This Lares Valley trek is for those wanting to e the incredible beauty and rich culture of the Andes by taking the less-travelled route.
Authentic encounters with Quechua communities and spectacular scenery give these treks a wonderful blend of tradition and splendour.
Passing through the rich farming valleys of the Cordillera Urubamba, we traverse high mountain peaks and sub-tropical valleys, stopping along the way to enjoy scenic lakes, natural hot springs, and Inca remains.
The remoteness of the area has allowed its people to preserve traditions of llama and alpaca herding, potato cultivation, and colourful weaving, much of which dates back to pre-Inca times.
This fascinating trek offer a first-hand look at the life of the Andean farmer and a journey into a region of outstanding natural beauty.
A one day extension to Machu Picchu is added to this trek so you can explore the magic of the Lost City of the Incas.
Read our blog about a Lares Valley trek to find out more.
Traverse high mountain peaks and sub-tropical valleys, with scenic lagoons, natural hot springs, and Inca remains.
Visit genuine Andean Highland communities, living a traditional lifestyle.
See (and buy!) high quality, hand-woven products directly from the villages where they are made.
Enjoy a relaxing soak in some lovely hot springs after trekking.
Full, guided tour of Machu Picchu ruins after the Lares trek.
Shorter and longer treks available through this beautiful mountain region.
The trek was an absolute success! We reached new heights - both physically and personally - and had an amazing time. We have both done a fair amount of recommending Andean Trails, and the Lares Trek because of it. The trek was truly a one of a kind experience that not only will we excitedly discuss, but also rank as one of the best travel experiences we've had thus far.
J. Dixon, Lares Valley trek
We leave Cusco at 7:00am on a private bus, and drive for 2h towards Huarán (2,900m/9,514ft), 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/16,352ft) and Chicon (5,300m/17,388ft).
We know we have reached camp when we see the thatched-roof stone houses of the Cancha Cancha village (3,900m/12,795ft) 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.
Distance: 9km / 5.4 miles
We continue up the valley this morning passing two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha.
We should be able to see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese.We continue to climb, more steeply now, towards the pass of Pachacutec (4,700m/15,420ft).
As we near the top we have fabulous views, weather permitting, of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5,750m/18,865ft) and Chicon (5,530m/18,143ft).
We are walking now on original Inca trail, a stone path that leads along the ridge then down towards the next valley.
We descend next to a lovely series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quisuarani.
This is our second camp site.
Time approximate walking: 8 hours
Distance: 13.5km / 8 miles
We set off after a good breakfast trekking upwards through the high puna to our next pass, the Huillquicasa pass (4,400m/14,435ft).
Laid out before us is the extensive Vilcanota range with a patch work of farmland and glacial lagoons below.
We descend a zigzag path to green pastures of grazing llamas, alpacas, and sheep graze, and lakes where Andean water birds feed. We should be able to spot the rabbit like Viscacha, bounding in and out amongst the boulders left by ancient glaciers.
Continuing downwards we come to the pretty village of Cuncani (3,700m/15,420ft), where we have lunch.
In the afternoon we follow the river down through the valley for approximately 3 hours to reach Lares. As we descend the vegetation becomes greener and thicker as enter a more sub-tropical climate. We pass many small farms and adobe houses as we pass the village of Trapiche and finally the hot springs at Lares (3,100m/10,171ft)
There is a chance to relax and soak weary limbs in the thermal pools.
Time approximate walking: 6 hours.
Distance: 17km / 9.5 miles
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.
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 two 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 Ollantaytambo wiht the bus on to Cusco.
IMPORTANT – Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain permits.
If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, permits have to be pre/booked and come at an additional cost.
Machu Picchu mountain has to be climbed before 11am, and there are two departure times for Huayna Picchu:
Group 1 (G1): 0700 – 0800
Group 2 (G2): 1000 – 1100
The price is USD25 including the entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
For a short description of the walks, please see below.
Prices From $1,092 / £888 per person
Enquire about booking
Large dome tents , camping mat, dining and kitchen tent tent, basic toilet facilities, English speaking guide, cook, pack horses (to carry 10kg of luggage per person), meals as listed, first-aid kit, entry and guided tour of Machu Picchu, bus to and from site, train bus ticket back to Ollantaytambo/Cusco.
Breakfast on the first day, tips, sleeping bag, items of a personal nature, meals not listed, flights, alcoholic or soft drinks
Camping with dining tent and toilet tent, plus one night hostel (2*) in Aguas Calientes.
All guides are certified, bilingual, English-speaking guides who have worked with us for many years.
Cooks, mule drivers and additional staff are all from the local, Lares communities and we have worked with them for a long time.
Vegetarians and many other dietary requirements are catered for without problems. Please let us know in advance of any requirements you have.
You wake early, usually around 07.00. Breakfast is served in a dining tent, and consists of hot drinks, porridge, toast, jams and bread, and your guide will explain the day’s trekking plans.
Lunch is usually around 13.00 and can feature soups, meats, salads and fish, with vegetarian options and hot drinks too.
The campsites are comfortable and around 17.00 hot drinks, popcorn and other snacks are served to help you recover energy.
Dinner is served around 19.30, and will feature pasta, mashed potatoes, meat, fish or vegetarian options, followed by hot drinks and a pudding.
We have classified this as a moderate trek, and you need to be in good physical shape for it.
You hike 4-7 hours a day on 3 consecutive days, over rugged mountain trails at elevation.
There is a high altitude pass to cross at 4,700m/15,420ft before dropping into lower elevations en route to Machu Picchu.
Pre-trip preparation should include challenging cardiovascular exercise (including regular hikes on varied terrain) and a healthy, balanced diet.
Well-worn hiking boots and additional acclimatisation nights in Cusco (3-4) before the trek are both highly recommended.
All guests are encouraged to hike at their own pace, taking breaks whenever needed, to ensure a successful and enjoyable trek for all.
Most people go to bed fairly early after a long day trekking, to recover energy for the morning.
Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.
The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.
The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.
You can also read about the weather of Peru in our blog.
Peru is located in the southern tropics (latitudes 0º to 18º), but climate varies significantly according to season, altitude and region.
Lima & the coast
From May to October, Lima is often overcast, but with minimal precipitation. There are sunny spells, and it’s a fresh to pleasant 13-20ºC.
At the same time, inland areas and the north coast mid to high 20’s ºC.
November to April is generally warm and sunny and Lima enjoys warm temperature of 19-25ºC, with the coast averaging 22-30ºC.
The Andes
Climate depends largely on altitude. As a rule of thumb, below 2,000m climate is mild and above 2,000m warm clothing is required for evenings, nights and early mornings.
The Andean sun is very strong.
May to Oct (dry season in The Andes)
Cusco (3,300m): Average max/min temps: 22ºC /2ºC. Average 3 or 4 wet days per month.
Arequipa (2,380m): Average max/min temps: 26ºC /9ºC. Sunny more than 340 days/year with minimal precipitation.
On highland treks: Conditions are generally dry. However, at this time of year, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m, where pre-dawn temperatures can be -5ºC; warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings.
Note that mountain weather can be fickle and localised, and that precipitation is not unknown in the dry season. Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.
In the cloud forest, e.g. around Machu Picchu, daytime conditions are generally warm or hot, and evenings cool.
Nov to March/April (wet season in The Andes)
Cusco: Average max/min temps: 23ºC /6ºC. Average 13 wet days per month.
Arequipa: Average max/min temps: 25ºC /14ºC.
On highland treks: Wetter conditions, with cooler days and milder nights than dry season. Jan-Mar usually the wettest months.
The Amazon rainforest
Year-round, weather conditions are hot and humid and there is always the risk of rain
There is a ‘dry season’ in Tambopata and Manu between May and October. The average daytime high temperature is between 25°C and 34°C and the average nighttime low is between 16°C and 22°C. Heavy downpours typically occur every few days.
Around 80% of annual average rainfall – approx 2,000 mm in Manu and Tambopata and 1,400 mm in Iquitos – occurs in the wet season Nov-April.
On rare occasions, between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina – ‘friajes’ – can sweep into southwest Amazonia and push temperatures down to 9° C. (Friajes usually last between 1 and 3 days).
Good kit is vital for every trip.
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Overview
When planning for the varied climatic conditions you will encounter across Peru, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.
The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital.
It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
Below is a more detailed guide.
Detailed kit list
Miscellaneous others
Peru is made up of 3 distinct geographical areas: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.
The costa or coastal region is a narrow ribbon of desert 2,250 km long, crossed by fertile river valleys flowing from the Andes. It takes up 11% of the country and holds more than 40% of the population.
The cold Humboldt current gives rise to a blanket of mist – the garua – which hangs above coastal cities like the capital Lima from May to November.
Heading east, you’re soon climbing above the garua and into the Andes. The sierra, or mountainous region, covers some 25% of Peru’s territory and contains 50% of the population. The sierra inhabitants are mainly Indigenous or Mestizo, and many still speak Quechua or Aymara.
The sierra contains dozens of 6,000-metre snow peaks and volcanoes, including Huascaran (6,768m) the highest mountain in the tropics. The deep valley basins contain most of the towns and arable land; the terracing and canal systems of the Incas and pre-Incas are often still used today.
The eastern Andes are heavily forested up to 3,350m and sweep down into the Amazon Basin.
Peru’s selva or jungle makes up almost two thirds of the country’s area, but holds only about 6% of the population: the only towns with significant populations are Iquitos and Pucallpa.
Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.
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You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.
What is ATOL?
The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.
And ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.
Who is covered?
To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).
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For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.
I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?
If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.
We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.
If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.
You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.
Peru boasts in its Amazonian region a vast swathe of world-class tropical wilderness with several rain forest and cloud forest reserves which are home to an immense diversity of wildlife.
Accessible from Lima, Iquitos or Cusco, the Amazon jungle is just a short flight away.
In Peru’s southeast lies the extraordinary region comprising the Tambopata National Reserve and the Bahuaja Sonene and Manu National Parks, with the greatest animal and plant diversity anywhere in the world.
Whether you choose to base yourself at a comfortable lodge or enjoy a more demanding camping trip, you can be sure of a unique, exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
The beautiful colonial city of Arequipa is replete with history and culture, and is the gateway to the condors of Colca Canyon.
Nestled at 2,325m/7,627ft, the ‘white city’ sits at the foot of three tremendous volcanoes: El Misti (5,821m/19,098ft), Chachani (6,075m/19,930ft) and Pichu Pichu (5,542m/18,182ft).
Arequipa’s attractions include the Cathedral, Compañía de Jesús Church, Santa Catalina Convent and the Dama de Ampato (Juanita Mummy) Museum.
With a year-round spring climate and sunshine guaranteed for 300 days of the year, it is the perfect place to begin acclimatising before continuing upwards.
Nearby is the famous Colca Canyon. At hundred kilometres long, this incredible gorge is said to reach a maximum depth of 3,400m/11,155ft – twice that of the Grand Canyon.
An overnight tour to Colca gives you the chance to see the iconic, soaring condors of the canyon.
Cusco is the archaeological and cultural capital of South America.
The one-time centre of the vast Inca Empire is a bustling highland city with bags of character.
Its whitewashed streets and plazas feature a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish colonial stonework and offer endless possibilities for exploration.
You don’t have to venture far to find outstanding examples of high quality Inca architecture, including the monumental temple fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
There is also the fertile farming land of the Sacred Valley on the doorstep, with many Inca terraces, temples and fortresses, plus colourful local markets and small villages.
At night, Cusco offers an excellent array or restaurants and bars plus the continent’s best Andean folk music scene.
In the northeast of Peru lies Kuelap – the jewel in the massive archaeological crown of the Chachapoyas Cloud People.
The mystical structure of Kuelap – dubbed the Peru’s second Machu Picchu by locals – is 1,200 years old.
It features massive limestone walls towering 60 feet, pottery, bones and hundreds of mysterious round stone structures, and away from the crowds of other sites.
This is a remote area of sub-tropical valleys, half way down the eastern slopes of the Andes. The jungle is impenetrable, dense with low trees, bromeliads, bamboos, orchids and mosses.
Lake Titicaca, at around 4,000m/13,123ft above sea level, is a vast shimmering body of water on the Peru/Bolivia border.
It is the world’s highest navigable lake, set against a breathtaking background of towering ice-covered Andean mountain peaks.
The islands and shoreline of Lake Titicaca support many Indian communities, including the well known floating islands of Uros and the more remote islands of Taquile and Amantani. Here, traditions are strong and it appears time really does stand.
Agriculture, fishing, knitting and weaving are important to the islanders and by staying a day or two you gain just a small insights into this traditional way of life.
Islanders welcome tourists into their homes and this is a wonderful opportunity to experience island life.
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is a vibrant bustling place with a wide variety of things to do.
Stroll or bike around the historic centre, visiting the many museums or just chilling out in a café or restaurant in Miraflores.
In Parque Kennedy you can sit outside in Parisian fashion and watch the world go by in cafes and restaurants, or walk to the shore and the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
There are a number of artisan shops & market stalls, plus a big silver jewellery trade, and a burgeoning number of top end restaurants with delicious food.
The centre of Lima is home to impressive Colonial architecture – Plaza de Armas has the Palace, official residence of the president, on one side, and on another is the Cathedral.
San Francisco Church, home of the Catacombs, is well worth a visit, as is the Inquisition museum.
Nothing says Peru quite the way Machu Picchu does.
The Lost City of the Incas, perches dramatically on a ridge-top 400 metres above the Urubamba river. The extensive site, with its many terraces, temples and palaces, is set amid a beautiful landscape of deep gorges and thickly forested mountains.
When Machu Picchu was rediscovered early in the 20th century and cleared of forest, it was found to be very well preserved. It has since presented archaeologists with many unanswered questions regarding the role it played in Inca times.
The sense of grandeur, whether you arrive on the Inca Trail or not, is impressive.
Try to arrive early at the site to enjoy it at its best – and late afternoon can often see you almost alone in the ruins.
North east of Lima, the Cordillera Blanca offers fantastic mountain scenery and some of the best trekking and climbing in the Andes.
The Cordillera Blanca boasts dozens of peaks over 6,000 metres, including Peru’s highest Huascaran at 6,768m/22,205ft above sea level.
The Blanca range also contains the world’s largest concentration of tropical glaciers.
This is an ideal destination for treks, from just a few to 12 days or so and also an ideal starting place for learning or improving mountaineering skills.
The nearby Huayhuash mountain range contains a dazzling array of snow peaks including seven summits above 6,000 metres.
This is a trekking paradise with breathtaking majestic panoramas and stunningly remote and picturesque camping spots. There is no better place to visit to get away from it all.
Select an available date to view pricing and information for that particular trip.
2024 price, per person, shared tent basis. Price based on 6 people per group. 2 people: USD 1,473 per person 4 people: USD 1,127 per person Departures any day Single supplement applies
$1,092 / £888
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info@andeantrails.co.uk
What's a tailor made trip?
We put together a bespoke tour to fit your requirements.
Prices From $965 / £785 per person
Dates: From March 2024 to December 2024
Duration: 3
Capacity: 16 people
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What's a group trip?
Join a small group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip.
Prices From $1,340 / £1,089 per person
Duration: 6
Prices From $2,600 / £2,114 per person
Duration: 7
Prices From $660 / £537 per person
Dates: From March 2024 to November 2024
Duration: 5
Capacity: 12 people
