Lares trek; hike to Lares Valley, a village in the Peruvian highlands, a place which is homeland of; beautiful textiles weavers, reason by which we can also name it as: highland weaver’s village, it takes you on a path, though high Andean Scenery by villages, where life goes on much as it did centuries ago.
The native people, descendants of the Incas, continue living a very traditional way of life and maintain ancient customs, agriculture, livestock, and way of dressing, they still practice the old weaving techniques, this highland valley is also the homeland of Llamas and Alpacas, where you can see sheepherders, at the hills close to our trail.
See varied Andean scenery, with lush forests, lakes with blue crystal color water, and the opportunity to interact with friendly local.
Come and discover, these 3 days classic hike, unique land, for which we have an excellent team of: Muleteers, trekking expert cook, and a professional local guides.
3 hours before pick up
The program begins with early departure, at 05:00 hrs. And drive to Calca, town in the “Sacred valley”. After a brief stop at to buy some needed stuff for the tour, we continue towards the highest point of the day (Chayña Pass at 4265m).
From this point we are able to see the Sawasiray and Pitusiray snowy mountains; then descending, arrive to Lares valley, and finally arrive to the hot baths (3100m), where we have the opportunity to take a swim in the natural hot spring pools.
While you get relax at the pools, our team will make a quick breakfast. Then start our classic lares hike; the walking follows up by the valley, passing by corn and potato fields, and small Andean settlements, with stone walled homes, straw thatched roofs. After crossing a small river named Trapiche, the group will stop for lunch, then continue hiking towards Waca Wasi (3800m).
Waca wasi, is a charming little community, of mud brick, and grass thatched houses, where we set up our first camp. Along the way we’ll have the opportunity to see llama herders, local traditional weavers, and kids dressed in their colorful, traditional clothing. Walking Distance = 09 kms, 4 hours.
This is the longest day, with a high pass to cross; we depart after breakfast. If it is a school time; we will see lots of local kids, wearing their colorful typical clothing, running to school, also see locals wearing brightly colored cloths (they are expert weavers, and they wait at the trail displaying their high quality textiles. get quality products direct from these lovely humble, and shy highland ladies, at cheaper price.
From Waca Wasi, the trail leads up to Huahua Gasa (also known as Waca Wasi, Pass at 4550m), have great scenic view here, then descend to Arorayqocha & Millpoqocha lakes, formed by the melt waters of Pumahuanca and Q’apacsaya snow peaks.
This section of the classic Lares hike offers a unique and unforgettable landscape. After lunch at the lake, walk for 2 more hours, and reach the camp, at Mantana. Distance hiking = 14 kms approximately, 7 hours of walk.
The trail descend gently down to the valley, for about three hours, passing through native polylepis forest, and finally reach the famous Incas Sacred Valley; the lares trek ends at the charming tiny hamlet of Yanahuara (2800m).
This place is ever green, with its agricultural terraces, corn fields irrigated by glacial water.
We have lunch to Yanahuara, then catch our private transport and return to the city.
Distance of the 3rd day = 08 km approximately, 4 hours walk..
Adding 1 extra day to the classic itinerary, It is possible to extend this program to Machu Picchu, if that is the case, we drive for 20 minutes to Ollantaytambo, catch afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, spend the night there, and visit the inca site on the following day.
You may want to see our other programas as well: Ancascocha trek, humantay lake tour, choquequirao trek.
