How to Choose Between the Lares Trek and the Inca Trail: Which Trek is Right for You?

The Lares Trek and the Inca Trail are two of the most popular hiking routes to Machu Picchu in Peru. Both treks offer stunning views, rich cultural experiences, and a journey through the heart of the Andes. However, they differ in various ways, and choosing the right trek depends on your preferences, fitness level, and the kind of experience you're looking for. In this article, we’ll compare the two treks in detail, helping you decide which one is the best fit for you.

Overview of the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is the most famous trekking route to Machu Picchu, and it has been a popular choice for adventurers and history lovers alike. This 4-day trek takes hikers through a series of Inca ruins, cloud forests, and high-altitude passes before reaching the iconic Sun Gate and entering Machu Picchu.

Key features of the Inca Trail:

• Distance: 43 kilometers (26 miles)
• Duration: 4 days
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Highlights: Inca ruins (e.g., Wiñay Wayna), scenic views, and cultural significance
• Popularity: High demand (permits are limited)

Overview of the Lares Trek

The Lares Trek is a lesser-known alternative to the Inca Trail, but it’s growing in popularity due to its beautiful landscapes and cultural immersion. This trek offers a more remote and peaceful experience, passing through traditional Andean villages and breathtaking high-altitude valleys. The trek ends with a visit to Machu Picchu, often accessed via a train ride from the town of Ollantaytambo.

Key features of the Lares Trek:

• Distance: 33 kilometers (20 miles)
• Duration: 3 or 4 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Stunning natural landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and quiet trekking routes
• Popularity: Less crowded than the Inca Trail

1. Trek Difficulty and Fitness Level

When choosing between the Lares Trek and the Inca Trail, one of the most important factors to consider is the level of difficulty. Both treks involve high-altitude hiking, but they differ in terms of terrain and the physical demands they place on trekkers.

Inca Trail Difficulty

• The Inca Trail is often considered more challenging due to its steep climbs and altitude.
• On the 4-day trek, you’ll experience several high-altitude passes, with the highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters or 13,829 feet).
• There are also more uneven stone steps, which can be tough on the knees and joints.
• The trail is well-maintained, but the route can be physically demanding for those who are not used to hiking at high altitudes.

Lares Trek Difficulty

• The Lares Trek Peru is slightly easier and less strenuous than the Inca Trail, but still involves some uphill sections and high-altitude hiking.
• The highest point on the Lares Trek Peru is Ipsaycocha Pass (4,450 meters or 14,600 feet), which is higher than the Inca Trail's highest point, but the route is less steep.
• There are fewer steps compared to the Inca Trail, and the trail is often more gradual.
• The Lares Trek is generally more suitable for those looking for a moderate hike and who prefer a quieter route.

Which Trek Is Right for You?

• If you are physically fit and ready for a more challenging hike with steep ascents and plenty of steps, the Inca Trail may be a better choice.
• If you prefer a slightly easier, less crowded trek with beautiful landscapes but fewer steep sections, the Lares Trek Peru could be ideal.

2. Cultural Experience

Both the Lares Trek and the Inca Trail offer rich cultural experiences, but they provide different types of cultural immersion.

Inca Trail Cultural Experience

• The Inca Trail is famous for its historical significance, taking trekkers through several ancient Inca ruins along the way.
• Key archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca provide insight into the Inca Empire’s culture and engineering.
• Many trekkers choose the Inca Trail to explore the history of the Incas, which is part of the allure of this route.
• However, the Inca Trail does not pass through as many living communities, and the experience is more focused on ancient ruins than on current indigenous culture.

Lares Trek Cultural Experience

• The Lares Trek offers a more authentic cultural experience by passing through several traditional Andean villages.
• You’ll have the opportunity to interact with local communities, such as the Quechua people, and learn about their way of life.
• The trek is less commercialised, and the villages are less touristy, giving you a deeper understanding of Andean traditions, agriculture, and daily life.
• You'll also have the chance to visit local markets, watch traditional weaving, and explore the culture of indigenous Peruvians.

Which Trek Is Right for You?

• If you’re interested in exploring Inca history and ancient ruins, the Inca Trail is the better choice.
• If you prefer a more immersive cultural experience with visits to authentic villages and interactions with locals, the Lares Trek is a great option.

3. Crowd Size and Popularity

Inca Trail Crowds

• The Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world, and as a result, it can get very crowded, especially during peak seasons (May to September).
• Permits for the Inca Trail are limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters), but due to high demand, permits often sell out months in advance.
• If you’re looking for a quieter experience and a chance to connect with nature, the Inca Trail might not be ideal due to its popularity.

Lares Trek Crowds

• The Lares Trek is far less crowded than the Inca Trail, offering a more peaceful and serene trekking experience.
• Because it is a lesser-known route, you won’t encounter as many hikers, making it a great option for those seeking solitude and a more personal adventure.

Which Trek Is Right for You?

• If you don’t mind larger groups and prefer a more popular route with lots of fellow trekkers, the Inca Trail may suit you.
• If you want a quieter and less crowded trek, the Lares Trek is the better choice.

4. Scenic Beauty

Both the Lares Trek and the Inca Trail offer stunning views, but the types of landscapes you’ll see differ.

Inca Trail Scenic Beauty

• The Inca Trail is known for its dramatic views of the Andes, cloud forests, and stunning Inca ruins.
• Along the way, you'll pass through diverse ecosystems, from the high-altitude puna to subtropical rainforests, offering varied scenery.

Lares Trek Scenic Beauty

• The Lares Trek is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring picturesque valleys, snow-capped peaks, lakes, and lush Andean landscapes.
• The trek is also home to more remote and tranquil landscapes, making it perfect for nature lovers who want to enjoy beautiful views away from the crowds.

Which Trek Is Right for You?

• If you're looking for a combination of historical landmarks and dramatic landscapes, the Inca Trail offers both.
• If you prefer peaceful, high-altitude landscapes with lakes, valleys, and quiet trekking, the Lares Trek will be more suitable.

Conclusion: Which Trek Should You Choose?

Both the Lares Trek and the Inca Trail offer incredible experiences, but your decision ultimately depends on your priorities:

• Choose the Inca Trail if you’re looking for a challenging hike, historical ruins, and the iconic experience of entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
• Choose the Lares Trek if you prefer a quieter, more cultural experience with fewer crowds and stunning natural beauty.

No matter which trek you choose, both routes will lead you to the amazing Machu Picchu, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.