The Lares Valley is for trekkers who want to escape the tourist path and experience the real Peru.
You can then choose to return to Cusco or join up with the world famous Inca Trail for a great trekking holiday.
This route takes you through areas which have changed little in more than 500 years. It is remote, seldom visited and offers an insight into the real working lives of the Andean farmers, tilling the steep slopes.
You will pass thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas. Guinea pigs, a local food and important protein source in the region, run around these homes. All the while. the farmers work in their traditional and hand-woven brightly-coloured ponchos.
Fitness
This trek is moderate and similar to the Inca Trail. There are passes over 4,000m and you need to be well acclimatised before trekking.
Six day itinerary
Day 1
Leave Cuzco early and drive by bus to the village of Huaran (2,840 metres) in the beautiful Sacred Valley. We climb gently out of the Vilcanota valley to the small village of Cancha Cancha (3,800 metres). The trail follows the course of a red, mineral-rich river flowing off the mountains up ahead.
The villagers are tough, Quechua-speaking Indians. They herd llama and alpaca, and grow hardy, high altitude crops such as potatoes and quinoa (armanath) on the steep valley sides. They live as they have for centuries; expertly weaving their own bright-coloured clothing from the spun, silky hair of the camelids, celebrating ancient pagan festivals, and living in thatched stone houses.
Day 2
On the second day of our trek, we continue climbing to the first pass, Pachacutec (4,458 metres). There are magnificent views all around of high Andean peaks. Mount Pitusiray dominates the landscape and the Sacred Valley is visible a long way below us.
Proceeding along the ridge, we drop down into a dramatic cliff-lined corrie. We descend into the next valley, following a series of nine cascading waterfalls, and spend the night near the village of Quisuarani (3,700 metres).
Day 3
Today we trek to the second pass, Kochuy Kasa (4,200 metres). Our hike takes up past high lakes and grazing areas where large herds of llama are tended by shy children. From the pass, we have a stunning view of emerald-green glacial lakes. Andean geese, gulls and caracara fly overhead.
We camp in the fertile Lares valley. Here, local farmers set off at first light in bright red ponchos to work their fields. Weary feet can be soaked in nearby thermal springs before we resume our journey.
Day 4
We aim for Choquecancha (3,200 metres). Here, a fourteen-niched Inca wall lines the village square and a glance up the hillside reveals further neglected archaeological remains.
We camp nearby and rise early to go in search of Andean condors (largest land bird species on earth) which nest in nearby cliffs.
Day 5
We complete our trek and rendezvous with our bus for a beautiful three-hour journey back to the Sacred Valley and the small town of Ollantaytambo (2,800 metres)
Day 6
After one night in Ollantaytambo, you can choose to stay on, trek the Inca Trail, take a train to Machu Picchu’s ruins or return to Cusco and beyond.
You could extend your trip by visiting the Amazon.
Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.
What’s included
Guide, all communal camping gear, transfer to and from Sacred Valley, all meals and water on trek from lunch day 1 to lunch day 5, cook, porters for communal items, hostal/hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Not included
International flights (we can look for these for you), sleeping bag, insurance, tips, personal items, meals other than stated, Inca Trail, extra nights accommodation in Cusco or Ollantaytambo
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