Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Definitely, the Lares Trek is an excellent trekking option in Cusco. Not only will it take you through stunning trails and small villages full of living culture, but it will also allow you to explore the world wonder of Machu Picchu. During the journey, you’ll have the chance to connect and share special moments with the Andean highland inhabitants, who will welcome you with open arms and the warmth of their culture. You will learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and language. Undoubtedly, Lares Trek is known as “The ultimate cultural route” for a reason. Dare to live this unique experience!

Lares Trek is located between the mountains surrounding the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the Cusco region, Peru. This trekking route, an alternative to the Inca Trail, crosses a variety of impressive landscapes, including glacier lagoons, mountain passes, the relaxing Lares hot springs, traditional Andean villages, and a series of endemic ecosystems of the Andes.

Of course! If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have any food allergies, simply inform us when making your reservation. Our professional team will arrange and coordinate suitable food options for you, at no additional cost.

It is highly recommended to bring your own snacks, which you can buy in advance in Cusco city or Calca, and, if necessary, in Ollantaytambo. During the first two days of trekking, you will only find small improvised stalls selling basic snacks and some rehydrating drinks. To make purchases in these places, it is important to have cash in “Soles.”

There is no rule prohibiting minors under 12 or adults over 60 from doing the Lares Trek. However, as a responsible agency, BESTREKS recommends that minors be at least 12 years old and adults not exceed 55 years. That said, anyone can do the trek as long as they follow these recommendations:

• Minors must always be accompanied by a responsible adult for their safety.
• If you are over 50, it is essential to be in good health, have physical endurance, and undergo a medical checkup before embarking on the trek.
• In both cases, a prior acclimatization of at least 3 days in Cusco is recommended.
• If you need any special personal medication, carry it with you at all times and inform the sales staff and guide before starting the walk.

Definitely yes. Not because it is an extremely difficult route, but because, although it is considered a trail suitable for the general public in good physical and health condition, the altitude can pose a challenge.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you should start preparing to conquer the altitude. Here are some recommendations for proper preparation:

• Cardiovascular exercises: It is important to strengthen your respiratory and cardiovascular endurance, as during the trek, you will ascend to over 4,000 meters above sea level, where the lower oxygen concentration will be a determining factor.
• Strengthen your muscles: Although your main luggage (up to 6 kg) will be carried by our horses and porters, you will carry your personal belongings in a travel backpack. Also, each day you will walk about six hours, so it is advisable to strengthen your legs and back.
• Practice trekking or mountaineering: In the months leading up to the adventure, you can do walks of increasing difficulty to adapt to the physical effort and get familiar with similar activities.
• Prepare mentally: Many people overlook this aspect, but it is crucial. Remember that this is a challenge that involves both physical and emotional challenges, so maintaining a positive attitude will be key to fully enjoying the experience.

Most people say that it is necessary to be in relatively good physical condition to do the Lares Trek. It’s not that the walk itself is extremely difficult, but more about ensuring that you take all the precautions possible to prepare for the altitude.

The Lares Trek does not usually sell out because not many people do it. However, it is recommended to book as early as possible to ensure that the tourism agency you choose can organize itself for the dates you want. If you leave it to the last minute, other routes may be full, and they may not have enough staff available to accommodate you on the Lares Trek.

The Lares Trek is safe if you take these factors into account and prepare properly. Most tourists who do the trek enjoy it without serious incidents, but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with altitude and the changing terrain conditions. If you follow the safety tips, the trek is an incredible experience.

The average walking time is about 6-7 hours per person. In reality, the number of hours of walking per day depends on your physical condition, the other group members, and their habits (for example, enthusiastic photographers might take longer). Our trekking guides on the Lares Trek are also experts at planning according to the personal needs of the group.

Exactly! As mentioned, the Lares Trek is a relatively quiet route in terms of crowds, so the weather and conditions are the most important factors to consider when choosing the best time to do it.

• Dry season (May to October): This is by far the best time to do the Lares Trek, as the chances of rain are minimal, making the trail safer and more comfortable. During these months, the weather is more stable, with sunny days and cold nights, which improves the experience and allows for clear views of the mountains. Also, the trails won’t be as slippery, and the terrain is easier to navigate.
• Rainy season (December to February): While it’s not impossible to do the trek during the rainy season, it’s less ideal.

To get to Cusco, the most common way is to take an international flight to Lima (the capital of Peru) and then take a national flight to Cusco. First, take a flight from your country to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Lima is the main hub for international flights in Peru. Once in Lima, you can take a national flight to Cusco. The flight from Lima to Cusco lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Several airlines offer this route, such as LATAM, Sky Airline, and Viva Air. If you prefer not to fly, you can take a bus from Lima to Cusco. This road trip can take between 20 and 24 hours. However, flying is more recommended for comfort and time-saving.

If you’re coming from nearby countries like Chile, Argentina, Colombia, or Ecuador, you may also find direct flights to Cusco from some of their main cities, though these are not always as frequent as flights to Lima.

A minimum of 2-3 days in Cusco is recommended. If you arrive directly in Cusco, it is advised to spend at least 2 days there before starting the trek. During this time, you can rest, take it easy, and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Take the opportunity to explore the city lightly, such as by taking short walks around the center, to avoid strenuous physical activities during those first days.

If you come from higher altitude areas: If you have already been to other high-altitude areas in Peru (e.g., Arequipa, Puno, or the Sacred Valley), your acclimatization process may be quicker. In this case, one day of rest in Cusco might be enough for your body to adjust before starting the trek.

Shoes that provide ankle support are highly recommended, especially for those who are not accustomed to long walks or challenging terrain. Steep slopes and uneven rocky paths require stability, and good ankle support will help prevent sprains or injuries. High-top boots are ideal for this.

Trekking poles are always useful for hikers, as they reduce the pressure on the knees. On mountainous terrain, with steep ascents and descents, poles can alleviate a great deal of strain on the knees. Poles help distribute the effort, easing the weight on the legs and reducing the impact on the joints. Greater stability on the Lares Trek, as the trails are often irregular, rocky, and steep. They help in both ascents and descents by providing extra support. On ascents, they allow you to push with your arms, reducing the effort on your legs. On descents, they help control your speed and reduce the risk of falls or trips.

All luggage that is not necessary for the trek should be left in Cusco. All hotels in Cusco are accustomed and prepared to store luggage. If you don’t have a place to store your luggage, you can leave it in our offices until your adventure is over. We will ensure that your luggage is stored safely, so no worries!

Many of our passengers say that food is one of the highlights of their trip. This is because our chefs are professionally trained and do an excellent job preparing the most amazing dishes during each journey. We understand how important nutrition is throughout the trek because it will give you the energy you need each day. For this reason, we’ve worked with our chefs and trained nutritionists to create the best menu for your Lares Trek journey. At every meal, you will find a variety of options incorporating all food groups, using fresh and local ingredients. You’ll also get a chance to try some local dishes that will leave you amazed. Do you have any allergies or follow a specific diet? Don’t worry! As long as you let us know before your trip, we will ensure that you eat as well as everyone else and stay well-fed during the entire trek. In addition to the amazing meals, we will also give you an afternoon snack with drinks and appetizers before dinner. Rest assured, you won’t go hungry during the Lares Trek.