Browse our full list of Lares treks by scrolling through the tour carousel below, OR, keep reading for a full overview of what to expect on this spectacular trek – and if the information is not included here, contact us for more details.
Located in the eastern Urubamba mountain range, the Lares Valley is a fantastic alternative Peru hike when the Classic Inca Trail is sold out. What makes the Lares Valley stand out? Definitely the exposure to traditional Andean culture! The Lares trail takes you through several Andean villages where you will meet Quechua-speaking indigenous people who continue to live as they have for centuries.
You’ll hike through Andean tundra, clearing high mountain passes with views of stunning glacial lakes. And no Lares trek is complete without a stop at the famous Lares hot springs! You’ll love luxuriating in these natural thermal baths – a great way to start or end this incredible Peru hike!
One of the great things about the Lares trek is that – unlike with the Inca Trail – you don’t need a permit. And unlike some of the other alternative treks in the area, it’s also available to hike all year round!
The conditions in the Lares valley make it a great wet season trek. If you’re looking to hike in the off-season (approximately November to March), Lares would be a great choice for you.
The Lares & Short Inca Trail itinerary is also a perfect alternative when permits for the classic Inca Trail are sold out. You can read more here about how the Inca Trail and Lares treks compare.
Lares is also an “easier” trek in Peru making it a great choice for families trekking in Peru with children. The Lares trek is also much less frequented by trekkers and you are likely to see hardly another soul on this route! This makes Lares a great choice for hikers looking to get off the beaten path and enjoy a bit more solitude while hiking in the Andes.
