Lares Trek Highlights

• Enjoy the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Relax in the hot springs of Lares.
• Observe beautiful lagoons and waterfalls.
• Immerse yourself fully in the rural Andean culture.
• Learn about the Incas and their ancient agricultural techniques.
• Visit and explore the New Seven Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu.

What to Expect on the Trail

Knowing what to expect can help you better prepare for your trek an help you decide if this is the best option for you.

Stunning Views

Along the Lares trail you can expect to see some truly beautiful scenery and landscapes in the Andean mountains. It’s wonderful to be surrounded by snowy mountain peaks while enjoying rivers, waterfalls, and lagoons.

Plenty of Flora and Fauna

You’ll get plenty of opportunities to see some local flora and fauna including alpacas, llamas, and sheep.

A Close Up Experience of Andean Life

This trek gets you up close and personal with those that live in the rural Andean communities. Spend some time with them and see how they work the land as well as create some amazing textile pieces.

To Feel Tired

Even if you walk at a slow pace, you can expect to feel a little tired at the end of each day. You’ll spend many hours walking at high altitude, which can exhaust the fittest of people. Make sure to pace yourself and keep hydrated.

A Real Adventure

This trek is off the beaten path and away from the majority of tourists. This makes for a wild adventure in the middle of the mountains.

An Amazingly Clear Sky

The sky at night in the Andes tends to be open and very clear. This is a great chance to look up at the stars and relax while learning a little about Inca astrology.

Where is Lares?

The Lares district is in the Calca province of the department of Cusco.

Difficulty Level

The trek is relatively difficult. It’s not as tough as some of the others to Machu Picchu, but it does have its challenges. You’ll be walking over some rough terrain as well as being at high altitude, which can both pose challenges. The ground can make it tough on your knees and ankles, whereas the high altitude can mean you feel breathless or tire easily.

Packing List for the Lares Trek

To help you be well-prepared for the hike, we’ve created a packing list to make sure you’ve got all the essentials.

• Sunblock, hat, and sunglasses for the strong Andean sun
• Woolly hat and gloves
• Plenty of warm clothes (it can get chilly)
• Thin layers that you can take off and put on easily
• Hiking boots or shoes
• Walking poles
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking socks
• Water bottle (not plastic)
• Snacks
• Cash in small denominations
• Waterproofs or poncho
• Good quality camera
• Passport
• Machu Picchu and train tickets
• Personal medication

Lares Trek Tips

Take into consideration the following tips when getting ready for your trip.

• Go on practice treks back home to get your muscles used to walking a lot. It’s a good idea to enjoy a variety from one day hikes to long weekends of trekking.
• Have a daily stretch and exercise routine to better prepare your body.
• Investigate tricks to help with the altitude and ask your doctor back home for any advice and perhaps a prescription for pills.
• Don’t drink alcohol when you get to Cusco as this can dramatically affect how you feel at high altitude and also make you ill.
• Spend 2-3 days in Cusco before you set off on the trek to help your body acclimate properly.
• Make sure you stay well-hydrated along the trail. You’ll need more water than you would at sea level.
• Go slowly and don’t rush the hike. You won’t get left behind, so don’t worry about taking your time.

Recommendations

Finally, here are a few recommendations from our team to make your trip go smoothly for you to enjoy a care-free vacation.

Plan in Advance

The Lares trek doesn’t tend to sell out, but you’ll still want to make sure you plan ahead. Hoping to book when you get to Cusco with a day or two’s notice could mean you’re left disappointed because there are no guides available.

Pack Properly

The packing list is very important to make sure you have all the right things. You don’t want to be left in the middle of the mountains with a necessity that you can’t find anywhere.

Travel insurance

This is an absolute must and something you can’t miss out on. Healthcare in Cusco is expensive if you need it. You’ll also find that most tour operators won’t allow you on heir trips if you don’t show you have it.

Check When to Travel

Read up on the different times of year in Cusco to make sure you come when it most suits you. May to October is dry season and lovely weather, but there a lot of tourists about. November to April is rainy season, but quieter.

Prepare for the Altitude

We’ve already mentioned how big of an effect the altitude can have on trekkers. Look at our advice and take it to make sure you feel well and are up to the challenge of the hike.