One of the several paths going to Machu Picchu is the Lares trek. The cultural encounters on the Lares trek to Machu Pichu are very diverse. You can get all the information you need for a fantastic Lares trek in this post. This offers a thorough rundown of the available routes and itineraries (yes, there are multiple routes for the Lares trek to Machu Pichu.
Overview of the Lares Trek
An option for the Inca Trail that is less traveled is the Lares trek. It starts off close to the place whence it gets its name, Lares. This little village is located 35 miles (56.3 kilometers) southeast of Machu Picchu and 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) north of Cusco. Lares is located at a lofty 3,200 meters (or 10,498 feet) above sea level.
The Lares Valley is where the trek lies. This crosses a portion of the Sacred Valley and is located east of the Urubamba Mountain range. There are actually several variations on the Lares trek’s route, with the majority of them leading to Ollantaytambo.
The Lares Trek To Machu Pichu: How Challenging Is It?
There are various iterations of the Lares journey, and each one has its unique difficulties. To be able to hike these paths’ high passes, you do need to be somewhat fit.
You can select from five different Lares routes with various checkpoints, depending on your tastes and general levels of fitness:
The Weavers Way from Lares to Patacancha: Route 1
Quishuarani to Patacancha: Route 2
Quishuarani to Yanahuara : Route 3
Huaran to Yanahuara : Route 4
Lares to Huaran: Route 5
Without a guide, Can You Hike The Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek to Machu Pichu can be completed without a guide. As was mentioned, there are various path alternatives. Considering that some paths are more well-traveled and simpler to follow, you might wish to pick one of the more popular routes.
In the winter, it is best to avoid hiking the Lares without a guide. This can make navigating difficult because snow and rain can wash away all signs of trails during this season.
Although friendly, the neighborhood farmers and ranchers do not speak English. If you know some basic Spanish, this walk will be a lot simpler for you.
Additionally, be cautious of dogs in the area. Compared to dogs found in Peru’s towns, rural canines can be far more aggressively territorial. It’s best to avoid approaching them, however, how tempting it may seem.
Why go for the Lares trek to Machu Picchu ?
The Lares tour, which is regarded as the top cultural excursion, allows you to take on the task of hiking through the Andean mountains while observing how locals tend to their farms and care for their alpacas and llamas. Your trip will be enhanced by your ability to visit Machu Picchu.
Compared to most other climbs to Machu Picchu, the Lares trek is simpler. There are fewer stairs compared to, say, the Classic Inca Trail. Additionally, because there are fewer hikers on the paths, this journey is just a lot more peaceful.
What will the Lares Trek show me?
Along the Lares Trek, there are several historical and geological sites, ranging from old Inca storehouses to the Lares hot springs. There are lots of llamas and alpacas, as well as picturesque vistas of lovely lagoons and the stunning Chicon Mountain in the background. Once you’ve hiked Lares’ full 33 kilometers, a train — which is a stunning ride in itself — will bring you the rest of the way to Machu Pichu.
Altitude Sickness
Some people can be severely affected by altitude sickness, so consider traveling prepared and taking the appropriate medication. Because headaches and nausea can be quite uncomfortable, the majority of head guides do carry first aid kits and an oxygen bottle. Additionally, depending on the time of year, the altitude and rain might make the climb uphill much more challenging, but you’ll never be too ill to enjoy the scenery.
How physically fit must you be?
Anyone struggling with altitude sickness or not in good physical condition may not survive the ascent of high-altitude mountain passes. If not, attempt to engage in aerobic workouts before traveling to Peru; give yourself enough time to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco, and after that, nothing would be too much for you to manage.
Weather for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Winter, which lasts from May to August, can be chilly at night and in the early hours, but it turns out that these are the best times to go hiking. (Temperature can dip below 0 degrees). The temperature rises throughout the summer months of December through March. However, this is followed by heavy downpours. It’s mild for the remainder of the year.
You can choose Altitude Experience, which is one the best tour operator for Lares Trek to Machu Picchu for 4 days.
Machu Pichu is an enigmatic old city in the Andes Mountains in Peru. It stands as a testament to the marvelous technical and cultural skills of the Inca civilization. The 4-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu offers an unrivaled experience of exploration, endurance, and spectacular panoramas for intrepid souls seeking a transforming journey through history.A chance to walk in the footsteps of historic kings is provided by the Inca Trail. This is the only way to complete the original trek to Machu Picchu for many people. After four days of hiking, nothing compares to the sensation of amazement and accomplishment you feel when you pass through the sun gate.
The best chance to observe Peru’s subtropical Andean mountain ecosystems is on the 4-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Pichu. Cloud forests, alpine tundra, and jungle environments can all be found along trails. You will get the opportunity to see isolated regions devoid of traffic and people.
Another excellent motivation to trek the Inca Trail is the extensive collection of Inca archaeological sites. Runcuracay, Phuyupatamarca, Wiayhuayna, and Machu Picchu itself are just a few of the remains that merit a visit on their own. Many people worry about the Inca Trail’s difficulty, but in our opinion, if you’re fit enough to climb stairs and have at least a reasonable amount of stamina, you can absolutely finish the four-day trek.
Although the prospect of spending 6–8 hours a day on foot may seem frightening, your guide will control your speed to match your capabilities and make sure there are plenty of rest stops. You won’t even realize how far you’ve actually gone because there are so many attractions to view, and the time will fly very quickly. You won’t have to worry about a large, cumbersome load making you feel uncomfortable because you’ll only be carrying a little daypack.
