Metal Hiking Pols on Lares Trek

[Spuzzum]

Will I need plastic tips on the poles

[Collette]

Yes, metal tips are not allowed. Have a great time on the Lares Trek...I was there in january, let me know if you have any other questions.

[nyalfie]

Should we bring our own poles with us, or are they plentiful and affordable to purchase in Lima once we get there, before we do the Trek?

[Collette]

Your guide will make sure everyone gets poles. You will have an opportunity to buy bamboo poles in Ollantaytambo - the cost is $10 or 2 for $15. I brought my own poles which collapsed to carry easily when not needed.

[jeffepops]

The wooden/bamboo poles are pretty useless, as they do not adjust to individuals' heights. You may also want to adjust the length differently for downhill than for uphill. You can also collapse the metal poles and strap them on to your day pack for those periods when they are not needed. Rubber tips are a must; it's best to get the ones that match your brand of pole.

In our group, only my 18-year-old college athlete son did not use the poles for at least the hardest phases of the trek (nor did our guides or porters).

You don't need to spend a fortune. We got our through an on-line outdoors supply outlet for about $30/pair. Retail prices will likely start in the 50-75 range.

[Spuzzum]

I ended up taking my own metal poles on my trip on the Lares - boy was it worth it!!

Funny story - for some dumb reason, I left my poles on the private van after the hike. Our tour leader got them back for me the next day! Good job GAP for going out of your way to help me out.

Can't say enough good things about that whole trip...

[kaio123]

forgive me for my ignorance. i am wondering if i need poles. i have never needed poles before. i am in early 30s and regularly play sports. i did the 7 hr hike at yosemite and zion without a problem. how much harder and higher is the lares trek ? does it really make that much of a difference ? is it needed going up or going down ? any help would be appreciated. i dont want to end up being the only one without a pole and suffering all the way.

[ballu]

I didn't do the Lares, just Inca...most people in my group rented a pole and a few people rarely, if ever, used it. I did, but I had a sprained ankle so it was mostly a cane for me

It's hard to tell because it's such a personal thing. The ones we rented folded down so the people who didn't use them could just throw them in their daypacks without them being much of a bother.

[nyx1]

Using hiking poles reduce the strain on your knees by 25% regardless of your age or fitness level...the more hiking and longer you intend to continue will add up over time...they are invaluable for downhill,crossing rivers and off trail balance...serious hikers have used them for years but they used to cost $200...now that they are made in China...they have dropped as low as $30 and become a mainstream item..its not about being macho(without pole) or old...its about a tool to use to make your treking easier in the long run...

[nick75]

The bus for the lares trek stops off at a big market (I think it was Calca?) to let people get provisions for the trek after Ollantaytambo. Here they also sell wooden poles for about 10 soles. Any doubts about why I'd brought a pole vanished about 30 minutes into the trek - they are invaluable for walking on paths sloped at an angle, crossing streams or stepping on large boulders and stones, of which there are a lot on the trek.

[hamilh]

When we were on the Lares trek we rented one, I would recommend getting 2 if you are thinking about it, if only for balancing out what you have in your hands... one got a little awkward at times. We really did use our poles well, and many people on our trip wished they had rented them. GAP does provide the option of renting poles, for about $20 - it was worth every penny...

[TravelFun]

Agree with all here...I use trekking poles to ease the presssure on my knees and it was a life saver for the Inca Trail.