The Most Common Questions about Lares Trek:
What are the recommended ages for participating in the Lares Trek?
While there is no specific age to hike this trek; however, we recommend that children accompanying you on this trip must be in good health and physical condition.
On the other hand, most travelers suggest that individuals at least 12 years old undertake the Lares Trek route, as the route presents a certain level of difficulty and requires some physical endurance along the trail.
How to book the Lares Trek?
Booking the Lares Trek is very simple, don’t stress about it. I’ll guide you through a few steps that might help.
- Look for a travel agency (check the reviews of Waman Adventures and Inkayni Peru Tours).
- Contact them and gather all the information you need.
- Confirm availability for your desired date.
- Finally, make the necessary payment.
What is the highest point along the trek?
One of the highest points of the Lares Trek is Abra Sicllacasa, standing at 4,830 m / 15,846 ft ASL.
Many trekkers reach this highest point on their second day of hiking. What does this mean? Acclimatization is a crucial factor to consider before starting your journey from the bottom of the valley up to the summit.

Don’t panic! Good acclimatization and physical preparation will make the trek easier.
Do I need to hire a guide for the Lares Trek?
Absolutely, you will need a tour guide to provide you with support for anything you might need, detailed and personalized information about the route, and to make your journey even more enjoyable.
How can I get a guide?
You can look for a freelance guide online or hire one through an authorized travel agency, which might give you greater security and confidence.
How many hours of hiking per day on the Lares Trek?
The hiking hours are relative; it may take some travelers between 5 to 7 hours each day, depending on your pace energies or if you want to go slow and spend more time in the mountains.
I recommend you don’t rush. You’ll need energy for the next day, and you wouldn’t want to tire yourself out quickly, right? So keep this in mind.
Do I need to bring my own camping equipment?
If you are a traveler who does not hire the services of a travel agency, you will need to equip yourself with everything you need.
On the other hand, if you hire a travel agency, they will take care of the logistics and help you with about 6 kg of luggage or the necessary luggage for the Lares Trek by hiring mules and extra staff for their service.

Remember! Pack only what you need to avoid carrying extra weight.
How much weight can I carry in my backpack during the trek?
There is no set limit, but that doesn’t mean you should go overboard. It’s important to carry only the essentials. Keep in mind that the trekking route is long, and a heavy backpack will cause discomfort, which is better to avoid.
Remember, our purpose as travelers is to enjoy your trip to the fullest and forget about problems.
Can I hire a muleteer to carry my gear?
Of course, you can, but consider that this service is only available through a travel agency as part of their travel package because it’s impossible to find mules and muleteers without trusty contacts.
Can I find a muleteer along the route? You won’t definitely find anyone offering this service.
How many kilograms of luggage can a muleteer carry?
The muleteer has mules for carrying part of your luggage. Travel agencies usually set a limit of 7 kg of luggage per traveler. If your luggage exceeds this weight, you have two options: either carry the excess yourself or hire an extra muleteer paying extra.
Is it possible to change the date of the Lares Trek after booking?
Yes, but it’s difficult and depends on how you will make it. Most of the agencies add Machu Picchu and they book tickets to visit this place in the end. The tickets to Machu Picchu can not be modified once someone book and pay for them, meaning that if you want to hike the Lares trek and visit Machu Picchu after the ticket has been booked, you need to look for new reservations which must be done in advance.
On the other hand, if you just want to hike the Lares trek skipping Machu Picchu and go independently, you can modify dates without dates more easily.
To avoid setbacks, it’s extremely important to carefully plan your travel date.

Ask your travel agency and plan your trip well ahead to avoid problems.
Is it necessary to book the Lares trek in advance?
Absolutely! If you are thinking of attempting this trekking route, it’s very important to book at least two months in advance with an experienced company. This is due to the high influx of visitors and the limited capacity of Machu Picchu.
Booking in advance will give your travel agency time to organize all the logistics of your trip and ensure a smooth experience.
Can I transfer my Lares Trek trip to another person?
No, you cannot. Remember that permits and entry tickets are required during your itinerary, and they cannot be transferred to other people.
If you hire a travel agency, they won’t be able to make this change. Why? This is one of the rules set by the Peruvian government to prevent the outsourcing and resale of these tickets.
What type of footwear is recommended for the trek?
For this trip, it’s crucial to take care of your feet. You don’t want to have a bad experience, right? That’s why I recommend wearing trekking shoes or boots, which offer an excellent combination of comfort and foot care technology.

Whatever the trekking route you take, make sure you wear appropriate footwear.
Under no circumstances should you wear formal or urban shoes—they cause blisters, could jeopardize your hike, and may even get broken along the route.
Where can I leave the luggage I don’t need on the hike?
Take note! You have two options: one is leaving your luggage at the hotel where you stayed your first nights in Cusco—this service is free at most hotels; the other option is to contact the travel agency and store your luggage at their office.
Are there toilets available along the Lares Trek?
You won’t find these services along the trekking route. I recommend hiring a travel agency, as they will bring portable toilets which are pitched up at camping grounds otherwise you will use nature to do whatever you want to do. If you go on your indenpendently, please, don’t do your biological necessities near water resources and the trail. If you don’t go with a travel agency, the only option for toilets along the trek are in some villages, the Lares hot springs and bigger towns if you head to Machu Picchu.
Is there phone reception or internet during the Lares Trek?
Due to the remote location, those services are low along the way. In our experience, there is only phone reception and internet on the first day of the hike.
Don’t view this as a negative—it’s one of the few opportunities to disconnect and connect yourself with nature.

In some sections of the road, the signal will be low or even non-existent.
Can I buy food and water during the Lares Trek?
You won’t find any shops along the route unless you pass by a town, so I recommend bringing some snacks from Cusco before your trip.
Furthermore, companies provide fresh water to their clients at every meal; however, if you go independently, you must think about how to boil the water you will need to cook and drink.
If I have a disability, can I do the Lares Trek?
Depends on the disability you have. For example, if you can not use your legs, it’s almost impossible to hike it by yourself. A disability is always an obstacle to your daily routines but it creates new challenges too, and someone doing an outdoor activity must have their 4 limbs.
Can I bring my camera or phone to the Lares Trek?
Absolutely! Bringing one of these is important. Keep in mind that this route offers incredible landscapes and points of interest, so a simple photograph won’t be enough to capture the essence of your trip.
I recommend bringing an action camera like a GoPro. It will provide versatility and convenience, as it takes up minimal space and weight in your backpack.
Will I be able to charge my devices during the Lares Trek?
Find electricity only in towns; otherwise, it’s impossible to charge batteries unless you bring a power bank.
Keep in mind that the only opportunity to charge your devices will be in the town of Machu Picchu, where you will stay if Machu Picchu is included.

