The indigenous communities found on the mountain sides of the Lares Valley are very isolated. We think this is why these communities have managed to preserve their age-old customs, traditions and way of life. They keep their culture alive and thriving on the most authentic way. Not much has changed in hundreds of years. You will still find people speaking the language of the Ancient Incas (Quechua), while women weave gorgeous garments in beautiful vibrant colors, the man will be herding their alpacas and llamas in the vast fields on the mountain tops. While trekking you will have the honor and privilege to interact with these mountaineers. There is much to learn from them and you a chance to visit a school or someone´s home and immerse yourself within the community.
The main reason you can’t compare these treks is because they are vastly different. They provide unique experiences and each is worth doing for its own individual and special reasons. To offer a short summary, a possible way to view these treks. The Inca trail is following in the footsteps of most advanced civilization of its time, a historic experience, seeing architecture and engineering that shouldn’t have been possible with the tools they had and the unforgiving and rugged terrain on which they built. Whereas The Lares Trek is about a history that still alive and thriving, the communities still embracing their indigenous and traditional way of life, passing the most stunning views and finally, you will get a clear understanding as to why the Incas felt the mountains held such religious power and energy.
Depending on the length and type of package you choose, it’s a possibility to hike part of the Inca Trail. Certain packages include the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Lares trek follows the standard route (Cusco, Huarani, Cancha Cancha, Quiwarani, Cuncani, Lares Hot Springs and Ollantaytambo), once you arrive in Ollantaytambo you will then join the Inca trail from KM 104. This gives you the best of both worlds.
My favorite thing about this trek is how off the beaten trek you get. You rarely come across any other tour groups. Majority of the time its just you, the Andes mountains, its glaciers and the alpacas and Llamas grazing and going about their super hectic day. Almost everything you encounter belongs there and has very little influence from modern life.
There are quite a few skills to pick-up from the indigenous people of the region. Learn some phrases and words in Quechua (your guide can help you communicate with them). The majority of the people of this region still predominantly speak Quechua and only a select few can speak Spanish. So, you will hear and learn the language in its most original and authentic form. Mountaineers are also talented weavers, creating some of the traditional, colorful garments you will come across in the entire region of Cusco. Maybe with enough practice and natural talent, this could lead to a fun side hobby.
Magical. That’s the best to describe it, just magical. Eyes closed, imagine mountain tops, open fields, clear skies, no city lights, no pollution, clean fresh air, no houses and most importantly no traffic. The only thing around you are beautiful clear skies with clusters of bright constellations and maybe an alpaca or two. Heaven, right? That’s the kind of nights you will have the pleasure to experience every night on the trek (unless is cloudy). Your guide will show you the Inca Constellations that the Incas and today´s farmers depend on for their agricultural guidance.
Lares Hot Springs is tucked away in the most scenic location in the valley. It’s surrounded by luscious green mountain peaks and the powerful Trapiche River. Its waters are brownish in color and full of therapeutic natural minerals. There are multiple pools with different temperatures. It’s a great stop over to help sooth those aching muscles during your trek. The baths are very well taken care of and kept clean at all times, with lockers to store your things safely.
The nature you will encounter on this trek, will tantalize your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. The valley is home to some of the highest mountain peaks in the region of Cusco, like Mt Veronica (5 893m/19 334ft), Mt Sahuasiray (5 818m/ 19 088ft) and Mt Chicon (5 530m/ 18 140ft). At some point the great snow-capped peak of Mt Salkantay (6 271m/ 20 574ft) comes into view, making its presence felt. Along the trek you will have the views of stunning glaciers, while passing through spectacular crystal blue glacial lakes and the many llamas and alpacas grazing.
Besides the many alpacas and llamas that form part of the valley, you might see animals like the Andean Deer, Foxes, Pumas and Viscachas. Although some of these are rare, it is possible to see them. Also keep an eye in the sky for the Caracara Falcon, Andean Geese, Condors and Hummingbirds.
When trekking for a couple of days, there are personal items that you will require along the way. The positive thing about the Lares Trail is that horses and mules are permitted, unlike the Inca Trail (due to a need to preserve the trail). The mules and horses carry all camping and personal equipment. 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothing, air mattress and your sleeping bag will be carried by mules. If you book with a good tour operator like Spider Travel Peru than you should have the provisions of an emergency horse should be provided. This is to ensure that everyone in the group has an equal opportunity to complete the trek.
When I traveled with Spider Travel Peru, I was privy to the best equipment in trekking. We had a 4-person tent shared between just 2 people. Our tent had a vestibule in the front, giving you extra outdoor space to put your dirty hiking boots and walking poles. Included is a comfortable foam mattress to separate and insulate you from the ground. We also had a private dining and kitchen tent with tables and chairs. Dinner time was a great social experience, where we got to know each other and share stories with fellow our travelers. The transportation was comfortable, reliable and safe. It was private with a door-to-door service. Best of all, we never had to use the government toilet facilities, which were not every clean. Our tour company prided a clean, private and sanitary toilet.
During the month of February, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. Fortunately, the Lares Trek doesn’t close and stays opens all year round. It is also a good option for rainy season.
The aim is to leave as little of a footprint as possible. We clean up after ourselves as thoroughly as possible. Buying textiles from the locals and bringing small gifts for the families or school you get to visit, is always a great help to these communities. It’s also good to choose a tour company that believes in fair treatment and wages for its porters and horsemen.
It is possible to combine the Lares trek with not only the 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but also the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. When you combine it with the 1-day Inca Trail, the hike to Machu Picchu starts at Km104. You will pass magnificent archeological sites like Winay Wanay and see the most spectacular views of the Machu Picchu Citadel from the unique vintage point of Sun Gate. A view point that only hikers of the Inca Trail get to experience. Your tour of Machu Picchu will be in the afternoon, with very little tourists around, giving you unobstructed views of the Citadel.
The 2-day Inca Trail combination is similar to the 1-day combination. But it has a few distinct differences, a few additions that make this a more rounded experience. You get to see this Majestic UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site not once, but twice. First in the afternoon after trekking the Inca Trail. After, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes for a good night’s sleep in a hotel bed with a private bathroom. The next morning you wake- up well rested and clean, to catch the sunrise over this Natural Wonder of the World. Your 2-hour guided tour the next day will be more enjoyable. The extra day also gives you an opportunity to hike the extra hikes up Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain should you so choose. Note: These extra hikes need to be booked well in advance. They sell out very quickly.
**Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD and Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD– This needs to be booked in advance and please let us know at the time of booking (it books out very quickly).
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