LARES TREK 4 DAYS, AN EXTRAORDINARY ALTERNATIVE TO MACHU PICCHU

Flora of Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Domesticated:

• Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)
• Tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis)
• Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
• Faba bean (Vicia faba)
• Oca (Oxalis tuberosa)
• Capulí (Prunus salicifolia)

Wild plants:

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
• Llaulli (Barnadesia horrida)
• Tayanca (Baccharis)
• Qiswar (Buddleja incana)
• Ñucchu (Solanum palitans)
• Jarava ichu (Stipa ichu)
• Queñua (Polylepis)
• Muña (Minthostachys mollis)
• Oca oca (Oxalis spiralis)
• Achanqaray (Begonia veitchii)
• Molle (Schinus molle)
• Lady’s purse (Calceolaria)

Fauna in Lares Trek Peru

Domesticated:

• Llamas (lama glama): These animals can be found along the route and in Machu Picchu.
• Horses (equus caballus): Pack animals
• Cows (Bos taurus): Animals raised by the families of the nearby communities.
• Sheeps (Ovis aries): Animals raised by the families of the nearby communities.
• Alpacas (Vicugna pacos): Animals raised by the families of the nearby communities.

Wildlife:

• Vizcachas (Lagidium viscacia): Elusive animals that live in burrows and rocks along the route.
• Pumas (Puma concolor): Animals of great importance in the Andean Cosmovision. They avoid human contact and it is difficult to see them.
• Andean goose (Chloephaga melanoptera): This bird is found in lakes and lagoons along the route of Lares trek.
• Mountain caracara (Phalcoboenus megalopterus): This bird is found in lakes and lagoons along the route of Lares trek, too.
• Chiguanco thrush (Turdus chiguanco): Animal that lives in fruit trees. You will see some of them on the Capulí trees.
• Skunks (mephitidae): Common animals that visit the fields of the locals and steal eggs. You can see them at sunset.
• Andean fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus): Animal that is unique to the highland of the Andes. It is possible to observe at a reasonable distance along the hike.
• Taruka or deer (Hippocamelus antisensis): Animal that is unique to the highland of the Andes. It is possible to observe some of them along the Lares trek.

We will pick you up from your hotel (in Cusco) at around 5:30 am. Then we will drive towards the town of Pumahuanca (located in the Sacred Valley). It will take 1 hour and 20 minutes to get there.

On the other hand, once you arrive in the town, you will start hiking uphill to the sector called Puyoc, at a distance of 11 km approximately. During the hike, we will visit the archeological site called Callorumiyoc. This is an easy hike. 

Finally, the campsite for this night will be set in Puyoc, at 4 300 masl. Because of the altitude, we may experience snow. Therefore, we recommend bringing warm clothes such as gloves and beanies.

This will be the most challenging day. First, we will start the hike at around 6:00 am towards the town of Cuncani, located at a 13 km hiking distance approximately. In addition, along the route, we will observe lakes, lagoons such as Yanacocha (black lagoon). Likewise, you will be able to interact with the locals. Doing so will allow you to become more familiarized with their customs, traditions, typical costumes and even more, you will learn some Quechua phrases. 

On the other hand, on the second day, you will hike through different altitudes such as the one in Puyoc, 4300 masl, where the hike starts. Then, we will hike through an altitude of 4830 m.a.s.l, the highest point of the hike, Sicllakasa pass. Finally, we will go to the town of Cuncani, where we will set the campsite, at an altitude of 3800 masl. Although this night won’t be as cold as the night before, we recommend wearing warm clothes.

The day will start at 7:00 am with a journey to the hot springs medicinal waters of Lares. It is a 6 km hike approximately. Likewise, you will find it very relaxing since you will enjoy the medicinal properties of these waters all morning. After that, the bus of the agency will pick you up and take you to the train station of Ollantaytambo to board the train towards the town of Aguas Calientes

It is worth mentioning that the altitudes you will hike through will start at 3800 m.a.s.l. in Cuncani. Then, you will go downhill until you get to an altitude of 3200 m.a.s.l. where you will find the hot springs. Finally, you will spend the night at an altitude of 2050 m.a.s.n.l. which is the altitude of the Aguas Calientes town.

This day will end with “the icing on the cake”.  You will get up very early in the morning to head towards the Machu Picchu citadel where you will have a 2-hour guided tour of the site. During the guided tour you will get to know more about the importance of the different constructions located in the citadel. Likewise, you are able to hike either  Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain (to hike any of these extra mountains you need to buy the entrance ticket in advance).

In addition, you will return to the city of Cusco in the afternoon. Therefore, you have to take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Once you arrive there the bus of the agency will pick you up and take you back to your hotel.

On the other hand, the altitudes that you will be at is 2050 m.a.s.l in Aguas Calientes where you will start the hike. Then, you will reach 2400 m.a.s.l where you will visit the citadel of Machu Picchu. Finally, you will return to the city of Cusco that is at an altitude of 3800 m.a.s.l. Therefore, we recommend drinking coca tea and wearing warm clothes.

It is worth mentioning that the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain are not included in the package. On the other hand, the only entrance ticket that is included in the tour is the one to enter Machu Picchu citadel. You will have a 2-hour guided tour of the site. In case you decide to hike any of the extra mountains, you have to pay an additional cost of  USD 35 approximately to buy the entrance tickets.

Here you can read some differences between both mountains:

• Machu Picchu Mountain:

It is also called “old mountain”. Located southwest of the Machu Picchu citadel at 3070 masl. This mountain is not as popular as Huayna Picchu, but the hike is very impressive. You will observe abundant flora, wide paths which are easier to walk. The hike is not as challenging as Huayna Picchu mountain and the views from the top are breathtaking. There are limited spots, but they aren’t sold as fast as the Huayna Picchu tickets. We recommend booking this mountain at least 2 months in advance.

• Huayna Picchu Mountain:

It is also known as the “young mountain”. This mountain is located Northeast of Machu Picchu citadel, at 2700 m.a.s.l. It consists of archeological remains, narrow and steep paths defying all laws of gravity. All of these make this mountain the most popular. Therefore, tickets are sold very fast. We recommend booking it at least 3 months in advance.

It definitely does. Note that on the fourth day of the Lares hike, you will have a 2-hour guided tour of the archeological site. This impressive site is considered one of the 7 wonders of the world.

This is a frequently asked question tourists have. Most hotels have a storage room where you can leave your belongings while visiting the archeological site. To do so, you only need to talk to the receptionist of the hotel. Likewise, most hotels in Aguas Calientes have the service of a Bellboy (person in charge of carrying your luggage). They can take your luggage to the train station in case you require it.

This is a very important question. Coming to a new place not knowing what to do or where to start may be complicated or frustrating. Therefore, you need to hire a safe and reliable tourist agency. Here you will find useful tips that will help you:

Make sure the agency is a licensed tour operator. You can verify it by visiting the website of Mincetur (consultasenlinea.mincetur.gob.pe).

Another thing you can do is to check relatives or friends’ posts or visit different online platforms where you can find more reference and travelers’ reviews of the agency you chose such as:

• Tripadvisor
• Getyourguide
• TourRadar
• Expedia
• Airbnb

Most of these platforms usually offer accessible prices and good deals by the well-known different tour operators. In addition, you can find itineraries and packages that suit your traveling needs and plans.

Although it is not mandatory to have travel insurance to do the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend getting one. This way you can prevent any inconvenience that can happen during your trip such as a natural disaster, or getting sick during the lares trek 4 days, and make you cancel your trip.

You should know that it is more expensive to receive medical assistance in Peru than in other countries. Therefore, it is convenient to get travel insurance. Insurance companies normally charge you from 100 to 150 US dollars, depending on the insurance you choose. Here you have a list of some insurance companies:

• Assist card
• World nomads
• Berkshire Hathaway Inc (a leading company in the U.S)
• Allianz (the biggest insurance company in Germany and Europe)
• Ping An (a leading company in China)
• Metlife (well known in Europe and Spain)
• Berkley International
• Liberty Insurance

Each agency has its own rates that vary according to the type of the service such as private or group service:

• Lares trek to Machu Picchu Private Service:

It is a more personalized and private service, only for the people who have chosen to be in your group and on your preferred dates. The cost of the private service varies from 600USD to 700USD per person.

• Lares trek to Machu Picchu Group Service:

It is a service in which different people join the group. There are more than 5 people in the group and if you want to make any change, all the group has to agree. The cost of the group service varies from 500 USD to 600 USD per person.

Note: We recommend hiring an average service since agencies, which offer these standards, are licensed to operate any tour. Likewise, you will receive good service and you are contributing to a fair salary for the staff of the agency you are hiring for the hike. Unfortunately, there are informal agencies that offer cheap prices.

Not only do they break the employee laws, but also offer a poor quality service to the tourists. Even worse, sometimes they run away when some problems arise. Therefore, it is very important to choose carefully the tour operator right for you.

To book the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, you need to bring your personal identification documents such as your passport which must not expire at least in 6 months. For instance, if you are planning to travel on July 1st, 2021, your passport must not expire before February 1st, 2022, at least. If it is about to expire, we recommend updating it and booking the tour with the new passport.

If you have an Identity card make sure it doesn’t expire in 6 months at least. It is important to make sure if you need a Visa to enter Peru before coming to the country.

Once you have booked the tour, you have to send the tourist agency your personal information so that they can buy the ticket to enter Machu Picchu, buy the bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to the citadel of Machu Picchu, buy the train tickets and book the hotel.

Lares trek Peru doesn’t require a special permit to hike it as it is the case of the Inca Trail. However, we recommend booking the trek at least 2 months in advance. This will allow the agency to secure your entrance ticket to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu. Note that there are limited spots to enter the site.

In addition, if you want to hike either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, you should book it at least 3 months in advance. This is because there are fewer spots available compared to the spots to enter the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Definitely yes. Most tourists suffer from altitude sickness, decompensation, among others if they don’t acclimatize to the altitude when arriving in Cusco. There is no need to panic. It is completely natural and normal that our body reacts to the change in altitude, temperature, feeding, and other factors.

If you are doing a trek that surpasses the altitude that you are used to, we recommend arriving in Cusco 3 days in advance. During the acclimatization process, you can go for shorts walks and practice jogging or do yoga or aerobics to adjust to the new altitude before starting any hike. Likewise, the first day must be a day of rest. In case you suffer from altitude sickness, you can drink Coca tea (natural remedy highly recommended) or a painkiller. If the situation gets worse, see a doctor before using any medication. However, if everything goes smoothly, you can visit some places near the city that are not physically challenging.

If you skip the acclimatization process, most likely your body will suffer a decompensation while hiking. This is very dangerous since there are no medical centers nearby and it takes longer to reach the closest one. Most tourist agencies carry a first aid kit with them. In addition, all the staff receives constant training in first aid, among others. However, there are cases in which passengers require special assistance.

Note that your health is a very important factor!

Altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can strike if you walk or climb to a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly. The pressure of the air that surrounds you is called barometric pressure. When you go to higher altitudes, this pressure drops and there is less oxygen available. Any time you go above 2,500 meters (8,000 ft), you can be at risk for altitude sickness. Here you find a list of some Altitude Sickness symptoms:

• Mild Symptoms – Lares trek Peru:

The first symptoms you will have when arriving at a higher altitude can be avoided using natural remedies like drinking coca tea (highly recommended. Drink it only during the day. On the other hand, drinking it at night can produce). Another option is to take some pills to relieve the pain (those pills must be prescribed by a doctor). It is recommendable to stay in a place at a lower altitude and rest the first days. If the situation doesn’t get better, call a doctor.

• Sleeping disorders
• Vertigo
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Increased heart rate
• Shortness of breath

• Severe Symptoms – Lares trek Peru:

Unlike the previous symptoms, the symptoms listed below are more aggressive. You can relieve the pain using tank oxygen. It is important to go immediately to a lower altitude and have medical assistance to prevent any deadly complications. Likewise, it is necessary to receive medical assistance immediately to avoid any deadly situation. In addition, it is recommendable to keep hydrated. Drink from 3 to 4 liters of water, avoid alcoholic drinks, and start a diet based on carbohydrates and sugars.

• Chest wall rigidity
• Cough
• Loss of consciousness
• Paleness
• Weakness
• Inability to walk
• Shortness of breath

• It’s recommendable to spend some days acclimatizing until your body adjusts to the altitude.
• Eat a balanced diet based on carbohydrates and sugars.
• Stay hydrated
• Drink hot tea, preferably coca tea. 
• Rest properly.
• Abstain from drinking alcohol.

Yes, the minimum age to do this trek is 5 years old, but you will need to rent a mule for the kid to ride it with the help of a muleteer. On the other hand, although the maximum age to do the trek is 55 years old, you will need to bring a medical certificate that guarantees your good physical condition to do the trek.

In addition, to do the Lares trek to Machu picchu or any other trek is important to have a good physical condition or receive constant training. This is because some parts of the route are challenging and it is better to be well trained.

This hike has very challenging, moderate and mild days. In addition, the altitudes vary each day of the hike to Lares trek Peru. Therefore, in order to be prepared for the hike, you need to be in good physical condition. That is why we recommend training and becoming familiarized with long hikes.

In addition, we suggest training at least 2 months in advance. You can go jogging or mountain hiking. This way when you start the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, your body won’t struggle at the difficult parts; instead, you will be better prepared and consequently enjoy the view more. Start gradually, first with short hikes of 3 kilometers per day until you hike 13 km which is the maximum hiking distance of the Lares Trek Peru.

On the other hand, if you don’t have enough time to go hiking long distances that take full days, you can exercise at a local gym for 3 hours each day. Although the training won’t be the same, it will sure help you. In addition, you can do breathing exercises to strengthen chest muscles and make breathing easier during the Lares trek Peru. Furthermore, to avoid altitude sickness and to acclimatize to the altitude, we recommend arriving in Cusco 3 days prior to your trek.

It is important that you bring the document that you gave the agency to book your tour. The names in the entrance tickets for Machu Picchu, train ticket, and hotel must match the information in your documents.

It is worth mentioning that to access any site (archeological site, hotels, train, bus), they don’t accept pictures or copies of personal identification documents.

During the 3 days you will enjoy typical dishes from Peru outdoors and with a spectacular view. The staff in charge of the meals will carry all the utensils for the cooking such as the stoves, tables, cluttery, dining tents, food supplies, etc.

During the Lares trek Peru typical dishes from Peru and the Cusco region are served. For breakfast, you will have a buffet that includes hot drinks (milk, coffee, oat, infusions), scramble eggs, fruit salad, yogurt, Andean cereal, pancakes, among others. Furthermore, for lunch and dinner, you will have a variety of meals. Note that dinner meals won’t include entrées to have a light option.

Among the typical dishes you will enjoy, we have:

Entrées

• Ceviche of mushrooms
• Guacamole with nachos
• Mixed salads

Soups

• Vegetable soup
• Quinoa soup
• Minute soup

Main Dishes

• Lomo Saltado
• Fried Trout
• Rolled Trout

Dessert

• Flamed bananas
• Mazamorras
• Peach stew

Note: If you have any food restrictions, it is important to inform the tourist agency that you hire. This way they can arrange food that will be better for you and avoid any inconvenience.

It is the agency that will hire the service of the muleteer and mules to carry all the equipment needed for the hike (tents, stoves, trekkers belongings, etc.). Most of the time, the tourist agencies give duffel bags to the tourists to put their belongings. Likewise, the weight limit is 7 kilos that include the sleeping bag and airmat. This means that you will have an average of 5 kilos for your belongings.

On the other hand, if you want to rent a mule that can be of extra support for you, it will cost USD30. You have to request this service when you do your booking with the agency. This way they can make all the arrangements with the muleteer.

It is worth mentioning that it is not mandatory to leave a tip. The guide or support staff receive a salary for the job they do. However, if you feel that you have received a high-quality service, you are free to tip the staff. For some years up until now, tourists have been used to leaving tips. This is a way to contribute to their economical situation since most of the staff’s main source of income is agriculture and they live in rural highlands.

Therefore, the tip you leave will motivate them to keep offering a high-quality service. Along the Lares trek Peru, you will notice the great work they do to give you the most memorable experience.

The least recommendable season to do the trek is during the rainy season (from November to March). This is because there is a great presence of rain, and the roads are not safe. Therefore, the trek is more challenging and you may not have a good time during the hike of Lares Trek Peru.

The best season to do the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry season (from April to October) since there are no rainfalls. Furthermore, the road is firm and safe which makes it possible to hike this section in less time. During the months of June and July there may be some snow during the first name. This climatic phenomenon is the result of intense frost which is very common in the Andean highland of Cusco. Therefore, we recommend bringing warm clothes.

If you are planning to do the Lares trek to Machu Picchu on your own, it will be very complicated. Since it is a 4 day hike, arranging it will be stressing. Therefore, we recommend hiring the service of a reliable tour operator that organizes everything that you will need for the 8 days of hiking. They will provide the equipment, buy the tickets to visit Machu Picchu in advance.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions, but there is no need to worry about it. Here we explain why:

• Most hotels have a storage room, where you can leave your luggage. It is safe and free.
• In case, the hotel doesn’t have a storage room, you can leave your luggage in the storage room of our agency at no additional cost.

Having two options to leave your luggage, you can enjoy the trek without any worries.

If you have a chip from a Peruvian telephone operator such as Claro or Movistar, you will have a cell phone signal on the first day before arriving at Puyoc (campsite) and on the second day close to Cuncani (campsite).

It is worth mentioning that you will have a signal to make phone calls, but no internet access. On the other hand, when you arrive in Aguas Calientes, on the third night, you will have a cell phone signal and free Wifi service on the side of the hotel. 

In addition, on the fourth night, you will have the same services as long as you stay in Aguas Calientes. You can stay in the hotel until 30 minutes before your train departs. Then, you will have to head to the train station.

During the first three days, there is no drinking water. The only source of water that the chef gets to prepare the meals and fill the trekkers’ Camelbak comes from the rivers and springs, previously purified.

On the fourth day of the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, you can buy drinking or bottled water in Aguas Calientes, a modern business town. It is here where you will see many tourists before they visit Machu Picchu.

Along the Machu Picchu Lares trek, you will have toilets in the form of latrines that will be accommodated in the middle of nature. However, there are no restrooms along the route. On the other hand, you will be able to use the restroom on the third day in the hot springs of Lares and on the fourth day in the town of Aguas Calientes.

We recommend bringing an average of 400 Peruvian soles (bank bills and coins of the local currency). You will need to bring extra cash for extra expenses that are not included in the total cost of the trek such as bottled water, soda, handicrafts, lunch on day 4, laundry service, among others.

All the money you spend in the communities you visit will help the economical situation of the locals. Note that their main source of income is agriculture and selling handicrafts or food supplies is an additional source of income to improve their quality lives.

Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 days consists of:

• The first 3 days the route is rugged because of the mud and dust which are always present on the roads. Therefore, we recommend bringing 2 changes of trekking clothing (trekking pants, quick-dry T-shirts). Likewise, you should bring warm clothes (feather jackets, gloves, and beanies), clothing for the rain (raincoats,  rain poncho), good trekking shoes.
• On the 3rd day since you go to the hot springs, you will need your swimsuit. Note that the hot springs are not included on the Lares trek to Machu Picchu.
• For the last day of the trek, you should bring light clothes to wear in the town of Aguas Calientes. In addition, you can take your clothes to the laundry to get them washed.
• Don’t forget to bring a pair of socks and underwear.

Here we have a detailed list of the clothes you should bring:

• 3 Quick-dry t-shirts
• 2 pairs of trekking pants (preferably waterproof trousers)
• 4 sets of underwear
• 4 pairs of socks
• 02 light fleeces
• 01 Warm jacket (preferably waterproof and feather jacket)
• 01 Hat
• Beanie
• Rain poncho

NOTE: Among the items listed above, you should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, water Purifiers, pills for altitude.

• Don’t forget to bring your passport or identity card that you used to book the tour including the entrance tickets, train tickets, etc.
• Trekking shoes, and an additional pair of comfortable shoes. 
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
• Warm jacket, gloves, beanie.
• Sunscreen
• A hat
• Insect repellent
• Pill for altitude or coca leaves
• Personal medication (in case you have a prescription)
• Film recorder
• Flashlights with spare batteries

For the Lares trek to Machu Picchu you need to bring the following:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental Floss
• Hair comb or brush
• 2 Towels for the face
• Small soap
• Small moisturizing cream pot
• Nail clippers

Although it is not mandatory to bring trekking poles, they are very useful, especially for the downhill of Lares trek Peru.

Likewise, the trekking poles are highly recommendable for people who have knee or ankle problems to make hiking easier. They provide 2 more points of support to keep the balance which will help you walk safely.

On the other hand, there are different models of trekking poles, but the most recommendable is the one with rubber tips. Trekking poles with rubber tips avoid damaging the path and are perfect for areas where steel tips are not allowed. Furthermore, it is important if they have baskets which are circular items located at the bottom to prevent your trekking poles from sinking into softer, looser ground or snow.

The trekking poles have an additional cost and are not included in the total cost of the package. They cost USD$10 approximately.