The Lares Trek

We left Cusco, sleepy and nearly still dreaming, in the brisk and dark hours of the morning. After making one final stop at a tiny village in the sacred Valley for breakfast and last-minute supplies, we headed to the base of the mountain. Dizzied by the mystic energy hovering like fog in the air, and with a wad of coca leaves in my cheek to combat the effects of altitude, I began walking uphill. Step by step, porter horses in tow, we gradually ascended at a descent pace. By the time we commenced our trek the sun had begun to shine some warmth on the land and I was overcome by excitement at the unknown that lie ahead; high up there in the far away peaks of the Andes was a place oozing spirituality and mystery.