Lares Trek: 3 Days of Andean Culture and Mountain Adventure

Lares Trek: 3 Days of Andean Culture and Mountain Adventure

The Lares Trek is an exciting hiking route in Peru, famous for its impressive Andean landscapes and rich indigenous culture. This trek connects the Lares Valley with the famous Inca Trail, offering travelers the opportunity to explore local communities such as the villages of Patacancha and Huacahuasi. Over 3–4 days, trekkers enjoy majestic snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. Ideal for those seeking adventure and authenticity, the Lares Trek is a unique experience in the Cusco region.

Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Lares Thermal Baths – Huacawasi

Early morning pick-up from your hotel. Drive approximately 3.5 hours to the Lares thermal baths (3,200 m), stopping in Calca in the Sacred Valley to visit the local market. Meet the arriero team and prepare packs at the thermal baths. The trail gradually ascends through the highland valley. Lunch at ~1:30 p.m. en route. Continue alongside llama and alpaca herds to the first camp in Huacawasi village (3,800 m). Tea, dinner, and overnight at camp.

Optional: swim in the thermal baths before beginning the hike (covered by the agency). Lunch and dinner included.

• Distance: 8 km | Hiking time: 3–4 hrs
• Altitude range: 3,200–3,800 m
• Highlights: Andean valley hiking, interaction with local community, llama and alpaca herds, highland village camp

Day 2: Huacawasi – Puerto Paso – Mantay

Early wake-up and nutritious breakfast. Hike ~4 hours to the highest point, Puerto Paso at 4,420 m. Continue observing llamas and alpacas with panoramic views along the way. At the pass, enjoy the scenery and make a traditional coca leaf offering (apacheta) to the Andean spirits. Descend to a beautiful lagoon for a freshly prepared lunch with hot drinks. Continue descending to the second camp in Mantanay Valley (3,700 m), home to Queuña trees (Polylepis) — a unique Andean highland species. Hot drinks and dinner at night. All meals included.

• Distance: 14 km | Hiking time: 7–8 hrs
• Altitude range: 3,700–4,420 m
• Highlights: Llama and alpaca herds, highest pass, mountain lakes, Queuña forest camp

Day 3: Mantay – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Another great breakfast before descending ~3 hours to Yanahuara, a village in the Sacred Valley. Final lunch and farewell to the arriero and cook team. Transport to Ollantaytambo or Cusco. Lunch included.

• Distance: 7 km | Hiking time: 2–3 hrs
• Altitude range: 3,050–3,700 m
• Highlight: High-altitude forest hiking

What Is Included

• Pre-departure informational meeting
• Morning hotel pick-up and private transport to Lares
• Camping fees and Lares thermal baths entry
• Personal tents (2 persons per 4-person tent), 3-season tents, sleeping mats
• Dining tent with tables and chairs, kitchen tent, sanitary tent with biodegradable toilets
• Official English-speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8)
• Chef and kitchen team | Pack animals for equipment and personal gear (up to 7 kg)
• 1 emergency horse per 6 persons | Staff accommodation
• Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, daily snack and tea service (vegetarian menu available)
• Filtered boiled water from Day 1 lunch onward | Biodegradable hand and dish soaps
• Hot water each morning and evening | First aid kit with emergency oxygen
• Private transport from Yanahuara to Ollantaytambo or Cusco | 24-hour guest service

Not Included

• Breakfast on Day 1 | Last dinner | Sleeping bag | Pillow | Tips