Lares trek facts for kids
.jpg)
The Lares trek is an exciting high-altitude hike in Cusco, Peru. It usually takes two or three days. The trek starts near a village called Lares. This village is about 40 miles (64 km) north of Cusco and 35 miles (56 km) east of Machu Picchu.
The Lares Valley is part of the Urubamba mountains. It goes through some of the famous Sacred Valley. To begin the trek, you first take a bus or van for about five hours from Cusco to Lares. The trek then takes you through beautiful Peruvian Andean mountain areas.
Many traditional weavers and farmers live in the Lares Valley. The area is well-known for its amazing homemade textiles. The local people here speak Quechua and Spanish.
The Lares trek is a great alternative to the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is a bit shorter than the Inca Trail but goes to higher altitudes. You can easily get to it from Cusco. Unlike the Inca Trail, you do not need special permits to hike the Lares trek.
There are different routes and ways to do the Lares trek. It is much quieter than the Inca Trail because fewer people know about it. It is also a little easier than the Inca Trail. However, you still have to cross three high mountain passes. The highest point you will reach is about 14,436 feet (4,400 m) high!
Contents
Exploring the Classic Lares Trek Route
The most common Lares trek route is the shortest one. It covers about 20.5 miles (33 km) and crosses only one high mountain pass. This route usually takes three days to hike. On the fourth day, you get to visit the amazing Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Journey to Huacahuasi
Trekkers usually leave Cusco early on the first day, often around 6 AM. Cusco is about 11,155 feet (3,400 m) high. You will drive for several hours to Calca, a small town at 9,606 feet (2,928 m). From Calca, you drive another three hours north until you arrive at Lares. The hot springs in Lares are a popular spot to relax. From Lares, the hike takes about five hours to reach the first night's camping spot. This spot is at Huacahuasi, which is 12,303 feet (3,750 m) high.
Huacahuasi is a village known for its traditional weaving. Trekkers often get a chance to try weaving here.
Day 2: Conquering Ipsaycocha Pass
The second day of trekking is the shortest but also the steepest. You will cross over the Ipsaycocha Pass, which is the highest point on this trail. It stands at 14,600 feet (4,450 m) high! You might even camp right next to Ipsaycocha Lake.
Day 3: Descending to Ollantaytambo
The final day of hiking is all downhill. You will pass through several traditional weaving villages. These include Patacancha (12,139 feet / 3,700 m) and Huilloc. The trek finishes at Ollantaytambo, which is 9,160 feet (2,792 m) high. From here, you take a train to Aguas Calientes. Trekkers stay the night in Aguas Calientes. This town also has thermal springs where you can relax.
Day 4: Visiting Machu Picchu
The next day, it is a short bus ride up to the incredible Machu Picchu. This is the highlight of the trip!
There are also other routes in the area. On some of these, you can even stay with local families instead of camping.
Images for kids
-
Lares trek
See also
In Spanish: Caminata Lares para niños
