The Lares Trek 4 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 – Pumahuanca – Puyoc
Your incredible four-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu adventure begins with an early morning pickup at 4:00 am from your Cusco hotel. We will drive for approximately two hours through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas to Pumahuanca, a small Andean town and the starting point of the Lares Trek Peru.
Upon arrival, we will meet our support team, including our Andean chef and muleteers. While we organize our gear, you will be served a traditional breakfast. Our local expert will provide tips for hiking in the Peruvian Andes.
After checking our safety equipment and gear, we will begin our trek with a gradual uphill hike through the Pumahuaca Valley to our lunch camp near Paqcha Pata Waterfalls. Along the way, we’ll enjoy stunning views of highland Andean villages nestled among snowcapped peaks.
At our exclusive campsite, our Andean chef will serve you a delicious traditional meal, and you can soak up the picturesque valley views.
After lunch, we will trek to a lesser-known Inca archaeological site, Chupani, where our local expert will provide an immersive history lesson about the complex.
We will continue hiking through a region of native plantations, where our guide will explain the importance of each. The route is adorned with spectacular rocky mountains and small crystalline streams.
As the evening draws in, we will reach our campsite in Puyoc, which sits at 4150m/13615ft. above sea level. Our crew will welcome you to the campsite with a steaming cup of coca tea, followed by a traditional dinner.
Under the clear Andean sky, we’ll set up tents and you can drift off to sleep while gazing at the stunning galaxy and Milky Way above.
Meals included on this day: Lunch, dinner, extra morning snacks, and happy hour before dinner.
Facts and Figures:
Day 2: Puyoc – Yanacocha Lake – Cuncani Village
Rise and shine! Our team will be waking you up to a steaming cup of coca tea or locally sourced Peruvian coffee to kick start your day. We will then serve a wholesome Andean breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead. Our crew will assist you in refilling your water bottles with boiled water for your convenience.
On day two of the Lares Trek Peru, we will embark on a gradual ascent towards the highest point of the 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, the Siclla Qasa Pass, towering at 4850m/16682ft. above sea level. This section of the trek takes you through an off-the-beaten-path route, surrounded by stunning snowcapped peaks.
Upon reaching the pass, we will take a moment to admire the breathtaking views of the highland Andean villages nestled between the mountains. Our knowledgeable guide will explain the significance of the peaks (Apus) in Andean mythology and the locals’ deep reverence for them.
After soaking in the awe-inspiring vistas, we will begin our descent to our exclusive lunch camp in Yanacocha (Black Lagoon). The lagoon is nestled in a valley and offers a serene atmosphere to relax and refuel. Our Andean chef will prepare and serve our signature organic cuisine for lunch.
As the only tour operator in the region to serve organic food on all our treks, we take pride in providing a healthy and sustainable meal for our guests.
After a brief rest, we will continue our descent to the charming traditional village of Cuncani. We will pass through various local communities, where you can witness the colorful traditional outfits worn by the locals. This region is also known for its handicrafts, so feel free to purchase some souvenirs if you wish.
The trail will also lead us through potato fields, where our guide will give you an insight into the traditional farming techniques used by the locals. Keep your eyes peeled for Vizcachas, a type of Andean rabbit.
We will spend the night camping in Cuncani, situated at 3800m/12467ft above sea level. Our crew will greet you at the campsite with some snacks and a hot cup of herbal tea. We will then serve dinner, followed by an opportunity to stargaze under the clear Andean sky before retiring to your tent for a well-deserved rest after a full day of hiking.
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner (with additional snacks in the mornings and a happy hour before dinner).
Day 3: Cuncani Quechua Village – Lares Hot springs – Aguas Calientes
Following a delectable organic breakfast, we will trek through remote villages, offering you the chance to meet locals and explore typical Andean huts and farmland. Our expert guide will provide insights into Andean culture and customs, which remain unaltered by modernity, as the locals continue to speak Quechua, their native language.
Next, we’ll descend for two hours to reach Lares Hot Springs, where you can unwind and rejuvenate in the natural thermal waters. It’s the perfect way to relax after the Lares Trek Peru.
After one last lunch with our support team, we’ll transport you to Ollantaytambo, a small Inca-inhabited town that served as the administrative capital of the Incas. You’ll have free time to explore and admire the town’s preserved heritage.
We’ll stop for dinner at a local restaurant before embarking on a scenic two-hour train ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. As we travel from the Andes to the tropical jungle, the landscape will change before your eyes.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our team will accommodate you in a comfortable ensuite hotel room in the town center. Meals provided during the tour include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an additional snack in the morning and dinner in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Note: We accommodate our guests at the Presidente hotel or a similar hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
Day4: Machu Picchu “The wonder of the world”
After breakfast, we’ll transport you to the bus station for a 25-minute journey up the hill to Machu Picchu citadel’s entrance. Our knowledgeable guide will assist you with security control and passport verification, ensuring a smooth entry.
As the clouds clear and the sun’s golden rays illuminate the walls, you’ll be awed by the citadel’s spectacular sight. A two-hour guided tour will reveal the secrets and history of this ancient site, followed by free time for you to explore on your own.
If you’ve booked to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, our guide will direct you to the trailhead. Please note that a permit is required, and these are typically sold six to seven months in advance. Alternatively, you can hike to Sun Gate or Intipunku, the entrance to the citadel for those on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
After exploring the citadel, we’ll take a bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant. At 4:00 PM, we’ll board a train back to Ollantaytambo, where our representative will meet you and drive you back to your hotel in Cusco. We expect to arrive in Cusco around 9:30 PM.
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.