3 day hike to the Lares Valley
Important Notes for Your Cusco Trek
To fully enjoy this trekking experience in the Andes, proper preparation is essential. Below, we share key recommendations that will help you have a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable adventure in Cusco and its impressive surroundings.
Acclimatization and Physical Condition
Due to the high altitude, which exceeds 4,000 meters above sea level, it is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the beginning of the trek. This time is essential to allow your body to gradually adapt and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Although you do not need to be a professional athlete, it is important to have a moderate to good level of fitness, as the route includes challenging uphill sections and long descents through mountainous terrain.
Logistic Support During the Trek
For your comfort and convenience, pack horses will transport the main equipment throughout the route. This allows you to hike more freely, carrying only a light backpack with essentials such as water, warm clothing, snacks, and your camera.
In addition, riding horses are available as extra support, ideal in case of fatigue or if you need a rest during the trek.
Proper Equipment
One of the most important aspects to avoid discomfort is your footwear. We recommend using trekking boots that have already been worn and broken in, so they are adapted to your feet and help reduce the risk of blisters.
Having the right equipment will make the difference between a challenging hike and a truly enjoyable trekking experience.
Mountain Weather and Temperatures
The weather in the Andes can change quickly. During the day, temperatures usually remain around 10°C, creating pleasant conditions for hiking. However, at night temperatures can drop to around -5°C, especially during the dry season.
Rain is also possible, so we recommend bringing waterproof and warm clothing, preferably in layers, to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature.
Final Advice : Being well prepared not only helps ensure your safety but also allows you to fully connect with the Andean landscapes, enjoy every step of the journey, and experience an authentic and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Peru.
LO MAS DESTACADO:
Why Choose the Lares Valley Trek?
The Lares Valley Trek stands out as one of the most enriching trekking routes in Peru, not only because of its natural beauty but also because of its strong cultural connection.
Authentic Cultural Experience
Throughout the journey, you will have the opportunity to interact with local communities that still preserve their Quechua language, traditional clothing, and ancestral weaving techniques.
This direct cultural exchange transforms the trek into a meaningful, respectful, and unforgettable experience.
Unique Andean Landscapes
From impressive snow-capped mountains to turquoise-colored lagoons and green valleys, every section of the trail offers breathtaking scenery and unforgettable photo opportunities.
The variety of ecosystems along the route makes each day a completely different experience.
Natural Hot Springs: Lares Valley Trek from Cusco
One of the most special moments of the journey is visiting the Lares natural hot springs, the perfect place to relax after hiking and enjoy a peaceful natural environment surrounded by the Andes.
An Alternative and Less Crowded Route : Unlike other famous trekking routes, Lares offers a more peaceful experience, fewer tourists, and a deeper connection with nature.
It is an ideal option for travelers looking for a more authentic Andean adventure away from the usual paths.
An Adventure Between History and Nature : This trek follows ancient trails that were used during the Inca period, allowing you to walk through routes filled with history and tradition.
Along the way, you will explore:
Traditional stone pathways
Andean agricultural valleys
Remote rural communities
High mountain passes with spectacular panoramic views
Every step brings you closer to understanding life in the Andes, where nature and culture exist together in harmony.
Connection with Andean Communities : One of the most valuable aspects of this trek is the opportunity to connect with local families. You will be able to observe:
Traditional weaving techniques using alpaca wool
Ancestral farming activities
Customs and traditions preserved through generations
This cultural interaction adds a unique human value to the journey, making it much more than just a hike.
Who Is This Tour For?
The Lares Valley Trek is ideal for:
Travelers looking for authentic cultural experiences
Trekking enthusiasts with moderate fitness levels
People who prefer less crowded routes
Photographers and nature explorers
Traveler Recommendations
To fully enjoy this experience, consider:
Acclimatizing in Cusco before the trek
Bringing appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions
Wearing durable trekking footwear
Staying hydrated throughout the hike
Experience the Andes in a Different Way
The Lares Valley Trek is not just a route; it is an immersion into the true essence of the Andes.
Every landscape, every encounter, and every step will connect you with a way of life that has endured through time, offering an authentic and unforgettable journey in the heart of Peru.
Lares Trek Itinerary – 3 Days / 2 Nights
Experience a Different Adventure in the Lares Valley : Live an unforgettable adventure in the Lares Valley: the 3-day Lares Valley Trek is much more than a hike through the Andes; it is an experience that combines adventure, culture, nature, and human connection. It is an excellent option for travelers looking to discover a more authentic side of Cusco, away from the traditional routes.
Get ready to hike through stunning mountain landscapes, share special moments with Andean communities, and create unique memories in one of the most fascinating valleys in Peru.
DAY 1: CUSCO – CALCA – LARES HOT SPRINGS (OPTIONAL) – HUACAWASI .
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel. Then, we will drive for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach the Lares Hot Springs at 3,200 m / 10,496 ft. On the way, we will stop in Calca, a small town located in the Sacred Valley, to visit its traditional market and purchase any necessary items for the trek.
Upon arrival at the hot springs, we will meet our muleteers and prepare our backpacks to begin the adventure. The trail starts with a gradual ascent through the highland valley. Today, we will enjoy lunch around 1:30 pm halfway to our first campsite.
After lunch, the adventure continues. Along this section of the trail, we will have the opportunity to see herds of llamas and alpacas, and we will eventually arrive at our first campsite located in the village of Huacawasi at 3,800 m / 12,464 ft.
At the campsite, after arrival, we will enjoy tea time and dinner.
Today, you will have the option to visit and swim in the hot springs before starting the trek. The entrance fee is covered by Terra Quechua Peru, or you can simply begin the hike directly to the first campsite, as most trekkers do. This option will be coordinated with you and your trek leader.
Lunch and dinner included (breakfast is provided at your hotel).
Hiking Distance:
- 8 km / 4.97 miles
- Hiking Time:
- 3 – 4 hours
- Lowest Elevation:
- 3,200 m / 10,496 ft (hot springs)
- Highest Elevation:
- 3,800 m / 12,464 ft (campsite)
Highlights: : Hiking through Andean valleys with beautiful panoramic views, interacting with local people (especially children), seeing llamas and alpacas along the trail, and camping in a traditional highland village.
DAY 2: HUACAWASI – PUERTO PASS – MANTANAY .
Today, we will wake up early, and a nutritious breakfast will prepare us for this challenging day. After breakfast, we will hike toward the highest point of the trail, Puerto Pass at 4,420 m / 14,498 ft, which takes approximately 4 hours from our campsite.
During this section of the trail, we will continue seeing herds of llamas and alpacas nearby, along with breathtaking panoramic mountain views.
When we reach the highest pass, we will take a well-deserved break while enjoying the spectacular scenery. This will also be the perfect moment to offer coca leaves to the spirits of the Andes by creating an apacheta (a traditional pile of stones made as a sacred offering or to mark a path or place).
Then, we will descend to our lunch spot located near a beautiful mountain lagoon, where we will enjoy freshly prepared meals and hot beverages.
After lunch, we will continue descending to our second campsite located in the Mantanay Valley, a beautiful area surrounded by Andean trees called Queuña. This is a typical highland tree of Peru that grows between 3,400 m / 11,152 ft and 4,300 m / 14,104 ft. The Polylepis genus belongs to the Rosaceae family and is known for its short trees with rough, peeling bark.
In the evening, we will enjoy hot drinks and dinner.
All meals included.
- Hiking Distance:
- 14 km / 8.69 miles
- Hiking Time:
- 7 – 8 hours
- Lowest Elevation:
- 3,700 m / 12,136 ft (campsite)
- Highest Elevation:
- 4,420 m / 14,498 ft (mountain pass)
Highlights: Seeing llamas and alpacas along the trail, reaching the highest point of the trek, beautiful mountain lakes, and camping in a scenic highland valley.
DAY 3: MANTANAY – YANAHUARA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO .
Another amazing day awaits us, and a delicious breakfast will prepare us for the journey ahead.
After breakfast, we will descend for approximately 3 hours to Yanahuara, a village located in the Sacred Valley, where we will enjoy our final lunch and say goodbye to our muleteers and cooks.
After lunch, we will take our private transportation to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
Hiking Distance:
- 7 km / 4.35 miles
- Hiking Time:
- 2 – 3 hours
- Lowest Elevation:
- 3,050 m / 10,004 ft (end of the trail)
- Highest Elevation:
- 3,700 m / 12,136 ft (campsite)
Highlights: : Hiking through the high-altitude forest and enjoying the final landscapes of the Andes.
ITINERARIO DETALLADO:
3 day hike to the Lares Valley
3 day hike to the Lares Valley : A Cultural and Natural Adventure in the Peruvian Andes
Overview: The Lares Valley Trek from Cusco is an authentic experience that combines nature, living culture, and spectacular landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. Unlike more crowded routes, this trek takes you along less-traveled paths, where you can genuinely connect with Andean communities that preserve ancestral traditions.
During this journey, you will travel along ancient trails that evoke the legacy of the Inca Empire, cross glacial valleys, crystalline lagoons, and high mountain passes, while enjoying breathtaking views and a uniquely tranquil environment. It is an ideal option for travelers seeking a profound cultural experience without sacrificing adventure.
Tour Information: 3 day hike to the Lares Valley
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Tour Type: Trekking / Cultural Trekking
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Maximum Altitude: 4,420 m (15,000 ft)
- Accommodation: Campsite
- Group size: Minimum 2 passengers
3 day hike to the Lares Valley– Short Itinerary
Andean Adventure, Living Culture, and Unforgettable Landscapes : The 3-day Lares Valley Trek is a unique experience that combines nature, Andean culture, and adventure in one of the least explored destinations in Cusco, Peru. This trek will take you along ancient trails surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear lagoons, traditional communities, and landscapes where ancestral customs remain an integral part of daily life.
During this adventure through the Lares Valley, you will discover an authentic area of the Andes, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and for maintaining a strong connection to the cultural heritage of the Andean peoples. It is the ideal trek for those seeking an alternative to the more crowded routes and who wish to experience nature and local traditions firsthand.
Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Lares Hot Springs – Huacawasi .
(Hiking) : Early morning pick up from your hotel in Cusco. Travel to Lares, stopping in Calca to visit the local market. Optional visit to the Lares hot springs before starting the trek.
Hike through beautiful Andean valleys, passing local communities, llamas, and alpacas until reaching Huacawasi campsite.
- Hiking distance: 8 km
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude: 3,200 m – 3,800 m
Highlight: Andean landscapes, local culture, and camping in a traditional mountain village.
Day 2: Huacawasi – Puerto Pass – Mantanay .
(Full Day Trek) : After breakfast, hike to the highest point of the route: Puerto Pass (4,420 m). Enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Andes and beautiful mountain landscapes.
Continue descending through valleys and near lagoons until reaching the Mantanay campsite, surrounded by native Queuña trees.
- Hiking distance: 14 km
- Hiking time: 7–8 hours
- Altitude: 3,700 m – 4,420 m
Highlight: Mountain pass, llamas and alpacas, Andean lakes, and spectacular scenery.
Day 3: Mantanay – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
(Hiking + Transportation) : After breakfast, descend through highland forests towards Yanahuara in the Sacred Valley.
Enjoy the final lunch and say goodbye to the trekking team before taking transportation back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
- Hiking distance: 7 km
- Hiking time: 2–3 hours
- Altitude: 3,700 m – 3,050 m
Highlight: Scenic hike through Andean forests and beautiful mountain views.
Servicios Incluidos:
INCLUDES
- Private transportation from your hotel to the starting point of the trek in Quishuarani.
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
- Daily snacks during the trek.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (2 guides provided for groups of 8 people or more).
- Pack horses to transport all camping equipment, food supplies, backpacks, and other gear.
- 1 riding horse for every 5 people.
- High-mountain tents with a capacity for 3 people, arranged for 2 people to provide extra comfort.
- 1 sleeping mattress per person.
Professional cook and cooking equipment. - Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- Toilet tent.
- Drinking water available to refill your water bottles along the trail.
- First aid kit and oxygen tank.
NOT INCLUDED
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day.
- Sleeping bag.
- Hotels.
- Trekking poles.
- Tips and any other expenses and/or services not mentioned.
WHAT TO BRING
- Sleeping bag.
- Personal equipment that should not exceed 9 kg, including your sleeping bag and sleeping mattress. All
- personal belongings must fit inside the duffel bag provided the night before the trek.
- A small backpack that each person will carry during the hike.
- Proper trekking shoes.
- Flashlight (preferably a headlamp).
- A pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for the campsite.
- Warm clothing.
- Rain jacket or rain poncho.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Hat or cap for hiking.
- A water container to carry in your personal backpack.
- Camera.
Preparación para el Viaje
Te recomendamos llevar una mochila pequeña (máximo 5kg para el tren), bloqueador solar, repelente de mosquitos y ropa ligera en capas.
- Lleva tu pasaporte original (indispensable para entrar a Machu Picchu).
- Cambia algo de dinero a Soles (moneda local) para compras pequeñas.
- Reserva con al menos 2 meses de anticipación.
