“ Are you ready for the Lares trek?” asked Edwin, our guide and life saver for the days ahead. Beneath the enthusiastic demeanour was a hint of worry. Well, he had every reason to be worried. We were no outdoorsy group, but a family of 4 consisting of a 61 year old dad, a 58 year old mom and 2 young and lazy city dwellers whose idea of ‘pushing our bodies’ limits’ simply means staying up till 3 a.m and darting our eyeballs over a 13-inch screen. So, what on Earth were we doing here? Well, I think the Incan Gods wanted to give us a shove into the great wilderness and thought we looked endearing stumbling through high altitudes one minute and gushing over unadulterated beauty the next. The Lares Trek is often seen as a scenic alternative trek for those who couldn’t get the limited permits to trek the Inca Trail due to their lack of foresight and a chronic habit of procrastination. (Excuse me while I smile coyly at the floor) Though Google suggests that the Lares Trek is easier, Edwin the guide insists that it is in fact more challenging and higher in altitude at 4400m above sea level. I have a feeling that he wanted to make us feel better about our sorry state, but I guess the only way to find out is to hike the Inca Trail. After having survived an adventure of a lifetime, I dare say that the Lares Trek is greatly underrated. The sheer isolation (that can never be experienced on the Inca Trail) and the beauty that assaulted our senses were simply far beyond what I could imagine.
The first day of the trek had us walking in the valley and meeting the cutest animals in the world-llamas, alpacas, sheep and handsome mountain dogs. We crossed little streams and were awed by the sheer strength of the villagers who lived in a rather difficult environment. Did I just see a woman in a full skirt and sandals grab a llama in one arm and walk along a steep hill? Yes I did, and my North Face gear and I wilted in shame. As night fell, all that was between us and the freezing cold, the Milky Way, and aliens was the tent put together by our amazing trekking crew who must have attained enlightenment numerous times while waiting for us to arrive at camp. And imagine waking up to sheep and llamas walking by in great haste as you sip coca tea and wonder if you’d fall victim to Altitude Sickness. I escaped while my mom and brother battled with dizziness and breathlessness. But I’m glad we made it, for the second day was a day I’d never forget.
As we crawled our way up steeper slopes, past numerous lakes and inched our way closer to the glaciers, the Gods decided to press the buttons on Hailstorm and Strong Winds for some added flavour, right at the top of a 4400 m mountain pass. With ponchos barely standing against the gusts of wind and hailstones attacking our faces in a frenzy, there was a moment where I could do nothing but be in the moment, breathe, and put one foot in front of another.
Haillelujah!
At the end of the day, as they say, everything will be alright. When the sun decided to grace itself once more, peeping behind the glaciers and illuminating the emerald lake, I got reminded again that this was the reason I was here. To be awestruck, to be tested, to be humbled, and then to be rewarded with the littlest gestures from Mother Earth. There is a great world that exists beyond the 13-inch screen.
Packing Warm clothing is a must! It’s about 0 deg celcius at night and windy.
Day Pack Essentials
- Fleece that you can wear easily when it gets windy
- A water and windproof jacket/ outer shell
- Poncho (additional layer of protection in case it rains HAILSTONES instead of , you know , regular water)
- Water- 2 L with you. One of the most important ways to avoid altitude sickness is to hydrate constantly.
- Shades, Hat, Sunscreen
- Torchlight
- Toilet Paper
- Trekking Poles which you can rent. These were incredibly helpful on steep slopes and your knees will love you.
Night Pack Essentials (could be carried by Porters/Donkeys. DO NOT overpack).
- Thermals for the night when you’re no longer walking and start to feel extra cold.
- Gloves and Beanie
- Underwear
- Warm Socks
- Wet Wipes or Powder. Forget about heavy toiletries, you will not be taking a shower.
- Toothbrush,toothpaste, small towel.
- One additional set of trekking clothes in the name of hygiene, or just in case.
Now, stop darting your eyeballs on your screen and trek on.
With Love,
Tilda Y.
