Lares
The Lares Trek is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail for those looking for a unique and less crowded trek to Machu Picchu. This trek takes you through beautiful Andean landscapes, remote traditional villages, and hot springs, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the indigenous communities that call the region home.
The Lares Trek typically takes 3-4 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 33 kilometers (20.5 miles). The trek starts in the village of Lares, located in the Sacred Valley, and ends at the town of Ollantaytambo, from where you can take a train to Machu Picchu.
Along the way, you will pass through stunning mountain scenery, including snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and high-altitude grasslands. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with local communities, learning about their traditional way of life and seeing firsthand how they weave textiles, farm the land, and rear llamas and alpacas.
One of the highlights of the Lares Trek is the visit to the hot springs of Lares, where you can relax and soak in the natural pools surrounded by the Andean mountains.
Overall, the Lares Trek is a great option for those looking for a less crowded and more culturally immersive experience on their way to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu: Of course, the ultimate highlight of the trek is reaching Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic and impressive archaeological sites in the world. The Lares Trek offers a unique and less crowded way to reach Machu Picchu, with stunning views of the site from the Sun Gate.
Scenic mountain landscapes: The trek takes you through stunning Andean mountain landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and high-altitude grasslands.
Cultural immersion: The Lares Trek provides an opportunity to interact with local indigenous communities and learn about their traditional way of life. You’ll see how they weave textiles, farm the land, and rear llamas and alpacas.
Local cuisine: Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to try traditional Peruvian cuisine, including quinoa soup, potato stew, and chicha (a fermented corn drink).
The Lares Trek offers a combination of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and archaeological wonders that make it a truly unique and memorable experience.
There are no regulations for this trail yet by the Peruvian government, however, there are regulations and guidelines that must be followed for the Lares Trek, just as with any trek or hike in Peru. Here are some of the key regulations:
Permits if connecting with the Short Inca Trail: If you are extending your hike with the Short Inca Trail then you require permits which must be obtained in advance. These are limited in number and must be obtained through a licensed tour operator.
Licensed tour operator: You need to book the trek with a licensed tour operator, who will provide you with a guide and arrange all the necessary logistics, including transportation, meals, and camping equipment. Peru Summit Adventures is one of the main tour operators for this trek, for further information, please shoot us an email or call at +51 984 464 391.
Environmental protection: You must follow Leave No Trace principles and take all your garbage with you. You should also respect the natural environment and avoid damaging plants or wildlife.
Respect for local communities: You should be respectful of the local indigenous communities you encounter along the way. This includes asking permission before taking photos and not touching or taking anything from sacred sites.
Altitude sickness prevention: As the trek takes you to high altitudes, it is important to acclimatize properly and follow guidelines to prevent altitude sickness.
By following these regulations and guidelines, you can help to ensure the Lares Trek remains a sustainable and responsible tourism activity that benefits both visitors and local communities.
The trek is available all year round, but we recommend hiking in the dry season which starts from Mid-April until October, it’s when the weather is pretty good for hiking. December to March is the rainy season so big showers are very often.
If connecting with the Short Inca Trail, you need to obtain a special permit that grants you to hike the ancient Inca trail and visit Machu Picchu, these tickets are limited per day to 250 permits so it is important to book them 2-3 months in advance at least.
The weather on the Lares Trek can vary depending on the time of year and altitude. Generally, the trek takes place during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, you can expect sunny days and cool nights with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 20°C (32°F to 68°F) depending on the altitude.
However, even during the dry season, there can be occasional rain showers, so it’s important to bring rain gear and waterproof clothing. In addition, temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations, so it’s important to bring warm layers, including a warm jacket and hat.
During the rainy season, which runs from November to March, the trek can be more challenging due to muddy trails and frequent rain. Some tour operators do not offer the Lares Trek during this time, so it’s important to check with your tour operator before booking.
The weather on the Lares Trek can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for a range of conditions and to pack accordingly.
The campsites on the Lares Trek vary depending on the tour operator and itinerary. However, most tours include camping in designated campsites along the route.
The campsites are typically located in scenic areas with beautiful views of the Andean mountains and valleys. The campsites are equipped with basic facilities, including tents, sleeping mats, and portable toilets. Some campsites also have cooking areas and dining tents where meals are served.
It’s important to note that the campsites on the Lares Trek are basic and do not have amenities such as electricity or running water. You should be prepared to bring your own toiletries, including hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
Additionally, the campsites can be cold at night, especially at higher elevations, so it’s important to bring warm sleeping bags and clothing.
While the campsites on the Lares Trek are basic, they provide a comfortable and scenic place to rest after a day of trekking.
Getting prepared for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is essential to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Physical fitness: The Lares Trek is a challenging hike that involves steep inclines, high altitude, and long distances. It’s important to be physically fit before undertaking the trek. You can prepare by doing regular aerobic exercise, such as running or cycling, and by practicing hiking on steep terrain.
Altitude acclimatization: The Lares Trek takes you to high altitudes, and altitude sickness is a real risk. You should plan to arrive in Cusco a few days before the trek to allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude. You can also consider taking altitude sickness medication.
Packing: You should pack for the trek with lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing that can be layered, as well as sturdy hiking boots and rain gear. You should also bring a good quality sleeping bag and a daypack for carrying water, snacks, and extra clothing. Your tour operator will provide a detailed packing list.
Training hikes: Before undertaking the Lares Trek, it’s a good idea to do some training hikes to prepare yourself for the physical demands of the trek.
Mental preparation: The Lares Trek can be mentally challenging, especially when dealing with altitude sickness, fatigue, or inclement weather. It’s important to stay positive and focused on your goals, and to remember that the stunning views and cultural experiences along the way are worth the effort.
By following these tips and preparing well in advance, you can help ensure that your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a safe and memorable experience.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu:
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential to prevent altitude sickness and to stay energized throughout the trek. Bring a water bottle and refill it at every opportunity, and consider bringing water purification tablets in case you need to drink from a stream.
Pace yourself: The Lares Trek is a challenging hike, and it’s important to pace yourself to avoid exhaustion. Take breaks when you need to, and listen to your body.
Respect the environment: The Lares Trek takes you through stunning natural landscapes, and it’s important to respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles. Don’t leave any garbage or waste behind, and avoid damaging plants or wildlife.
Be prepared for the weather: The weather on the Lares Trek can be unpredictable, so it’s important to bring appropriate clothing for all conditions. Bring layers that can be easily added or removed, and pack rain gear and waterproof clothing.
Bring snacks: The Lares Trek involves long days of hiking, and it’s important to stay fueled with energy-rich snacks. Bring snacks that are lightweight, easy to carry, and provide a quick burst of energy, such as trail mix or energy bars.
Engage with the local culture: The Lares Trek takes you through indigenous communities that have a rich cultural heritage. Take the time to engage with the local people, learn about their customs and traditions, and show respect for their sacred sites.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a safe and rewarding experience that you’ll never forget.
With Peru Summit Adventures on this trek, food is awesome and well balanced, you will have enough food from varieties of vegetables, pasta, chicken, beef, quinoa, local potatoes, trout, porridge for breakfast, coffee, milk, and much more things, all this prepared by an experienced cook, which will be served in comfortable tents with tables, chairs, lamps. You will also have options for vegetarians, vegans, or gluten-free. When going with other companies make sure to ask if the food will be enough and fresh.
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a stunning trek that takes you through the Peruvian Andes and offers many breathtaking views and cultural experiences. Here are some of the highlights of the trek:
Andean landscapes: The Lares Trek takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Andes, including snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and lush valleys.
Indigenous communities: The trek takes you through traditional Andean communities where you can experience the local culture, see traditional dress and crafts, and learn about ancient customs and traditions.
Hot springs: The Lares Trek includes a visit to the Lares Hot Springs, where you can relax in natural hot pools surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Archeological sites: Along the trek, you will have the opportunity to visit ancient Incan ruins, such as the Pisac and Ollantaytambo sites, which offer insight into the fascinating history and culture of the Incas.
Machu Picchu: The Lares Trek concludes with a visit to Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel that is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Explore the ruins and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers a unique and unforgettable experience that combines stunning natural beauty with cultural immersion and ancient history.
See below our list of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu tours, click on each option to see further information.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu:
How long is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Lares Trek is typically a 4-day trek, but it can be done in 3 or 5 days depending on the itinerary and pace.
What is the distance of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The trek covers a distance of around 33 kilometers or 20.5 miles and it depends on the trail you are taking since there are several routes that each tour operator manages.
What is the maximum altitude reached during the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The highest point of the trek is the Pumahuanca Pass at an altitude of 4,800 meters or 15,748 feet in our trek. The highest point reach will depend on the route you are taking, in Lares, there are more than 2 trekking routes and the highest point can vary.
Do I need a permit to hike the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
No, a permit is not required for the Lares Trek as it is a less crowded alternative to the classic Inca Trail. However, you do need to book with a tour operator. Besides, if you are extending the trek to Short Inca Trail, yes you do need to get a permit through a licensed tour operator.
When is the best time to do the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The best time to do the Lares Trek is during the dry season from April to October when the weather is generally clear and dry. However, temperatures can drop below freezing at night, so be prepared for cold weather.
What should I pack for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
You should pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing that can be layered, as well as sturdy hiking boots and rain gear. You should also bring a good quality sleeping bag and a daypack for carrying water, snacks, and extra clothing. Your tour operator will provide a detailed packing list.
What is the difficulty level of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Lares Trek is considered moderately difficult due to the high altitude and steep terrain. It requires a good level of fitness and the ability to hike for several hours a day.
By knowing the answers to these FAQs, you can better plan and prepare for your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
