The Enchanting Lares Trek: Peru's Hidden Gem

• Hello¡Hola!
  [oh-lah]
• Goodbye¡Adiós!
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

The Lares Trek, nestled in the Sacred Valley of Peru, has been inhabited for centuries by indigenous communities who have maintained their traditional ways of life. The trek itself traverses ancient paths that were used by the Inca civilization, serving as a vital network for communication and trade.

The Inca Empire, which flourished from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 1530s, left an indelible mark on the Lares region. The Incas constructed complex agricultural terraces, irrigation systems, and stone-built structures along the trek, which are still visible today. These innovations allowed them to cultivate crops at high altitudes and sustain their communities.

The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century brought significant changes to the Lares region. The invaders imposed their culture, language, and religion on the indigenous populations, while also exploiting the area's natural resources. Despite this, many indigenous traditions and languages, such as Quechua, have endured and are still practiced today.

The communities along the Lares Trek have managed to preserve much of their indigenous culture and traditions. Visitors will encounter locals dressed in traditional Andean attire, weaving intricate textiles, and practicing age-old agricultural techniques. These cultural practices offer a unique glimpse into the rich heritage of the Andean people.

Today, the Lares Trek is a popular alternative to the more crowded Inca Trail, attracting trekkers from around the globe. The route offers stunning landscapes, including high-altitude lakes, snow-capped mountains, and lush valleys. The trek also provides opportunities to visit remote villages and interact with local communities, allowing for a deeper understanding of their way of life.

The Lares Trek is located in the Sacred Valley region of Peru. The nearest international airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, which is approximately 64 kilometers away. From Cusco, you can take a bus or taxi to the town of Calca, which serves as the starting point for many Lares Trek routes. The journey from Cusco to Calca typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

While in Cusco, you can find various transportation options such as taxis, buses, and private transfers to get to the starting point of the Lares Trek. Local buses and colectivos (shared minibuses) are the most economical options for traveling to Calca. For those who prefer more comfort, private taxis or arranged transfers can be booked through travel agencies. During the trek, transportation is generally on foot, but some tour operators may include mule or horse support for carrying luggage.

The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in Cusco, but cash is essential for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Cusco, so it is advisable to withdraw enough cash before heading to the Lares Trek. Be sure to carry small denominations as it can be difficult to change large bills in remote areas.

The Lares Trek is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. While Cusco is relatively safe, some neighborhoods may have higher crime rates targeting tourists, so always stay in well-populated and well-lit areas. When trekking, always stay with your group and follow your guide's instructions.

In case of an emergency, dial 105 for the police or 116 for medical emergencies in Peru. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. During the trek, your guide should have a first aid kit and knowledge of the nearest emergency facilities. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Cusco where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring rain gear. Don't wear overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove hats. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días.' A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as quinoa soup and trout. Accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience the Lares Trek like a local, try to engage with local Quechua communities along the route. Learn a few basic phrases in Quechua and Spanish to communicate better. Visit local markets in towns like Calca and Lares to buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Participate in traditional ceremonies if invited, and respect local customs and traditions. Don't miss soaking in the natural hot springs in Lares after a long day of trekking.