The Lares Valley is located in the highlands of the Sacred Valley in Cusco, Peru, in the Andean region. It ranges in altitude from 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) to 4,850 meters (15,900 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by sacred mountains and stunning highland landscapes.
The Lares Valley was inhabited for a long time by small ethnic groups, including pre-Inca and Inca civilizations. These groups built tambos (storage houses for food and products), agricultural terraces, temples, sections of the Inca Trail, and other structures that still stand today. During the Spanish invasion, many Incas moved to these remote highlands to preserve their traditions and way of life. Today, you can still observe local families living in stone houses with traditional corrals. Visitors can also see llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat and locals wearing traditional clothing, such as ponchos and garments made from sheep’s wool. The people of Lares continue to cultivate terraced fields and grow crops such as potatoes and corn. Some varieties of potatoes are unique to this region.
The Lares Valley is a picturesque, peaceful destination known for its serene landscapes and authentic Andean culture. It is also famous for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Today, Lares remains a hidden gem for trekkers seeking an authentic Peruvian cultural experience. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and unique highland flora. Lares is also home to natural hot springs that provide a relaxing retreat for locals and visitors alike.
The Lares Valley is home to remote villages inhabited by Quechua-speaking communities that maintain a traditional way of life largely unchanged for centuries. These communities are especially known for their vibrant textiles, which are crafted using ancient weaving techniques passed down through generations. The Lares Valley offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes away from the crowded tourist areas of Cusco.
Lares has a long history deeply intertwined with Andean civilization. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years, long before the rise of the Inca Empire. The people of Lares are descendants of the ancient Quechua people, who were part of the vast Tahuantinsuyo—or Inca—Empire, which stretched across much of western South America before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
Evidence of Inca influence is still evident in the region, particularly in the agricultural terraces and irrigation systems that dot the landscape. These terraces were ingeniously designed to maximize agricultural productivity in the challenging Andean environment. The region's traditional weaving practices also have roots in the Inca period. Many designs and patterns carry symbolic meanings that have been preserved through oral tradition.
During the Spanish colonial period, Lares's remote location allowed its communities to preserve much of their cultural heritage even as Spanish influence spread throughout Peru. Today, Lares remains a bastion of traditional Andean culture, with its inhabitants continuing to practice age-old customs and live in harmony with the land.
Lares has gained recognition as a cultural tourism destination, offering visitors the chance to engage with local communities and learn about their history, traditions, and way of life. The Lares Trek, which passes through the region, has become a popular alternative to the Inca Trail, attracting trekkers interested in the Andes' natural beauty and cultural richness.
The Lares Trek offers an immersive journey through the Andes, beginning on the designated start date of your Inca Trail adventure. Please note that the itinerary may shift slightly depending on the season to ensure the best experience.
The trek through the Lares Valley is notable for its connection to remote Andean villages. It offers more intimate interactions with descendants of the Inca civilization than the traditional Inca Trail does. Here, history and present-day life are deeply intertwined, and the mountain communities have preserved many ancient customs. The breathtaking landscapes and encounters with the locals make this trek truly unforgettable.
The journey begins with a departure to Ollantaytambo, passing through the town of Calca. Enjoy lunch at a charming local restaurant before preparing for the trek. In Ollantaytambo, a team of llamas, alpacas, and horses, along with their handlers, will assist in transporting your gear. The crew, including an experienced guide and a skilled cook, will ensure your comfort throughout the trek.
Next, you will reach Kiswarani Pass, which sits at approximately 4,400 meters above sea level and is home to high-altitude flora. After taking in the stunning views from the pass, the trail descends to Kunkani, a village characterized by traditional mud huts with thatched roofs. You'll set up camp there for the night.
The following day, the trek continues over Kunkani Pass and up to Ipsayqocha Pass, reaching around 4,500 meters. After enjoying the incredible scenery, you will descend to your second campsite, which is named after the beautiful highland lake Ipsayqocha.
The next day, as you descend further toward Patacancha, you'll traverse a variety of microclimates, each revealing a different aspect of the region's diverse ecosystem. The trek will lead you through high-altitude grasslands and cloud forests before finally descending into the warmer Urubamba Valley. You may encounter wildlife such as foxes, chinchillas, and eagles along the way, and you might even catch a glimpse of majestic condors in flight.
Once you reach Patacancha, enjoy a final lunch prepared by your cook before heading back to Ollantaytambo. A train will then take you to Aguas Calientes, a town located just two hours away. After the physical challenges of the trek, you'll appreciate a well-deserved shower and a restful night’s sleep.
The next morning, you'll have an early breakfast before taking a 20-minute bus ride to the Machu Picchu archaeological site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your visit will begin with a two-hour guided tour, followed by ample time to explore the ancient citadel at your own pace. Then, you will return to Cusco by train.
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