Lares Trek Altitude: the maximum height of treks in Lares

The highest point you will reach while trekking on Lares Trail is 4830 meters. Campsites are located at 3600 meters.
Remember it is impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Its genetic capacity to adapt to height is determined by its genetic composition and has little to do with physical condition or health.
Most people will not have problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day in Cuzco (3249 m), take it easy and drink a lot of water, it is usually enough for most people. You can find out more about altitude sickness and pills to avoid it here.
The Lares Trek is a two- or three-day high-altitude hike starting near the village Lares. The Lares Valley lies in the east of the Urubamba mountain range, traversing part of the Sacred Valley and the typical Peruvian Andean mountain areas with landscapes that will take your breath away. Reaching the start of the trek requires a bus or van trip of approximately 5 hours from the village of Lares.
How difficult is the Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek is considered a moderate hike. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.
Altitude Sickness during Lares Trek
Altitude Sickness (AMS) can ruin your trip to Machu Picchu. Often people wanting to do an Inca Trail like the Lares are in a hurry and fly in via Lima, which is on sea level. They then find themselves in Cusco, which is on an altitude of 3399 meters. To give you some perspective, mountaineers like to ascend so-called three-thousands, mountains at 3000 meters above sea level. You can understand that Cusco is high. From Cusco, you go even higher, because the Lares Trek crosses the Condor Pass at 4300m. There’s a solid four-thousander. The dangers of altitude sickness should be taken seriously.
Our trekking experts always advise people who are interested in the Lares Trek to spend at least one day in Cusco. Ideally, you spend two days in Cusco. And why not? There is plenty to do. It is a great city and spending some time there will help you to get used to the altitude. While on the trek you are probably going to use some coca leaves.

What To Pack for Lares Trek
If you are trekking the Lares solo, you will have to carry everything on your own. If you make this decision, we trust that you know what you are in for and that you know how to make it yourselves as comfortable as possible. You will need a lot of stuff; stuff that you won’t need if you are trekking with a trekking company. This packing list is for those who have booked with a trekking company and are wondering what they do and don’t need. Don’t need, that’s right: This is one of the added benefits of booking your Lares Trek with a trekking company.
The Essentials
When packing your bags for Peru and the Lares Trek, there are some things you can not leave behind. The following items are a no-brainer
- Valid Passport (a copy will not be accepted)
- Valid Student Card (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (That piece of paper you receive on the incoming plane)
- Hiking boots (light, comfortable and broken in)
- A good quality daypack (light, small and comfortable)
- Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel bag, flasks or bottles
In Your Daypack
The benefit of booking with a trekking company is that you won’t be able to bring all your belongings along on the trails. You only need to carry your daypack and can leave some stuff with the amazing porters that will make your trek more comfortable. Don’t compromise on the quality of your daypack. It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25L. All larger backpacks can not be taken into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.
- Hat and sunglasses
- Rain gear
- Warm layers (fleece / long sleeved tops)
- Sun cream, bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- Band-aids
- Camera, extra batteries
- Head torch
- Extra snacks, power bars, chocolate
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips (small change is useful for paying to use the villagers’ toilets on the first day.
Extras
Your trekking company will supply you with a duffel bag which you can fill with all the other stuff you won’t be needing during the day. The maximum allowed weight is usually 7KG and that includes your sleeping bag and your air mattress. We advise you to bring the lightest stuff and to definitely not bring too much. Bring at least the following items:
- Sleeping bag (usually for rent at trekking company)
- Air mattress (usually for rent at trekking company)
- Light shoes for around camps
- Warm jacket, hat, and gloves
- 2-3 t-shirts (wicking)
- 1-2 hiking pants/trousers
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket for the coldest nights
- Quick-dry towel
- Soap
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Face moisturizer
- Power pack/battery chargerPlastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate
If you are comfortable wearing some of the items again the next day, you can definitely save on some weight for the porters. Your excess luggage can normally be stored at your trekking company. This service is free of charge or a small fee is calculated.