The Lares Valley, in the province of Calca, is known for its hot springs and for the Quechua communities that keep traditional weaving alive. The Lares trek crosses these communities and high mountain passes and ends in Ollantaytambo, where you catch the train to Machu Picchu.
The Lares trek
- Length: 3 to 4 days, with the last one devoted to Machu Picchu.
- Maximum altitude: passes over 4,400 m.
- Difficulty: moderate; less demanding than Salkantay.
- Permits: there are no limited spots like on the Inca Trail, so you can book on short notice.
- Accommodations: campsites next to communities and lakes.
What makes it special
- It’s the most cultural trek: you spend time with families of herders and weavers.
- Landscapes of glacial lakes, snowcapped peaks and herds of llamas and alpacas.
- The Lares hot springs, at the start or end of the route.
Lares, Salkantay or the Inca Trail?
Compare the treks in treks to Machu Picchu compared.
