On the trail, you’ll encounter a wide variety of flora and fauna in Lares trek. Thanks to the varied altitudes you’ll cross, you’ll be able to see a range of wildlife species, which will undoubtedly add an excellent touch to your journey.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, as you’ll likely want to capture images of these natural wonders. You wouldn’t want to miss a single detail, would you?
Below, you’ll find a guide on the flora and fauna in Lares trek you might encounter. However, keep in mind that spotting some of them requires patience and traveling at the right time.
Flora and Fauna in Lares Trek
Flora in the Lares Trek
The Lares trek route offers a vast diversity of flora. Along the way, you’ll come across cultivated fields, or “chacras,” which the locals use for subsistence farming. If you encounter one of these chacras, please avoid picking plants or taking any produce, as it’s a primary food source for the local communities.
So, what will you find here? In these chacras, you’ll primarily see potato crops, with various species grown in each field. You’ll also come across quinoa, amaranth, and corn—staple crops for local people. You’ll also find grass fields grown to feed livestock, like guinea pigs.
Other wild plant species you might encounter along the Lares trek include:
- Ichu: A tall, resilient grass that grows in the higher altitudes along the Lares trek. It’s a native plant that withstands extreme temperatures and is traditionally used as roofing material.
- Mutuy (Senecio canescens): This leguminous plant, from the Fabaceae family, is recognized for its yellow flowers. It has medicinal properties and is used in teas to alleviate stomachaches and digestive issues.

Ichu and mutuy along the Lares trek trail.
- Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa): A small tree found in highland areas. Its leaves are traditionally used to relieve respiratory issues, and its bark is sometimes used in carpentry.
- Tola (Parastrephia lepidophylla): A common shrub you’ll find on the Lares trek. It has medicinal uses as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Its leaves are sometimes burned in rituals.

Chachacomo and tola along the Lares trek.
- Queuña (Polylepis): This reddish, flaky-barked tree grows in high-altitude regions along the trekking route, offering vital habitat for many wildlife species in the area.
- Kantuta (Cantua buxifolia): The national flower of Peru and Bolivia, featuring tubular flowers in red, yellow, and green. It holds great cultural significance in the Andean region and is often used in traditional ceremonies.

Queuña and kantuta on the Lares trek.
- Tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis): A leguminous plant with protein-rich seeds. Its flowers are blue or white, and the seeds are a food source for local people.
- Molle (Schinus molle): Known as “false pepper,” this medium-sized tree’s berries resemble peppercorns and are used to make chicha, a traditional drink, and as a natural remedy.

Tarwi and molle on the Lares trek trail.
- Q’olle (Buddleja coriacea): This shrub, found in the highlands, is traditionally used as a remedy for respiratory and digestive ailments.
- Tayanka (Baccharis odorata): Another shrub along the Lares trek, valued for its medicinal properties to treat stomach pain and fever, also used in ceremonial rituals.

Q´olle and tayanka on the Lares trek.
Throughout the trail, you’ll also see flora cultivated by local people. Next, let’s talk about the wild vegetation you’ll find on the Lares trek route. Among the trees, you’ll spot eucalyptus, kiswar, and queuña. The latter two are native high-altitude species, while eucalyptus is introduced and cultivated for its usefulness as a timber source.
Fauna in the Lares Trek
Wildlife is also abundant on the Lares trek. However, remember that most animals remain hidden due to their solitary nature or a tendency to avoid people. Thus, you’ll need patience and a keen eye to spot them.
During your trek, you might encounter animals like:
- Vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna): Native wild camelids known for their fine wool, smaller than llamas and alpacas, found at higher elevations along the trek.
- Alpacas (Vicugna pacos): Domesticated camelids raised mainly for their thick wool, commonly used in textile production.

Vicuña and alpaca on the Lares trek trail.
- Llamas (Lama glama): Traditionally used as pack animals, larger than alpacas, with an independent temperament. Their wool is also used, albeit less frequently than alpaca wool.
- Guanacos (Lama guanicoe): These camelids, relatives of vicuñas, are found at high elevations on this trek. Known for their speed and agility in rugged terrain.

Llama and guanaco on the Lares trek.
- Andean Foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus): Also known as the culpeo fox, these medium-sized predators feed on small mammals and birds. They have dense fur and are commonly found in the higher regions of the trek.
- Pumas (Puma concolor): Large felines that inhabit mountainous and forested areas in the highlands. Though rare to spot, pumas play an essential role as top predators in the ecosystem.

Andean fox and puma along the Lares trek.
- Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus): This majestic bird, one of the largest in the world, can often be seen soaring along the Lares trek. Known for its high-altitude flights, it’s a significant cultural symbol in the Andes.
- Flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis): Although uncommon along the Lares trek, flamingos may be spotted in nearby areas, their pink coloration coming from algae and crustaceans in their diet.

Condor and flamingo along the Lares trek.
- Andean Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus): A majestic bird of prey, one of the primary predators on the Lares trek. Its flight is impressive as it hunts small mammals and reptiles.
- Hummingbirds: These small, fast-flying birds are common at medium and high altitudes, feeding on flower nectar and known for their vibrant feathers.

Andean eagle and hummingbird along the Lares trek.
- Andean Deer (Hippocamelus antisensis): Also known as tarucas, these herbivores live in certain areas of the Lares trek, and are usually elusive and shy around people.
- Lizards (Liolaemus sp.): Small, agile reptiles commonly found in rocky areas, feeding on insects and known for their speed.
- Frogs: The frogs you may encounter on the route are small animals that have adapted their life cycles to the cold temperatures at higher elevations. Some species are rare, and others are endemic.
- Butterflies: This insect is ever-present along the route, with a variety of butterfly species you’ll notice at different points on the Lares trek.

Frog and butterfly on the Lares trek.
- Beetles: These small insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem’s decomposition cycle. They’re commonly found in rich, moist soil, feeding on organic debris.

Beetle on the Lares trek trail.
Local people along the Lares trek also have domestic animals that you might encounter. These range from common pets like dogs and cats to farm animals like chickens, cows, horses, and sheep. These animals are essential for helping with farming tasks and also serve as a food source.
Remember to avoid littering along the trail. The incredible flora and fauna in Lares trek are delicate ecosystems that can be harmed by trash. If you have wrappers or other waste, keep them in your pack and dispose of them properly when possible.
Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure and immerse yourself in the natural diversity awaiting you on the Lares trek! From majestic mountains to unique flora and fauna, this journey through the Peruvian Andes allows you to experience pristine landscapes and extraordinary species found only on this route. It’s more than a hike; it’s an immersion in Andean history and culture that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Reserve your spot today and start planning a nature-filled experience that will set a new standard for your adventures