The Lares Trek is one of the alternative treks to the Inca Trail that you can do in Cusco. Immerse yourself in the Andean beauty, visit local villages and see all the natural beauty of this wonderful trek. Spend some time at the Lares hot springs to soak away your aches and pains from the trek. The Lares trek is for those who love nature and the peace and quiet of being in the Andes.
1. Immersion into the Andean Culture
Relatively unchanged for centuries, the local communities of Lares have been living isolated for thousands of years. Their customs, languages and way of life are the same as they were and they still speak the native Quechua language.
In these villages the women hand weave vibrant multi colored clothing while the men are tasked with herding the alpacas and the llamas in the vast mountain landscape. During this hike you will have the privilege of interacting with these people. These people have a lot of wisdom and are willing to share what they know. Take this opportunity to learn customs and traditions that have survived the passage of time.
2. The Lares Trek and the Inca Trail Trek are incomparable
The Lares trek and the Inca trail are very different experiences. They both have a lot to offer and they both have their cons. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu takes you on the same path the Inca walked on their journey to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail will take you through various different Inca ruins and is a great way to better understand the history of the Inca Empire.
On the Lares trek on the other hand has no ruins but, instead has authentic Andean villages and beautiful landscapes. Essentially, on the Inca Trail you are looking into the past at an empire long gone, whereas on the Lares trek you will be seeing that history living, breathing, and flourishing.
3.You can still hike the Inca Trail
There is a chance that you can hike the last section of the Inca Trail which is arguably the best part. Some Lares packages offer the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu included. On the Lares trek you will be visiting various different places including, Cusco, Huarani, Cancha Cancha, Quiwarani, Cuncani, Lares Hot Springs, and Ollantaytambo. If you want to hike the Short Inca Trail you can start at KM 104. With this option you can have you cake and eat it too!
4. The Remoteness of the Trek
Arguably the best part of the Lares Trek is how remote it is. You will be in places that most travelers have never even heard of. Because of this most of the time it’s just you and your party on the trail. You may have to share the trail with the friendly alpacas and llamas that call this place home or the occasional shepherd.
5. Pick-up a few skills from the Local Culture
The locals in the area are extremely kind and are willing to show and teach you, their customs. Take this chance to learn some Quechua, the vast majority of the people only speak Quechua ask your guide for help and they will share with you what they know. The Andean people are also master weavers and have vibrant clothing of all shapes and sizes. Ask to learn this ancient technique maybe you’ll get good enough to set up your own shop.
6. Star filled night skies
The night skies on the Lares trek are stunning. High in the Andes the skies are clear with no pollution. Most nights you will be blessed with a sky full of stars. Speak with your guide and ask him to explain the Inca constellations which have guided the Andean agriculture for years. Enjoy the silence and tranquility of pure nature.
7. Hot Springs
The Lares Hot springs are situated in the Lares Valley surrounded by two steep mountains and the roaring Trapiche River. The water is a brownish yellow due to the many natural healing minerals. There are different pools with different temperatures so you can pick the one that best suits you. A great place to soak your sore muscles and relax after hiking. The Lares hot springs staff always keep the pools and facilities clean, there are also lockers where you can safely put away your belongings.
8. Glacial Peaks and Lakes with Unique Birds and other Species
The Lares Trek is a nature lovers dream, the nature on this trek is hard to find with other treks. This hike will leave you speechless as you gaze upon pristine alpine lakes tucked away in picturesque mountain valleys with llamas and alpacas grazing on the surrounding hillsides. The valley has some of the biggest mountain in the Cusco region. ON the Lares trek you will pass Mount Salkantay, the tallest mountain in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Apart from the alpacas and llamas you may spot some of the other local fauna. Animals such as the rabbit like Viscacha, the sacred Puma, Andean deer, Culpeo or Andean fox. Look to the skies and try to spot Andean birds like the sacred Condor, the Caracara Falcon, Andean Goose, and hummingbirds.
9. Pack Mules and Horses
You will not be carrying all of your own belongings on the trail. Pack animals such as horses and mules are allowed on the Lares Trek unlike the Inca Trail where animals are not permitted. The pack animals will carry all camping cooking equipment and 7kgs of your personal belongings such as your mattress, clothing, and sleeping bag. However, you will have a small day bag with you during the trek with your essential personal items. When you book the hike with a reputable tour operator such as Inca Trail Hike Peru they will also provide an emergency horse in case someone on the hike needs assistance
10. Great Camping Equipment
Any good tour operator will provide you with the best camping gear available. Tour operators will normally provide large tents sometimes a 4-person tent for 2 people, depending on how many people are on the tour. The tents also come with a vestibule area to store you day-bags, boots, and trekking poles. You will be provided with a foam mattress and a warm sleeping bag; you can opt for an air mattress but it usually comes at an extra cost. Food will be served in the dining tent with tables and chairs. During dinner you’ll get the chance to socialize with your fellow hikers. Take this opportunity to share trail stories or play a game of cards. There are government toilet facilities but, they can sometimes be dirty. Your tour operator will offer their own private toilets for the campsites which are always kept nice and clean.
11. Open in February
The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance, cleaning, and repairs every February. You’ll have to find an alternative route to Machu Picchu if you want to hike to Machu Picchu in February. The Lares trek never closes and is a great option if you are planning a trip during this month.
12. Support the Local Communities and Practice Responsible Tourism
It’s very important to always practice responsible habits when on any trail. In the remote region of the Lares Valley, it’s even more important. This region has gone been largely unaffected by the modern world and pollution that comes with it. Make sure you are following the “pack it in pack it out” philosophy. Show your appreciation and support of the local communities by purchasing some of their textiles or by donating clothing or gifts. Remember to make good memories, take only photos and leave only footprints.
13. Can be Combined with both the 1 day-Inca Trial or 2-day Short Inca Trail
1-day short Inca Trail
You have the option of hiking the short 2-day or 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you choose the 1-day Inca Trail the hike starts at Km 104. You will pass by the amazing ruins of Winay Wañay. Have the opportunity to enter Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate which was once the main entrance to Machu Picchu during the Inca Empire.
2-day short Inca Trail
The 2-day Inca trail is similar to that of the 1-day however you will get to see Machu Picchu twice. See Machu Picchu in the afternoon on the first day. Again the next morning after taking the bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu. Arriving by sunrise you will have great views of Machu Picchu. The guided tour will be around 2 hours depending on the circuit. You can also hike one of the three mountains at Machu Picchu but, please remember you will need to purchase an additional ticket in advance for the hikes, as they usually sell out quickly.
**PLEASE NOTE: Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain There is an additional cost to hike to these mountains.
Where Can I Book a Lares Trek?
You can book your trip to the Lares Trek in Cusco when you arrive in person however it’s much safer to book in advance. Lares always ends at Machu Picchu and therefore you will need a ticket to enter Machu Picchu which can sell out very quickly depending on the season.
