The Lares Trek 3 days is a popular alternative to the more famous Inca Trail trek in Peru. It is a multi-day trek that takes you through the Andean mountains, passing through remote villages and ancient ruins. The trek starts in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and takes you through stunning landscapes and high mountain passes.
One of the unique features of the Lares Trek is its focus on cultural immersion. The trek passes through several traditional Andean villages, where you can interact with local communities and learn about their way of life. You can visit local markets, see traditional weaving techniques, and even participate in a traditional Pachamanca meal, where food is cooked in an underground oven.
Approximately 33 km
The Lares Trek is a high-altitude trek that reaches a maximum elevation of around 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level. The trek starts in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which has an elevation of around 2,800 meters (9,186 feet), and it climbs gradually through the Andean mountains, passing through several mountain passes that reach elevations of over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).
The highest point on the trek is the Pachacutec Pass, which stands at an altitude of around 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level.
The Lares Trek is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek, with several steep ascents and descents, as well as high altitude sections.
It’s important to note that the difficulty of the trek can vary depending on factors such as the route taken, the pace of the group, and individual fitness levels and acclimatization to altitude. To prepare for the trek, it’s recommended to engage in regular physical exercise and practice hiking at high altitudes. It’s also important to stay hydrated and well-fed during the trek, and to follow the guidance of experienced guides and trekking companies.
Overall, while the Lares Trek can be challenging, it offers stunning views of the Andean mountains and the opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of local communities.
Day 1: Cusco to Cancha Cancha You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and driven to the town of Calca, where you’ll stop for breakfast. Then, you’ll continue on to the trailhead at Huaran, where you’ll begin the trek. The first day is the longest and most challenging, as you’ll hike uphill through the stunning Sacred Valley, past traditional Andean villages, and over a high mountain pass before descending to the village of Cancha Cancha where you’ll camp for the night.
Day 2: Cancha Cancha to Quishuarani After breakfast, you’ll continue hiking uphill to cross another high mountain pass, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. You’ll then descend to the village of Quishuarani, where you’ll camp for the night. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about their traditional way of life.
Day 3: Quishuarani to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu After breakfast, you’ll hike downhill through the beautiful countryside, past the Incan site of Huchuy Qosqo, and into the town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. You’ll spend the afternoon exploring the breathtaking Machu Picchu before taking the train back to Cusco in the evening.
Lares trek to Machu Picchu Video
The price for Lares Trek is: $590
The Lares Trek in Peru is located in the Andean highlands and its weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Here’s a general overview of the weather conditions for each month:
The Mountain Lodges of Peru Lares Trek typically takes seven days to complete, covering a total distance of around 50 kilometers (31 miles). The trek starts in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and passes through remote Andean villages and stunning mountain landscapes, reaching a maximum elevation of around 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level at the Pachacutec Pass.
The Mountain Lodges of Peru Lares Trek is considered to be a moderate trek, with several steep ascents and descents, as well as high-altitude sections. It’s important to note that the trek is still physically demanding and requires a certain level of fitness and acclimatization to altitude.
Overall, the Mountain Lodges of Peru Lares Trek offers a unique and luxurious way to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Andean region of Peru.
Technically, it is possible to do the Lares Trek without a guide, but it’s not recommended for most people. The Lares Trek is a high-altitude trek that requires a certain level of fitness and experience with hiking at high altitudes. Additionally, the trail can be difficult to navigate, especially for those who are not familiar with the area.
Having a guide on the Lares Trek provides several benefits, including:
That being said, if you have extensive hiking experience at high altitudes and are comfortable with navigation and the potential risks, you can consider doing the Lares Trek without a guide. However, it’s still recommended to have a support team or trekking partner for safety and logistical reasons.
The average altitude on the Lares Trek is around 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level.