The Lares trail is isolated, making it one of the roads less traveled. But those who sign up for this trek are in for a surprising adventure because this trek offers an in-your-face encounter with authentic Andean lifestyle. Lares trekkers have the opportunity to soak in volcanic hot springs, trek through farmlands, waterfalls, and interact with the locals who maintain traditional customs.
Highlights of the Lares Trek:
- Soaking in the healing volcanic hot spring of Lares
- Participating in a llama ceremony (because llamas are considered sacred in the Andes)
- Visiting a Quechua school
- Zigzag trek up the steep Condor Pass
- Hiking through farm upon farm of corn, fava beans, potatoes, avocados, kiwi fruits, and Andean crops
Notable Stops/Destinations
Lares Hot Springs – where the natural pools of pure volcanic water have temperatures that range from freezing to hot
Kiswarani Valley– also known as the potato valley due to the locals farming numerous varieties of organic potatoes
Condor Pass – is situated above the clouds and mountain peaks, giving an astounding 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges
Cancha Cancha – is the only village without any form of modern technology, not even electricity; 85 percent of the houses in the village are made from stone using ancient construction methods
Huacahuasi – is an Andean village known for producing high-quality ponchos, chullos, and other goods
Huilloc – is a community said to be one of the largest villages where the people are direct descendants of the Incas
Maras Salt Mines – cradle to more than 3,000 salt pans used since pre-Incan times; local families are said to each own one of these pans and make a living harvesting and selling the salt to nearby towns.
Ollantaytambo – is the only living Inca village that is still intact with its still existent Inca water channels, houses, and walls; with cobblestone streets and adobe buildings from the bygone Inca era; also the site of Peru’s 2nd heaviest monoliths
Machu Picchu – the most famous and iconic ruins of Peru where you can explore various chambers of this ancient citadel including the Royal Tomb, Temple of Three Windows, Temple of the Sun, the Condor Temple, the Intihuatana or sundial rock, the main plaza, and so much more
Modes of Travel:
trekking, bus, private vehicle (van or car)
The stops and resting places for the Lares Trek vary per tour operator. Be sure to check out the different operators offering this trek to find out which trek includes the stops you are interested in. Also, most Lares Treks lead up to Machu Picchu.