Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (2024) Complete Hiking Guide

Lares Trek, Peru (2024) -The Ultimate Guide

The Lares Trek is one of the many routes leading to Machu Picchu. Lares’s walk is particularly rich in cultural experiences. We highly recommend the Lares Trek to anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture of Cusco.

The Lares trek to Machu Picchu is one of the alternative trekking routes to Machu Picchu. Lares Trek is an excellent option for those who are less committed to traveling with a date. Hikers still experience hiking in rural Peruvian villages, high-altitude camping, and a day at Machu Picchu on a guided tour along Peru’s Lares Trail.

The Lares Trek trail involves trekking through valleys, mountains, the Amazon of Machu Picchu, uphill and over Andes hills, past lakes, waterfalls, and towns. The second day is the most difficult. This isn’t unique to the Lares Trail, but a second day is difficult for all hikers to Lares Machu Picchu.

: Lares Trek 3 day

: Lares Trek 4 days

Table of Contents

Lares Trail, Peru: An overview

The Lares Trek is off the beaten path on the Inca Trail. It begins near the town of Lares, where it derives its name. This small town is 64 kilometers (40 miles) north of Cusco and 56 kilometers (35 miles) southeast of Machu Picchu. Lares Trek is at a high altitude of 3,200 meters (10,498 feet). The Lares Trek itself is located in the Lares Valley. It lies east of the Urubamba Mountains and runs through part of the Sacred Valley.

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (2023) Complete Hiking Guide

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (2024): A Complete Hiking Guide

How challenging is the Lares Trek in Peru?

There are several versions of Lares Treks to Machu Picchu, each with its own challenges. Suppose you have specific physical conditions for high hikes on these Lares hiking trails. There are 5 Lares Treks with different checkpoints depending on your preference and general fitness level.

Lares Trek route 1: Lares to Patacancha (The weaver’s Andes way)
Lares Trek route 2: Quishuarani to Patacancha
Lares Trek route 3: Quishuarani to Yanahuara
Lares Trek route 4: Huaran to Yanahuara
Lares Trek route 5: Huaran to Lares

Does the Lares Trek go to Machu Picchu?

The walk can be completed as an independent 1-2-3-day excursion. Extending the tour by 1-2 days and visiting Machu Picchu is also possible. The latter option is quickly becoming a popular trail for hikers. This is due to the limited permits for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The permits are not required for Lares Trek. This means you can reach Cusco and travel in a day or two. However, you should always book train tickets to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes as soon as possible.

Why choose the Lares Trek circuit towards Machu Picchu?

Several aspects make this trek a tremendous alternative hiking trail to Machu Picchu through the Lares Trek. You can spot local weavers and farmers in colorful traditional outfits. Depending on the expedition, you can watch or participate in some weaving.

First and foremost, for some, the Lares Hiking Trail is quieter than other hiking trails in the Cusco region. You will see fewer hikers along the Lares route, although this hiking trail is becoming more popular each year.
Second, the Lares Trek allows you to experience authentic Andean culture. The Lares Valley has traditional Andean communities that have changed little in the last 550 years.

When is the best season for the Lares Trek?

The best time to hike the Lares Trek in Peru is during the dry season (May to November). This is the region’s most active trekking season.

During the dry season in April and October, the trails in Lares are quiet and often sunny. Distinctive microclimates characterize the Andes. Rain is possible all year, so always have rain gear!
Usually, temperatures are moderate all year round on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Tourists can expect temperatures above twenty percent (C) during the day. The nights and early mornings range from excellent to very cold, so it’s essential to pack your bags and wear layers of clothing. Distinct microclimates characterize the Andes. Rain is possible throughout the year, so always take rain gear!
November is an excellent experience in terms of trekking. The chances of rain are relatively high. Avoid rain from January to March, as it makes the Lares trail uncomfortable. In addition, dense fog during the morning and evening hours reduces visibility and can lead to injuries.

Lares Trek 4 days

Do you need to train for the Lares Trek?

How prepared you are depends on what you’re doing on the Lares Trek. Only one prerequisite is required for the shorter routes (routes 1, 2, and 5). Routes 3 and 4 are longer than that. You must be suitable for hiking to take advantage of these options.

Specific exercises will make your journey more enjoyable, regardless of your route. We recommend walking, running, or swimming 3 to 5 times a week in the months you prepare to walk. This helps build cardio endurance.

Does altitude sickness affect the Lares Trek?

Altitude sickness can seriously affect some Lares Trek Peru hiking circuit visitors. So, prepare appropriately with light exercises and seek advice from your doctor if you need the proper medication.

Most adventure guides carry first-aid kits and an oxygen bottle for any eventuality. Drink plenty of water during the day, stroll, rest the usual 8 hours, etc.

How fit do you need to be for the Lares Trail?

The Lares Trek is considered a moderate trek. But the height of the Andes can affect some people. We recommend purchasing a pair of aluminum poles to help you maintain balance and reduce stress on your knees. We can all do the awesome Lares Trek.

What is the weather forecast for the Lares Trek?

For the best time to hike the Lares Valley, there are two very distinct periods:

Lares Trek: The dry season spans from April to November.

Temperatures are low, particularly between June and August
Cold, strong winds
Clear skies most of the time
No rain at all

Lares Trek: Rain season: goes from December to March.

Temperatures are warmer but stay on the cold side at high elevations.
Cold, strong winds
The sky may get a little gray before or after the rain
There are pretty spaced brief pours.

Is it necessary to book the Lares Trek in advance?

Lares Trek is 100% guaranteed. It is recommended to book in advance to secure your entrance tickets to the Lares Trek, Machu Picchu, the train, and more.

May, June, and July are the peak months of Cusco’s high season. Departs daily. If you want to book at the last minute, we welcome our travelers based on availability. Book several months in advance!

Are there age restrictions for the Lares Trek in Peru?

There is no age limit for the Lares Trek. If hikers go on the Lares trek with children, the key is to keep them well-hydrated so they quickly adapt to the heights of the Andes.

Older people must have their spirit of adventure active to have a good time on the Lares Peru trek; taking short walks is recommended before the experience through Lares to Machu Picchu.

Do you need trekking poles for the Lares Trek?

Useful when heading to various parts of Lares Pass or the Lares Trail. In general, it’s a good idea to bring trekking poles into your backpack to adjust the size of your hiking poles for Lares Hike’s ups and downs on the Lares hiking circuit.

Is there internet service on the Lares Trek circuit?

There is no Internet service or signal on the hiking trails in Lares. Hikers can capture an excellent signal on their electronic devices once they enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas through Huaran, Yanahuara, Pumahuanca, or Ollantaytambo.

In the town of Machupicchu and the same ruins of Machu Picchu, cell phones have a 100 percent internet signal.

Is there drinking water on the Lares Trek circuit?

There is no drinking water in the tourist circuit of Lares. There are several streams along the Lares trek in any of its hiking circuits in which adventurers will have to use purifying tablets, filters, or UV rays to purify the water.

Throughout the Lares Trek adventure, there are local water vendors; the sale of bottled water is safe to drink.

The travel agency that organizes the tour provides boiled water in the canteens of the hikers for each day of the Lares Trek expedition. There are several options to stay hydrated in the Andes of Peru.

Hot springs of the Lares Valley, Peru

The thermal waters of Lares have different temperatures; the thermal baths are ideally located in the unique Valle de Lares. Its proximity to the lush Sacred Valley makes it easily accessible from Calca.

The Lares hot springs are straightforward but essential for enjoying a good dip. The thermal baths of Lares are located next to the stream with a spectacular exuberant background between the Andes Mountain range.

Discover and have fun swimming in the different pools of the thermal baths of Lares before starting the other walks that the Lares Valley of Peru offers.

Can anyone hike the Lares Trek in Peru?

Yes and no. Acclimatized and in relatively good shape, you can hike the Lares Trek in Peru. Each hiker’s Lares route has to check their physical condition and, above all, their acclimatization level. There are alternatives to combine the adventure through the Lares, which is riding horses for specific days to enjoy your vacation much more.

Should I expect extreme temperatures on the Lares Trek circuit?

It’s cold; it’s pretty freezing. It depends on the time of year you will go on the Lares Hiking Trail, “the first and second nights of Lares Trek.”

However, the night and early morning temperatures will drop below freezing for at least the first two days of the Lares route. During the day, it will be warm enough to enter the forest in the Amazon region of Machu Picchu via the Sacred Valley.

Does the Lares Trek include your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?

The Lares Trek package of 3 and 4 days covers the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on the day of the guided visit.

Note: In the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, there are five established circuits for guided tours; we use circuits 1 and 2, “the best ones.”

Do I need to bring my Passport to the Lares Trek, Peru?

All travelers on the Lares Trek must carry their original Passport. A passport is also required to enter the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu; the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu must be given together to enter Machu Picchu and get the most spectacular visit in Peru and South America.