The Lares Trek or hiking route to Machu Picchu through the district of Lares, is one of the best experiences to reach the wonder of the world. Although it is not very popular, little by little, more nature-loving tourists are encouraged to do this trekking route because it is not very complicated like the Salkantay Trek and it has more availability than Los Caminos del Inca, which also lasts 4 days. During this trip, it is possible to visit thermal baths and have cultural experiences with the communities that explain some traditions and teach weaving. Here we will explain more about what the weather is like during the 4 days of this tour.
How is the weather of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu?
This hiking route to get to Machu Picchu, important factor that can encourage more than one to take this tour is that it is not very crowded. This will also help us better identify the weather now. For example, on the first day of the walk that we will start in the district of Lares we will be able to take a refreshing bath in the hot springs of the place. After this, we will have to take a tour of 37 kilometers. A detail that will make our trip easier will be that, if we access the services of a travel agency, we will be able to have camping and food services thanks to the Porter teams. Which will lighten the weight of the luggage considerably. Next, we will see details of the weather during the four days of the adventure.
The weather on the first day
On this first day, we will have a trip to the district of Lares. A place where the walk of this 4-day adventure begins. Lares is located at 3,100 meters above sea level. This first activity will not feel very cold because it will take place in the morning. However, you have to be careful with the icy winds typical of the region, even though it is sunny and you feel a little hot, a gust can occur. In this sense, it is not highly recommended to get rid of shelter at once.
Upon reaching Lares, we will be able to access the thermal baths. Entering the thermal baths is optional and only those who wish will enter, whatever the case, you will need swimsuits and a towel whether you want to access the thermal waters or not, since they will also help you during the camp. In the afternoon of the first day, we will ascend to the Wacahuasi mountain, which is 3,700 meters above sea level. In this place, we will spend the night and we will have to wrap up well. Temperatures can drop and even touch 0 ° C.
Weather on the second day
This day will be the coldest we will have to go through and at the same time the most exciting. Cold and exciting because we will ascend the paths, probably surrounded by little snow and the presence of icy winds. On this tour we will have to wear layered clothing to prevent the cold from directly impacting the body and the heat can be maintained. It will be advisable to wear a padded jacket and dress in layers that will help regulate body temperature in a controlled manner.
Wacahuasi mountain region until we reach Abra C’asa Pasa at 4500 masl. It will be an exhausting day with incredible natural landscapes. It is recommended not to undress suddenly if you feel hot. The ideal will be to lower the intensity of the march and rest for a moment. The breaks will also help you avoid altitude sickness, do the breaks standing up so that the blood continues to circulate properly. The walk will end at 3,100 meters above sea level, so the presence of cold will not be as strong as the night before. However, precautions must be taken in this case.
Weather on the third day
On the third day, we will continue our trek through the Andean areas. This day will be calmer, we will pass through incredible landscapes. Therefore, the tour will be through high-altitude destinations. The weather will be very similar to the first day, it will only be necessary to wear a light jacket and comfortable but warm clothes During this descent to the town of Yanahuara.
From Yanahuara there is a trip to Ollantaytambo by bus and then one to Aguas Calientes by train. The weather in these two places is similar and it will only be necessary to wear a light jacket or T-shirt, but yes, you must use sunscreen as in the previous days. At higher altitudes UV rays are stronger. The weather during the first activities of the third day will not be as frigid as the day before.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will feel a change of climate, one that resembles tropical climates. For this reason, the climate in this place is more temperate and we will be able to walk in polo shirts and even in shorts. However, it will be necessary to use good mosquito repellent and sunscreen. The night will also be warm, you can take a bath in the hot springs without problems. So you will be ready and relaxed to get to Machu Picchu.
Weather in the visit to Machu Picchu during the fourth day
On the fourth day, we will be able to reach Machu Picchu. The activities will start early, so, likely, you will not feel the presence of mosquitoes. However, you will need to use mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito bites. Although in smaller numbers, mosquitoes will be around you from the start of the day. In this sense, it will also be necessary to use sunscreen, even if it dawns cloudy in Aguas Calientes. During the day it is likely that the sky will clear and the presence of the sun is inevitable. The return will be by train to Aguas Calientes and then by bus to Cusco. During this trip, it is unlikely that you will feel cold. Once in Cusco, you can go directly to your hotel.
These two routes start from the same place and coincide on the last day, which is to visit Machu Picchu. However, the activities of the second and third days vary. The route that we present includes the community of Yanahuara. The other route is through Patacancha and Ollantaytambo is reached through the community of Willoc. It is important to mention that on both routes you can get to do experiential tourism and appreciate incredible landscapes.
Questions and answers about the climate of the Lares Trek- Route Yanahuara
1. Is it mandatory to enter the pools?
No, the entrance to the hot springs is optional. The tourist or visitor will decide if they want to enter or not. However, you will need to bring a comfortable towel and bathing suit to access the bathrooms during camp and clean up. These thermal baths have chemical properties that can help you recover your energy or reduce discomfort.
2. Where will we find the highest point?
The highest point of this route will be when we cross the C’asa Pasa pass, which has an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level. At this point, we will see truly incredible landscapes. For this tour and like others, it will be necessary to acclimatize a few days before in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness.
3. Will we reach 0 ° C or temperatures below zero?
Yes, just when we are close to the highest point. For example, the second night will be in a camp near the C’asa Pasa pass. Throughout this region, temperatures can drop to very close to 0°C.
4. Will ideal hiking shoes be necessary?
No, even though we have a long hiking trail, approximately 37 kilometers. The road is not very rough. What we will need, will be resistant footwear and our comfort. This footwear will be important so that it is ideal for rain or the like, on the way it can snow or rain.
5. What will we see during this tour?
In this 4-day tour, we will start by seeing the thermal baths of Lares which are located near a ravine that offers a beautiful view. Later we will enter the mountains from where we will be able to appreciate part of the Sacred Valley, also countless mountains and incredible views. Some of these mountains will be decorated by the presence of lakes or lagoons that do nothing more than embellish the landscape. Finally, we will see the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.
By Inca Trail Machu Picchu - Last updated, 24-05-2023
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