Lares Trek Peru 2025 – 2026

Lares Trek Peru to Machu Picchu (2025 – 2026) -The Ultimate Guide

Impressive Lares Trek Unreal in the Peruvian Andes! The Lares Trek is a wonderfully blissful place, surrounded by scenic valleys, snow-capped mountains, and turquoise lakes along its trails.

The Lares Trek is one of the high Andean treks in the Sacred Valley. If you’re looking for an adventurous trip with a focus on local culture, the Lares Trek is your ticket to Machu Picchu.

Things you should know about the Lares trek.

• The Lares trek begins in the town of Lares or near the Lares Valley in Huaraz, Cusco, or in the regions of Mantaro, Puno, or Ayacucho. Adventure circuits cross the Andes from Lares to reach the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This adventure is an expedition to explore breathtaking Andean landscapes, where you can encounter herds of alpacas and llamas in their natural habitat.
• Lares in Peru is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Cusco region. The Lares Trek is a famous route of the Inca weavers where the locals preserve the traditional Inca weaving method.
• No permit is required to hike on the Lares Trek Route trails. It is essential to book your entry ticket to Machu Picchu in advance to secure entrance to the magnificent Inca citadel.
• This trek is relatively less strenuous than other adventure itineraries. You will pass through many small mountain villages. During the Lares Trek, you can see at a distance the snowy peaks of Pitusiray, Chicon, and the entire Andes that make up this beautiful panorama.

What is the best time to hike the Lares Trek?

Hiking in the Andes of Lares is done in the summer. The Lares Trek takes place between May and September. May to September is the busiest tourist season in the Cusco region.

The Lares Trek Peru to Machu Picchu in Peru is generally available throughout the year. You must bring the necessary equipment to enjoy one of Peru’s beautiful trekking adventures. Doing the Lares Trek Peru in the rainy season is not the best time, but everything is comfortable for the adventurers; we have excellent mountain equipment and an exceptional support team to make this wonderful trek possible. Check the weather conditions before hiking the Lares Valley from December to March. Lars Trek is the third most popular trail to Machu Picchu after the classic Inca Trail and Salkantay.

The best season for the Lares Trek

The dry season from April to November is the best. The hiking trails in Lares are calm, and the weather is usually cold, cloudy, and sunny, but as we are in the Andes, the weather can change suddenly.

Daytime temperatures are moderate year-round. Calm and relaxed afternoons, nights, and early mornings bring temperatures below freezing. Hence, it is advisable to bring warm clothes, such as a perfect sleeping bag, for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Why should I choose the Lares trek?

The Lares Trek is a challenging trekking experience through the Andes, one of the most enjoyable hikes en route to Machu Picchu. Live the authentic life by meeting the Quechua living in this part of Cusco.

Altitude sickness on the Lares Trek?

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness on the Lares Trek: Altitude sickness during the Lares Trek occurs when a trekker cannot get enough oxygen at the considerable heights of the Andes. Altitude sickness causes symptoms such as headaches, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. It often occurs when someone unaccustomed to high altitude moves quickly to a low altitude.

Altitude sickness on the tourist circuit of the Lares Trek is caused by acute exposure to the low oxygen partial pressure of the Andes. It usually occurs above 2,400 meters (approximately 8,000 feet) above sea level. Acute altitude sickness can progress to high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). The causes of altitude sickness are not fully understood.

The percentage of oxygen in the air remains constant at 21% up to an altitude of 70,000 feet (21,330 m). However, air pressure and the number of oxygen molecules decrease as the size of the molecule increases. As a result, less oxygen is available to maintain mental and physical alertness above 3,050 meters (10,000 feet). Altitude sickness typically does not affect air travelers, as cabin altitudes on modern airliners are maintained below 8,000 feet (2,440 m). A superficially related condition is chronic altitude sickness, also known as Monge disease, which occurs only after prolonged exposure to high altitude. Another condition often confused with altitude sickness is dehydration, which occurs due to increased water vapor loss from the lungs at high altitudes.

People who ascend rapidly to altitudes above 2500 meters (8100 feet) may develop altitude sickness. This includes Cusco, Peru, 3400 m. Being in shape is no protection; people who have experienced altitude sickness are more susceptible to subsequent episodes. The stakes increase with faster ascent speeds, higher altitudes, and greater effort. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Severe cases may be complicated by fluid in the lungs (severe pulmonary edema) or brain swelling (severe cerebral edema). If your symptoms are mild or persist for more than 24 hours (or are exacerbated at high altitudes), immediately descend at least 500 meters and consult a doctor.

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to spend at least two nights at an elevation of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters). Possible side effects include urinary volume, numbness, tingling, nausea, drowsiness, myopia, and temporary dysfunction. Acetazolamide tablets should not be prescribed to pregnant women or people with a history of sulfa allergy. Before taking the Lares Trek, consult your doctor about your medical conditions; if necessary, the doctor will prescribe medication for high elevations in the Andes.

What Causes Altitude Sickness on the Lares Trek Peru?

When you arrive in Cusco at 3,400 meters, you will notice the need for oxygen. If you don’t acclimate for at least two days, your body will suffer at a higher level. Your body can’t get enough oxygen when you climb too fast at high altitudes. As your body adjusts to a higher level, the symptoms go away.

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness on the Lares Trek?

It is essential to note that not all travelers experience altitude sickness. We recommend acclimatizing for 1 to 2 days in the vicinity of Cusco, drinking plenty of water, eating light and healthy meals, resting for the usual 8 hours, drinking fresh coca tea, and taking very short walks.

Symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• A headache, typically throbbing. The condition worsens at night and upon waking.
• You do not want to eat.
• You feel sick to your stomach, “you may vomit.”
• You feel weak and tired.
• In severe cases, you do not have the energy to eat, dress, or do anything.
• Waking up during the night and not getting a good night’s sleep.
• Feel dizzy

How challenging is the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek is considered a moderate trek. This is not a technical hike, but the high altitude in the Andes may hinder vacationers. We recommend purchasing a Peruvian wooden stick, as it can help you balance and reduce stress on your knees. Do not use hiking metal-tipped poles, as they can affect the fragile environment of the Lares Trail. We recommend using rubber protectors for the metal tips if you plan to bring aluminum hiking poles.

How is the weather on the Lares Trek?

The climate of the Lares route is very similar to that of Cusco. We experience two distinct weather seasons: wet and dry, neither of which is typically associated with “summer” or “winter.” Peru’s peak travel season coincides with the driest (coldest and sunniest) months between May and November. It is an ideal month to visit the Lares Trail to Machu Picchu.

December, January, and February are the rainy months “there are some sunny days, but in general rainy months in the Andes,” particularly in the mountains of Lares. In these months, there are fewer hikers, and it is less congested. We have walked a lot over the past few months; we enjoy it even when it’s raining.

The weather on the Lares Trek circuit varies significantly; during the day, it is sunny, but in the afternoons, frigid winds blow. At night, the temperature drops below zero, and it becomes cold. We recommend bringing thermal clothing and an excellent down sleeping bag for cold temperatures so that you can spend the night in the camps comfortably.

Conclusions for the climate of the Lares Trek valley circuit

• Please note that there is no best time to walk the Lares Trek (there are sunny and cold months); if you’re sensitive to rain or cold between January and mid-April, bring excellent warm gear.
• However, we can say that the worst time of the year for hiking is between January and March, as this is when the rain is most prevalent. However, if you enjoy rain, we can organize adventures to Lares and Machu Picchu.
• Mid-April, November, and December are the best months to undertake the spectacular Lares trek, thanks to the incredible temperatures and pleasant climate of the Lares Andes.
• May and October offer pleasant weather with cool temperatures.
• June, July, August, and September are the best times of the year because the climate is delightful. Although the nights are frigid, it hardly rains.

Are there mountain villages and local people on the Lares Trek?

There are locals all over the trail. Andean families are the last descendants of the Incas and considerably preserve Inca cultures, such as weaving textile traditions, fabric made with alpaca wool, and manufacturing techniques as in Inca times.

The indigenous inhabitants of the Lares Trail focus on their daily chores, such as growing potatoes and herding llamas and alpacas. The inhabitants wear traditional Ponchos representing different communities, where the color red dominates.

How far do you walk along the Lares Trail?

The spectacular Lares trek covers approximately 33 kilometers (20.5 miles), starting in the vicinity of Quiswarani or Coyalay in the Lares Andes Valley. Over the following days, we cross the Pachacuteq Pass, offering an impressive view of the snow-capped Andes of the Sacred Valley, and then begin to descend towards the valleys of Cancha-Cancha and Huaran. The hiking circuit from Lares to Machu Picchu is a 3-day hike. On the fourth day, we have a grand guided tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

How high is the Lares Trek pass?

The summit of the entire Lares Trek circuit is 4,400m/14,435ft. The Mountain Pass is called Pachacuteq Pass in honor of the ninth Inca ruler of the Inca Empire.

The Mountain Pass of Lares Trek is also known as Condor Pass, as majestic condors have been sighted flying around Lares on several occasions.

Before or after the Lares Pass, numerous herds of Andean camelids in their natural habitat dazzle all walkers with the wild; we recommend taking several photos.

What should I take on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?

• Original valid passport to present in the train service and enter Machu Picchu.
• Hiking shoes (light, comfortable, and adapted to your feet)
• Waterproof jacket or, better yet, a rain poncho
• A good quality backpack (light, small, and comfortable)
• Change of clothes for the hiking adventure
• Hat, gloves, jacket, and socks
• Cloche hat
• Sunglasses
• Cream sunscreen
• Camera or film
• A lantern to navigate at night
• An external battery to charge your electronic equipment.
• Cash in Peruvian currency (during the walk, you will not be able to pay with a credit card)

Lares Trek Peru vs. Inca Trail – Why the Lares Trail?

Lares Trek versus the Inca Trail – Which of these two adventure trails will I take, Lares Trek or the Inca Trail? Both excursions are the best expeditions in Peru. The Inca Trail is the traditional Peruvian trek and one of the most famous treks in South America. The Classic Inca Trail offers splendid panoramic views, allowing us to explore a variety of Inca ruins.

For hikers seeking a more authentic adventure, the Lares Trek offers the opportunity to hike a less-traveled trail than the classic Inca Trail. The Lares hike is shorter and a bit easier. This walk typically features stunning landscapes of turquoise lakes and the Andes Mountains, complemented by the region’s typical Andean scenery. During the trek, observe the numerous herds of Andean camels, as well as llamas and alpacas, in their natural habitat.

The Lares trek is ideal for an adventure through the Andes, featuring alpacas that appear differently in photos on the way to Machu Picchu. The Lares Circuit is the best option for outdoor hiking.

How to get in shape for the Lares Trek Peru?

Regular walks in your home country for a few days will help your body acclimate, and if you are lucky enough to be surrounded by hills or mountains, it will help even more. To hike the Lares trek in Peru to Machu Picchu, it is recommended to walk slowly or steadily to allow the body to acclimate to the altitude of the Andes. During the adventure, especially during the descent to the Huaran Valley, the presence of many rocks of varying sizes complicates the hike slightly. Still, to face all this, wearing a pair of hiking boots and hiking sticks is recommended to balance the body while mountaineering the Andes slope.