Lares Downhill Mountain Bike Tour

A complete description of the Lares descent by bike

At 07:30, we start the trip from the city of Cusco in the vehicle; we go to the Inca Valley via Pisac until we reach Calca. From Calca, we go up the paved road until we get to the archaeological group of Ancamarca, an “Inca Site that contains interesting ancestral architecture.” From Ancasmarca, we will observe the valley we will weigh with our bicycles on our descent towards the Totora valley.

We continue the journey until we reach the top of Lares to begin our descent along the ancient Inca Trail called Totorani. We will find many alpacas in their natural habitat throughout our excursion; some are far away, and others are on the same road. The combination of alternative outdoor sports, such as cycling, allows us to explore these arid areas full of native fauna of the Andes.

Once we get to the town of the Totora valley, we put the bicycles on our vehicle to return to the city of Cusco to make the second semi-technical descent through the Yuncaypata trails “this second exit is optional.”

Once we have descended to the south of Cusco, we will return to the center of Cusco to drop you off at your respective hotels.

It includes

• Outdoor activities on bicycles and unique experiences
• English-speaking tour guide (Local).
• Kondor vehicle with fuel + driver
• Mountain bikes with front suspension
• Safety equipment (full body arm helmets, gloves, safety vest)
• Meals: Lunch – Box lunch
• First aid kit & oxygen
• All local taxes

Excluded

• Breakfast and Dinner
• Snacks and water
• Personal expenses
• Tips

Bring

• A good day pack: Eagle Creek Afar Backpack is an appropriate pack (to carry your personal belongings).
• Windbreaker.
• Warm sweater/jacket.
• Rain poncho (Rainy season December to March).
• Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness.
• Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
• Bug spray with 30% DEET.
• Extra money.

Read all frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions for the Los Lares Trek

We are sure you already know many trekking routes that can reach Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay Trek, the Classic Inca Trail, and the Inca Jungle Trek, and we also have lesser-known routes, such as the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.

This trekking route takes you through less explored sites surrounded by beautiful landscapes in the Peruvian Andes, visiting lakes, glaciers, and virgins, and walking along with llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.

What is the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek is an alternative trek to Machu Picchu, and you can choose the 4-day or 5-day adventure tour. This trek is perfect for those travelers who prefer a more cultural interaction, visit uncrowded routes and explore remote mountains where llamas and alpacas are the locals.

How many days does the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu last?

For the Lares Trek, you can choose the 4-Day Lares Trek  and 5-day  Lares Trek options:

The 4-day Lares Trek begins in the district of Lares. We will visit the thermal medicinal waters of Lares and walk through picturesque and beautiful Andean villages to finish the expedition to Machu Picchu.

The 5-day Lares Trek follows the same route as the 4-day Lares Trek and includes the Short Inca Trail trek at the end instead of just traveling to Machu Picchu by train.

Where is this Lares Trek tour located?

It is located in the eastern Andes, in the district of Lares, approximately 150 km – 93 miles from Cusco. The hike begins at the hot springs of Lares (3250 m / 10662 ft), a 3-hour drive from Cusco. This district belongs to the province of Calca.

At what altitude is the Lares hike?

• In Cusco, when we pick you up from your hotel, we will be at an altitude of 3399m / 11151ft.
• The lares hot springs are at an altitude of 3250 m / 10662 ft.
• The first camp of the Lares Trek is located at 3750 m / 12303 ft.
• The highest point is Condor Pass at 4700 m / 15354 ft.
• The Lares Trek’s second camp is at 2700 m / 8856 ft.
• The final destination is Machu Picchu at 2430 m / 7972 ft.

What is the best time of the year to visit Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

The climate of Lares Trek is the same as the city of Cusco. The average temperature during the day is 10 ° C to 21 ° (50 ° F – 70 ° C). At night it is usually colder, reaching temperatures of 0 ° C (30 ° F).

The entire Cusco region has only two seasons; we do not have summer, winter, autumn, or spring in the Andes; we only have rainy and dry seasons:

• In January for the Lares Trek: this month starts with the rainy season; this is the month we expect the rainiest days and an average of 16 to 17 days of rain in the whole month. During this season, the nights are not as cold; on the trail, we will see much less of other trekkers, and the landscape is more beautiful, green, and mysterious, so your experience will be more enjoyable.
• Lares Trek weather in February: This month, we will have less rain than in January; we expect heavier rains. As in January, Lares Trek is the route to hike during the rainy season.
• Lares Trek weather in March: This month, we still have rain, but with less intensity, and the temperature is warmer; it is harvest season, so we will see local people working, and we can share with them; we will also see the children going back to school, really, a unique experience that other treks do not have.
• Lares Trek weather in April: This month, we will only have occasional rainfall, the day is sunnier, and the night is more excellent.
• Weather in Lares Trek in May: The professional team of Kondor Path Tours recommends you travel this month, as it is the beginning of the season of little rain, sunny days, and cold nights.
• Lares Trek weather in June: During the day, the temperature is 21 ° C (70 ° C), and at night it could reach below 0 ° C (30 ° F). The mornings are cold and fresh, and we can see snow-capped mountains.
• Weather in Lares Trek July: The temperature during the day is 21 ° C (70 ° C), and at night it can get below 0 ° C (30 ° F). In the mornings, it is much colder due to the fall of frost; it can rain; therefore, we must carry the necessary equipment.
• Lares Trek climate August: this month is celebrated in the Andes. This month, the day of the Pachamama (Mother Earth), usually made offerings and ceremonies to the earth; if you wish, you can participate and be part of these ancestral ceremonies. And thus have a different experience in the Peruvian Andes.
• Lares Trek weather in September: this month marks the beginning of spring; therefore, the landscapes become greener; in the lagoons, we will be able to see more migratory birds, the day is warmer, and the night is not so cold.
• The climate of Lares Trek October: this month begins the rainy season, but sometimes the rains are delayed so that we can have very sunny days and greener landscapes, and the night is not so cold.
• Lares Trek Weather November: This month, we expect more rain than in the previous months, so we should bring the right equipment, we will have very sunny days and greener landscapes, and the night is not so cold.
• Weather Lares Trek December: This month, we must consider that the weather is more changeable; we expect much more rain. In Machu Picchu, it is almost always cloudy.

What exciting places will we find in Lares Trek?

Thermal medicinal waters of Lares: These thermal waters are highly therapeutic; although it is true that on many tourist routes in Cusco, we will find thermal waters of all times, these waters are unique and are recommended to soothe muscle aches; we recommend you try them. The temperature of these waters ranges from cold to scorching (36 ° C – 44 ° C or 96 ° F – 112 ° F). Pure volcanic water contains many minerals that locals consider good for bones, stress, muscles, and headaches.

Waterfalls of The temperature of these waters go: Beautiful seven beautiful near the village of The temperature of these waters goes the first day.

• Laguna Azul: Known to locals as K’oyalay, this beautiful Andean lake is located at 3750 m / 12303 ft.
• Llamas and Alpacas all along the Lares trekking route: Looking at the first day, you will see herds of llamas and alpacas grazing high in the mountains.
• The majestic flight of the Condor: At 4700 m / 15354 ft, it is the highest mountain pass on the Lares trek and is so named because sometimes we can see the Andean Condor and other birds. Spectacular views from here.
• Canchacancha Village: Located at 2700m / 8856 ft, this remote village is 4 hours from the closed route; here, we can stock up on supplies for the trek.
• Salineras de Maras: On the hike, you will be able to visit these beautiful pools where medicinal salt is extracted, as well as see the archaeological site of Moray,
• Ollantaytambo: “Inca Citadel of the Last Living” as the locals still use the original Inca streets, gates, and even water channels that run from the time of the Incas
• Machu Picchu: After our trek of several days, we will visit the beautiful lost city of the Incas.

What is the best itinerary for the Lares Trek?

All trekking trails lead to Machu Picchu; the best itineraries with different experiences are:

• Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Kiswarani Village
• Day 2: Quiswarani – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha Community
• Day 3: CanchaCancha – Huaran- Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
• Day 4: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas)

This itinerary will allow you to hike from Lares to Machu Picchu instead of going back and forth.

How to book the Lares Trek?

The best way to have a unique travel experience, contact us by any means, and we will make a memorable trip for you.

Kondor Path Tours is an agency specializing in adventure treks that will make your trip the most exciting and safe for you and your friends.

How to prevent altitude problems in the Lares Trek?

We cannot avoid altitude sickness; no matter your age, fitness, or experience, altitude sickness can affect anyone, even experienced hikers. The best way to prevent this is to arrive at least two days before the trek departure, rest in Cusco before the tour, eat lightly and drink plenty of water; you should also bring altitude medicine.

When is the best time to do the Lares Trek and visit Machu Picchu?

Unlike Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail, Lares Trek is available all year round due to heavy rains.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, when it is the dry season, April and November are the dry months, and the weather is expected to increase.

Cost Lares Downhill Mountain Bike Tour – Full Day

PRICES PER PERSON [USD] 2023 | We run this trip only as a PRIVATE SERVICE / Private Guided Tours 🙂

• Solo travel is $324 “prices reduce if there are more people in your group.”
• 02 participants $214.
• 03 participants $170.
• 04 participants $149.
• 05 participants $139.
• 06 participants $130.
• 07 participants + $123.

HOW TO BOOK

Lares Downhill Mountain Bike Tour – Full Day

1st. STEP