The Lares Trek is a lesser-known trekking route in Peru that takes hikers through the stunning landscapes of the Andes mountains. This trek has been used for centuries by local communities as a trading route between the Sacred Valley and the Lares Valley. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the traditional way of life of the Andean people and explore ancient Inca ruins along the way.
The Lares Trek is a relatively new route for trekking, and it’s not as well-known as the Inka Trail. The trek takes hikers through high-altitude Andean mountains, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and valleys. Hikers can also encounter the traditional weaving communities and learn about their ancient techniques of dyeing and weaving.
Overall, the Lares Trek offers a unique and authentic trekking experience, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the Andean culture and explore the ancient ruins and stunning landscapes of the region.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
05:00 AM.
The Lares Trek is a popular 4-day/3-night trek in Peru that takes you through the beautiful Andean Mountains. The trek offers a unique cultural experience, as you get to visit traditional Andean villages and meet local communities.
You’ll also encounter stunning landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and hot springs.
The trek is physically challenging, with steep inclines and high altitudes, so it’s important to be well-prepared and in good physical condition. Overall, the Lares Trek is a rewarding experience that combines natural beauty with cultural immersion.
We will start our journey through the 4 Day Lares Trek early in the morning. After leaving Cusco city, we will go to Ollantaytambo, a quaint Andean town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Then, we will depart from Ollantaytambo by van to Lares town. Once in Lares town our hike will begin.
After walking for some hours, we will stop to have lunch at Chancachaca. We will spend the first night of the Lares Trek at a campsite located in Cuncani.
Travelled distance: 6 km.
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Maximum altitude: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level.
We will leave our campsite early in the morning to continue our adventure through the magnificent Lares Trek. After leaving Cuncani, we will hike from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to its high pass. This mountain pass is located a 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) above sea level. Thus, this vantage point will provide us with incredible views of the surrounding lagoons and the snow-capped Chicon Mountain. We will celebrate reaching this mountain pass by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods.
After the morning hike, we will stop to rest and appreciate the amazing views. Then, we will have lunch at Queuñal. Afterwards, we will continue hiking downhill to our second campsite, which is located near a stream. We will spend the second night of our adventure there.
Travelled distance: 11 km.
Hiking time: 8 hours.
Maximum altitude: 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) above sea level.
We will enjoy the last few hours of the trek before travelling by van to Ollantaytambo. Once we arrive there, we will board a train to Aguas Calientes town. Aguas Calientes is the entry point to the incredible Machu Picchu citadel.
After arriving in Aguas Calientes, you will enjoy a good night’s rest at your hotel room.
Travelled distance: 6 km.
Hiking time: 3 hours.
Maximum altitude: 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) above sea level.
We will leave our hotel early in the morning to enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. You will have the chance to explore the numerous structures that adorn this ancient Inca citadel. You will explore the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Sun, and the famous Intihuatana, among other Inca architectural marvels.
After finishing the tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes. Once there, we will return to Cusco city by train.
Embarking on a guided tour of the city turned out to be an inspired choice. The wealth of knowledge possessed by our tour guide about the city’s history and culture added a whole new layer of depth to the experience.
