Inca Trail Vs Lares Trek

Inca trail highlights

• You will catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on the last day of your hike. The views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate are amazing and give a good perspective of the splendour of the Inca ruins.
• The Inca Trail is the only trekking in which you hike until you get Machu Picchu, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment that you have reached your objective.
• You will see a lot of uninhabited landscapes, stunning Andean vistas, and mysterious cloud forests while trekking.
• Along the route, there are various Inca-ruins built into the mountainside that you can visit.
• The diversity of nature on the trail is beautiful: from high Andes-passes to the exuberant nature of the rainforest.
• Hike to Machu Picchu on mystical, stone-paved paths built by the Incas.

Inca trail lowlights

• The Inca Trail doesn’t have the cultural interaction like the Lares Trek.
• Remember to book well in advance since the permits are limited and they are sold out months beforehand.
• You should not expect solitude or peace and quiet on the trail as you will be hiking with many other trekkers and many porters.
• The campsites along the route are all busy.
• You have to hike down stairways made by the Incas on a large part of the Inca Trail, especially on day 03, which puts pressure on your knees.

Lares trek highlights

• On the Lares Trek, you are surrounded by pristine wilderness deep in the Andes Mountains with lakes, glaciers, valleys, viscachas, and grazing llamas.
• You will hike through small villages where there are opportunities for cultural interaction with the local families, especially with children.
• Lares trek route takes hikers off-the-beaten-path where fewer tourists venture while still not straying too far from civilization.

Lares trek lowlights

• You don’t arrive at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate. The last night of the trek ends in Aguas Calientes town, after which you will visit Machu Picchu on the following day.

Mountain scenery

Inca Trail: On the Inca trail hike, the mountain slopes surrounding are mostly overgrown with bushes and trees, so it is greener in coloration, and on a good winter day, you even have a glimpse to see the snow-covered peaks far away.

Lares Trek: Hiking the Lares trek, you can expect to see spectacular mountain sceneries, snow-covered peaks near as you hit the mountain pass, glacier-fed lagoons, and so on.

Availability / flexibility

Inca Trail: Only 500 people are allowed per day, including staff. If you really want to do this hike, plan well in advance to secure your permit. Otherwise, you will need to take alternative treks.

Lares Trek: There is no need to pre-book months before, as it receives unlimited tour groups year-round. There is always availability.

Weather

Inca Trail: Winter months are the right time to go. Although it is cold at night, the day hike is mostly enjoyable. In summer, rain and fog can obscure the views. See more about the best time to hike the Inca Trail.

Lares Trek: Expect cold temperatures at night in winter (May-August). In summer (December-March), the temperature is warmer but followed by downpours.

Mountain villages and local people

Inca Trail: There are no mountain villages settled along the trail due to the dense vegetation. Only on the first day will you see some local stores and houses.

Lares Trek: You will see local farmers and llama herders in their traditional clothes, living in adobe huts and maintaining a very authentic way of life.

Porters

Inca Trail: No pack animals are allowed. Only manpower carries the gear. All tour operators hire the famous Inca trail porters.

Lares Trek: You will be accompanied by muleteers who use mules to carry food and camping gear. These muleteers often come from the Lares valley itself.

Trail closures in February

Inca Trail: Yes, it closes for upkeep and maintenance procedures.

Lares trail: No, it does not close in February.

How about camping establishments?

Inca Trail: Porters set up all tents. There are some shower stalls (usually cold) and squat toilets at the campsites.

Lares trail: Campsites are less crowded. Bathroom facilities are basic outhouse toilets and water needs to be purified. Showers depend on the specific site and weather.

Thermal hotsprings

Inca Trail: You won’t find hot springs mid-hike. You can only visit them if you stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes.

Lares Trek: Most versions of this trek allow you to soak in the hot springs near Lares town at the beginning or end of the trek.

Who should choose the Inca trail?

Choose the Inca Trail if you want to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and see the incredible Inca trail ruins along the way. It is perfect if you prioritize history and cloud forest landscapes.

Who should choose Lares trek?

Choose the Lares Trek for a more authentic cultural experience with the Quechua people. It is ideal for enjoying blue lakes, valleys full of alpacas, and impressive mountain peaks without the crowds.

Written by our tour guide Aldair