Lares Trek VS Inca Trail!

For those who are keen to see the beauty of Andean mountains in Peru, you wouldn’t want to miss some of the best hiking trails in the world. Notably, the most famous one in Peru would be Inca Trail. It is very commercialized and booking needs to be done months before departure! Due to late planning, Lares Trek is an out-of-choice pick for me. Overall, I’m satisfied with what Lares Trek can offer, it’s a beautiful place. Based on the guide’s summary, looks like I have yet to conquer the Inca Trail. Here’s my comparison of Inca Trail and Lares Trek. Happy choosing folks!

Inca   Trail	Lares Trek
Takes about 4 days 3 nights	Takes   about 3 days 2 nights
Being one of the best known trail in the world, Inca is always   crowded and fully booked in summer	Being   an alternative after Inca Trail, there is a high possibility that you will   only have your group mates, guide and porter throughout the trek
Best time to hike is April-October	Best   time to hike is April-October
With 4 days 3 night, Inca trail (approx. 42 kms) is longer than   Lares Trek	With   3 days 2 night, Lares trek (approx. 39 kms) is shorter than Inca trail
Booking must be made 5-6 months in advance. For me, it was   already fully booked 3 months before my trip	Normally,   Lares Trek is always available
Permit is needed for Inca trail and limited 500 people per day   (200 hikers + 300 guides and porters)	Permit   is not needed
The finishing point is at Sun Gate in Macchu Picchu. Get there   early on a less cloudy day for the magnificent sunrise	The   finishing point is at Ollantaytambo. Take a train to Aguas Caliente for   Macchu Picchu!
The historical scene of Inca archaeological sites is all yours	The   beautiful scene of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and the real life   of Andean farmers surrounded by Lamas and Alpacas is all yours
The path is mostly steps, strong knees is vital for Inca Trail	The   path is variable, from stony, grainy, to sandy terrain
The highest point is at 4300m, which is 300m lower than the   highest point of Lares Trek	The   highest point is at 4600m above sea level, which is 300m higher than the   highest point of Inca Trail
Altitude sickness is quite common	Altitude   sickness is quite common