Lares Valley Trekking: 3 Days of Andean Adventure
A Lares 3-day journey that will immerse you in the cultural richness and natural beauty of the Lares Valley. This trek is a perfect blend of exploration, tradition, and captivating landscapes, offering you an authentic experience in the heart of the Andes. Begin your adventure by venturing into the Lares Valley, a remote and pristine region that serves as a living testament to Andean culture and traditions. Immerse yourself in the local way of life as you explore this captivating landscape.
Embark on invigorating hikes that follow the ancient paths once trodden by the Inca civilization. Traverse rugged terrain, meander through lush valleys, and breathe in the pure mountain air as you connect with the rich history of the region. Marvel at the untouched beauty of the Andes. Towering peaks, serene lakes, and tranquil hot springs will surround you at every turn. Nature’s wonders are your constant companions on this incredible journey. Engage with the local communities and experience their way of life. From traditional textiles to time-honored rituals, you’ll
Early in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel. We will then drive for about 3 hours and 30 minutes to get Lares hot springs 3,200 m / 10,496 ft, on the way, we’ll stop in Calca a small town in the Sacred Valley, to visit its typical market and get some items for the trail. Upon our arrival at the hot springs, we’ll meet our muleteers and get ready our rucksacks to start the adventure. The trail starts going up the highland valley gradually. Today we’ll have our lunch at about 1:30 pm on the halfway to the first campsite. After lunch, the adventure goes on, along this section of the trail we’ll see some herds of llamas and alpacas, and we’ll reach our first campsite located in Huacawasi village 3,800 m / 12,464 ft. At the campsite after our arrival, we’ll have our tea time and dinner. Today, we’ll have an option to swim at the hot springs before our hike starts, whose cost is paid by Terra Quechua Peru, or just start hiking to the first campsite instead, as the most hikers do, this will be managed by you and your trek leader. Lunch and dinner included (except breakfast which is supplied at your hotel).
Today, we’ll wake up early in the morning and a great nutritious breakfast will make us ready for the challenging day. After having breakfast, we’ll hike up to the highest point on the trail called Puerto pass at 4,420 m / 14,498 ft, for about 4 hours from our campsite. On this section of the trail, we’ll still see some herd of llamas and alpacas close to us, and pretty scenic views. When we arrive at the highest pass, we’ll take a deserved break while savoring great views around and a perfect time to offer some Coca leaves to the Andes spirits making an Apacheta (mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path). We’ll then hike downhill to reach our lunch spot located close to a beautiful lagoon, where we’ll enjoy just prepared fresh meals and hot drinks. After lunch, we’ll continue descending to our second campsite located in Mantanay valley, a valley with beautiful Andean trees called Qeuña (a typical tree from the highlands of Peru that grows up between 3,400m / 11,152 ft trough 4,300m/ 14,104 ft, polylepis “Rosaceae” is a genus of low trees with rugged scaly bark). In the evening we’ll take our hot drinks and dinner. All meals included.
Another great day awaits us and a great breakfast makes us ready for it. After taking our breakfast, we’ll descend for about 3 hours to Yanahuara, a village located in the Sacred Valley, where we’ll have our last lunch and say goodbye to our muleteers and cook. After having lunch, we’ll take our transportation to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
Hiking pants and T-shirts are commonly used during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required along the route. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.
Price information: Price per person 2024- 2025
Group Size: 2min – 10 Max All private service departure dates are adapted to your request.
Students: US$ 20.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)Children: US$ 40.00 (up to 7 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)Departure Dates: Departures are available along the year although due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is April to November. All private service departure dates are adapted to your request.
PRICE PER PERSON US$ 450
(GROUP SIZE: 02 People MINIMUM & 10 People MAXIMUM) To confirm we need you to send us a deposit of US$100 per person as well as filled out booking form)
DECEMBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,25,27,
JANUARY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29
FEBRUARY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27
MARCH 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
APRIL 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29
MAY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
JUNE 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,19,21,23,25,27,29,30
JULY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
AUGUST 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
SEPTEMBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,17,19,25,27,29,30
OCTOBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
NOVEMBER 2023: 11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,30
DECEMBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
JANUARY 2024: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,29,31
The Lares Trek is 33 kms ( 20.5miles) long and depending on which campsites are used the approximate hours hiked per day are: Day 1: 5 hours Day 2: 8 hours Day 3: 4 hours
The Lares Trek is considered a moderate hike. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.
It’s impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cuzco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Lares Trek is 4550 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.
Yes! If you do not wish to hike the Lares Trek please advise us at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have already confirmed). If you choose not to hike the trail you will spend two nights in Cusco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes for the third night where you will rejoin your group and spend the night before touring Machu Picchu the following morning.
You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning on Day 4. You will be met by a local guide who will take you on an informative 2-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cusco.
No, llamas, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry any essentials you might want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, rain jacket, etc.
The high altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven hats and gloves in Cusco.
Three-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travelers for the first two nights. The third night will be spent in a simple hotel in Aguas Calientes. There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent.
Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. If travelling between May and October a 4-season sleeping bag is recommended. These can be rented in Cusco for approximately $20 for the length of the trek Some renters may choose to bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet.
We recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle as boiled water will be provided in the morning at breakfast, at lunch and every evening after dinner.
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU. Is a full-service travel company. Our reputation for excellence is earned every day by providing the ultimate in value and personal attention. Since our founding in 2012, we have striven to make travel simple, worry-free, and fun for our corporate and leisure customers alike.
Terra Quechua Peru is dedicated to providing the ultimate in value and personal attention to its customers, striving to make travel simple, worry-free, and enjoyable for both corporate and leisure travelers.
Terra Quechua Peru, initially started by Raquel Sanchez and Edwin Medina, is a family-owned travel agency and direct local tour operator headquartered in Cusco. Their extensive personal experience in trekking, along with the fact that it's a 100% Cusquenian Company without any shareholders, sets it apart.
Terra Quechua Peru distinguishes itself by its dedication to providing exceptional value and personalized attention to its clients. Since its establishment in 2012, it has been committed to making travel straightforward, stress-free, and enjoyable for both corporate and leisure travelers. Additionally, being a family-owned business with a strong local presence and a wealth of experience in trekking further sets it apart.
Terra Quechua Peru's uniqueness lies in its origins as a family-owned travel agency and direct local tour operator. Its founders, Raquel Sanchez and Edwin Medina, have personal experience spanning many years in trekking, offering travelers an authentic and knowledgeable perspective of Peru.
Travelers with Terra Quechua Peru can anticipate a personalized and friendly experience during their trekking adventures. The guides are dedicated to making travelers feel like they are hiking with their own family or friends. Their in-depth knowledge of the region and culture adds an extra layer of authenticity to every journey.
Yes, Terra Quechua Peru specializes in fully customizable trips. They can work with travelers to create personalized itineraries that cater to their specific interests and preferences, ensuring a tailored and unforgettable experience in Peru.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU. Is a full-service travel company. Our reputation for excellence is earned every day by providing the ultimate in value and personal attention. Since our founding in 2012, we have striven to make travel simple, worry-free, and fun for our corporate and leisure customers alike.
