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 more cultural interaction, visit uncrowded routes, and explore remote mountains where llamas and alpacas are the locals.

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.

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.

• When we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, we will be at 3399m or 11151ft.
• The Lares hot springs are at 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.

The climate of Lares Trek is the same as that of Cusco. The average temperature during the day is 10 °C to 21 °C (50 °F to 70 °C). It is usually colder at night, 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 fewer 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 of 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, which is 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 incredible.
• 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). It is much colder in the mornings 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; the day of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is 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; we will see more migratory birds in the lagoons, the days will be warmer, and the nights will not be so cold.
• The climate of Lares Trek October: this month begins the rainy season, but sometimes the rains are delayed to have very sunny days and greener landscapes, and the night is not so cold.
• Lares Trek Weather November: We expect more rain this month than in 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.

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 at 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 locals consider good for bones, stress, muscles, and headaches.

The temperature of these waters is beautiful—seven waterfalls are near the village.

• 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: On 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 and 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.

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: Cancha-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.

The best way to have a unique travel experience is to 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.

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.

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

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

It is to experience walking through the mountains with a view of the snow-capped mountains and then entering the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. On the third day, we visit the spectacular Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the morning, and in the afternoon, we return to Cusco. Welcome to the 3-day Lares Trek route to see the last descendants of the Incas grazing their alpacas and llamas in the remote Andes region.