The Lares Trek with Llamas: A Journey into Living Andean Culture

If you want to experience the Andes away from the crowds, the Lares Trek is for you. It combines high mountain scenery with real encounters in Quechua communities – and llamas as your trekking companions.

The route

From the Sacred Valley you drive to the trailhead and hike through the Mantanay valley, past polylepis trees, streams and waterfalls. The first camp lies by the lake Auroray Cocha at 4,480 m / 14,698 ft. On the second day you cross the Huayruruyoc pass (about 4,600 m / 15,092 ft) with views of glacier lakes and snow-capped peaks, then descend to the community of Patacancha.

Patacancha: where traditions are alive

The families of Patacancha speak Quechua, farm potatoes and keep llamas and alpacas – much as their ancestors did. The women are known for their fine weavings with patterns that tell the story of the community. During your visit you learn how wool is spun, dyed with plants and woven, and you can share a meal with the families. Many of our guests bring school supplies for the local school.

Trekking with llamas

Llamas have been the pack animals of the Andes for centuries. On our trek, they carry your duffel bag, so you only need a small daypack. Our llama herders come from the local communities – your trek supports their income directly.

Good to know

• Difficulty: moderate to challenging because of the altitude; acclimatize at least two days in Cusco first.
• Best time: April to November.
• No permit needed, so the trek can be booked at short notice.
• Combine it with the Short Inca Trail to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

See our Lares Trek with llamas and the combination Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail.