Lares Trek vs Inca Trail: How to Choose Your Adventure

By Hannah Douch

Last updated: 5th September 2024

If Machu Picchu is one of your travel goals, you might’ve asked yourself whether it’s better to do the Lares Trek or the Inca Trail. While it’s completely possible to visit this new wonder of the world without breaking a sweat, nothing beats the adrenaline rush that comes from hiking through Peru’s Sacred Valley filled with ancient ruins. So what’s the difference? 

Lares Trek vs Inca Trail: The Main Differences

The Inca Trail is Peru’s most famous trek and arguably one of the most iconic routes in South America. It’s also highly sought after with Inca Trail passes being issued annually; to keep the Inca Trail in pristine condition, up to 500 people are allowed on the route every day - including the professional teams of porters, chefs and local guides. 

Meanwhile, the Lares Trek is a less well-known hiking trail where you will cross higher mountain passes and experience local Peruvian culture with village stops. The Lares Trek is permit-free, so it’s a fantastic option for trips planned on shorter notice.

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Distance 🗺️

Lares Trek

The Lares Trek takes roughly three days to complete, which is one day shorter than the Inca Trail. It covers a distance of 33km. When you do the Lares Trek with us, you’ll have the entire afternoon on day 4 to soak in hot springs and kick back in a hotel bed before seeing Machu Picchu early the next day. After all those mountains you’ve just conquered, some pampering is just what you need!

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is slightly longer at around 41km and takes 4 days to complete. However, it’s also less steep and is the only route where you can admire Machu Picchu at dawn from Sun Gate - which is one of the most beautiful views in the entire world!

Lares Trek vs Inca Trail

Both the Lares Trek and the Inca Trail have their advantages when it comes to distance. Ultimately, it depends on whether you’d prefer to spend more time hiking through the Sacred Valley or have an extra day to recharge and relax.

Difficulty ⛰️

Lares Trek

The Lares Trek offers a slightly more challenging experience than the Inca Trail, taking you to higher altitudes and demanding a greater level of endurance.. Its highest point is Sicllaccasa Mountain, which reaches a jaw-dropping height of 4,750m. However, since the Lares Trek finishes a day earlier, some travellers may find it more comfortable.

Inca Trail

Slow and steady wins the race! While the Inca Trail is longer, the altitudes are also lower for this route making it technically an easier hike. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman’s Pass (we promise you, it’s nowhere near as daunting as it sounds!), which sits at 4,198m.

Lares Trek vs Inca Trail

Based purely on altitudes, the Inca Trail is a slightly easier hike compared to the Lares Trek. However, difficulty levels are pretty subjective. While some travellers prefer the idea of a longer hike and an extra night of camping, others may favour a “quick burst” route. 

Regardless of whether you’re team Lares Trek or team Inca Trail, on both trips, you’ll be joined by an experienced team of local guides, porters and chefs. They know Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley better than anyone, and they are well equipped to help you overcome potential obstacles, such as altitude sickness And you’ll also be with an amazing group of like-minded travellers, who make completing the Lares Trek or Inca Trail feel extra memorable!

What You’ll See 🦙

Lares Trek

The Lares Trek is an incredible opportunity for any traveller looking to get off the beaten path and really immerse themselves in Peru’s local culture. Experience everyday life as you stop at various local villages on your trek. Something cool about the Lares Trek is that whenever you stay at a village campsite, all of the earnings stay within that local community. 

You’ll experience nature at its most secluded on the Lares Trek. As for Machu Picchu, the Lares Trek group tends to arrive at this Wonder of the World pretty early - so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the ruins ahead of the crowds!

Inca Trail

Despite how popular the Inca Trail is, its landscapes feel completely untouched. Discover the breathtaking Sacred Valley, see alpacas in the wild and spot countless ancient ruins on your trek. As you have an extra day on the Inca Trail, this means you can really take your time soaking up the stunning landscapes as part of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From feeling on top of the world after climbing the legendary Dead Woman’s Pass to admiring Machu Picchu from Sun Gate at dawn, the Inca Trail is something special. 

Lares Trek vs Inca Trail

When judging the scenery on either route, the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail debate is like apples vs oranges. While the Inca Trail is perfect for anyone after a classic Peru experience, the Lares Trek feels a little more local and off the tourist trail. Regardless of which option you prefer the idea of, the Lares Trek and Inca Trail are both routes to remember!

Choosing the right adventure for you ☀️

Why choose the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek is an exhilarating option for any traveller who wants to add a unique edge to their time in Peru. Other than going off the tourist trail and pushing yourself to higher altitudes, the Lares Trek is a brilliant opportunity to get to know the local cultures better. And as no permit is required to complete the Lares Trek, you have more spontaneity and flexibility as a traveller! 

Why choose the Inca Trail?

Hiking the Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From making it to the top of Dead Woman’s Pass to that first glimpse of Machu Picchu at sunrise, completing the Inca Trail is a travel memory you’ll cherish forever. While it requires some extra planning, this means that you have plenty of time to prepare for the hike and your trip to Peru. Trust us, it’s worth it!

Ready to choose a route or still deciding? Your next best step is to check out our 5-day Journey to Machu Picchu - Trek or Train trip! There are three different itineraries to choose from - the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek and a Cusco Stay. Regardless of which option you go for, you'll get to explore Machu Picchu and learn more about the ancient Inca civilisation - which was the biggest empire to ever exist in the Americas!

If you'd like to explore even more options, then we offer a huge variety of Peru trips & tours! What are you waiting for?