The Ultimate Lares Trek Guide

The Ultimate Lares trek guide – This trek through the Peruvian Andes is considered probably the third best alternative Inca trail hikes to Machu Picchu and is presented in various versions, from a 3-day hike up to a 5-day hike. There are indeed several programs with the same objective, but each one is different from the other.

If you want to immerse yourself in Andean culture while being surrounded by majestic mountain views as you hike to Machu Picchu, then the Lares trek is for you!

Keep reading this article and I’ll tell you everything in detail.

Lares Trek.

The Lares trek is off the beaten path on the Inca Trail. It begins near the sacred valley. This place is located 64 kilometers / 40 miles north of Cusco and 56. kilometers / 35 miles southeast of Machu Picchu. Lares Trek is at a high altitude of 4,300mt/14,107ft. The Lares Trek itself is located in the Lares Valley. It lies east of the Urubamba Mountains and runs through part of the Sacred Valley.

Why choose lares trek?

We recommend our clients to do the Lares Trek to learn about life and customs in the mountains of the Peruvian Andes, because they will witness a more authentic way of life of the Quechua people who live in this part of Cusco; and there you will have the opportunity to learn about their Customs, traditions, wisdom, religion and philosophy.

In addition to the mountain towns and local culture, enjoy the clear blue lakes, the valleys inhabited by alpacas, the attractive mountain peaks and many other wonders that this trek still has to offer.

Best Season for the Lares Trail.

The best time to hike the Peruvian Andes is from April to October when the weather is relatively warm. In the months of June, July and August the nights are cold and a four-season sleeping bag is recommended. The rainy season lasts from November to March, with February as the highlight. In this month the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. Rainy season or not, prepare for sun and rain. The mountains make the weather pattern unpredictable.

Dry season (April – October)
Day: 20’C – 25’C / 68’F – 77’F
Night: -1 – 7’C / 30’F – 45’F
Rainy season (November – March)
Day: 17’C – 22’C / 62’F – 71.6’F
Night: 4’C – 7’C / 39’F – 45’F

How Hard is the Lares Trek?

There are several versions of Lares Treks to Machu Picchu, each with its challenges. It would be best if you had specific physical conditions to make high hikes on these Lares hiking trails. There is 4 Lares Hikes with different checkpoints depending on your preference and general fitness level.

Lares Trek route 1: Lares to Patacancha (The weaver’s Andes way) – (Moderate)
Lares Trek route 2: Quishuarani to Patacancha (Moderate)
Lares Trek route 3: Quishuarani to Yanahuara (Difficult)
Lares Trek route 4: Huaran to Lares (Moderate to Difficult)

Lares Trek Peru Itinerary

There are a few different ways to the Lares Trek. There is the Lares Trek via Wacacasi and Ollantaytambo and then there is the way via Canchacancha. The latter is one of the best sellers at cuscojourneys.com and it is a route we can highly recommend. In this link you can find an outline of a standard 4-day itinerary for the Lares Trek.

What to bring for the hike from Lares to Machu Picchu?

As it is an extensive route, it is necessary to carry implements so that you do not have any inconveniences and enjoy the trip.

Prepare the following items:

Valid Passport (a copy will not be accepted)
Valid Student Card (if you booked as a student)
Hiking boots (light, comfortable and broken in)
A good quality daypack (light, small and comfortable)
Sleeping bag (usually for rent at trekking company)
Air mattress (usually for rent at trekking company)
Light shoes for around camps
Warm jacket, hat, and gloves
2-3 t-shirts (wicking)
1-2 hiking pants/trousers
4 sets of undergarments
4 sets of hiking socks
1 fleece
1 Warm, down jacket for the coldest nights
Quick-dry towel
Soap
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and paste
Face moisturizer
Power pack/battery charger Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate
Hat and sunglasses
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips (small change is useful for paying to use the villagers’

Note: Your excess luggage can normally be stored at your trekking company. This service is free of charge or a small fee is calculated.

Lares Trek Altitude – How High Is the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek is high. It is basically as high as the Salkantay Trek and you could say it is also just as difficult. The highest point, the Pachacutec Pass, is about 300 meters lower than the highest point of the Salkantay Trek, which lies at 4615 meters.

During the Lares Trek, you also sleep at fairly high altitude. The first two nights you will be staying at around 3700 meters and the last two nights you will be spending at around 2700 meters. It is high, but with the right acclimatization, the Lares Trek is definitely doable.

How fit do you need to be for the Lares Trail?

The Lares Trek is considered a moderate hike. But the height of the Andes can affect some people. We recommend purchasing a pair of aluminum poles to help you maintain balance and reduce stress on your knees. We can all do the awesome Lares Trek.

Where To Book the Lares Trek?

You can book the Lares Trek in advance. The Lares Trek always includes Machu Picchu at the end of the journey. For Machu Picchu you need tickets and they need to be organized in advance. Trekking companies always need some time to book these tickets. It is therefore convenient to book in advance, online.

What documentation do we need?

You’ll need to present your original passport and permit/ticket at both the start of the trek and the entrance of Machu Picchu.

You must provide this information to get an Inca Trail Permit.

Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport)
Date of Birth
Nationality
Passport Number
Date of Passport Expiry – Must be valid for the date of travel

Any attempts at modifications result in a loss of the permit and any money paid.

What is the difference between a private and group tour?

Essentially the tours are exactly the same, but the private tour will only be for your family and friends. Group tours include people from all walks of life and nationalities and all varieties of hiking abilities. Private showings also receive a free air mat rental.

Are there age restrictions for the Lares Trek?

There is no age limit for the Lares Trek. If hikers go on the Lares trek with children, the key is to keep them well-hydrated, so they quickly adapt to the heights of the Andes.

Older people must have their spirit of adventure active to have a good time on the Lares trek peru; taking short walks is recommended before the experience through Lares to Machu Picchu.

Where will we sleep on the Inca Trail?

We will sleep in tents that are set up in the camps at night. Ours camping sites are less crowded as it is less trodden and has several versions. There are only outside toilets so go prepared for it. Water may not be safe, therefore needs to be purified too. As for taking a shower, it will depend on the time and weather conditions. Usually, the temperature is cold, so you barely take a birdbath.

Is there internet service or signal in the Lares Trek circuit?

There is no Internet service or signal on the hiking trails in Lares. Hikers, once they enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas either through Huaran, Yanahuara, Pumahuanca, or Ollantaytambo, will be able to capture an excellent signal on their electronic devices.

If in case you need an emergency phone, Cusco Journeys provides our satellite phones.

Hot springs of the Lares Valley, Peru

The thermal baths of Lares have six pools, all of which are heated, and their medicinal waters spring from the subsoil. The local inhabitants believe that Mother Earth gives them these mineral pools for curative purposes, according to the Andean cosmovision.

Lares trek without a Guide

Hiking lares on your own is possible, however, it will depend on your previous experience doing solo hiking over 13 000 ft, also the time spent for acclimatizing in Cusco before Heading to Lares. As it is known, the Lares trek is not only one way, it is more than one, and each one presents its different difficulty level.

Si te gustó este artículo y la información que encontraste, ¡regálanos 5 estrellas!

(Ninguna valoración todavía)