Lares Trek Weather

Lares trek weather is very similar to Cusco weather and the Inca Trail; Lares trek experiences two very distinct seasons, wet and dry rather than “summer” or “winter”. Peru’s high season for travel coincides with the driest (though coldest) months: May through September. June (the month of Inti Raymi in Cusco) and July are considered high season.

May and September are particularly good months to visit much of the country with fewer tourists but some rain. (It depends on the season and your luck. December to february are very wet, particularly in the mountains – however the tourist numbers are lower and trekking routes less congested. We have trekked a lot in these months and although at times have got wet have still had thoroughly enjoyable times.

The climate varies along the length of Lares Trek. During the day it can be quite warm and sunny; dry during the first two days, and a little humid on last day. In the night, the first two campsites are often very cold, while the third night is more temperate. The rainy period begins at the end of November and lasts until March. Rains can be quite heavy at times.

Although rain can make the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu a little more difficult, on the other hand, the landscapes benefit from the rain and are green and lush.

How To Book The Lares Trek

Book The Lares Trek

About the permit is not required for the Lares Trek, start dates are flexible. It is best though to book your trekking package in advance, especially during the high season (May to September), to assure availability for hotels and daily excursions in destinations you visit before and after the trekking experience.

Lares Trek Difficulty and level of Hike to Machu Picchu

Lares Trek Difficulty

Hiking Lares Trek in Peru is a moderate trek although you’ll hike to a slightly higher elevation on the Lares Trek (4809 m / 15,777 ft on the Lares, compared to 4226 m / 13,866 ft on the Classic Inca Trail), the Lares Trek is significantly less technical and is shorter in total distance to the Classic Inca Trail (33km / 20.5miles on the Lares, compared to 43km / 26.7miles on the Classic Inca Trail). So overall, the Hike to Lares Trek is commonly seen as the least physically demanding option for hiking on the journey to Machu Picchu.

Altitude & Acclimatization

Before doing the trek we advise our travelers to spend a 2 or 3 days in Cusco to adjust to the high altitude. It’s better to acclimatize in Cusco, not the Sacred Valley, because the city’s higher 11,120 ft (3,400 m) elevation is more akin to those along the Lares Trail.
Altitude sickness is caused by a rapid change in elevation without the necessary time for acclimatization. Mild symptoms are common and include lingering headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. Every person responds differently to the change in altitude and unfortunately there is no way to prevent it or predict how seriously it may affect you.

Packing Travel Essentials

Packing Travel Essentials

Knowing the weather and the difficulty of the trek, you are probably asking, “what should I bring to Lares Trek?” If you are asking, here is a list of items that are a must-have on your trip:

A good backpack: Eagle Creek Afar Backpack, specific packages to carry your personal belongings.
Original passport with the Peru migration card (for trains, Machu Picchu park and hotels)
Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
3 pairs of trekking pants (without jeans): 1 hiking, 1 cotton, which is enough. Spray both pairs with an insect repellent before the trip.
1 raincoat: the first night, the temperature can be – 5 degrees Celsius / 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The raincoat can be useful, because there are rainy days even if we are in the dry season!
Thermal: wool socks, gloves, scarf and wool hat for cold nights.
3 pairs of underwear, 4 pairs of socks (bamboo or cotton / nylon socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose softness when air dried). It is good to have a pair of extra socks to change at night when you are not hiking. In addition, we recommend wearing really heavy hiking socks and lighter socks because the weather is variable, so you should ask that it is not too cold or overheated.
4 t-shirts, 2 long-sleeved shirts
Travel wipes and wet wipes: the air is cold and wet, so your nose will run a lot. Everyone seems to run out of tissues at the end of the walk. In addition, most bathrooms do not have toilet paper (even if you have a bathroom), so wet wipes are the key.
Iron pills and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the walk have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both remedies (in addition to coca tea) are very useful for relieving symptoms.
Sunscreen cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
Reusable water container made of plastic or metal or a hydration pack such as Camel back
A lighthouse to navigate the camp in the afternoons and mornings before dawn with spare batteries.
Bandages or mole skin
Flip-flops to change at night, the toes will thank you!
Medications (Imodium AD or something for your stomach. Some people suffer from stomach upset on the walk. With 8-10 hours of walking each day, you need to get over what your day has to do quickly, so bring some medications.
Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes.

Please consult your travel advisor with specific questions regarding trekking equipment and rental options during your Lares trekking experience.

Travel Insurance

Travel is full of variables and there is always a risk, however small, that something might go wrong before or during your trip. Something as minor as a flight delay can have a significant financial impact, as can illness, bad weather or baggage delay.

Ask your travel advisor about including travel insurance in your customized travel package.

Food on the Lares Trek

Food on the Lares Trek

All your drinking water will be supplied for you by your guides and porters. Every day you’ll enjoy delicious sit-down breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Your guides will cater for any dietary requirements, and you’ll enjoy a range of homemade marmalades, dried fruits (pineapple, banana, berries, etc), energy bars and chocolate brownies, and homemade bread.