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Most Updated Lares Trek Information 2024 - Incatrailhikeperu
Cusco

Most Updated Lares Trek Information 2024

Written by: Incatrailhikeperu May 7, 2022

The most updated information about the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

This is the most scenic trekking route which also gives you the opportunity to learn about local culture. Through the Lares Valley you pass through the most isolated indigenous communities which are keeping the Inca culture alive. One of the highlights of this trek is the privilege to interact with the local people and learn about their way of life. There are six different routes through this valley, depending on where you start. Research each company carefully and ask exactly which route they take. Each route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic ice glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. Our most recommended company is Orange Nation Peru

Lares Trek FAQs

There are many trekking routes to get to Machu Picchu: the Salkantay trek, the Inca Jungle and, above all, the famous Inca Trail. There is also a little known route called the ‘Lares trekking’. This route combines walks through high altitude passes as well as Quechua speaking villages where you can feel the true spirit of the Andes of Peru.

See the all the Lares Trek options here!

Where is Lares located?

Lares is located in the Andes Mountains, in southern part of Peru. This part of the district of Cusco is in the province of Calca.

What is the weather like on the Lares Trek?

The climate in Lares is temperate during the day but cold during the nights. The average temperature is 11ºC. During the day, the heat can reach 21ºC. At night, temperatures can drop to around 1ºC.

Does the Lares Trek include a visit to Machu Picchu?

Yes, you can combine the Lares Trek with a visit to Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek, which passes through spectacular Andean vistas and secluded Quechua towns, is a popular alternative to the original Inca Trail.

The trek concludes in Ollantaytambo, from whence you can board a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at Machu Picchu’s base.

The Lares Trek has various variations, and the actual itinerary and duration varies depending on the trip operator and starting place.

Some Lares journey itineraries include a visit to Machu Picchu on the final day of the journey, but others may include an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes followed by a visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Where is Lares located?

Lares is located in the Andes Mountains, in southern part of Peru. This part of the district of Cusco is in the province of Calca.

What is the weather like on the Lares Trek?

The climate in Lares is temperate during the day but cold during the nights. The average temperature is 11ºC. During the day, the heat can reach 21ºC. At night, temperatures can drop to around 1ºC.

Does the Lares Trek include a visit to Machu Picchu?

Yes, you can combine the Lares Trek with a visit to Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek, which passes through spectacular Andean vistas and secluded Quechua towns, is a popular alternative to the original Inca Trail.

The trek concludes in Ollantaytambo, from whence you can board a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at Machu Picchu’s base.

The Lares Trek has various variations, and the actual itinerary and duration varies depending on the trip operator and starting place.

Some Lares journey itineraries include a visit to Machu Picchu on the final day of the journey, but others may include an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes followed by a visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Best Itinerary For The Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days & 3 Nights

Every company should provide you with an itinerary similar to the one below. Pay attention to the names of the places listed in the itinerary, since there are several different routes. Most companies will start or end at the Lares Hot Springs. At least one company (Orange Nation Peru) offers a chance to enjoy the hotsprings, explore the Salt mines and comfortable hotel accomodation in Aguas Calientes.

Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Cuncani – Kiswarani

The excitement of your Lares trek to Machu Picchu will help you rise early for your pickup at 5:00am whether in Cusco or Sacred Valley. Then, you will drive for 2.5 to Cuncani Village. Breakfast is served high up in the mountains, looking down at the deep gorges with awesome views of the valleys. After breakfast, it’s time to get ready, put your boots on and begin your first 3 hours gradual ascent to Hullquijasa Pass (4,200m/13,779ft). You will enjoy the amazing views of lakes, valleys and much more. At that point, you will have your lunch.

Finally, you head down to the Kiswarani Village, which is one of the most isolated and self-sustaining communities, traditional to the core. Connect with nature and learn about the reality of Andean life with the locals who will open their homes to you. It would be appreciated if you are able to share some toys, used clothes in reasonable condition, notebooks, fruit or any reusable items. Two hours from your lunch spot, you complete your first trekking day and arrive at your campsite. Boots off, time to enjoy afternoon tea with amazing views of the frozen Andean peaks and waterfalls. After dinner, your guide will show you the Inca’s constellations on which they depended on for their agricultural guidance and still do to this present day.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities 
  • Distance: 12kms / 7 miles
  • Time: 6hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate 

Day 2: Quishuarani – Pachaqutec Pass – Cancha Cancha 

Awaken on day 2 surrounded by green lush mountains covered in snow. Your morning call is your guide serving you hot cup of tea in your tent followed by a basin of warm water to freshen up. Eat breakfast like a king, clearing your mind for the exciting and challenging day ahead. ¨All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast. ¨ John Gunther.

We begin our day following an uphill zigzag pattern to Pachacutec Pass at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft. It is a somewhat intense walk, passing through small thatched stone houses, the transverse landscapes and high passes. At the summit, immerse yourself in breath taking views of the turquoise Pachacutec lake and the heart of the glazier atop mount Pitusiray. Close to here is our lunch spot, which we tuck into surrounded by the magic of the mountains. The fog that gently flows over the mountain tops gives an overwhelming sense of peace, serenity and calmness.

After another abundant lunch , we start a slow descent towards our second camp in the village of Cancha Cancha. Upon arrival, our horsemen will have camp already set up and the chef will serve afternoon tea with snacks. Also use this opportunity, if you wish, to purchase some homemade textiles from the locals made from the wool of the many alpacas you see grazing in the fields. Later, we settle in for dinner, which many consider a phenomenal tent dining experience. After dinner, we join our guide for a tail of how the Incas used the constellations to guide their farming seasons. Up to and including today, the locals still follow this ancient farming method. We retire into our tents for our last night of camping in the Andes.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
  • Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
  • Time: 7 to 8hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: challenge

Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Salt mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes. 

This is the most relaxing day so far! After breakfast we will possibly visit the local school of Cancha Cancha, depending on the time of the year. You get to explore the village, its people and maybe play a soccer game or two with the kids. Once ready, we continue on a relaxing descent to end of the of the Lares Valley Trek. Along the way we have a small river to accompany us. The climate also changes, becoming significantly warmer and the trees and foliage become a bright green, sprouting a variety of vibrant colors. We also pass by many alpacas and llamas and for the first time on the trail cows and sheep. You will see farmers harvesting potatoes and beans by hand, and see firsthand Peruvian agriculture and tradition.

When we arrive to Huaran, we stop at the river bank for one last meal for our dedicated chef before they have to bid us farewell and head back to their respective highland villages. From Huaran, our private transportation picks us up for a ride though the Sacred Valley to the Salineras, the Salt Mines of Maras. We spend some time, exploring these fascinating Pre- Inca Salt Mines. The locals have full mining rights and extract salt the same way their ancestors did. It is also another ideal spot to buy some souvenirs, with locals have stall nearby selling this pure pink salt.

Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo town to catch the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). We stop at a carefully selected restaurant for dinner before checking into our hotel for an exciting day ahead.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Ferre Hotel or similar
  • Distance: 9kms/ 6 miles
  • Time: 4 hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate
lares trek to machu picchu 3rd day

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! You will take the first bus to the Machu Picchu archeological site, for your 2 hour guided tour of this New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu, what an unforgettable experience! Your guide will expertly direct you through the enigmatic ruins and its main streets.

Most companies will offer the option to also purchase these extras:

  • Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (US$75 per person)
  • You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku (For free )
  • Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the local museum or to the hot springs.

When you are ready, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later board the train for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Train Station, where you will have transportation provided back to Cusco. You can expect to arrive at your hotel around 8pm.

  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy
5 DAYS INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU - Incatrailhikeperu

What does the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu includes?

Tourism agencies generally have some similarities and a few noticeable differences. In general, the tours include the following:

  • Transportation by bus or van from Cusco to Lares
  • Transportation by bus or van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  • Transportation by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (round trip).
  • Tour guide service throughout the trek
  • Camping equipment
  • Cook and food during all trekking days
  • Pack horses
  • Lodging in Aguas Calientes on the third day
  • First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen tank
  • Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
  • Hotel accomodation in Aguas Calientes

Is it difficult to do the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek has medium difficulty. Compared to the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, this route is less arduous. The only difficulty is altitude sickness, due to the trails being at high very high elevations, which will cause altitude sickness. Click the following link for more information on altitude sickness.

When is the best time to do the Lares Trek?

The best time to do the Lares Hike is during the dry season (from April to October). In these months, the sky is clearer and there is less chance of rain. Therefore, the roads are in better condition for access to trailheads and the trails are also in a better condition.

Is it possible to do the Lares Trek on your own?

There is no restriction for a visitor to try the Lares Valley Trek on their own. However, unlike other walks such as the Salkantay Trek or the Choquequirao Trek, the routes are not well marked, so it is difficult to follow the course. Remember, there are six different routes, so it is best to have a guide who knows the route that you intend to do.

To do the Lares Trek on your own, you must understand which route to follow. For this, a good map is necessary. In addition, the inhabitants of this region are mostly Quechua speakers. If you get lost, don’t count on everybody knowing Spanish, or finding somebody who speaks English.

What should you take on the Lares Trek?

Tour operators that do trekking to Lares include basic equipment such as tents, food and a pack horse.

In addition, it is recommended that you bring the following:

  • Sleeping bag
  • Adjustable trekking poles
  • Hat or cap (prepare for both cold nights and sunny days)
  • Sunscreen
  • Warm clothes for the nights
  • Light clothes for the day
  • Rain poncho
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Hiking shoes
  • Swimwear (for Lares hot springs)
  • Snacks
  • Camera
  • Extra money

Recommendations during the Lares Trekking

The Lares Trek includes several routes that cross high altitude landscapes until you reach Machu Picchu. On the route, you will be able to see beautiful landscapes and indigenous people with ancestral traditions.

Acclimatize in the city of Cusco or the Sacred Valley for at least two days before doing the hike. This will help you avoid the worst symptoms of altitude sickness. You should plan to drink more water at higher altitudes than at sea level in order to stay hydrated.
It is not necessary to be in optimal physical condition to complete the Lares Trek. However, exercising or becoming more physical active before your trek will definitely help.
Drink coca leaf tea to combat altitude sickness during your tour (as the Incas did hundreds of years ago). Another alternative is to take pills to prevent altitude sickness before starting the trek. Ask your doctor at home about altitude sickness before you come to Peru.
The Lares Trek is a great opportunity to learn about the way of life of the small communities that inhabit the Andes.
These people offer their products made from alpaca fiber at lower prices than the stores in Lima, Cusco or other countries. Buying directly from the artisan is true fair trade!

Information provided by Veronica View Hotel

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