If you’re looking for an adventure trekking in the Peruvian Andes, you’ve probably heard of the Moonstone Trek and the Lares Trek, two spectacular routes that, although less known than the traditional Inca Trail, offer a unique experience for nature and Andean culture lovers. Both routes will allow you to explore stunning landscapes, interact with local communities, and enjoy a quieter, more exclusive experience. But which one is the best for you? In this article, we compare both routes to help you decide which one best suits your preferences.
Comparison Table: Moonstone Trek vs Lares Trek
| Feature | Moonstone Trek | Lares Trek |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Difficulty | Moderate (ideal for both beginners and experts) | Moderate (with more challenging high-altitude sections) |
| Landscapes | Mountains, lagoons, valleys, views of the Andes | Mountains, valleys, indigenous villages |
| Tourism Level | Less touristy, more exclusive | More well-known but still less crowded than the Inca Trail |
| Cultural Interaction | High, visit to local communities | High, visit to rural Andean communities |
| Best Time to Go | April to October | April to October |
| Accessibility | From Ollantaytambo or Cusco | From Ollantaytambo or Cusco |
| Average Cost | $500 – $800 | $450 – $700 |
What is the Moonstone Trek?
The Moonstone Trek is a relatively new trekking route in Cusco that has become popular among travelers seeking an alternative adventure to the Inca Trail. This route is known for its stunning natural landscapes, such as turquoise lagoons, deep valleys, and panoramic views of the Andes mountains. Along the trek, travelers have the chance to immerse themselves in small Andean communities and experience local life in an authentic way.
- Duration and Difficulty: The Moonstone Trek lasts 4 days and 3 nights. It is considered moderate in difficulty, making it ideal for trekkers with intermediate experience. Although the altitude and terrain can be challenging, it is not as demanding as other harder routes like Salkantay or Choquequirao.
- Landscapes and Nature: Along the trek, you’ll enjoy the most natural landscapes of Cusco, with fewer crowds. The Moonstone Trek passes through areas with snow-capped mountains, vibrant-colored lagoons, and solitary valleys, perfect for landscape photography enthusiasts.
- Cultural Interaction: One of the main attractions of the Moonstone Trek is its focus on cultural interaction. During the hike, you’ll immerse yourself in Andean communities that maintain their traditions and customs. You’ll visit rural villages where people engage in agriculture and textile weaving.
- Best Time to Go: The recommended time to undertake the Moonstone Trek is between April and October, when the weather is drier and the conditions are ideal for trekking.
What is the Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Cusco, known for its impressive biodiversity and the views of the towering peaks of the Andes. This route also stands out for its strong cultural focus, allowing you to meet and interact with the indigenous communities that live in the rural areas of the Lares region.
- Duration and Difficulty: The Lares Trek lasts 3 days and 2 nights. Like the Moonstone Trek, it is of moderate difficulty, but with some sections that are more challenging due to the high altitudes. It’s recommended to have intermediate physical preparation to handle the more strenuous climbs.
- Landscapes and Nature: On the Lares Trek, you’ll encounter a variety of landscapes, ranging from fertile valleys and mountain lagoons to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. Along the route, you’ll also see local flora and fauna, such as llamas, alpacas, and Andean birds.
- Cultural Interaction: One of the key features of the Lares Trek is the opportunity to interact with Andean communities. During the trek, you’ll visit villages that continue to live traditionally, engaging in activities like agriculture, weaving, and other ancestral practices.
- Best Time to Go: Just like the Moonstone Trek, the best time for the Lares Trek is between April and October.
Detailed Comparison of Moonstone Trek vs Lares Trek
1. Difficulty and Physical Conditions
- Moonstone Trek: The difficulty of the Moonstone Trek is moderate, making it suitable for beginners and trekkers with some experience. The altitude is not as extreme as in other Cusco trekking routes, making the hike more manageable. The terrain is varied but accessible for most.
- Lares Trek: While also moderate in difficulty, the Lares Trek has some sections that require greater physical effort, especially due to the altitude. Some trekkers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness, so it’s important to be well acclimatized before starting the trek.
2. Landscapes and Nature
- Moonstone Trek: The Moonstone Trek stands out for its more solitary and natural landscapes. The turquoise lagoons, panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, and quiet valleys offer a more intimate connection with Peruvian nature.
- Lares Trek: The Lares Trek also offers stunning views of the Andes, but its landscape diversity is greater. From high mountain views to lush valleys, the Lares Trek offers a visually varied experience, perfect for those looking for a mix of flora, fauna, and mountain panoramas.
3. Cultural Interaction
- Moonstone Trek: The Moonstone Trek offers a higher level of interaction with more remote rural communities. You’ll get to experience the authentic Andean culture in a more secluded environment, away from the crowds.
- Lares Trek: The Lares Trek also offers strong cultural interaction, but its communities are more known, meaning trekkers might find more tourists along the way. However, this doesn’t diminish the richness of the local culture of the villages you’ll visit.
4. Tourism and Crowding
- Moonstone Trek: If you prefer to avoid tourist crowds, the Moonstone Trek is an excellent option. Since it is a lesser-known route, you’ll experience more peace and solitude, enjoying an exclusive adventure.
- Lares Trek: While it’s not as crowded as the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek does see a higher volume of tourists compared to the Moonstone Trek. Still, it’s a great option for those looking to avoid the most tourist-heavy routes.
Decide Your Perfect Route: Moonstone Trek vs Lares Trek Based on What You’re Looking For
Both the Moonstone Trek and the Lares Trek offer unique and enriching experiences. The choice depends on your personal preferences: if you’re seeking a quieter, more exclusive experience, the Moonstone Trek will be ideal. If you prefer a trek with more variety in landscapes and a rich cultural interaction, the Lares Trek is the perfect option. Both routes will allow you to explore Cusco’s nature and culture in its most authentic form, far from the crowds.
