The Lares trek is a two or three day high altitude hike in Cusco, Peru, starting near the village of Lares, approximately 40 miles north of Cusco and 35 miles east of Machu Picchu. The Lares Valley lies to the east of the Urubamba range, traversing part of the Sacred Valley. Reaching the start of the trek requires a bus or van trip of approximately 5 hours from the village of Lares. The Lares trek route transverses typical beautiful, pristine Peruvian Andean mountain areas.
The Lares Valley is one of the most picturesque in the southern part of Cusco, home of many traditional weavers and farmers. The people live day to day, growing and knitting what they eat and wear. Each day is reasonably paced with ample time to enjoy the scenery, the walk is difficult but this is compensated by the landscape, lunch alongside cascading waterfalls, and appreciation of the life of the Andean farmer. The indigenous people of this area speak Spanish and Quechua.
The Lares trek is one of the main alternatives to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Lares trek is slightly shorter and higher in altitude than the Inca Trail; it is accessible from Cusco.