The Lares trek is one of the most popular alternative treks to Machu Picchu; the trek begins near the town of Lares located 40 miles north of Cusco.
To start the trek we will drive for 6 hours from Cusco until we arrive to the town of Lares, the route crosses beautiful landscapes and typical Peruvian Andean Mountain areas.
The Lares Valley is one of the most scenic areas in the southern part of Cusco, is the home of traditional weavers and farmers. The hike challenging of course but it is worth it, the itinerary has been created to enjoy the amazing scenery, each day is reasonable paced. You will have lunch alongside cascading waterfalls, observe the lifestyle of the Andean farmer and spend time sharing your experiences and interacting with native people.
Lares Valley Trek Itinerary:
- Altitude: 2850 – 4400 m. / 9350 – 14436 f.
- High season: Whole year
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Level of difficulty: Normal / Moderate
Day 1: Cusco – Huaca Casi pass – Lares Hot Springs – Huacawasi
We will pick you up from your hotel at 6AM to head to the town of Lares from where we will start the hike. During the journey we will stop at the town of Calca, where you will visit the local market and have the chance to buy breakfast and any other supplies you may need. The guide will advise to buy some food such as bread to share with the children you will meet thru the trek. When arriving at Lares, we will enjoy a relaxing time at the hot springs while the cook prepare a tasty lunch. After lunch we will start the hike to Huacawasi which is where our first campsite is located. We will hike up for 3 hours; this is a good training for the next day when we will reach the highest point of the trek. The first night is spent at our horseman little house who is joining us on the trip. This is the perfect opportunity to know the town a little better as well we the Andean culture. At our arrival we will be received with popcorn, sweets and a hot tea just before having dinner. You have the option of sleeping on a tent or at one of the typical houses.
- Transport time: 4 hours
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Climate during the day: Warm
- Climate during the night: Cold
The art of Andean textiles
Weaving textiles is local tradition of people of the Andes that dates from ages ago. Native communities, like Huacahuasi, have preserved the knowledge and techniques of weaving textiles. This activity is done in a traditional way for what they use a weaving tool involving two bars with a waving thread in between.
Local people get the wool from lama; the wool is spun and then colored with natural materials. It possible to differentiate every community because each has its own colors to make drawings and designs that usually represent the daily activities.
We will spend the afternoon with a local woman of the community who will explain the secrets of the weaving from the shaving of lamas until getting the clothes. You will also have the chance of buying a handmade souvenir.
Day 2: Huacawasi – Sondor – Paso Sacsayllame – Aruray Cocha – Yurak Cocha – MiskiUnu
After an early breakfast we will be welcomed by local children wearing their traditional costumes, on their way to the school. Then we will hike to the highest point of the trek, the pass of Sacsayllame at 4400m or 14435 feet. This hike takes 4 hours and it is very steep. We have an emergency horse that will go with us during the trek in case you need it. We will observe massive mountains, the agriculture lands and spectacular views. After getting the highest point we will descend and see a stunning lagoon before to have lunch near to river. This is a perfect time to relax and recover energies while our cook prepares a delicious meal. After lunch we will continue through a forest where you will see “Queuñas” (Polylepis), a typical three from Peru. This hike takes only one hour before arriving to the campsite at MiskiUnu (3550m/11646f). This is beautiful place located just in the middle of the mountains.
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Climate during day/night: Cold
Day 3: MiskiUnu – Queshuarchalloc – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Today is another remarkable day; we will walk downhill through different forests. Here you will be able to appreciate the biodiversity of flora and fauna, after 3 hours of walking our trek ends in the Sacred Valley. We will have the last lunch in Queshuarchalloc where we will say goodbye to the Horsemen and cooks. After finishing our lunch we will take the bus to Ollantaytambo, we will visit the charming town with its channels and narrow streets. At 7PM we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, our final destination, and spend the night in the hotel.
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Transport time: half an hour
- Climate: Warm
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will have a very early breakfast and then head towards Machu Picchu archeological site by bus. We plan to arrive to the complex around 6AM, once there you will have guided tour and learn more about the history and culture of Incas. Then you will have plenty of time to explore on your own. When you are ready to get down to Aguas Calientes, you will take the bus down. In the town you can enjoy a relaxing time at the hot springs, the entrance ticket is 10 soles per person. The train will depart from Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon.
- Climate: moderate warm
.
