Know the best route from Lares to Machu Picchu
Every year thousands of tourists travel to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu. You also have the same purpose, right? Here I will tell you which route to choose. There are indeed several programs with the same objective, but each one is different from the other.
If you are looking for a unique experience that encompasses culture, history, adventure, and food without having to dodge crowds of tourists, then the Lares trek to Machu Picchu is everything you’ve been waiting for.
Keep reading this article and I’ll tell you everything in detail.
Where is Lares located?
Lares is located in the Andes Mountains, in the south of Peru, and is one of the 8 districts of the province of Calca in the Cusco region. This place is famous for its thermal baths that are thermo-medicinal, the Mantto waterfalls, and its attractive trails.
At what altitude is Lares?
Lares has an average altitude of 3,171 meters above sea level.
The Lares hike
The Lares trek is an untraditional and interesting route; during the journey, you can enjoy the wonderful landscapes without the presence of many visitors. The objective of this route as well as other known ones is to reach Machu Picchu.
In addition, another highlight of the tour is to interact with the local people and see their houses made of stones very similar to those of the Incas. This journey begins in Cusco and ends with the biggest prize as part of the icing on the cake, Machu Picchu.
Why choose the trek from Lares to Machu Picchu?
The Lares tour, also considered the ultimate cultural tour, takes you to experience the challenge of walking through the Andean mountains watching the local people work on their farms, and taking care of their animals (alpacas and llamas). The addition to your excursion is to be able to reach Machu Picchu.
The Lares trek is easier than most other treks to Machu Picchu. Compared to the Classic Inca Trail, for example, there are fewer steps. In addition, this trek is simply much quieter, as the number of visitors on the trails is few.
What is the best time to hike the Lares hike?
The best time to hike in the Peruvian Andes is from April to October when the weather is relatively warm. In June, July, and August the nights are cold and a sleeping bag is recommended. The rainy season is from November to March. Rain and cold are present throughout the year, especially in the highlands of Lares.
How many days is the Lares Trek?
A typical Lares trek can be done in 4 or 5 days. If you go with a travel agency, the number of days depends on the price of the trek and always includes accommodation, transfers, food, and entrance to Machu Picchu.
What to see in Lares?
- The thermo-medicinal baths of Lares.
- The Mantto waterfalls.
- The trekking route to Machu Picchu.
- The trekking route to Machu Picchu.
- Queuña Valley of Lares.
Lares Hot Springs
The thermal baths of Lares have six pools, all of which are heated, and their medicinal waters spring from the subsoil. The local inhabitants believe that Mother Earth gives them these mineral pools for curative purposes, according to the Andean cosmovision.
Queuña Valley of Lares
The Queuña Valley of Lareshas a landscape that will impress any tourist. The queuña tree grows in extreme environmental and atmospheric conditions, the key to protecting the headwaters and all the biodiversity that survives in these Andean forests and wetlands.
Mantto Waterfalls
The Mantto Waterfalls are formed by a group of precipitations approximately one hundred meters high. Its waters come down from the lagoons and glaciers. The villagers know them as Qanchis Paccha which means “seven waterfalls”.
My travel experience from Lares to Machu Picchu
In my personal experience, the 4-day trip from Lares to Machu Picchu was unique and unforgettable. We left Cusco very early in private transport until arriving at the thermal baths of Lares, where we could enjoy its pools of medicinal waters. I liked it a lot because each pool had different temperatures. In addition, the landscape that surrounded it was uniquely covered with much vegetation and the singing of birds that gave me tranquility and peace.
On the other hand, when we started the walk the guide explained to us at the rest points about the Andean worldview; the journey is impressive, the mountains covered with snow, rivers that descend with crystal clear waters from the high summits, The turquoise blue lagoons and unique flora left us amazed. All the way to Lares we also saw alpacas, llamas, viscachas, and wallatas (Andean geese) as part of the fauna.
Something I also loved is the interaction with the local people and seeing how they live in the middle of high mountains without complaining about the cold and the hard work they do every day. The locals are really friendly and still practice the customs of their Inca ancestors such as the ayni and the minka, as well as their colorful clothing.
Also, the impressive vegetation such as the queuña valley and the entire route covered with green, left me impressed. One of the sites that also attracted me was the salt mines of Maras, which are salt ponds used since Inca times; when you make this excursion, you will not let me lie about what I mention. Finally, the plus of all the lovely of my trip was to visit Machu Picchu, the beauty and mysticism of this sanctuary left me speechless.
If you plan to hike to Lares, I recommend:
- Arrive in Cusco a few days before to get used to the altitude.
- Drink mate de coca, it will help you with altitude sickness.
- Be careful what kind of food you eat before leaving for the excursion, I recommend you to eat something light at dinner.
- Drink plenty of water.
- If necessary, buy Daimox before leaving on your trip, it is better to be safe than sorry.
What to bring for the hike from Lares to Machu Picchu?
As it is an extensive route, it is necessary to carry implements so that you do not have any inconveniences and enjoy the trip.
Prepare the following items:
- Valid passport or ID if you are Peruvian (a copy will not be accepted).
- Hiking shoes (light, comfortable, and adapted to your feet).
- Hiking shoes (light, comfortable, and adapted to your feet).
- Waterproof jacket and rain poncho.
- A good quality backpack (light, small and comfortable).
- Change of clothes.
- Pants (Leggins in case of women).
- Swimming clothes to go to the hot springs.
- Hat and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Camera.
- Flashlights.
- External battery to charge your cell phone.
- Cash (remember that during the hike, you will not be able to pay with credit cards).
Where do I make my excursion reservation?
You can book with a tourist agency, we did it with Salkantay Trekking. The Lares trek includes Machu Picchu at the end of the trip. For this, you need entrance tickets and you must arrange them in advance. The companies always need time to book these tickets. I recommend you to buy in advance and online.
Written by: Cliny Inga Llanllaya
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