Lares Trek

Our first day of the trek starts off in the small village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley. We’ll gently make our way up one of the side valleys covering about 14km in total and climbing about 1150m / 3373ft as we make our way towards the village of Puyoc. On our way up we’ll visit the small Incan site of Pumahuanca and learn about the native plants, flowers and birds that inhabit this region.

This particular route for the Lares trek is not commonly done by other companies so we get to enjoy the peace and tranquility of our surroundings without any distractions or disturbances. Because so few people visit the area there is a good chance of seeing Viscachas (a rabbitlike Chinchilla) and we may also spot an Andean Fox. Our campsite for the night is at Puyoc (4100m / 13451ft); it’s quite barren at this altitude and it is not uncommon for it to snow up here during the dry season so gloves and a hat are recommended.

Today is the most spectacular day of the trek and quite a bit easier going than yesterday. From our campsite it’s about a 13km walk to the village of Cuncani but most of that is downhill as the pass is only about a 2 hour walk right at the beginning.

As we make our way to Cuncani we will pass by snowcapped peaks high above us, serene mountain lakes (including Yanacocha – Black Water) and get to meet the local people dressed in their traditional bright red clothing. This side of the pass is completely different culturally to the other side and as we wind our way down from the pass your guide will teach you about the people and their way of life. You’ll also get to learn a few Qhechua phrases so that you can interact with the local people.

The highlight of today is meeting the local people. Waking up early we’ll be taken by our guide to one of the houses where we will meet a local family. The people are incredibly welcoming and are just as eager to learn about you as you are about them. After the visit you will have the opportunity to give presents you have brought for the local people and also buy some of the locally made alpaca products that the region is known for.

Leaving Cuncani, we will reach the hot springs of Lares. Along the way we will pass through several small communities and see the people growing a variety of foods such as Quinua and Tarwi, also likely spotting flocks of Andean parrots flying overhead (they’re easy to spot thanks to their piercing calls). After a relaxing dip in the hot springs we will be picked up by our bus and driven back to the Sacred Valley from where we will catch our train to Aguas Calientes.

Early start to Machu Picchu, means entering for the best photo opportunities. Following the guided tour, take the time to explore and wander around Machu Picchu by yourself. Make your way back down to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved rest and lunch. Finally, get the train to Ollantaytambo and bus back to Cusco.