Lares

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Lares

This remote and rarely visited region offers the trekker an insight into the real lives In Lares You’ll have the opportunity to see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas.

The advantage of this trek is that permits are not required and, in theory, you could just turn up in Cusco and make a booking 2 or 3 days in advance. However most companies are combining these treks with a visit to Machu Picchu and therefore train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes are best bought several weeks in advance.
Trekking in this area takes you into the remote and rarely visited Lares Valley with the spectacular backdrop of the Urubamba Mountains, and has several snow-capped peaks, the best know of which is Veronica (5,750m. The Lares Valley lies to the east of the Urubamba range and its easily accessible from Cusco.
The Area offers moderately strenuous trekking, though small mountain villages, crossing passes of over 4,000m with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray and Chicon. During the trek you will have opportunity to see how the Quechua-speaking Indians of the high mountain villages live by farming potatoes and oca, and herding llamas and alpacas on the inhospitable flanks of the towering peaks.
The Lares valley is one of the most picturesque villages in the southern part of Cusco. Lares Valley is particularly well know for its very high-quality, brightly coloured weavings and characteristic upturned hats, many of the popular tourist markets being supplied from here. The trek itself is rated moderate, similar to the Inca Trail.
There are, however, one pass over 4000m so it is essential that you are well acclimatized to the altitude.
Location: It is located in the town of Calca 50 km North of the city of Cusco.
Altitude: The province of Calca has several floors of ecological range from 900msnm in the towns of Star Valley to 6.200 m Yavero Lacco in the snowy Chaiñapuerto Lares district.
Weather: in the months of October to March there is heavy rainfall, the dry season is from May to September with sunshine and clear skies with temperatures between 15 º C and 21 º c.
The coldest months are from May to July with no rain during the month of August and April start the rainfall and more intense in the months of December to March, these months are not recommended to do the tour because the road is dangerous.
FLORA
The Lares Valley is rich and varied flora from different ecological zones among the top we can mention are: chachacomo, used for the coal industry, alder hardwood tree that grows beluláceo in moist soils, whose tender branches are used for cottage industries (florist), the elder grows in bushes caprifoliáceo Q’achin Choquekancha Lares and whose fruit is used in making jams
FAUNA
In Lares large district of wildlife are among those cited: Achuccalla, weasel, Anas, skunk, Atoe, fox, Andean, opossum, fox, wild guinea pig, deer, Taruca, Servant, Ucate, shuffleboard, Vizcacha, Puma, Bat , spectacled bear, ukumari, Coati, capiso, achnni, country Mouse

Tour

Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 days

Tips & Useful Information

Health
– We recommend to not drink water from the tube, it is better to buy a bottle of water to prevent contracting any harmful parasites or water-borne illnesses. Also you have to be sure to travel with water purification tablets or boil water for 15 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
– We suggest to bring lemon candies, or drink coca leaf tea, to avoid the high sickness (Soroche).
– We suggest you visit your doctor for a medical examination before you make this trek.
– If you suffering a heart illness do not try to do this trek.
Security

-we suggest to buying a travel insurance.
– Be sure to hire a professional guide, with a travel agency.
– Be sure to bring the necessary stuff for this kind of trek.
RECOMENDATIONS
-Personal Sleeping Bag
-Back Pack and Day pack
-Hiking shoes
-Rain coat / poncho
-Water bottle, flash light, hat, sun block, sunglasses
-Warm/Thermal clothes
-Bathing Suit.
-Chocolates, candies or other snacks
-Photo Camera + Films, Binoculars
For the trip

– It is important to carry your passport to the respective controls and ISIC card if you are student.
– The trail is moderate compared to the Inca Trail. This road has two steps of 400 meters or 13,200 feet, so we recommend spending 3 or 4 days in Cusco before the trek.
– Before you leave for the trek, allow yourself at least 3 to 4 days in higher altitude. Cusco and its surrounding, the Sacred Valley (Urubamba) and Machu Picchu are ideal places for acclimatization.
– While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a day pack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories you might need on the trail.) Horses and llamas will carry your duffle bag to the next campsite.

More information

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