Smothered in Images: Twenty Souvenirs Capturing Cusco and the Inca Legacy
The Lares Trek, nestled in the picturesque Andes of Peru, offers an alternative to the popular Inca Trail, providing a unique blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. This seven-day journey serves as a window into the vibrant indigenous Andean cultures, many of which predate the Incan Empire, and offers a chance to immerse oneself in the traditions that remain very much alive today.
### Historical and Cultural Significance
As one embarks on the Lares Trek, they pass through the Lares Valley, a region teeming with local communities who continue to practice ancient Incan and pre-Incan agricultural and weaving techniques. The indigenous people of this region maintain their traditional lifestyles, adorning themselves in colorful handwoven garments such as ponchos and *lliklla* shawls. The trek offers travelers a genuine cultural immersion, enabling interactions with these highland Andean communities in remote villages that have been minimally impacted by tourism.
Unlike the heavily regulated and often crowded Inca Trail, the Lares Trek is less commercialized, offering a more authentic experience. The route is flexible, with several paths through the valley rather than a single defined trail, allowing for customization based on fitness and interest, including homestays with local families to deepen cultural understanding.
### Scenic and Natural Importance
The Lares Trek is also celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes. Hikers traverse high Andean mountains, pass by waterfalls, and encounter pristine lakes. The tranquil beauty of the surroundings, combined with the sounds of rural farm life and nature, offers a deeply immersive wilderness experience. The trek generally takes about three days and involves camping in these remote areas, disconnected from cell service, which enhances the sense of retreat into nature.
### Modern-Day Significance
Today, the Lares Trek is popular among those seeking a quieter, more authentic alternative to the Inca Trail. It is appreciated by travelers who want to connect with the cultural heritage of the Andes rather than just focusing on archaeological sites. The trek concludes often at the Lares hot springs, a well-known relaxation spot for both locals and visitors, providing a restorative end to the journey.
In summary, the Lares Trek's historical significance lies in its connection to pre-Incan and Incan highland cultures that continue to thrive in the region. Its significance today is as a lesser-known, culturally immersive, and scenic route to Machu Picchu that emphasizes indigenous traditions, natural beauty, and a peaceful trekking experience away from tourist crowds.
The Inca civilization, the largest in the world during the 1500s, had a stronghold across modern-day Peru from 1438 through to 1533. The Coca leaf, traditionally used for medicinal purposes and to alleviate altitude sickness in the Andes, was used for drug sacrifices to the gods in the past. The city of Cusco, or Cuzco, serves as the main tourist gateway to the region, featuring cobbled streets, street sellers, and grand architecture. Machu Picchu, the most famous and visited Inca site, is considered to have been either a religious site or a royal estate. The village of Písac, one of the most famous sites in the Valley, is known for its market and fortress towering above the village. Ollantaytambo, a starting point for the popular train service to Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, was home to the Emperor Pachacuti during the Inca rule and is believed to have defended the Sacred Valley from the north. Around 44% of the population of Peru is Quechua, with a timeline dating back to a believed date of 2600 BC, and the native language of the Andes is Quechua, which is still spoken by around 8 million people in South America despite Spanish becoming the default language after colonization. The Inca Ruins at the entrance to the Valley were one of the most crowded sites visited. The Sacred Valley, garnered its name as it was the property of the Emperor, was seen as some of the best lands to construct Inca sites and farms. Machu Picchu was abandoned around 100 years after it was built and remains undamaged due to the lack of contact with the Spanish. The Inca empire ended in the 16th century due to a combination of physical attacks by the Spanish invasion and the outbreak of European diseases that killed over 60% of the population.
- Embarking on the Lares Trek, travelers can immerse themselves in a lifestyle that preserves ancient Incan and pre-Incan traditions, as they interact with highland Andean communities living in remote villages.
- After navigating the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Lares Trek, travelers can unwind at the Lares hot springs, offering a modern-day rejuvenation spot for weary hikers.
