measure up against the 4-day trek or even taking the bus up. Well, this “abbreviated” version of the trek maintains all the highlights and is quite interesting in a more compact form.
Unlike visitors who take the bus, you will savor the victorious moment of spotting Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. That breathtaking view is only granted to hikers, so you will absolutely relish it. The 1 day Inca trail hike also includes the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna, which is one of the most beautiful Inca sites but is only accessible to hikers.
This option is amazing because it’s perfect for time-starved travelers or those not up for multi-day camping but still offers that “I earned this” feeling upon reaching Machu Picchu. You get a glimpse of what the Inca Trail has to offer in a shorter trek.
Cultural immersion on the Lares trek
While the 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu is centered on ancient history, the Lares portion is all about living culture. This is where you will have those authentic experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
Picture this: As you walk in the countryside, there is a group of women in a vibrant poll era skirt spinning the alpaca wool. This group invites you to give a try of weaving on a blackstrap loom. Who does not want to visit a school with small children whiling away in class asking you to speak Quechua words?
These moments are what make the Lares trek special. Here rather than commercialized more traveled routes, you do not simply walk through scenic views. Instead, you are surrounded with people who maintain traditions from the time of Inca. Later, when you look at the detailed Inca stonework at Machu Picchu, you will understand why the skills have been passed on for many generations.
Physical Preparation: Getting Ready for Both Treks
Now, let us discuss the requirements for the two sets of treks from a physical standpoint. Neither of the treks requires elite levels of fitness, but basic fitness will improve your experience.
The Lares part consists of 3 days of hiking at a high altitude with 14,400ft high passes. Even though the 1 day Inca trail hike is shorter, it is still steep due to the Inca staircases.
This is how to get ready:
Start your training two or three months in advance with some hiking and cardio, like stair climbing or walking on a treadmill with an incline. Make sure to break in your hiking boots well before your trip, as blisters can ruin any breathtaking experience. Above all, acclimatizing for several days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting either trek is essential.
Don’t forget the Lares trek and one day Inca trail hike combo is strenuous but doable for most reasonably active people. The trick is taking your time and paying attention to your body. Remember to hydrate and slow down, especially at higher elevations.
Basic Packing List for Both Adventures:
Smart packing is critical for this two-part adventure. For Lares trek, make sure you have proper camping equipment (often provided by the tour operators), and don’t forget:
- Warm layers (it’s below freezing at night)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Hiking boots (broken-in ones)
- Sun protection (hat, strong sunglasses, and sunscreen)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
For the 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu, you can pack a bit lighter, but still need:
- A comfortable daypack
- Quick-dry clothes (you’ll definitely sweat on those stairs)
- Walking sticks (especially useful on the uphill)
- Extra memory cards for your camera
Along with some cash in small bills for the markets along the way, don’t forget to take some school supplies to donate.
Best Time of Year for This Adventure
Getting the most out of your Lares trek and one day Inca trail hike is all about timing. The dry season, which runs from April to October, provides the best weather. The peak months are between May and September.
If you want to avoid the crowds, you could go in April or October, which means that you might get a bit of rain, but the landscapes will be beautiful and green. February is a no-go since the Inca Trail closes for maintenance during that month.
The good thing about 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu is that it can be done year-round, unlike the classic 4-day trek which has limited permits. While the Lares route can be trekked all year, the wet season (November to March) can make everything muddy.
Selecting Your Tour Operator
Choosing the right operator for your Lares trek and one day Inca trail hike is important, so choosing the right operator matters. Focus on businesses which have these qualities:
- Treat their porters and staff with respect
- Have an exhaustive understanding of both routes
- Include all permits in the package.
- Use quality camping equipment
- Have small group sizes
Don’t choose the cheapest option – the budget to mid-range operator difference is noticeable in food, equipment, and guide knowledge. Flat out skipping mid-range options means missing quality guides for the tour.
Both the Lares trek and the visit to Machu Picchu involve visiting local communities as well as sacred places. These are some significant cultural considerations:
For the 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu, ensure that the operator has covered all the required train tickets and permits. Some people do not respect the Inca trail and have hikers walk along train tracks instead of the actual Inca trail; make sure to avoid such operators.
Cultural Etiquette to Remember
Permission is needed to take photos of people and if they smile and gesture toward your camera, that’s enough. While visiting villages on the Lares route, wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees because you need to dress modestly. While at Machu Picchu, remember it was (and still is) a sacred place and refrain from loud voices or inappropriate actions.
A little goes a long way, so simple phrases in Quechua like, “Allillanchu” (hello) and “Sulpayki” (thank you) show appreciation towards the culture you are visiting.
Making the Most of Your Machu Picchu Visit
We all know first impressions matter that is why if you have recently completed the 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu, I am sure you want to make the most of your time at the ruins. Here are some tips:
The best way to make the most of your time at Machu Picchu would be to stay overnight at Aguas Calientes, which will allow you to return to Machu Picchu early the next day before the crowds arrive.
Feel free to add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning selfish (permits required).
Make sure not to hurry your visit. Take some time to simply relax and take everything in. The light in the early morning is wonderful, but so is after lunch when most day visitors have finished exploring.
Why This Combo Beats Other Options
This combination is more beneficial than simply doing the 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu or solely doing the Lares trek.
This trip offers both cultural immersion and historical exploration all in one, plus the Lares portion aids in acclimatization prior to your Inca Trail hike. Contemporary Andean life makes visiting Machu Picchu much more enriching.
And on top of that, you avoid “ruin fatigue.” The blend of architecture and culture along with variety makes the experience enjoyable and captivating the entire time.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
To be real, combining the Lares trek and one day Inca trail hike does come with some challenges. Even the healthiest of travelers can be affected by altitude, so plan on spending 2 full days acclimating in Cusco before starting either trek.
Mountain weather can be moody. Make sure to pack quality rain gear and warm layers regardless of the season.
Some hikers feel that the Inca stairs are a bit tough on the knees but using trekking poles makes a huge difference.
In the remote Lares villages, there may be language issues. An experienced tour guide will help in conversations, but knowing elementary Spanish or Quechua words makes the trip even better.
Budget Considerations
The Lares trek and one day Inca trail hike combo price ranges significantly based on:
- Group size (private tours cost more but offer customization)
- Included amenities (sleeping bag rentals, extra porters, etc.)
- Train service level (Vistadome vs Expedition)
- Machu Picchu ticket inclusions (Huayna Picchu, etc.)
As a rough estimate, budget around 800−800−1,500 for a combined 6-7 day tour. These tours, while a bit pricey, often covers:
- All meals during treks
- Camping equipment
- Professional guides
- Entrance fees and permits
- Transportation
The 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu costs 250−250−400. In this case, Lares serves as an efficient combo.
Alternative Itinerary Options
With some extra time and varied preferences, these options may be added:
- Integrate a Sacred Valley tour prior to your trek so you can acclimatize better.
- Extend the Lares segment to 4 days to deepen the cultural immersion.
- Post-Machu Picchu, include the Rainbow Mountain.
- Spend additional days in Cusco with rich historical sight-seeing.
There are travelers who reverse the order – starting with the 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu while they’re fresh, then the Lares trek later on.
No one way to plan this adventure is “right” or more valid than another.
Final Thoughts: Is This Combo Right for You?
The Lares trek and one day Inca trail hike combination works best if you:
- Wish to experience both culture and history
- Have a total of 7-10 days for your trip to Peru
- Like to hike, but don’t want extreme endurance challenges
- Would like to skip the crowds of the full Inca Trail
- Are interested in contemporary Andean life
It may not work for those limited on time (under 6 days), or for those that prefer more high-end travel throughout the trip. But for most active and versatile travelers eager to explore Peru, this trip is unmatched.
Having traveled both routes separately and together, I can certainly say that the combined version offers the richest experience. You will return home not just with photos from an ancient wonder, but with life-cherishing stories from locals and a newfound appreciation of this remarkable region.
Ready to Start Planning?
If the cultural richness of the Lares trek paired with a 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu excites you, look into trustworthy tour operators right away. Don’t forget to:
Remember to book well in advance, especially during peak times.
- Give yourself time to adjust
- Prepare for your adventure ahead of time
- Consider both climates when packing
- The Andean adventure of a lifetime awaits you!
