Running the Andes: Exploring Cusco & the Lares Trail with John

There’s something special about sharing the trails of the Andes with people who truly appreciate adventure, movement, and the mountains themselves. Last week, we had the real pleasure of welcoming John to Cusco for a series of runs that perfectly captured what trail running in Peru is all about — high altitude landscapes, local culture, challenging terrain, and unforgettable scenery.

Discovering the Trails Around Cusco

We began the week with one of our favourite local runs around Cusco. Many visitors are surprised by how quickly you can leave the busy streets behind and find yourself on quiet dirt trails winding through the hills above the city.

The route took us along ancient paths, eucalyptus forests, and open hillsides overlooking Cusco and the surrounding valleys. These local runs are one of the best ways to experience the area beyond the usual tourist routes. You gain a completely different perspective of the city while also adjusting to the altitude and getting a feel for running in the Andes.

The pace was relaxed, the weather was perfect, and it gave us a great chance to chat about running, travel, life in Peru, and the adventures still to come later in the week.

Heading Towards Lares

The next day, we set off for what is without doubt one of our absolute favourite trail running routes in Peru — the incredible Lares trail.

The Lares region offers everything that makes the Andes so unique. Remote mountain communities, traditional lifestyles that have changed little over generations, turquoise lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, and trails that seem to disappear endlessly into the mountains.

Unlike some of the more crowded trekking routes around Cusco, Lares still feels wonderfully untouched and authentic. Much of the route passes through quiet landscapes where encounters are more likely to involve herds of alpacas than other tourists.

Running Through the High Andes

The day began early as we made our way into the Sacred Valley and gradually climbed higher into the mountains. Before long, we were surrounded by dramatic Andean scenery in every direction.

One of the highlights of the route is crossing the high mountain pass, where the views open up across huge valleys, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks stretching deep into the Andes. At over 4,000 metres, the altitude certainly adds an extra challenge, but it also creates a feeling that is difficult to describe unless you experience it yourself.

Throughout the run we passed local farmers tending animals, traditional stone houses, and countless llamas and alpacas grazing beside the trails. It’s these moments that make running here feel so different from almost anywhere else in the world. You’re not simply moving through nature — you’re moving through living Andean culture.

The terrain constantly changes too. Flowing descents, rocky sections, ancient pathways, wide open valleys, and technical climbs all combine to create a route that is both physically demanding and endlessly rewarding.

The Perfect Finish: Lares Hot Springs

After three hours out on the trails, there may be no better finish than arriving at the famous hot springs in Lares.

Sliding into the warm thermal waters after a long day running through the mountains is an experience that never gets old. Surrounded by mountain scenery and tired in the best possible way, it’s the perfect place to recover, relax, and reflect on the adventure.

For many people, this final part of the experience becomes one of the most memorable moments of the entire trip.

Why We Love Sharing These Trails

Experiences like this are exactly why we created these running adventures in the first place.

For us, it’s never only about the distance or elevation gain. It’s about sharing authentic experiences in the Andes with people who want to explore beyond the standard routes and truly connect with the landscapes, culture, and challenge of the mountains.

A huge thank you again to John for the great company, strong running, and fantastic energy throughout the runs. It was an absolute pleasure sharing these trails together.

We’re already looking forward to the next adventure.