Lares Trek 4 Days
3 Days from $ USD 100.00
Lares Trek 4 Days
c3 Days from $ USD 100.00
Overview
The Lares trek is recognized as the ‘cultural’ route to Machu Picchu because it passes through Andean villages full of traditions. It covers approximately 37 kilometers. The tour begins in the city of Cusco with a trip to the town of Lares where visitors will enjoy the thermal baths of the place. The following days they will travel through Andean villages full of history and culture. The penultimate day will travel by train to the town of Aguas Calientes, located just 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu. The last day is dedicated to visit Machu Picchu. The tour includes everything you need for the trip: transportation, entrance fees, tour guide, cook team, porters team, camping utensils and more.
Trip Details
- Duration: 4 days.
- Includes: Camping, lodging, food, porters, transportation, guide, entrance fees and more.
- Payment: easy with any credit or debit card.
- Confirmation: immediate.
- Safety: complies with all sanitary protocols.
- Entrance fee: Machu Picchu Solo.
- Group: from 4 to 16 people maximum.
Highlights
The Lares trek is a 4-day route of moderate difficulty that runs through Machu Picchu after visiting the town of Aguas Calientes where you arrive by train. It owes its name to the fact that it starts in the town of Lares where the first day tourists relax in the thermal baths of the place. That same day you walk a few kilometers to the town of Wacahuasi. On the second and third day, tourists travel through Andean landscapes and villages until arriving by train to the town of Aguas Calientes. The last day is dedicated to visit Machu Picchu. That same day at night we return by train to the city of Cusco.
Cusco – Huaca Casi pass – Lares Hot Springs – Huacawasi
At approximately 7:00 a.m., we will pick you up at your hotel and head to the village of Lares, where we will begin our hike. During this trek, we will make a stop in the town of Calca, where you can visit the local market and buy breakfast or other supplies you may have forgotten. Your guide may advise you to buy some bread to distribute among the children you will meet during the hike. Upon arrival in Lares, we will visit the hot springs where you can enjoy the hot water while our cooks prepare a wonderful lunch.
After lunch, we will begin our hike to the first camp at Huacawasi (3600m/11811f). During 3 hours, you will hike gradually upwards so that you get a good workout for the next day when we will reach the highest point of the trek. The first night, we will spend the night at the home of our riders who join us at the trop. Upon arrival, your tents will be ready and you will receive popcorn, sweets and some hot tea before dinner.
Transport time: 4 hours
Climate: cold during the day and hot during the night
Hiking time: 4 hours
Huacawasi - Sondor - Paso Sacsayllame - Aruray Cocha - Yurak Cocha - Miski Unu
After a nutritious breakfast we will begin the hike to the highest point, the Sacsayllame pass at 4400m or 14435 feet. The hike will take about 4 hours and will be a very steep climb.
Of course, an emergency horse will accompany us so that everyone can make it to the top. During this hike you will enjoy huge mountains, a mosaic of farmland and breathtaking views. Please note that we will reach great heights and the weather can be very cold. After reaching the highest point, we will descend and pass a beautiful lagoon before having lunch by the river.
You will be able to recuperate while our cooks prepare a delicious lunch. We will then descend through a forest where you can enjoy the “Queuñas” (Polylepis), a typical Peruvian tree. This hike will last approximately 1 hour before reaching our camp at Miski Unu (3550m/11646f). A wonderful place in the middle of nowhere where you will receive hot tea and some snacks upon arrival before dinner.
Climate: cold
Hiking time: 7 hours
Miski Unu - Queshuarchalloc - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Today will be another spectacular day walking downhill through different forests. You will enjoy the rich biodiversity and the change of fauna and flora during this 3 hour hike that will end in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Be careful, walking through the forest there are many mosquitoes. We will enjoy our last lunch in Queshuarchalloc where we will say goodbye to the horsemen and cooks. After lunch we will take a local bus to Ollantaytambo. We will visit the beautiful village of Ollantaytambo before having dinner at a local restaurant. At 7:00 p.m. we will take the train to reach our final destination for the day, the town of Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in a hostel or hotel.
Climate: moderate warm
Hiking time: approx. 4 hours
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Saldremos de nuestro hotel después del desayuno a las 5:30 am y nos dirigiremos a Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) en bus turístico. Llegaremos a la ciudadela alrededor de las 6:00 am. Después de una visita guiada al sitio arqueológico, incluyendo información sobre la vida y la cultura de los Incas, tendrá tiempo suficiente para disfrutar de Machu Picchu y Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) por su cuenta. Saldremos de Aguas Calientes en tren a las 14:55 o 18:10. Hasta entonces, tendrá tiempo para almorzar en uno de los agradables restaurantes. Además, podrá visitar las aguas termales de Aguas Calientes para relajarse un poco.
Recommendations
Lares Thermal Baths
The thermal baths of Lares are thermo-medical resources that you can take advantage of, the healing properties of its waters are a reason to visit because they are very good for muscle and bone pains.
If you are visiting Cusco, Peru and need to relax, we recommend you to visit the thermal baths of Lares. These natural healing springs offer a great service for those who want to relax.
Altitude
The Lares hot springs are located at about 3,250 meters above sea level.
Position
The thermal waters of Lares are located at an altitude of 3250, and are a tourist attraction of the region, the temperature varies between 36º and 44ºC, the outcrops of medicinal waters have the following chemical composition: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorides, sulfates, bicarbonates, iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper and dissolved solids have a yellowish color.
Temperature of the thermal baths
The temperature of the hot springs ranges between 36º and 44ºC.
How many pools in the spa?
In the thermal baths there are 6 pools, the first one has a temperature of 41 ºC, it is fed from the main water point combined with cold subway surface water at a temperature of 17 ºC. This pool is 5 meters long by 3.50 meters wide and 1.50 meters deep.
The second pool has a temperature of 35 ºC, its size is 6 meters long by 4 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep. The third pool has a temperature of 38ºC, its size is 15 meters long by 8 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep.
What to bring
Did you know that Lares Trek is one of the routes to Machu Picchu, an alternative as: Lares & Inca Trail 2d-1n, Lares Valley trek 4 days- 3 nights, Get off the beaten path with visits to authentic Andean communities while surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes and valleys.
What to Bring
- A backpack
- A beanie hat or ear warmer
- Sun hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- A mid weight sweater
- A longsleeve t-shirt
- 1 – 2 t-shirts
- A lightweight suater or vest
- A pair of long pants
- Hiking shoes
- An extra pair of shoe
- 2 – 3 pairs wool socks
- A jacket
- A small towel
- Rain gear
- 1 – 2 pair shorts
- Sunglasses
- A small headlamp
- Waterbottle
- A toothbrust and other personal toiletries
- Toilet paiper
- Sun cream
- Insect repelent
Travel Guide
The city of Lares
The city of Lares is located in the province of Calca in the department of Cusco. It is considered one of the cities of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is famous for two main reasons: for its relaxing thermal baths and for being the starting point of the famous trek known as the Lares trek, which ends at Machu Picchu. Its inhabitants preserve the traditions of the Inca and colonial era.
The city
Lares is one of the eight districts that make up the province of Calca in Cusco. It has an Andean geography with beautiful landscapes and close to lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its main tourist attractions are its thermal baths and the trekking route known as “Lares trek to Machu Picchu” (4-day route).
The city has a total area of 74,467 square kilometers. According to statistics taken in 2017, it has 5,743 inhabitants. The city is located in a small valley surrounded by high snow-capped mountains: Sihuasiray, Chicón, Sirihuani and Capacsaya.
Where is it situated?
Lares is north of the city of Cusco, about 98 kilometers by road (nearly 3 hours and 30 minutes by car).
In addition, Lares is 45 kilometers from the city of Calca, the most important neighboring town which also offers tourist attractions to visitors.
Geographically, the town of Lares is located at 3,150 meters above sea level.
How to go there?
To reach the town of Lares by public transport, follow the following route:
By minibus from the city of Cusco to the city of Calca (around 2 hours). The cost of the trip is 5 Peruvian soles on average.
By minibus or collective taxis from the town of Calca to the town of Lares (journey of almost 1h30). The cost of the trip is also 5 Peruvian soles on average.
History of Lares
The Lares district was founded as such on October 22, 1892. Its origins date back to colonial times. Before that, on July 25, 1857, the city was annexed to the province of La Convención.
One of the city’s most difficult chapters occurred on January 14, 1958, when a landslide caused the Yanatile River to overflow. The flood caused dozens of deaths and thousands of victims. On the day of its foundation (1892) the district consisted of 14 rural communities.
Today, Lares is a progressive neighborhood that has been able to adapt to tourism in the Cusco region. The thermal baths of the place are its main tourist attraction. Many tourists arrive there every day, most of them are part of the “Lares trek” (4-day trekking route to Machu Picchu).
Tourist attractions
Here are the main tourist attractions in Lares:
Lares Thermal Baths – The hot springs are located just 1 kilometer from town. They consist of three pools whose temperature varies from 35 ºC to 41 ºC. These waters come from a natural spring located at the top of the hill. Because they are rich in sodium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, sulfate, potassium and other minerals, they are good for muscular and rheumatic pains. The entrance fee is 10 soles for foreigners and 4 soles for Peruvians.
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – This trekking route lasts 4 days, covers 32 kilometers and ends in the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Its name comes from the fact that it begins in the town of Lares. Before starting the hike, the circuits include a moment of relaxation in the thermal baths of the village. Then an arduous two-day trek takes place to reach the town of Ollantaytambo. There you travel by train to Aguas Calientes on the third night. The last day is dedicated to visiting Machu Picchu and returning to Cusco by train and bus. Because it crosses several Andean villages full of traditions, it is recognized as the “Cultural Trek to Machu Picchu”.
Climate
Lares has a cold temperate climate with temperatures between a maximum (morning and afternoon) of 23ºC. and a minimum (evening and early morning) of 0°C.
Precipitation is more frequent from November to April (especially in January, February and March). May to October is the dry season, characterized by colder nights and scarce rainfall.
More information
The most representative patronal feast of Lares is celebrated on September 8 in honor of the Virgin of the Nativity. The festivities include masses, dances, bands, fireworks and varied local cuisine.
The inhabitants of Lares retain cultural aspects belonging to their ancestors from the Inca and colonial era. For example, most of its inhabitants have Quechua as their mother tongue. They venerate Christian figures, but also have respect for mountains, lagoons and other gods of Inca origin.
Faqs Lares Trek 4 Days
How to book a tour to Lares Trek?
The most common way to book a tour to Lares Trek is through the internet. However, you can also purchase one at a tourist agency located in the Historic Center of Cusco. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek does not have to be booked far in advance.
Is it difficult to do the Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek has a medium difficulty. Compared to the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, this route is less arduous. The only difficulty is altitude sickness, due to the fact that the trails are located in a high altitude geography.
When is the best time to do the Lares Trek?
The best time to do the Lares Trek is during the dry season (April to October). During these months, the skies are clearer and there is less chance of rain. Therefore, the trails are in better condition for trekking.
How to combat altitude sickness during the Lares Trek?
One of the biggest difficulties during the Lares trek is altitude sickness (also known as “soroche”).
The best way to combat it is to acclimatize to the city of Cusco a few days before the trek.
Another option is to drink plenty of water. Coca tea, for example, is a coca leaf-based drink that effectively combats the discomfort and symptoms of soroche.
The Incas, as well as the inhabitants of the Andes to this day, chew coca leaf as a remedy for this and other ailments.
Is it possible to hike the Lares Trail on one’s own?
There is no restriction for visitors to hike the Lares Trail on their own. However, unlike other treks such as the Salkantay Trek or the Choquequirao Trek, the trails are not well marked, making it difficult to follow the route.
To do the Lares Trek on your own, you must know the route to follow. For this, a good map would be effective. In addition, the inhabitants of this region are mostly Quechua speakers.
Can I suffer from altitude sickness during the Lares Trek 4 Days and 3 Nights?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimatize normally. It usually takes between 24 hours and 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCOA TEA and OXYGEN IF NECESSARY; our guides are trained to treat altitude sickness.
How many people are there per group?
The maximum group size is 10 people. Our groups are usually between 2 and 6 people. We specialize in small and private groups and offer a personalized service.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can. During the Choquequirao 4 Days and 3 Nights Tour, your main luggage can be stored in our office or at your hotel, both are free of charge.
Is it important to request a saddle horse?
The first day of trekking is a challenge. We recommend bringing between 70 and 100 soles in case you are not good at walking uphill in order to rent a horse on the route.
Book Now
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by "Machu Picchu Andes Tours". Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
Deprecated: Hook fluentform_rendering_form is deprecated since version 4.3.22! Use fluentform/rendering_form instead. Use fluentform/rendering_form instead of fluentform_rendering_form. in /home2/salkantaytravelp/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Recommendations
Lares Thermal Baths
The thermal baths of Lares are thermo-medical resources that you can take advantage of, the healing properties of its waters are a reason to visit because they are very good for muscle and bone pains.
If you are visiting Cusco, Peru and need to relax, we recommend you to visit the thermal baths of Lares. These natural healing springs offer a great service for those who want to relax.
Altitude
The Lares hot springs are located at about 3,250 meters above sea level.
Position
The thermal waters of Lares are located at an altitude of 3250, and are a tourist attraction of the region, the temperature varies between 36º and 44ºC, the outcrops of medicinal waters have the following chemical composition: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorides, sulfates, bicarbonates, iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper and dissolved solids have a yellowish color.
Temperature of the thermal baths
The temperature of the hot springs ranges between 36º and 44ºC.
How many pools in the spa?
In the thermal baths there are 6 pools, the first one has a temperature of 41 ºC, it is fed from the main water point combined with cold subway surface water at a temperature of 17 ºC. This pool is 5 meters long by 3.50 meters wide and 1.50 meters deep.
The second pool has a temperature of 35 ºC, its size is 6 meters long by 4 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep. The third pool has a temperature of 38ºC, its size is 15 meters long by 8 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep.
What to bring
Did you know that Lares Trek is one of the routes to Machu Picchu, an alternative as: Lares & Inca Trail 2d-1n, Lares Valley trek 4 days- 3 nights, Get off the beaten path with visits to authentic Andean communities while surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes and valleys.
- Included Food
-
Altitude
5100 msnm
- Group Size
- Accoomodation
-
Physical Level
Challenging
Inquire Now
Deprecated: Hook fluentform_rendering_form is deprecated since version 4.3.22! Use fluentform/rendering_form instead. Use fluentform/rendering_form instead of fluentform_rendering_form. in /home2/salkantaytravelp/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
BOOK BY WHATSAPP
WE ARE ON
