3 day hike to the Lares Valley
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.
