Peru's Lares Valley trek - alternative Inca Trail trekking

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The remoteness of the area has allowed its people to preserve traditions of llama and alpaca herding, potato cultivation, and colourful weaving dating back to pre-Inca times.

Getting there

The Lares Valley is well known for its textiles and alpacas. The trek itself is at high altitude with the highest pass at approximately 4,400m finishing in the inviting hot springs of Lares town.

A one day extension to Machu Picchu can be added to this trek so you can explore the magic of the Lost City of the Incas.

• By Road
• By Rail
• By Air
• By Sea

Other Insider Info.

Lares Valley trek - itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Cancha Cancha

We leave Cusco at 7:00am on a private bus, and drive for 2h towards Huarán (2,900m), the starting point of our trek.

Our hike begins here in a fertile valley and follows a small river up through the mountain valleys. After walking for roughly 4 ½ hours, we begin to see the glacial Andean peaks of Cancha Cancha Casa (4,984m.) and Chicon (5,30m.)

We know we have reached camp when we see the thatched-roof stone houses of the Cancha Cancha village (3900m.) We set up our campsite and can wander through the hamlet to get to know the local people and gain some insight into their way of living. B,L,D

Distance: 9K / 5.4 miles


Day 2. Cancha Cancha - Quiswarani

Shortly after beginning our trek in the morning, we reach two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here we can see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese.

From the lakes, the trail climbs steeply for about 2 ½ hours to the first pass, named Pachacutec (4,700m). Nearing the top, we enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750m) and Chicon (5530m).

An original Inca stone path will lead us along the ridge down into the valley ahead. We follow a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quisuarani, where we camp for the night. This is a small traditional community, well known for its high quality weavings. B,L,D

Distance: 13.5K / 8 miles


Day 3. Quiswarani - Cuncani

After a hearty breakfast and chatting with some of the local community, we begin our hike upward through the high puna to the Huillquicasa pass (4400m).

From this high mountain perch, we have a superb view over the extensive Vilcanota range and the farmland and lagoons spread out below. The well-marked trail forms zig-zags down to these greener pastures, where llamas, alpacas, and sheep graze alongside flocks of Andean water birds. The rare Peruvian Viscacha, a medium-sized rodent related to the Chinchilla, can be seen bounding in and out of the rocky mountain crags.

Continuing down even further, we reach the picturesque village of Cuncani (3700m.), where we’ll have dinner and set up camp for the night.B,L,D

Distance: 9K / 5.4 miles


Day 4. Cuncani - Lares

On the fourth day campers wake to a crisp morning, and if the sky is clear, the impressive white face of Mount Colque Cruz (5,818m) will be looming in the nearby horizon.

The trail follows the rushing river down through the valley for approximately 3 hours as the vegetation becomes greener and thicker and large rock formations divert the winding path. Entering a more sub-tropical climate, small farms and adobe houses signal our arrival at the village of Trapiche and finally the hot medicinal baths of Lares (3,100m). A relaxing soak in these thermal pools is an excellent way to rest tired bodies after such a challenging and exhilarating trip.

From the village of Lares, our private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco (arrive 20.00 approx) or to Ollantaytambo where you will be boarding a train that will take you the final stretch to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hotel. B,L,D

Distance: 8K / 4.8 miles


Machu Picchu Extension


Choose to carry on to Machu Picchu after the trek by train

After spending the previous night in a comfortable hotel, you can take the earliest bus up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, arriving around 06:00 am. After having an interesting 2 hour guided tour of the ruins, you will have some extra time to explore the ruins on your own.

You board a train in the late afternoon that will take you back to Cusco.

If you prefer to stay extra time at Aguas Calientes we can arrange this for you. Accommodation at Aguas Calientes varies from GBP 15 per person per night to GBP 200 per person per night - depending on hotel standard - 3,4,5 star options available.

If you would like to add international and/or national flights, transfers, additional tours (ie Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Lima) and accommodation in Peru, we can of course do this. Flights from Cusco to Lima cost approximately GBP 95 each way, depending on airline and availability.

You could extend your trip by visiting the Amazon.

Why do we like them?

Having spent a year out in South America himself, Alex knows exactly what incredible experiences Andean Trails have in store for you. As true specialists in South American trekking, mountaineering, biking and rafting, and with a strong commitment to using friendly local accommodation, guides and businesses, you can be sure of an unforgetable experience.

You can also be sure that few international operators are doing as much as these guys to support and benefit the communities you visit and places you explore - making your trip go that much further.

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