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Adventure trek in Cusco: Discover the incredible Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Lares Trek
4 days and 3 nights Tour: Hiking and Adventure Min: 2 persons
With the “Lares Cusco Trekking Tour”, you can reach Machupicchu by an alternate route, little traveled, avoiding paying income and enjoying an excellent walk to know the Inca sanctuary of Machupicchu on the last day.
LARES is one of the eight districts of the province of Calca, located in the department of Cusco. 1 km. away from the town of Lares, capital of the district of the same name, are the Thermo-medicinal Baths of Lares that have temperatures between 28º and 35º, of ferruginous nature and with arsenic content in small quantity.
To counteract the high original temperature of the baths that reach 62º, these are mixed with cold water, which by privilege of nature flows through the place coming from the surrounding snow-capped mountains. These waters are recommended for cases of rheumatism, colic and very particularly for cases of infertility.
THE LARES TREK is an alternative to the traditional Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu. The trail starts at the hot springs of Lares, 3 hours away from Cuzco, crosses the Huacawasi pass at 4,300 meters above sea level, descends and ends at Yanahuara or Ollantaytambo, which is the access to Aguas Calientes for the tour to Machu Picchu.
The hike is not as popular as the Inca Trail, but many find it just as beautiful. This hike is ideal for travelers looking for alternatives that take you through rural communities in the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas.
A trek through spectacular Andean scenery with a rich variety of cultures, centered on the magnificent Lares surrounded by magnificent snow-capped peaks and many hot springs. You will visit highland villages where life manifests itself as it was centuries ago and the local inhabitants perpetuate the Inca customs of their ancestors: original dress and traditional agriculture, along with llamas and alpacas that help produce the best qualities of corn and potatoes in the entire country. Our trek ends at the Yanahura camp near the village of Ollantaytambo.
Camping: HUANCAWASI.
Breakfast – Passenger/ Snack, Lunch and Dinner- Agency
The Lares Valley is home to many traditional weavers and farmers and is famous for homemade textiles. Huacahuasi is a traditional weaving village and hikers often try their hand at weaving here. The indigenous people of this area speak Quechua and Spanish. The Lares trek is one of the main alternatives to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it is slightly shorter and higher in altitude than the Inca Trail; it is accessible from Cusco. Unlike the Inca Trail, no permits are required to hike the Lares Trek.
Camping: YANAHUARA.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner- Agency
OLLANTAYTAMBO, is a town and Inca archaeological site, capital of the district of Ollantaytambo located about 90 km northwest of the city of Cusco. During the Inca period, Pachacutec conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial center. At the time of the conquest it served as the fortress of Manco Inca Yupanqui, leader of the Inca resistance.
In Ollantaytambo there are resistance terraces (to prevent landslides), not agricultural as in the other archaeological sites of Cusco. Nowadays it is an important tourist attraction due to its Inca constructions and for being one of the most common starting points of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
Camping: WIÑAYHUAYNA.
Breakfast – Passenger / Lunch & Dinner – Agency
BREAKFAST – AGENCY / LUNCH and DINNER – PASSENGER
HUANCAWASI – Night 1, Camping
YANAHUARA – Night 2, Camping
AGUAS CALIENTES – Night 3, Hotel Encanto
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE TREK?
DO NOT WEAR
GROUP SERVICE TOURLares Trek Tour PRICE PER PERSON Minimum 02 people | |
| GROUP SERVICE TOUR | |
The highest altitude reached during the Lares Trek is approximately 4,300 meters above sea level. At this altitude, some travelers may experience the effects of altitude sickness, so it’s important to acclimatize before trekking and drink enough water to prevent discomfort.
Daytime temperatures during the Lares Trek typically range from 15°C to 20°C. At night, temperatures can drop significantly, reaching around 0°C to 5°C, especially at higher altitudes. It’s important to bring warm clothing for the cold nights.
The ideal seasons for the Lares Trek are the dry season, which runs from May to September, and the transition season, which includes April and October. During these times, the weather is more stable, with less rainfall, making the trekking experience more enjoyable.
Special permits are not required to do the Lares Trek. Unlike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you don’t need to obtain a special permit. However, you should coordinate your trip with an authorized travel agency that organizes the trek and handles logistical details.
The total distance covered during the Lares Trek may vary depending on the specific route chosen. On average, the trek covers a distance of approximately 33 to 40 kilometers, which is completed over a period of 3 to 4 days. It’s important to note that the terrain can be steep and challenging in some sections.
The waters of the baths are recommended for rheumatism, colic, and infertility. The temperatures vary between 28°C and 35°C.
No, there is no specific age restriction for trekking in the Lares Valley. However, it’s always advisable that participants be in good physical condition and consult a doctor before undertaking such an activity, especially if there are children or older people in the group.
Yes, in most travel agencies that organize the Lares Trek, there are options for renting equipment such as sleeping bags and trekking poles. These rental services are convenient for travelers who want to avoid carrying extra equipment from home or for those who do not have their own trekking gear. You can coordinate with the travel agency in advance to check the availability of these services and get more details about associated costs.
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