Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
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
Itinerary Lares Valley Trekking 3 Days / 2 Nights
DAY 1: CUSCO – CALCA – LARES HOT SPRINGS (OPTIONAL) – HUACAWASI
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).
- Hiking distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles.
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours.
- Lowest elevation: 3,200m / 10,496ft (hot springs)
- Highest elevation: 3,800m / 12,464ft (camp site)
- Highlight: Hiking in the Andean valleys with pretty scenic views, interact with local people (children), llama and alpaca herds along the trail, and camping in a highland village
DAY 2: HUACAWASI – PUERTO PASS – MANTANAY
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.
- Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles.
- Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours.
- Lowest elevation: 3,700m / 12,136 ft (camp site)
- Highest elevation: 4,420m / 14,498 ft (pass)
- Highlight: Llama and alpaca herds along the trail, reaching the highest point, beautiful lakes along the trail, and camping in a highland valley.
DAY 3: MANTANAY – YANAHUARA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
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 distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles.
- Hiking time: 2 – 3 hours.
- Lowest elevation: 3,050 m / 10,004 ft (The end of the trail)
- Highest elevation: 3,700m / 12,136ft (camp site)
- Highlight: Hiking through the highland forest.
Includes
- Pre-departure briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Lares, starting point of the trek
- Campsite fees
- Lares hot springs entrance fee
- Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field. Kailas
- One inflatable sleeping pad per person
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Kitchen tent
- Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities
- English speaking professional and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
- Pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 7kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag)
- 1 emergency horse every 6 persons
- Wranglers
- Accommodation for all our staff
- Meals (02B, 02L, 02D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian menu is available at no extra cost
- Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
- Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff
- Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Private transport from Yanahuara to Ollantaytambo or Cusco
- 24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit
No Incluye
- Breakfast on the first day
- One sleeping bag
- One pillow
- last dinner
- Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish
Packing list Lares Valley Trekking 3 Days / 2 Nights
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the program
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
- Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail. Plastic water containers (Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
- Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (if you wish to take a bath in the hot springs)
- Cash in soles and/or US$
- Original passport
- Original Student University Card (in case you have applied for a student discount) – $20.00
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites)
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ALONG THIS HIKE
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.
CLIMATE
- Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
- Along the route to Lares, temperatures range from 10-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 5-15ºC during the day if not sunny and depending on the elevation. Temperatures drop at night, especially in the first two campsites, at higher elevation, reaching 0-5ºC although rarely below.
Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
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
DAY 1: CUSCO – CALCA – LARES HOT SPRINGS (OPTIONAL) – HUACAWASI
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).
- Hiking distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles.
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours.
- Lowest elevation: 3,200m / 10,496ft (hot springs)
- Highest elevation: 3,800m / 12,464ft (camp site)
- Highlight: Hiking in the Andean valleys with pretty scenic views, interact with local people (children), llama and alpaca herds along the trail, and camping in a highland village
DAY 2: HUACAWASI – PUERTO PASS – MANTANAY
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.
- Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles.
- Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours.
- Lowest elevation: 3,700m / 12,136 ft (camp site)
- Highest elevation: 4,420m / 14,498 ft (pass)
- Highlight: Llama and alpaca herds along the trail, reaching the highest point, beautiful lakes along the trail, and camping in a highland valley.
DAY 3: MANTANAY – YANAHUARA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
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 distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles.
- Hiking time: 2 – 3 hours.
- Lowest elevation: 3,050 m / 10,004 ft (The end of the trail)
- Highest elevation: 3,700m / 12,136ft (camp site)
- Highlight: Hiking through the highland forest.
Includes
- Pre-departure briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Lares, starting point of the trek
- Campsite fees
- Lares hot springs entrance fee
- Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field. Kailas
- One inflatable sleeping pad per person
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Kitchen tent
- Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities
- English speaking professional and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
- Pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 7kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag)
- 1 emergency horse every 6 persons
- Wranglers
- Accommodation for all our staff
- Meals (02B, 02L, 02D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian menu is available at no extra cost
- Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
- Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff
- Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Private transport from Yanahuara to Ollantaytambo or Cusco
- 24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit
- Breakfast on the first day
- One sleeping bag
- One pillow
- last dinner
- Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the program
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
- Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail. Plastic water containers (Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
- Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (if you wish to take a bath in the hot springs)
- Cash in soles and/or US$
- Original passport
- Original Student University Card (in case you have applied for a student discount) – $20.00
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites)
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ALONG THIS HIKE
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.
CLIMATE
- Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
- Along the route to Lares, temperatures range from 10-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 5-15ºC during the day if not sunny and depending on the elevation. Temperatures drop at night, especially in the first two campsites, at higher elevation, reaching 0-5ºC although rarely below.
