Lares Trek vs Inca Trail: Comparing Duration, Challenges and Experiences

Ultima actualización en 5 November, 2024 por Waman Adventures

Last Updated on 5 November, 2024 by Waman Adventures

Based on your travel expectations, which route would be most appropriate for you? Inca Trail or Lares Trek. Join us on this informative blog as we unravel the wonders and peculiarities of the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail. We will help you choose the perfect adventure for your next trekking adventure in the Peruvian Andes. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the magic of these unique trails and find the one that best suits your travelling spirit!

WHAT ARE THE LARES TREK AND THE INCA TRAIL?

They are 2 of the most famous trekking trails you can do whilts your visit to Peru. So, whichever you choose, you will find incredible moments and experiences unique on each trek towards Machu Picchu, the most beautiful wonder in the world.

WHAT IS LARES TREK PERU?

It is known as the “Cultural Route” of trekking, which passes through high Andean villages meeting real Peruvian people. Also, it is the third most famous trekking route in Cusco.

Discover and take the best pictures of exclusive landscapes

WHAT IS THE INCA TRAIL PERU?

The Inca Trail Peru is a legendary and famous trail that leads you to the “Lost City of the Incas” in Peru, the World Wonder Machu Picchu. During Inca times this trail was part of the vast network of Inca Trails or “Qhapaq Ñan“. Nowadays, it is the most famous trekking trail in South America and the only trail that allows you to reach Machu Picchu directly.

What is the Inca Trail Peru?

LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL – ALTITUDES

The Lares Trek reach a higher elevation than the Inca Trail. This fact is important to consider before starting off any of these options. Furthermore, the Lares Trek route is in the Urubamba Mountain Range whereas the Inca Trail route is located near the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
The highest peak in the Urubamba Mountain Range is the snow-capped Veronica at 5,893 m/19,330 ft and the highest in the Vilcanota Mountain Range is the snow-capped Salkantay at 6,271 m/20,574 ft.

ALTITUDE OF THE LARES TREK

The Lares Trek has an average altitude of 3,500 m/1,482 ft ALS, tending not to have many altitudinal variations during the trek compared to the Inca Trail.

Witness the real Andean culture and people.

HOW IS THE INCA TRAIL ALTITUDE?

The altitude of the Inca Trail in its different versions ranges from 2,200 m/7,218 ft to 4,215 m/14,815 ft. Although this depends on the Inca Trail version you choose, the most notable differences are shown below.

Inca Trail Hike (4 or 5 days).

• Highest altitude: 4,215 m/14,815 ft.
• Lowest altitude: 2,709 m/8,900 ft.

Short Inca Trail Hike (2 days).

• Highest altitude: 2,730 m/8,956 ft.
• Lowest altitude: 2,100 m/6,892 ft.

The altitude is lower than the Lares Trek, so you will enjoy other ecosystems.

HOW LONG IS THE LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL PERU?

Distance while trekking is an important factor in organizing your packing list, budget, etc. Whether you consider the Inca Trail or Lares Trek, both have different worthwhile distances for mountaineers. So, it is wise to consider having good physical stamina and training before starting the trek off.

HOW LONG IS THE LARES TREK?

Its distance ranges between 30 and 40 km or 19 to 25 mi, but the distance is up to the version you choose. Below we present some important facts about the Lares Trek distances.

HOW LONG IS THE INCA TRAIL?

Distances vary depending on your choice between the different trekking versions of the Inca Trail.

LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL – VERSIONS

THE LARES TREK PERU VERSIONS

1. The classic Lares Trek: This is the most popular and well-known version. It is 4D/3N long. Along the itinerary, there are many campsites before reaching the hotel in Aguas Calientes. Even though you visit Machu Picchu on the last day of the trek, the highlight of the trek is the time spent trekking.
2. Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail: This trek usually lasts 5 days and 4 nights. This option permits you to hike on a short Inca Trail’s stretch.
3. Short Lares Trek: This is a quicker and less known version, as you will cover the same places, but in only 3 days and 2 nights. This option is tailored for travellers running out of time, but it requires trekking experience and training before starting this tough Lares trail route.

THE INCA TRAIL  PERU VERSIONS

The duration of the Inca Trail depends on the tour you want to do, as you have several options such as:

1. Classic Inca Trail (Best Seller): It is the most booked tour. It lasts 4 days, and 6 to 8 hours of trekking per day approx.
2. Extensive Inca Trail: It lasts 5 days taking you by its trails and archaeological complex slowly. If we compare this option with the Classic Inca Trail, there is more time to enjoy the entire tour.
3. Short Inca Trail: This is a lighter and simpler option, which only lasts 2 days and allows you to walk part of the original Inca Trail.

DIFFERENCES IN THE LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL EXPERIENCE

LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Lares Trek is absolutely the best option if you want to interact and learn more about Peruvian culture by meeting real highland people. However, the Inca Trail passes through archaeological sites rather than towns.

LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL – LANDSCAPES

You must keep in mind that the Inca Trail route passes through more habitats and ecosystems, so there are more different landscapes along the route. Alternatively, high puna grassland, intermountain valleys, glaciers, wetlands, lakes and others can be appreciated along the Lares Trek.

LARES TREK – SCENERY

The scenery along the Lares Trek is mountainous and tough to see. Sometimes you can stop and see lakes surrounded by wetlands, or you can stop and observe a valley with streams running down the main river.

Trekking in rugged terrain on the Lares Trek route!

INCA TRAIL – SCENERY

On the other hand, the Inca Trail stands out for the archaeological sites observed and explored while trekking. However, this does not mean that there is no nature, on the contrary, there are more ecosystems than the Lares Trek!
The Inca trail owns the cloud forest which is a special habitat and can’t be found along the Lares Trek.

Some landscapes at some Inca Trail’s points.

FLORA OF THE LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL

If you are focused on finding biodiversity along the trek you choose, I must tell you that the Inca Trail has wider biodiversity comparing the Lares Trek or Inca Trail. Why does it happen? Geography plays a big role in species distribution along the Andes Mountain Range.

LARES TREK – FLORA

Describing the flora along this route is a bit complicated. I could list some of the species you must find, but you need to consider that every 100 meters of elevation the flora changes. In the intermountain valley exist Pines, Eucalyptus, False Pepper, Avocado and Capuli trees. If you ascend more, there are Queuñas, Uncas and Chachacomos in abundance. If you ascend ever more, some scrubs are present to finally just observe puna grasslands above 4000 m.a.s.l.

Flora along the Lares Trek route

INCA TRAIL – FLORA

The first 2 days of the Inca Trail present almost the same flora as the Lares Trek. The main difference starts in the last 2 days as you enter deep in the cloud forest. The cloud forest is a special habitat for orchids, ferns, other species of trees etc! So, Lares Trek vs Inca Trail is incomparable in flora.

Wider biodiversity is found along the Inca Trail

FAUNA OF THE LARES TREK VS THE INCA TRAIL

As well as their flora, they have their own fauna depending on geography, altitude, rainfall, or ecosystem.

LARES TREK – FAUNA

It will depend on where you are trekking. If you are trekking near a rural area, it is probably to find out cows, mules, alpacas or llamas. However, if we trek within mountains far from towns, it’s possible to see deers, foxes and even pumas.

Some of the fauna species along the Lares Trek

However, there is also the possibility of spotting other animals such as birds and insects.

Wild animals in their natural state such as puma, Andean geese, foxes and the spectacular Andean Condor.

INCA TRAIL – FAUNA

Fauna on the Inca Trail is quite different here because you will trek through a preserve zone.

Rural areas are present only on the first day of trekking, then all changes! Along the path, there are exuberant fauna such as the Andean-Cock-of-the-Rock, Andean Bear, Pumas, Alpacas, foxes, endemic birds and so on.

Bringing a camera is one of the best ideas on the Inca Trail

LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

If you are an archaeological site enthusiast and you are in doubt about whether to choose the Inca Trail or the Lares Trek, the definitive answer is to choose the Inca Trail. This trail has wider archaeological sites to explore on each trekking day. However, you should remember that both trails end in Machu Picchu.

Some of the archaeological places along the Inca Trail

FACTORS TO CONSIDER OF THE LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL

LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Both trails have their challenges, which are based on the average altitude of each route, the terrain, the trekking hours and the season in which you decide to make the trip.

HOW HARD IS THE LARES TREK?

This trek is considered TOUGH, with an average of 6 hours of trekking per day. Due to its high altitude, it should be considered that travellers must be in good health and in good physical condition to complete the trek.

Enjoying a peaceful, beautiful and safe trekking day.

HOW HARD IS THE INCA TRAIL?

In general terms, the Inca Trail is considered TOUGH to CHALLENGING. So it’s more difficult than the Lares Trek because there are more mountain passes to conquer along the route. Despite its lower altitude than the Lares Trek, the effort that trekkers do is higher.

Ups and downs along the Inca Trail route

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE OF THE LARES TREK VS  INCA TRAIL PERU

An important fact about both treks is that they reach their highest altitude on the second trekking day. So, I could say that this would be the most challenging day to face along these treks.

THE LARES TREK – HIGHEST ALTITUDE

As mentioned above, you will reach the highest altitude on the second day. The HIGHEST ALTITUDE is reached once you arrive at Sicllakasa Pass at 4,830 m/15,846 ft. Consider that from this point you must see the magnificent view of Pumahuanca Mountain (5,330 masl/17,486 ft) only if the weather permits.

Enjoy this unique experience at Lares Trek

THE INCA TRAIL – HIGHEST ALTITUDE

Face the greatest challenge along the Inca Trail by crossing the Warmiwañuska Pass at 4,215 masl/14,815 feet. Reaching this altitude allows you to take the best pictures of the surroundings. Don’t forget to thank Apus for allowing you to be there which is well worth it.

Warmiwañusca Pass or Dead Woman’s Pass

THE BEST SEASON TO HIKE THE LARES TREK VS THE INCA TRAIL

Both treks are located in the southern Peruvian Andes, you must know that we have two seasons in the year. The first one is the rainy season which runs from December to April; the second is the dry season, running from June to November!
As a consequence, the best season to travel to Peru and book the best tour we have to offer is in the dry season.

It is wise to remember that trekking under a storm, muddy trails, hail or snow is very tough or challenging! So, if you don’t have trekking experience, trekking the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail during the rainy season could end badly.
Furthermore, the Inca Trail is closed in February, but the Lares Trek is open throughout the whole year.

AVAILABILITY AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL:

This is a common question; is easier to book the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail? The Inca Trail Peru is, for sure, the most famous and main trekking route in Peru, then it has less availability and more restrictions related to the route.

On the other hand, the Lares Trek is more accessible to book and organize, and this trek is not as crowded as the Inca Trail, creating a different atmosphere during the trek.

INFORGRAFIA

EXPECTATIONS OF THE LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL

Whether you choose the Lares Trek or the Inca Trail, you will find that both trails will far exceed your expectations, as they have been well-designed by allowing you to explore, learn and trek without being rushed. Also, each of them has its own unique attractions. If I need to choose between the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail, I choose the Inca Trail!

SUMMARY OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL

Below, discover the most important differences that will help you choose between the Lares Trek or Inca Trail, taking into account the most relevant highlights of each trek. Remember that whatever your choice is, you will experience an incredible trekking route towards Machu Picchu.

LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL – FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS

IS THE LARES TREK FOR ME?

The Lares Trek is for you if you’re interested in real Andean culture, living some hours with them or maybe learning their traditions despite archaeological remains along the trekking route. Consider that the Lares Trek is better if you are looking for a noncrowded route in the Andes and before the trek ends, you will have plenty of time to relax your body in the Hot Springs of Lares.

THE INCA TRAIL FOR ME?

The Inca Trail is almost always the best choice because of its popularity around the world. If you are interested in trekking the most famous route in South America, a wider biodiversity, exclusive campsites and archaeological sites that only the Inca Trail could reach, the Inca Trail is for you.
Consider that the Inca Trail costs more and has a maximum capacity of only 500 people could enter each day. If this list doesn’t fit with your expectations, it’s wiser to spend your money elsewhere.

Your ideal adventure if you are a traveller in search of stories and unique photographs of archaeological sites.

TRAINING FOR THE LARES TREK VS THE INCA TRAIL

In reality, there is no substantial difference between preparing for the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail. Both have almost the same challenges such as altitude, hours of trekking per day and the length of the trek. By following these tips, you will be prepared for any trek you choose.

• Cardiovascular exercises: you must strengthen your respiratory and cardiac resistance, because during the trek you will climb to more than 4000 m.a.s.l., so the lack of oxygen will be a determining factor even more if you’re not well acclimatized.
• Muscle strengthening exercises: Despite it’s true that your luggage (06 kg) will be carried by our porters or mules (up to the trek), you must consider carrying your necessary equipment in your backpack day for 6 hours per day approx.
• Trekking or mountaineering: The trekking experience plays a crucial role whilts trekking
• everywhere. So, if you have the opportunity to hike before travelling to Peru, why not?
• Prepare yourself mentally: Maybe this is one of the most critical things but passes overlooked. What is the point of having stamina and being in shape if your mentality is broken? Remember that this point is so important when climbing high Andean passes.

By doing these exercises together, you will be able to overcome each challenge.

CONCLUSION ABOUT THE LARES TREK VS INCA TRAIL

The Inca Trail is famous for its history, mysticism, and exclusivity characterised by its ancient Incan trail, ruins and deluxe arrival at Machu Picchu. This makes it the most popular and iconic trekking option in Peru and South America. However, due to its popularity, it can be more crowded and access is more controlled requiring a reservation ahead of time.

On the other hand, the Lares Trek offers a more authentic and less crowded experience. Through this trek, travellers interact more closely with local communities and learn about their culture or traditions while enjoying breathtaking natural scenery.

Choosing a destination depends on the traveller’s preferences. If you value Inca history or architecture, the Inca Trail may be the best option. Whereas if you are looking for a quieter experience, interactions with the local culture and a less crowded trek, the Lares Trek would be the right alternative.

Finally, whether you choose the Inca Trail vs Lares Trek, both routes offer a fantastic experience for travellers, but each has its own charm. The key is to choose the one that best suits your interests and preferences. Bon voyage!

You now know the most important facts about Lares Trek vs Inca Trail, and whether to opt for either of these incredible Peruvian trekking routes to Machu Picchu or which route you would prefer. We are happy to provide you with this information through this blog so that you can have a wonderful time. Waman Adventures, your family, is waiting to help you make these real, whether you choose the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail. Book now!