Lares Trek

• A permit is not required for the Lares Trek.
• Start dates are flexible. It is best though to book your trekking package in advance, especially during the high season (May to September), to assure availability for hotels and daily excursions in destinations you visit before and after the trekking experience.

Lares is a moderate trek. Good health and physical condition are required to endure walk times of up to 7 hours a day at high altitudes. Compared to Salkantay, a challenging trek, the total trail distance of Lares is about 10 miles (20 km) shorter.

• Before doing the trek we advise our travelers to spend a few days in Cusco to adjust to the high altitude. It’s better to acclimatize in Cusco, not the Sacred Valley, because the city’s higher 11,120 ft (3,400 m) elevation is more akin to those along the Lares Trek.
• Altitude sickness is caused by a rapid change in elevation without the necessary time for acclimatization. Mild symptoms are common and include lingering headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. Every person responds differently to the change in altitude and unfortunately there is no way to prevent it or predict how seriously it may affect you.

Alternative treks to Machu Picchu, like Lares or Salkantay, are often thought of as backup options to the iconic Inca Trail that concludes at the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu. However, these trails offer some nice perks that shouldn’t be overlooked.

• The limited number of permits for the Inca Trail sell out quickly, sometimes 5 months in advance for dates during high season (May to September). For Lares no permits are required and give you a lot more planning flexibility.
• Foot traffic along alternative treks to Machu Picchu is far less compared to the very popular Inca Trail.
• You can do the Lares Trek year round. The iconic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.

• Clothing | Bring short-sleeved shirts and add warmth by wearing additional long-sleeve shirts and a jacket. Long, light-weight pants - not shorts - are ideal for cooler climates. Thermal undergarments, a warm hat, and gloves are recommended. Temperatures at higher altitudes are cold, especially at night. Pack a bathing suit if you want to soak in the hot springs before the trek begins.
• Footwear | Comfortable hiking boots or walking shoes are a must. Also pack shower sandals.
• Wet Season Gear | Rain gear is a must for the Lares Trek during the wet season. Be prepared with a rain jacket and pants or poncho. Waterproof footwear is ideal because trail conditions can get very muddy and wet.
• Bag(s) | Bring a comfortable smaller daypack to wear along the trail to carry your water bottle, camera, and any other necessities. On the Lares Trek, pack animals will carry your larger personal bag filled with clothes as well as the camping equipment.
• Official Documents | Don’t forget your original passport. Along with your general entry ticket, it’s required to enter Machu Picchu.

Please consult your travel advisor with specific questions regarding trekking equipment and rental options during your Lares trekking experience.

Travel is full of variables and there is always a risk, however small, that something might go wrong before or during your trip. Something as minor as a flight delay can have a significant financial impact, as can illness, bad weather or baggage delay.

Ask your travel advisor about including travel insurance in your customized travel package.