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- Lares hot springs — Natural thermal pools right in town where most trips start or end. After a long day at altitude, soaking in sulphur-warmed water while alpacas graze nearby feels like the trip’s unofficial reward; it’s also a practical reset for sore legs and altitude headaches.
- Traditional weaving villages — Small Quechua communities (think Willoq and Patacancha) where families still spin, dye, and weave by hand. The textiles, the colors, and the chance to sit with an elder and learn the stories behind patterns make this a cultural highlight — my personal favorite, because that face-to-face exchange is what turns a hike into something real.
- High Andean passes and sweeping panoramas — The trek climbs to 4,500-4,800 m passes that open onto vast valleys, jagged snow-capped peaks, and
- Lares hot springs — Natural thermal pools right in town where most trips start or end. After a long day at altitude, soaking in sulphur-warmed water while alpacas graze nearby feels like the trip’s unofficial reward; it’s also a practical reset for sore legs and altitude headaches.
- Traditional weaving villages — Small Quechua communities (think Willoq and Patacancha) where families still spin, dye, and weave by hand. The textiles, the colors, and the chance to sit with an elder and learn the stories behind patterns make this a cultural highlight — my personal favorite, because that face-to-face exchange is what turns a hike into something real.
- High Andean passes and sweeping panoramas — The trek climbs to 4,500-4,800 m passes that open onto vast valleys, jagged snow-capped peaks, and dramatic ridgelines. Those high viewpoints give you the “big mountain” feel without the crowds of the Inca Trail.
- Emerald glacial lakes and alpine streams — Bright turquoise lakes and fast, clear streams dot the route between passes and campsites. The contrast of intense water color against rust-red grasses and white snow is a photographer’s dream and a great place to pause and refuel.
- Pastoral life, llamas and stone terraces — The Lares route threads through working highland landscapes: herds of llamas and alpacas, shepherds in traditional dress, and ancient terracing as you approach Ollantaytambo. It’s quieter and more lived-in than many famous trails, so the human landscape feels as important as the scenery.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.