Meals and treated drinking water are central to a successful Lares Trek. The complete package includes meals during the mountain section, prepared by a trekking cook, while travelers carry water in a reusable bottle or hydration system and refill according to the guide’s instructions.
Food and water at a glance
- Meals: included during the trekking section
- Dietary requests: arrange before departure
- Water: drink only supplied, bottled or adequately treated water
- Carry capacity: normally 2 liters is practical
- Personal snacks: recommended
- Final-day lunch: not included in the standard package
What meals are served?
Menus vary with the cook, season and available ingredients. Trekking meals commonly combine soups, grains, potatoes, vegetables, eggs and meat or another protein. Breakfast and dinner are served at camp, while lunch may be prepared at a stopping point.
The objective is warm, digestible food with enough carbohydrate and protein for repeated hiking days. Remote camp cooking is different from restaurant dining, but a professional trekking kitchen can still provide varied meals.
Vegetarian, vegan and allergy requests
Vegetarian and other dietary options can be arranged when requested in advance. Provide specific information rather than a broad label. For example, state whether you avoid eggs, dairy, gluten, nuts or cross-contact.
A remote kitchen cannot always provide the same controls as a specialized facility. Travelers with severe allergies should discuss risk directly with the operator, carry prescribed emergency medication and keep it in the daypack.
How much water should you carry?
Needs vary with body size, effort, temperature and altitude. A two-liter carrying capacity is practical for many hikers, but follow the guide’s refill plan. Drink regularly according to thirst and conditions rather than forcing excessive amounts.
Carry a reusable bottle or hydration bladder and a backup container. Insulate the drinking tube during freezing mornings when necessary.
Is stream water safe?
Do not drink directly from streams, lakes or taps unless the guide confirms it has been adequately treated. Clear mountain water can contain microorganisms from people or animals.
Boiling, appropriate filtration and chemical disinfection are recognized treatment methods, but each has limitations. The operator should explain how camp water is prepared.
Food and water hygiene
- Wash or sanitize hands before eating.
- Use soap and water after the toilet when available.
- Drink only sealed or adequately treated water.
- Avoid adding untreated ice.
- Keep personal bottles clean.
- Do not share bottle mouthpieces.
- Report vomiting or diarrhea early.
CDC guidance notes that Peru presents meaningful risk for travelers’ diarrhea and that hikers can be exposed to waterborne infections. Fully cooked food served hot is generally safer than raw food.
What snacks should you bring?
Bring familiar, compact snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, crackers, chocolate or energy bars. Choose foods already tested during training. Snacks complement the included meals and are useful on long climbs.
Remove excess packaging before departure and carry every wrapper out. Remote communities should not bear the waste created by trekking groups.
Eating at altitude
Altitude can reduce appetite even when the body needs energy. Eat smaller portions regularly if a large meal feels difficult. Carbohydrate-rich foods are often easier to tolerate during exertion.
Persistent loss of appetite combined with headache, nausea or unusual fatigue may be a symptom of altitude illness. Tell the guide rather than assuming it is only a food issue.
Alcohol and caffeine
Avoid excessive alcohol before and during the trek. CDC altitude guidance recommends avoiding alcohol during the first 48 hours at high elevation. Regular caffeine users may wish to maintain their normal intake to avoid a withdrawal headache, without using excessive caffeine as a substitute for sleep or hydration.
Before the trek
In the days before departure, choose fully cooked food served hot, practice careful hand hygiene and avoid risky meals that could disrupt the trip. Do not experiment with unfamiliar supplements immediately before hiking.
What is not included?
The final lunch after visiting Machu Picchu is not included in the standard package. Personal snacks, alcoholic drinks and optional purchases are also separate. Review the complete cost and inclusion guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are meals included?
Yes, meals during the trekking section are included. Confirm the exact first and final included meals before departure.
Can vegan meals be prepared?
Dietary requests can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Explain the requirements clearly when booking.
Can I drink tap or stream water?
Only drink water supplied as safe, factory-sealed or adequately treated. Do not assume clear water is safe.
Should I carry purification tablets?
They can be a useful backup when used correctly, but first confirm the operator’s normal water-treatment system.
Fuel the trek safely
Eat regularly, carry familiar snacks, practice hand hygiene and follow the guide’s water instructions. Food illness or dehydration can turn a demanding trek into an evacuation.
Continue with the Lares travel guide, packing list, camping guide and Lares Trek 4 Days.
