If there is something that transforms a hike through the stunning landscapes of the Lares Trek into an unforgettable experience, it’s the food. Not only is it the fuel you need to overcome every challenge—like ascending and descending mountain passes—but it’s also a gateway to the rich Andean culinary tradition. Resulting from the combination of local ingredients, ancestral recipes, and the talent of the chefs, the food on the Lares Trek becomes a fundamental aspect of this journey.
In this blog, we’ll explore how gastronomy is integrated into the trek experience, what you can expect at each meal, and how it adapts to travelers’ needs.
What Makes the Food on the Lares Trek Unique?
Andean gastronomy is unique in the world, and the Lares Trek provides an exceptional opportunity to enjoy it at its finest. The food on the Lares Trek served during the journey has several characteristics that make it special, and what better way to enjoy them than in natural, history-filled settings:
- Fresh local ingredients: Rest assured that every dish is prepared with products grown in the region, such as potatoes, quinoa, corn, and trout. These foods are not only delicious but also nutritious and sustainable.
- Traditional recipes: Professional mountain chefs often prepare dishes based on recipes passed down through generations. It’s a way to connect with the history and culture of the Andes.
- Adapted to trek needs: All the meals are designed to provide you with energy and endurance to face the physical challenges of the route. Likewise, the dishes offered are comfortable to enjoy at high altitudes.
- Cultural connection: Beyond simply feeding you, the food on the Lares Trek is an experience that brings you closer to the daily life of local communities, allowing you to connect more deeply with Andean gastronomy.

There’s nothing like sharing nutritious meals and trying new culinary experiences.
From an energizing breakfast in the morning to a warm dinner under the stars, every bite tells a story and prepares you for the next stretch of your adventure. Enjoy the great diversity of Andean dishes and have a complete experience as you travel along the Lares Trek.
Basic Ingredients in the Food on the Lares Trek
The ingredients used in the food on the Lares Trek originate in the Andean highlands, where they are traditionally and sustainably cultivated. Here, farmers plant, tend, and harvest while respecting the natural cycles of the land, yielding fresh, flavorful ingredients. These foods are not only an essential part of the local cuisine but also reflect the legacy of a culture that has lived in harmony with its environment for centuries. Every ingredient is the result of a long natural process in the Andes.
- Native Potato: The Andean highlands are home to more than 4,000 varieties of potatoes. From purple to yellow, each variety has its own unique texture and flavor, forming a great base for food on the Lares Trek and Peruvian gastronomy in general.
- Quinoa: Known as the “golden grain of the Andes,” this ancient superfood not only nourished the Incas but now stars in stews and salads that will recharge your energy as you cross breathtaking landscapes.
- Tarwi: This small yet powerful Andean legume is a nutritional treasure, rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. You may find it in food on the Lares Trek in soups or combined with corn, offering a culinary experience full of history and flavor.
- Oca: Sweet and vibrant, oca is an Andean tuber that can be baked, boiled, or sun-dried to create a sugary version known as oca pasa. Its tender texture and unique taste are a treat for trekkers looking to sample authentic valley products.
- Purple Corn: This ingredient not only brings life to the famous chicha morada, but it’s also used in desserts and traditional dishes. Rich in antioxidants, purple corn exemplifies the balance between flavor and health benefits offered by the Andes.
- Rocoto: This spicy chili pepper is the star of many traditional Andean dishes. Despite its sweet pepper appearance, it has an intense flavor that adds a unique touch to meals, like the famous stuffed rocoto. In the food on the Lares Trek, it’s used to add warmth to dishes in the cold mountain air.
- Kiwicha (Amaranth): Considered a superfood, kiwicha is a grain cultivated by the Incas for its high nutritional value. During your Lares Trek adventure, it may appear in energy bars or as part of breakfasts that revitalize the body.
- Chuño: Chuño, a traditionally dehydrated potato, is a perfect example of Inca food engineering. With a smoky flavor and unique texture, it’s the base of soups and stews that will connect you with the culinary legacy of the Andes.
- Cañihua: Similar to quinoa but smaller, cañihua is another Andean grain packed with protein and fiber. Its slightly toasted flavor makes it a perfect complement to breakfasts or as an ingredient in typical breads and desserts.

While not the only ingredients, they are highly nutritious and commonly used in everyday Andean cuisine.
Daily Menu During the Lares Trek
Although the food on the Lares Trek offerings vary depending on the travel season and the hired agency, a typical day includes several carefully planned meals to keep your energy and spirits high. Here’s what you can generally expect during the days of your journey:
Energizing Breakfasts
Breakfast is essential to starting your day strong. That’s why chefs prepare a wide variety of options that combine carbohydrates, proteins, and hot beverages.
Typical Breakfast Example:
- Quinoa with milk, sweetened with local honey.
- Fresh Andean bread, accompanied by homemade jams from local fruits and butter.
- Scrambled eggs or vegetable omelets.
- Freshly brewed coffee or coca leaf infusions, ideal for preventing altitude sickness and easing its effects.
+Remember that this first meal of the day is not only varied and delicious, but it will also help you face the day’s challenges with energy and enthusiasm. For that reason, consume the right amount to avoid digestive issues or stomach discomfort during the trek.
Comforting Lunches
After the first hours of hiking, a hot, nutritious lunch is just what you need. These dishes often reflect the richness of Andean cuisine and are designed to restore your energy with a gourmet selection of the most delicious plates.
Common Lunch Dishes:
- Quinoa soup, a classic Andean starter, rich in protein and easy to digest.
- Chicken or beef stews accompanied by rice and vegetables.
- Fresh fried trout, caught in the region’s rivers.
- Salads made from local vegetables such as fava beans and choclo (Andean corn).

There’s nothing better than a hearty lunch to regain energy and enjoy the trip.
Lunches often include natural juices made with seasonal fruits. This not only adds a fresh touch but also provides essential vitamins to continue the hike.
Hearty, Warm Dinners
When the day comes to an end, and the sun sets after a day filled with landscapes and adventure, there’s nothing like a hearty, comforting food on the Lares Trek dinner. It’s perfect to help you relax and get ready for the following day. Therefore, these dishes need to be light and easy to digest, allowing you to rest comfortably and fully recover your energy.
Example Dinner Menu:
- Lamb or alpaca stew, served with native potatoes.
- Pachamanca (if conditions allow), a traditional way of cooking meat and vegetables underground with hot stones.
- Andean desserts, like purple corn pudding (mazamorra) or local fruits.
- Herbal infusions such as muña or chamomile, perfect for digestion and relaxation.

Take advantage of this moment to share the day’s experiences while savoring hot, delicious dishes.
Dinner is also a moment to share anecdotes with your travel companions and enjoy the starry Andean sky and its unique constellations.
Snacks Along the Way
To maintain your energy as you hike, some agencies provide light and nutritious snacks. However, we always recommend that travelers bring their own favorite snacks for a better experience during the walk. Common snacks include:
- Dried fruits like raisins and dried bananas.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Energy bars.
- Locally produced chocolate with a high cacao content.

Consider bringing all your favorite snacks so you can enjoy them whenever you want.
These small bites are perfect for keeping your blood sugar levels stable and pushing through the trek’s more demanding sections. Remember not to discard wrappers on the trail to avoid contamination.
Considerations for Special Diets
If you are a traveler with dietary restrictions, you have nothing to worry about. Most Lares Trek operators are prepared to adapt to their clients’ dietary needs.
Available Options:
- Vegetarian and Vegan: Dishes based on quinoa, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
- Gluten-Free: Substitution of bread and other products with alternatives like potatoes or rice.
- Dairy-Free: Using plant-based milk instead of cow’s milk.
Recommendation: It’s important that you inform the operators in advance about your requirements so that the team can adequately plan meals and ensure that your culinary experience with the food on the Lares Trek is optimal.
Food Preparation: Safety and Quality
Food safety and hygiene are priorities in the food on the Lares Trek. The chefs who accompany the journey are trained to maintain high hygiene and quality standards, even under mountain conditions.
How is food hygiene ensured on the Lares Trek?
- Use of boiled water for cooking and clean utensils.
- Fresh, local ingredients, acquired a few days before the trek begins.
- Cooking with portable equipment specifically designed for trekking.

Consider checking the standards of the agency you plan to hire, and verify them with reviews from past clients.
In addition, some operators may hold certifications in food safety, giving travelers peace of mind. You can find these certifications and recognitions on their websites, ensuring that the agency you hire meets food regulations that guarantee your safety.
The Gastronomic Experience: Beyond Food on the Lares Trek
The food on the Lares Trek is not just about nourishment. It’s an experience that connects travelers with the environment, the culture, and the people.
Unique Moments:
- Dinners under the stars: Imagine enjoying a hot soup while gazing at a sky full of stars.
- Lunches with panoramic views: Eating surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped mountains is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Interaction with local communities: In some segments, you can share meals with Andean communities, learning about their way of life.

Imagine enjoying exquisite dishes with an Andean sunset and the unique landscapes of the route.
How to Make the Most of the Food on the Lares Trek?
- This is your moment to immerse yourself in Andean culture. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors.
- Even though the cooking team is prepared, it’s always useful to have something extra like snacks in your backpack or specific products that suit your needs.
- Take advantage of local herbal infusions to stay hydrated and combat altitude sickness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food on the Lares Trek
Is the food on the Lares Trek safe?
**Yes!** Legal operators or agencies guarantee the hygiene and safety in food preparation. That’s why it’s very important to choose one that meets these parameters.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
**Just inform them in advance** about your restrictions, and the food service will adapt to your needs.
Are the dishes on the Lares Trek spicy?
In general, **the food on the Lares Trek** and other trekking routes in Peru is not spicy, but you can add chili peppers or spicy sauces if you wish.
How much food is served during the day?
**Each meal is abundant** and designed to meet the trek’s energy requirements. Normally, it’s served buffet-style, allowing each traveler to serve themselves as they like.
Conclusion: More Than Just Food on the Lares Trek—A Cultural Experience!
The food on the Lares Trek is much more than a source of energy: it’s an experience that enriches your journey. Every dish, every ingredient, and every moment shared around the table offers a window into the cultural and natural wealth of the Andes.
If you’re planning your adventure on the Lares Trek, get ready to enjoy gastronomy that not only nourishes you but also leaves unforgettable memories in your heart.
Ready to taste the Andes? Book your experience and discover the magic of the Lares Trek, a journey that will conquer your spirit and your palate.