Hiking in Peru

Whether you’re an avid hiker or an enthusiastic traveller or both, traveling to Peru is probably on your bucket list. A mesmerising country with vastly varying landscapes, Peru is a country to be explored. No one can say they are truly acquainted with this beautiful country until they’ve explored the glorious Cordillera Blanca. These mountain ranges represent a whole new world, where forests submerged in cloud, the world’s deepest canyon and mystical remains of ancient worlds are nestled among the 5000+ m peaks. Peru treks are truly some of the most striking in the world.Peru has something to offer everyone, so why not find out which treks are best for you? Before embarking on a trekking trip in Peru it’s important to consider some questions: When is the best time? What level of fitness do you need? What can you do to prepare for altitude sickness? And most importantly, what if you don’t want to do the Machu Picchu trek? Read on to find out about 10 treks in Peru that take you beyond the Inca Trail. Overview map of the 10 best treks in Peru

For those looking for an authentic and challenging alternative to the overcrowded Inca Trail, the Choquequirao trek, taking you out to the lesser-known ruins of Choquequirao, could be the perfect option. For trekkers wishing to really test themselves, this can be turned into a longer trek of around nine days that passes Choquequirao and continues right on to Machu Picchu itself. Due to the scenic vistas and challenging trekking trails, this trek is also considered as one of the best treks in Peru.

The Huayhuash trek route involves a circular route of 120 km around the mighty Huayhuash mountain range with several peaks above 6,000 m. The highest point in the trek, Yerupajá (6,617 m), is the second highest mountain in Peru, while another peak, Siula Grande (6,344 m), achieved notoriety as the setting for Joe Simson’s gruelling ordeal in his book Touching the Void. The Huayhuash Circuit trekking trails are less visited than the popular trekking trails of Cordillera Blanca, but the Huayhuash mountain range offers a challenging trek in a remote and sparsely inhabited part of the Andes where few trekkers venture. 

The Santa Cruz Trek is one of the most popular trekking trails of Cordillera Blanca in northern Peru. Offering the chance of high-altitude hikes against a backdrop of sublime mountain vistas and with some of the country’s loftiest peaks, including the mighty Huascarán, towering in the distance, this trail is a favourite with many trekkers to the region.For those looking for an adventurous challenge but one that won’t push them to their absolute limits, this trek is an attractive option and often is considered as one of the best treks in Peru. Below we're giving you all the details of the Santa Cruz Trek in Peru.

Of all the alternatives treks to the famous Inca Trail, the remote Ausangate Trek is the highest and probably the toughest one. In terms of natural beauty, it is possibly the most rewarding. Following a loop around the sacred Ausangate mountain and taking in some spectacular Andean scenery where far fewer tourists pass, this trek is ideal for more adventurous travelers who hope to escape the crowds and discover a less frequented corner of Peru.

Located in the imposing Cordillera Blanca, Laguna 69 is considered to be one of the exquisite lakes, out of more than 400 lakes in the Huascarán National Park. Reaching Laguna 69 makes for a tough but rewarding one-day hike. Simply given the number 69 at the time of the creation of the park, the name has stuck on. The day hike up to this sublime body of water high in the mountains has become one of the most popular Cordillera Blanca hiking trails.

The Cordillera Blanca is Peru’s premier hiking, trekking and climbing destination with majestic remote mountains and turquoise transparent lakes. There are many options for trekking the Cordillera Blanca trails. These trails are of varying lengths and suitable for trekkers of all levels – from moderate one-day hikes to gruelling week-long treks.In no particular order, here are five of the best Cordillera Blanca treks: At a glance: Locations of the five best Cordillera Blanca treks

For those who feel the magnetic pull of the mountains, Peru is an inescapable destination. With an astounding 33 peaks above 6,000 m and many above 5,000 m, the Cordillera Blanca, in particular, carries some of most beautiful and dangerous mountains in Peru. In the nearby Cordillera Huayhuash lies many other majestic but unforgiving mountains; insolently daring the bravest to climb.While the ascent of many of these dangerous mountains can only be considered by experienced mountaineers, for mere mortals it can be a memorable experience just to see them.Here is a brief introduction to 10 of the intriguing mountains in Peru and how to reach them. 

Visitors to Peru have been venturing further afield than the Sacred Valley to discover the Colca Canyon area. For the truly adventurous, a little further north of Colca Canyon lies the world’s deepest canyon named Cotahuasi Canyon. This great gorge is so immense that it could fit the Grand Canyon in twice. This gives the benefit of intriguing Cotahuasi Canyon Trekking routes which are off-the-beaten track.For those willing to make the trip, what lies in wait is a land of traditional village life, cascading waterfalls, dizzying suspension bridges, rarely seen ruins, mysterious ancient petroglyphs, hot springs and the chance to spot elusive Peruvian wildlife – and you will barely see any other tourists the whole time you are there.

The Lares trek vs. the Inca Trail. Which one to take a classic dilemma many trekkers in Peru will face. Both treks are two of the best treks in Peru. The Inca Trail is the classic Peruvian trek and is one of the most famous multi-day treks in South America. The four-day route follows an ancient mountain trail, offering splendid views and passing various Inca ruins. The trail crosses three high passes, the highest of which is the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass (4212 m), before finally arriving at the world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu. However, the Inca Trail is also the busiest and is always fully-booked months in advanceFor those searching for something more authentic, the Lares trek offers the chance to walk a route far less commonly attempted than the classic Inca Trail. The Lares trek is shorter and considered a  little easier although it reaches higher altitudes than the Inca Trail. This trek offers spectacular mountain scenery of waterfalls and lakes and is commonly combined with a visit to Machu Picchu on the final day. This trek also passes through several traditional Andean villages and offers the chance to meet locals and learn about their way of life, something not possible on the classic Inca Trail. Below we give you a breakdown of the Lares trek vs. the Inca Trail.

The Cordillera Blanca trekking and hiking trails in Peru are a playground for all trekking lovers. Some of Peru’s iconic treks and challenging technical climbs can be found in the Cordillera Blanca region. However, Cordillera Blanca has a number of attractive day hikes as well, of which the Laguna Churup hike is one of the most popular.

For any hiker attempting the Inca Trail, one name inspires a sense of anxiety and foreboding above all, and that is the Dead Woman’s Pass, or Warmiwañusqa in Quechua. At 4,215 m above sea level, the pass has gained a fearsome reputation among trekkers. Everyone starting the Inca Trail is aware that day two will inevitably lead them up and over this infamous pass. Failure to cross the pass will mean being defeated by this classic Peru trek and a return to Cusco without reaching Machu Picchu.

For anyone short on time or concerned about their fitness levels but still hoping for a taste of trekking in Peru and a visit to the famed Machu Picchu, the short Huchuy Qosqo trek is the ideal solution. Most versions include two days of relatively easy trekking combined with a visit to Machu Picchu on the third day. While being short on days, the trek still allows for a glimpse of the Andes in a rarely visited part of the Sacred Valley that receives fewer visitors than many of the more popular trails.

Of all the alternative treks to the Inca Trail, the Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu is perhaps the least known. A far cry from the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, on this trek you are unlikely to see any other tourists for the duration of your trip. This is an option that will appeal to those who enjoy being different and who want to attempt a trek that few others will even have heard of.

Practically every visitor to Peru wants to visit Machu Picchu. For some, the experience would not be complete without completing the four-day Inca Trail that winds through the mountains leading to the mystical ruins. The Inca Trail is the original Machu Picchu trek that has become extremely popular and is always fully booked well in advance. Now, many trekkers opt for alternative treks to Machu Picchu. This is a guide to the classic Inca Trail as well as some of the best alternatives in the Sacred Valley.

The remote and spectacular Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. This magnificent rock formation of the Colca River has now become Peru’s third most popular destination. It promises rewarding trekking trails against the backdrop of rugged mountain scenery and offers the chance to interact with distinctive local cultures, which makes it one of the best hikes in Peru. It is little wonder that more travelers are making their way to this intriguing destination. Here is everything you need to know about organizing your Colca Canyon trek.

Peru is a country perfect for lovers of the great outdoors and hiking in Peru offers some of the most picturesque trails. However, not every visitor has the time or inclination to spend several days trekking through the mountains at a high altitude. For those looking for some tamer walking and the chance to see something of the Andes without quite so much hardship, here is a guide to some of the best hikes in Peru, in no particular order.If you are interested in trekking in Peru, then please do read our ultimate guide on the 10 best treks in Peru. 

Arriving in Cusco is an adventurer's paradise as there are a number of great treks and adventures to choose from. It's worth doing a little research before you arrive on where you'd like to go and what kind of trek expedition might be the best fit. Below are some of the more well-known routes along with a couple of lesser-known ones. These routes will provide an ideal starting point for your trip whether you're a pro or a novice trekker. We've graded them according to difficulty to help you understand a bit more about the challenge each one presents.

For those of you who want a taste of trekking in the high Andes before visiting Machu Picchu but are not willing to compromise on comfort, the Machu Picchu lodge trek is perfect for you! The Machu Picchu lodge trek offers all the pleasures of trekking in the mountains – with luxury accommodation, a comfortable bed, a good meal and a glass of wine awaiting you at the end of each day’s exertions. Now, doesn’t that sound lovely? 

Of the 2,500 daily visitors to Machu Picchu, only 400 are permitted to scale Huayna Picchu, the peak that towers above the northern end of Machu Picchu. For the best views of Machu Picchu as well as the opportunity to discover seldom-visited areas of the site, the Huayna Picchu hike can be a memorable addition to your visit. You just need to make sure you book early! Note: For more to do in Machu Picchu, see our list of things to do in Machu Picchu and also check out when is the best time to visit Machu Picchu.

There are several alternative treks to the Inca Trail, some of which have now become famous in their own right. However, for trekkers looking for a varied and challenging trek, the Vilcabamba trek offers an authentic experience of high-altitude trekking.