There is no reason to doubt that both the Inca trail and the Lares trek are unforgettable ways to experience the magic of the Andes, but they offer quite different routes, experiences, and challenges.
Maybe you've already booked your trip and are in research mode, wondering: Which trek is the best choice for me? Or perhaps you’ve just discovered that Inca Trail permits are sold out, and you're curious how an Inca Trail alternative like the Lares Trek compares. Either way, you’re in the right place. Follow Alice will break down everything you need to know to make the right call for your adventure style.
Learn more: The Classic Inca Trail – a day-by-day itinerary
Trekkers on the Inca Trail in the valley, Peru
Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is often dubbed the crown jewel of trekking in Peru. It's a legendary 42-kilometre (26-mile) route that winds through ancient ruins, cloud forests, and rugged mountain passes before ending with a truly unforgettable first glimpse of Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate. The journey also passes several ancient ruins only accessible on foot, making it a living museum as much as a hike. This trail is a living piece of Peru’s history, with stories and culture woven into every step.
As part of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its significance stretches far beyond its breathtaking views. This ancient pathway once formed part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the extensive Incan road network that spanned thousands of kilometres across South America. The Inca Trail was a sacred pilgrimage route, leading officials and spiritual leaders to the hidden citadel of Machu Picchu, a site believed to hold deep religious, political, and ceremonial importance. Today, walking the trail offers a rare chance to step directly into the footsteps of an ancient civilisation. The stone steps, terraced ruins, and remarkably engineered paths tell the story of a people whose legacy still lives on in the mountains.
Let's have a look at the pros and cons of the Inca Trail
Pros of the Inca Trail:
- It’s famous, definitely a bucket list experience
- Travellers will walk (in part) on the original Inca-built roads (43 km of some 30,000 Km of Inca trails that extend all over Western South America).
- You get to walk into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, an experience you won’t forget. It’s the only trail that lets you arrive this way, just like the Incas did.
- Experience changing climates from the Andean tundra to alpine to ceja de selva (eyebrows of the jungle)
- Able to visit several Inca ruins along the way
Cons of the Inca Trail:
- Highly touristy, expect company on the trail
- Commercialised campsites can feel inauthentic, especially early on
- Limited or no meaningful interaction with local communities
If you're after a world-famous trail steeped in ancient history and don’t mind the crowds, the Inca Trail delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Learn more: Your complete packing list for trekking to Machu Picchu
Trekkers and llamas on the Lares trek, Peru
Lares Trek
The Lares Trek may not have the fame of the Inca Trail, but it’s one of Peru’s best-kept secrets. Unlike the Inca Trail, which follows a set path, there’s no single Lares Trek route. Instead, Lares Trek is a name used to describe a network of trails through the Lares Valley, northeast of Cusco. These routes were originally used by local communities to travel between villages, and they crisscross a stunning mountainous region still inhabited by Quechua people. With the beautiful Andean scenery, traditional Quechua villages, and far fewer crowds, the Lares Trek offers a more peaceful and culturally alternative to the Inca Trail.
While the Inca Trail winds through ancient ruins and diverse ecosystems before reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, the Lares Trek takes you into the highlands, where the focus is less on archaeology and more centred around local communities and their way of life. Along the way, you’ll hike past glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and remote farming communities where you can meet local families and learn about their centuries-old way of life, something you simply won’t experience on the Inca Trail. For centuries, they’ve farmed potatoes and other crops on the steep hillsides and raised llamas, alpacas, and sheep, much as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago.
Until recently, there were no roads into this part of the Andes, so footpaths were the only connection between settlements. While roads have begun creeping into the region in the last 20 years, and especially the last decade, Lares remains largely untouched by mass tourism. And although some trekking routes now brush up against these roads, most have adapted to keep the experience as wild and remote as possible.
The Lares Trek is ideal if you're after a more authentic side of Andean life. The hiking is still challenging due to high altitude, so altitude sickness prevention is just as important as it is on the Inca Trail.
Let's look at the pros and cons of the Lares Trek:
Pros of the Lares Trek:
- It will feel like you are stepping back in time
- Communities on the Lares Trek continue to live a traditional lifestyle that is largely unchanged for centuries
- You will access incredibly diverse and beautiful scenery, with crystalline lakes, mountain peaks and loads of Andean wildlife
- It's also an opportunity to get away from the crowds; you are likely to be the only group hiking through this area
- You will still get a taste of the Inca Trail and be able to visit the Wiñay Wayna ruins - the most impressive on the whole Inca Trail and often skipped by those hiking the Classic circuit - and walk through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, into Machu Picchu, a truly magical experience
- You can also enjoy a restful night in a comfortable hotel before visiting Machu Picchu
- Travellers get to see hot springs, ride a horse and do many more fun things on route with villagers.
Cons of the Lares Trek:
- Lares is not as well-known
- There is a diminished sense of trekking a world-famous route or checking off a bucket-list item
- No direct access to Machu Picchu, and won't see the infamous Sun Gate
- Hiking the Lares Trek presents challenges, mainly due to altitude
Learn more: When is the best time to trek the Inca Trail
The view of Machu Picchu
Lares Trek vs Inca Trail: Which Machu Picchu Hike Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Inca Trail and the Lares Trek depends largely on your travel style, interests, and fitness level. Both routes promise breathtaking views, a rich connection to Peruvian culture, and unforgettable journeys through the Andes. When you decide, you need to take into account everything from Inca Trail difficulty and altitude sickness prevention to Lares permits and cultural highlights. So, which one is right for you? Follow Alice is going to do a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your Machu Picchu adventure.
Here are a few differences at a glance:
Learn more: What to know about Peru's visa requirements and entry procedures
Inca Trail overview
The Inca Trail is the most iconic trekking route in South America. It follows ancient stone paths laid by the Incas, and the route leads to Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate. The Inca Trail is rich in archaeological sites and has different natural landscapes, from misty cloud forests to grassy areas in the high mountains.
Inca Trail difficulty
Though not technical, the Inca Trail is physically demanding. You’ll hike for 6–9 hours per day and climb thousands of stone steps. The most challenging time is Day 2, when you ascend to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m.
Inca Trail permits
Permits are mandatory and strictly limited to 500 per day (including staff). They sell out 6–8 months in advance for peak season (May–September). Planning is important.
Learn more: How to plan your flight to Machu Picchu like a pro
Lares Trek overview
The Lares Trek is a scenic, off-the-beaten-path alternative to the Inca Trail. It doesn’t lead directly to Machu Picchu, but combines with a train ride and bus transfer from Ollantaytambo or a short Inca Trail segment.
Lares Trek difficulty
In terms of difficulty, both are classified as moderate but in different ways. In contrast, the Lares Trek features gentler gradients, wider paths, and no steps, making it slightly less strenuous in terms of terrain. However, its higher altitude can be more demanding, so physical preparation is still essential.
No Lares Trek permits needed
Unlike the Inca Trail, no permits are required for the Lares Trek. This flexibility makes it a great last-minute option and more accessible to travellers not planning months.
Altitude and acclimatisation
Both treks involve high-altitude hiking, so altitude sickness prevention is critical. Spend at least two days in Cusco (3,400 m) before your trek, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider medication like acetazolamide.
- Inca Trail: Highest point is 4,215 m
- Lares Trek: Can reach 4,800 m on some routes – even higher than the Inca Trail
Sunny view of Machu Picchu, Peru, Inca Empire
Views on the Inca Trail and Lares Trek
When it comes to scenery, the Inca Trail features misty cloud forests, alpine meadows, and spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. Trekkers can enjoy several well-preserved archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna, Phuyupatamarca, and Intipata before arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
The Lares Trek, while lacking in Incan ruins, offers serene views of glacial lakes, high passes, and valleys dotted with stone houses. The landscapes are wild and remote, with fewer trekkers and a real sense of solitude. The Lares Trek also offers a cultural experience unlike any other. You’ll walk through fields where local Quechua-speaking people work in traditional dress, not for tourists, but as part of their daily life.
Many itineraries include a homestay with a local family in communities like Chaullacocha. This is a meaningful way to support community tourism while gaining insight into daily Andean life. Women may demonstrate their weaving techniques, and you’ll likely enjoy meals made from locally grown produce. If you want a deeper connection with Peru’s people, the Lares Trek delivers.
Comfort, logistics & facilities
In terms of facilities, the Inca Trail relies on government campsites, which can become crowded in peak season. Bathroom facilities are basic, but you can upgrade to glamping-style options if you prefer. Porters carry most of your gear.
While on the Lares Trek, mules replace porters, and trekkers usually camp for two nights before taking a train to spend the final night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Some itineraries also offer luxurious accommodation at Mountain Lodges of Peru, which feature hot tubs, fireplaces, and comfortable beds, a good option for those who want adventure without compromising comfort.
Inca Trail vs Lares Trek – which should you choose?
Choose the Inca Trail if:
- You want to walk through the Sun Gate
- Incan archaeology is your top priority
- You don’t mind crowds
- You’ve booked far in advance and secured Inca Trail permits
Choose the Lares Trek if:
- You’re looking for an Inca Trail alternative
- You’re interested in local culture and community
- You want a quieter, less commercial route
- You didn’t book in time for Inca Trail permits
Both the Inca Trail and the Lares Trek offer unforgettable ways to reach Machu Picchu, but they cater to different types of travellers. The Inca Trail is ideal if you want to follow a historic route lined with ancient ruins and enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate. It’s a great fit for those who plan well in advance and don’t mind the crowds.
On the other hand, the Lares Trek is perfect for those seeking a more flexible, culturally immersive experience, with quiet trails, stunning mountain scenery, and direct interaction with local Andean communities.
If you’re after archaeological sites and a famous finish, the Inca Trail is the one. If you’re drawn to authentic cultural encounters and open landscapes, the Lares Trek delivers. Both are rewarding, and if you’re still undecided, consider doing a Lares Trek with a Short Inca Trail with Follow Alice. It truly is the best of both worlds and perfect for those who want to balance cultural exchange with classic Machu Picchu hiking.
