Lares Trek

The Lares Trek starts classically in the small village Lares, west of Machu Picchu. Trekkers should start their hike in one of the hot springs here, because the next three days sanitary facilities and washing facilities are rather rare.

Off the beaten track, the Lares Trail offers wonderful views of the Andean, snow-capped mountain ranges near Cusco and is at the same time a good alternative to the mostly fully booked Inca Trail. It is still an insider tip among hikers who have set themselves Machu Picchu as their travel destination. There are also less strict limitation rules here than on the famous Inca Trail.

Culture and Trekking: Insight into the Peruvian world

The Lares Trek leads past typical Peruvian farms and Andean villages, where life has hardly changed in the last century. Accordingly, the insight into the still existing Quechua culture of the indigenous population of Peru is unique. It goes through impressive valleys and river landscapes. Species like the hummingbird or the imposing Andean condor are at home here and llamas and alpacas graze high up. On the way, the rugged mountain scenery changes into lush rainforest culture with wild orchids and lianas.

Culture and starting point of the Lares Trek

Both treks have one thing in common: they go high! On my summer trip to Peru, I did the Lares Trek. How fit do you have to be to master such a trek? Can you prepare for the altitude? What shouldn't be missing in the backpack? The mountain enthusiasts among you who are flirting with a trekking tour in Peru should read on now!

The Peruvians have their own taste in music. After the Culture Club, the Bee Gees' fistulous voices can be heard on the radio. Everything is spinning in my head, my stomach is going crazy, I feel like I'm on a roller coaster. Are these the first signs of altitude sickness? After all, we are already at over 4,000 meters. The driver of our minibus takes the next bend with great pomp. Then a green roadside sign will appear - Abra Lares, Altitud 4.461 M.S.N.M.