Lares is a small Andean town located north of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, about three hours from Cusco.It is famous for its natural hot springs, its mountain landscapes, and for being the starting point of the famous Lares Trek, a hike that ends at Machu Picchu.The Lares Trek is one of the most authentic and enriching alternative routes leading to Machu Picchu, ideal for those seeking a cultural experience distinct from the classic Inca Trail. On this 4-day, 3-night hike, travelers traverse breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, connecting with Quechua communities that still preserve their ancestral traditions.
♨️ Lares Hot Springs
Before beginning the trek, most travelers enjoy a soak in the Lares hot springs, known for their relaxing and medicinal properties. The pools are outdoors, surrounded by mountains, and are the perfect place to relax before or after the hike.
The water has a temperature between 36°C and 44°C and is said to help relieve muscle aches, stress, and fatigue.
🧶 Living Culture: The Villages of Lares
One of the most valuable aspects of the Lares Trek is the interaction with local communities. In villages like Wacahuasi, Patacancha, and Huacahuasi, travelers can see how families cultivate their land, raise alpacas, and hand-weave natural wool.
Each weave features colors and symbols that tell stories about family, nature, and the Apus (mountain spirits). Many travelers agree that these encounters are the heart of the journey.
🌿 A unique experience in the Andes of Cusco
Unlike the popular Inca Trail, the Lares Trek offers tranquility, close contact with people, and uncrowded landscapes. The route crosses agricultural valleys, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lagoons, and villages where travelers can spend time with local families, learn about their ancestral customs, experience their way of life, appreciate their traditional textile art, and enjoy the warm hospitality.
The tour begins with a relaxing soak in the hot springs of Lares, a natural oasis surrounded by mountains, and continues along trails that reveal the majesty of the Andean landscape. As you advance, the pure air, the sound of the wind, and the sound of llamas and alpacas accompany you until you reach the villages of Wacahuasi and Patacancha, where the Quechua language and hospitality are the mainstays.
🌄 Stunning Landscapes
- The natural surroundings of Lares are simply spectacular. Along the way, you can see:
- Snow-capped mountains like Pitusiray and Sawasiray.
- Turquoise lagoons, like Ipsaycocha.
- Valleys with agricultural terraces, where potatoes, corn, and quinoa are grown.
- Herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely.
- Every day offers different views, perfect for photography lovers.
🌤️ Weather on the Lares Trek
- May to September: sunny days, cold nights (down to -5°C).
- October to April: rainy season, green landscapes but slippery trails.
🌱Flora, Fauna, and Ecosystems
Flora
- Agricultural valleys and lower areas (3,000-3,800 m): potatoes, quinoa, corn, kiwicha, etc. are grown.
- Trees such as eucalyptus are also grown locally.
- Andean plants adapted to the cold: ichu (high Andean grass)
- Local medicinal and aromatic plants: muña, chancapiedra, Chachacomo (Senecio chachacoma), tola, etc.
- Ornamental and traditional flowers: lupines, wild orchids in humid areas, the kantuta flower (culturally important)
Fauna
- Domestic/common: llamas, alpacas, farm animals, sheep.
- Rarely seen: vicuñas, Andean foxes, vizcachas, high Andean birds (such as the condor), some species of butterflies, and frogs in wetlands.
- Pumas and Andean deer are also possible, although less likely.
Ecosystems and Environmental Transitions
- The route passes through several ecological zones: from agricultural areas (temperate to cold) to the puna (high plateau), then high-altitude forests/jungle fringes as we descend toward Machu Picchu.
- There are high Andean lagoons, wetlands, streams, and waterfalls that provide water diversity.
🏞️ Nature, culture, and adventure in perfect harmony
Each day of the 4-day Lares Trek offers a different experience:
Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Wacahuasi: Start of the trek and visit to the hot springs.
Day 2: Wacahuasi – Ipsaycocha: Ascent to the Ipsay Pass (4,400 m) with spectacular views.
Day 3: Ipsaycocha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes: Descent to the Sacred Valley and train ride.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco: Guided tour of the Inca citadel.
This itinerary combines adventure, vibrant culture, and relaxation, culminating with a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
🌅 An experience that combines nature and culture
The Lares Trek is not just a hike; it’s a cultural immersion. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the land, the people, and yourself.
If you love mountain landscapes, living traditions, and tranquility, Lares is one of the best routes you can choose in Cusco.
Leave A Reply