Lares trek
The Lares trek is a two- or three-day high-altitude hike in Cusco, Peru, starting near the village Lares, approximately 40 mi (64 km) north of Cusco and 35 mi (56 km) east of Machu Picchu. The Lares Valley lies in the east of the Urubamba mountain range, traversing part of the Sacred Valley. Reaching the start of the trek requires a bus or van trip of approximately 5 hours from the village of Lares. The Lares trek route transverses typical Peruvian Andean mountain areas.
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The Lares Valley is home of many traditional weavers and farmers and famous for homemade textiles. The indigenous people of this area speak Quechua and Spanish.
The Lares trek is one of the main alternatives to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.[1] It is slightly shorter and higher in altitude than the Inca Trail; it is accessible from Cusco.[2] Unlike the Inca Trail, permits are not required to hike the Lares Trek.
There are a number of different route itineraries and variations available on the Lares trek. The trek is also far more quiet than the Inca Trail as it is not as well known. The Lares trek is also slightly easier than the Inca Trail, although there are still 3 high passes will trek over, the highest being 4,400 m (14,400 ft).
The classic route
The standard Lares trek route is the shortest (33 km [21 mi]) and easiest route and only crosses one high pass. The route takes three days to trek and one day on top to visit Machu Picchu.
Trekkers depart Cusco (3,400 m [11,200 ft]) early on the first day, often around 6am and drive for several hours to Calca - a small town at 2,928 m (9,606 ft) altitude. From Calca trekkers are driven a further 3 hours north until theu arrive at Lares. The hot springs in Lares that are popular. From Lares the trek is 5 hours to the first nights camping spot at Huacahuasi (3,750 m [12,300 ft]).
Huacahuasi is a traditional weaving village and trekkers often try their hand at weaving here. The second day of trekking is the shortest and steepest as you cross over the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450 m [14,600 ft]) – the highest point on the trail. One may camp beside Ipsaycocha Lake.
The final day of trekking is all downhill. Passing through several traditional weaving villages. including Patacancha (3,700 m [12,100 ft]) and Huilloc, before finishing at Ollantaytambo (2,792 m [9,160 ft]). From here a train is taken to Aguas Calientes where trekkers stay the night. There are thermal springs in Aguas Calientes.
The next day is a short bus journey up to Machu Picchu.
There are several additional routes in the area, including some where trekkers can stay with local families instead of camping.