Lares trek and Inca Trail

BEFORE YOU GO

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE LARES TREK

• Acclimatize before starting your trek, spend at least 3 days in Cusco before your Lares 4 Day trek.
• June and July are the busiest seasons for the Lares trek.
• Our Lares 4 Day trek is on a
• 2 person basis.
  It is not recommended to do the trek in February because of the rains.
• The Lares trek is flexible

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LARES?

The weather is one of the most important factors to take into account during a trek. You can check the weather forecast, but it is almost impossible to predict it accurately.
The best time to hike in Lares is the dry season (March to December). Normally, during these periods, the skies are clear from dusk to dawn. Clear blue skies provide the most spectacular views in Lares.

The dry season (March through December) is one of the best for hiking in Lares. As the hail and snow cease, perfect hiking weather emerges, and most hikers head to Lares during this time. The temperature rises to 20 degrees during the day and drops to – 0 degrees at night. This is the best season to enjoy the views. From December to February the weather turns frigid, and it starts to hail and snow. The weather around Lares is unpredictable, and the temperature can change very quickly, often within a few hours.

ACCLIMATIZATION

Acclimatization before high altitude treks in Lares is very crucial. As a general rule, you are at risk of altitude sickness if you exceed 2438.4 m (8000 ft). Please arrive in Cusco at least 3 days before, for acclimatization. Altitude sickness in high altitude travel is a common problem, but it is preventable and needs immediate treatment. However, if you ignore the symptoms of altitude sickness, it can get worse. Altitude sickness usually starts from 3,500 m altitude. Our trekking guides are very experienced and use oximeters to monitor your oxygen level and detect altitude sickness early.
Please take into account the adaptation time necessary to prevent altitude sickness and allow time for acclimatization. As a precaution, we also recommend that you drink plenty of water. However, you should not worry about altitude sickness, as our team takes care of your health and suggests ways to take precautions. In case of severe discomfort, the only effective remedy is to descend immediately.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM TREKKING IN LARES?

The Lares trek is not difficult at all, all it requires is endurance, a previous adaptation to the altitude and physical condition, it is a high altitude trek and altitude sickness changes are quite high, but with proper hydration, rest, and a well planned itinerary taking into account the acclimatization criteria will help you counteract these problems.

The trek is at a moderate pace and we try to cover short distances each day. Although the Lares hike is not dangerous, various factors added to the difficulty of the route, such as the terrain and the elements of nature, will test hikers.

Be prepared for extreme weather conditions, as the weather at high altitude is unpredictable. Dress appropriately to regulate body temperature and stay comfortable during the hike. When it is sunny, the weather can get quite hot and you may even have to shed a couple of layers on the first day of hiking, so even if you are having a good time during the day, be aware that sunburn can also be a problem, get the right gear to avoid it. However, from 16:30 onwards, the temperature drops rapidly.

BIGFOOT MACHU PICCHU LODGING FOR LARES TREK

Accommodations are located in the local communities along our trekking route.

MEALS

Ausangate is at a higher altitude, so your body needs sufficient carbohydrates and protein. The meals we provide on this trek are very comfortable and hygienic, but cannot compare to the options you have in the big cities. On the trek, we will provide you with breakfast, lunch and dinner. We strongly recommend that you avoid dairy products and cheese, as well as alcoholic beverages, caffeinated products and hot chocolates, as experts recommend avoiding them on high altitude treks.

DIFFICULTY OF LARES TREK

The level of difficulty for the Lares Trek is moderate. This trek is physically demanding and requires some proactive preparation to be successful. Exercising and running regularly for a couple of weeks prior to departure is a good idea to build endurance.
Novice hikers with normal fitness can do the route. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. Previous hiking experience would be an added advantage, but no experience or technical knowledge is necessary. Participants who can walk 4 to 6 hours a day at a reasonable pace with a light backpack can complete this route. The trekking route traverses rocky mountains, with steep ascents and descents. To participate in the trek, all participants must be in good health. They should be in normal physical shape, have a positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination. People suffering from heart, lung or blood diseases should inform us or consult their doctor before booking the trip.

BIGFOOT MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL – TREKKING EQUIPMENT DURING THE LARES TREK

During the trek, our well-trained and experienced tour guide and Quechua team will accompany you to make your trip joyful and memorable. All our guides are well trained, licensed and have spent years doing trekking activities around Cusco.

Horses will carry most of your luggage. Our crew members come from local people, have great stamina and are well adapted to living at high altitudes. All members of our staff are very valuable to us, they are well paid and we take care of their insurance, clothing, food and accommodation for the duration of the trek. We provide basic accommodation, food and hot drinks to our guides, cook and rider.

LARES TREK SAFETY

Bigfoot Machu Picchu Travel guarantees the safety, security and satisfaction of all our clients – Your safety is of utmost importance to us. We will carry all necessary gear, equipment and first aid kits for each trek. Our guides have received extensive first aid training. If a hiker becomes ill due to the altitude, we will go ahead and assess the situation and keep everyone safe. In case of emergency, our local families will always be ready to take you back to the city of Cusco. During the trek, all team members will be together for safety.

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I CARRY DURING THE LARES TREK?

For the Lares trek, there is no weight limit, although we can calculate about 9 kg per trekker, we try not to overload our horses. However, each trekker will have to carry his own backpack or backpack (with valuables or anything important). Carry only the essentials. You can leave excess luggage safely either at your hotel or at the Bigfoot Machu Picchu tent free of charge. We will double check everything (luggage, equipment) during our briefing before the trek starts.

LAST MINUTE TREKKING IN PERU

It is best to book in advance, but if you are unable to do so Bigfoot Machu Picchu travel has a special arrangement for a last minute booking. In the case of a last minute booking, we must receive 100% of the trek payment 24 hours prior to the departure of the trek. We do our best to operate treks at any time. However, please note that delays may occur for reasons beyond our control. If you would like more information, please contact us by calling +51997643857 or emailing bigfootmachupicchu@gmail.com.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Age 11 years old
Experience in any high altitude trekking, at least 1 trek of 3,500m.
Trekker must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover at least 5km per day without stress.
The trekker must be able to carry a 12 to 16 kg backpack.

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I CARRY DURING THE LARES TREK?

For the Lares trek, there is no weight limit, although we can estimate about 9 kg per trekker, we try not to overload our horses. However, each trekker will have to carry his own backpack or backpack (with valuables or anything important). Carry only the essentials. You can leave excess luggage safely either at your hotel or at the Bigfoot Machu Picchu tent free of charge. We will double check everything (luggage, equipment) during our briefing before the trip.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE IN PERU USD TO PERUVIAN SOLES

Sol or Peruvian soles is the local currency. 1 USD = 3.50 Peruvian soles, the exchange rate varies daily. You can exchange most foreign currencies through a leg money exchange.