Lares In February

Everything You Need To Know About Lares In February 

Below we’ll now explore what Lares in February is like. This includes whether it’s worth hiking this route in this month, what to expect with the weather as well as how to prepare for the trek.

Is It Worth Visiting Lares In February?

February in general is quite an infamous month here in Cusco, given the heavy rains and wild weather are at their very peaks of the wet season. This is usually off-putting for some hikers, given the Inca Trail is closed and others can be somewhat challenging – however the Lares Trek is an exception, and is still good to hike during February.

The reason it’s worth hiking Lares in February is because the trail and specific location of the trek means that trail conditions are still good despite the rains. It’s also worth noting that showers are intermittent and random – so there’s a good chance we’ll also enjoy many clear patches too along the way. Aside from being a true authentic hike with no crowds around, we can also benefit from having slightly warmer temperatures when hiking this month.

The Weather Of Lares In February

As already mentioned, February in Cusco is one of the wettest months of the year, and it’s also the same case for when hiking Lares. We can expect occasional showers along the route, and as such it’s important to bring high quality waterproofs as well as a poncho. Whilst the trail is pretty good even when wet, we also highly recommend bringing solid hiking boots with good tread in order to avoid slipping.

Like with the other summer months such as December and January in Lares, one of the biggest advantages of heading during this month is for the warmer temperatures. This is mostly felt at night where lows will be much more comfortable than other months, and also with hot highs when skies are clear. Be sure to keep your coat on you or in your backpack though, given it can quickly get cooler when it starts to rain along the trail.

A Packing List For January In February 

Here we will now list everything that you’ll need for your hike for Lares in February.

• Various jumpers and a thick coat (both for the cooler evenings and ready in case it rains).
• Thin layers for hiking during the day.
• A poncho or raincoat.
• A hand towel.
• Sturdy hiking boots or other shoes that are suitable for hiking.
• Thick pijamas to help keep you warm during the cooler nights.
• A baseball cap or Andean-style hat (it can be easy to get sunburns up at these higher altitudes)
• Sunglasses in order to protect your eyes from harsh sun and glare.
• High SPF sunscreen.
• A thick hat, scarf, and gloves which will keep you warm at night.
• A water bottle that can be reused.
• A day pack to hold everything you need during your treks and day trips.
• Hiking poles if necessary.
• A quality camera or mobile phone.
• Medication for personal use.
• Extra batteries for your camera or a portable power bank.

Preparing For A February Trek Around The Lares Region

Once you’ve decided you want to hike around Lares in February, now we’ll need to prepare properly before heading on our trek.

Given this month is the very peak of the wet season, it’s important to be prepared for heavy intermittent showers that can sometimes arrive out of nowhere. This means it’s essential to bring hiking boots with good tread, waterproof clothing as well as a poncho in your daypack ready. Temperatures at night can still get chilly despite it being the summer (remember we’re in the Andes), so you’ll also need several warm layers too.

The Lares Trek isn’t a super demanding hike, so you don’t need to be in great physical condition to complete and enjoy it. Of course you’ll want to be able to walk for several kilometres a day given the hike demands it, and also factor in the higher altitudes too which can make it tougher. We suggest bringing altitude sickness medications to make the trek easier.

How To Book Your Four Day Lares Trek

The Lares Trek isn’t such a well-known destination when compared with the Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain, so it isn’t necessary to book so far in advance. However you’ll want to note that the five day Lares Trek won’t be available this month given it includes the Short Inca Trail trek (as the whole Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February).

The Four Day Lares Trek remains open, and we still suggest booking at least a month in advance if possible or guarantee your spot and Machu Picchu entrance ticket. When heading with us here at AB Expeditions, you’ll have all meals and lodging provided, your own personal porter to help carry your loads as well as private transport to the trailhead and back from Machu Picchu.

Why Book With AB Expeditions?

Here at AB Expeditions we are experts in all treks and hiking circuits around the Cusco region. With decades of experience within our team, we know exactly how to approach and prepare for each trek properly, and also how to help you have the most enjoyable experience possible. You’ll always have the best lead guide, cooks and porters join you on any of our hiking expeditions.

The Lares Trek in particular is quite a unique experience to enjoy when in Cusco, given less tourists head here than other trails (it’s common to see hardly anyone else here). We personally know this route and the local communities very well, so not only will you be getting an all-inclusive experience with all meals, lodging and transport provided – you’ll also get to have an immersive cultural experience as we learn from the indigenous locals who live within these remote Andean mountains.

The Main Advantages Of Hiking Lares In February

Even despite the closure of the Inca Trail (which makes both nationals and foreigners look for different experiences around Cusco as a result), the Lares Trek remains quite empty in February for the time being. This means we can enjoy a true authentic hiking experience along this route, and not have to worry about crowds blocking views or making lots of noise. This is made even better when heading with our expert tour guides who know this region well, as they’ll also be able to show you some hidden gems and lesser-known highlights.

Another advantage of hiking Lares in February is the warmer weather. One of the peak summer months of the year, here temperatures rise and mean that the nighttimes aren’t as cold as they get during the winter months for the Andes. Of course you’ll still need multiple layers, however it won’t be as cold as it can get later in the year. During the day it will be hot when skies are clear – however keep in mind that clouds and rains are intermittent – so keep a poncho handy as temperatures can cool when it begins to rain.

The Main Disadvantages Of Hiking Lares In February 

Of course with February being the peak rainy season for Peru and the entire Andes regions, this means that showers are likely and will be the main disadvantage of hiking Lares in February. As a result you’ll need to bring suitable hiking equipment, such as high quality boots, several warm layers, waterproofs as well as a poncho. The rains in this region do pass quickly however, so you can still enjoy great views as well as dry patches.

Aside from the sometimes heavy rains, there aren’t many other disadvantages to choosing to hike Lares in this month. Of course it’s important to remember to pack extra layers and your waterproofs in your day pack ready in case it rains, however aside from that you’ll have a great time hiking Lares. Given it’s still a barely-known trek, you’ll benefit from having almost the entire route and experience for you and your hiking group!

Overview Of Lares In February 

And that’s all for this guide on hiking the Lares Trek in February.

An up-and-coming hiking route within the Cusco region, Lares is the perfect trail for those who want a variety of beautiful landscapes without the giant crowds around. Whilst February sees the closure of the Inca Trail and other more demanding treks, Lares remains open and is still great for enjoying everything that this region has to offer.

Book Your Four Day Lares Trek Now, where we will provide all meals, lodging, private transportation as well as your entry and guided tour around Machu Picchu. You’ll also benefit with our local expertise on this route too, getting to see extra secret highlights that you otherwise wouldn’t experience.