12 Best Treks in Peru: The Ultimate Trekking Guide

The Inca Trail is undeniably the most famous trek in Peru. The classic Peru trek is now walked by so many visitors that the authorities have been forced to restrict access and limit the number of trekkers permitted each day. Places are highly sought after and are booked up months in advance. This why the Inca Trail has not been included in this list.

A three-day trek that takes you through the Lares Valley from Ollyantambo. The Lares trek is popular with people who failed to secure a permit for the Inca Trail as a Machu Picchu trek.

Highlights:

• Less tourists means the Lares trek has maintained it’s authenticity.
• Trekkers will spend time in indigenous Quechua settlements.
• Warm up in the hot springs
• Arriving in Machu Picchu

 Lowlights:

• Lares reaches a higher altitude than the Machu Picchu trek. Lares is 4,550 m at it’s highest point. Some trekkers may find this very challenging.
• It’s very possible that trekkers will not catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu en route.

Starting in the Sacred Valley, the Salkantay trek that will take you through the Willkapampa mountain range and to one of the most stunning peaks in the Peruvian Andes. Yes, even better than the Inca Trail as a Machu Picchu trek.

Highlights:

• Catching glimpses of Machu Picchu in the distance
• Hiking over the Salkantay Pass with views of Salkantay and Humantay
• The chance to witness a ceremonial offering to Pachamama, a goddess of the Andes
• Arriving in Machu Picchu

Lowlights:

• While not as busy as the Inca Trail, you will see other trekkers on this trail
• Altitude sickness can be an issue

The Santa Cruz trek is considered one of the best treks in the world and is the most famous trekking trail in the Cordillera Blanca region. This trek takes you through beautifully open valleys, jewel coloured lagoons and snowy mountain peaks.

Highlights:

• Rare wildlife including eagles and the Andean Spectacled Bear
• Experiencing daily life in the Andes in the villages around Vaquería
• Experiencing glaciers and cerulean lagoons

Lowlights:

• At such altitude, the cold can be hard to deal with
• Facilities at campsites can be crowded

Choquequirao is considered to be one of the last Inca cities standing before succumbing to the Spanish and the majestic nature of this citadel is still apparent. Located in the Cusco region, the Choquequirao trek is very different to the Machu Picchu trek. No transport awaits, just incredible views.

Highlights:

• Experiencing a vast difference in landscapes
• Spotting Choquequirao through thick forest
• Having an incredible Inca site all to yourself

Lowlights:

• Sandflies can be an issue at lower altitudes
• Steep ascents and descents are challenging
• Not much is known of Choquequirao, so curious trekkers may be disappointed with the lack of information

Pilgrimage along this sacred mountain trek, the highest in the region, as the Inca’s once did. The Ausangate trek offers one of the most beautiful sceneries that Peru has to offer – giving you a slice of the Quechua culture.

Highlights:

• Superior lodging
• Immerse yourself in the culture of the Quechua people
• Witness traditional offerings to Ausangate.
• Seeing the Painted Mountain

Lowlights:

• Lots of time will be spent at high altitude, so sickness is common
• Many trekker will tell you that there were simply no low points of this trek!

An extremely remote trek, attempted by few tourists, the Vilcabamba trek is challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Trekkers will pass by rarely seen ruins deep in the jungle as well as being able to explore Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Incas before their final conquest by the Spanish Inquisitors.

Highlights

• Very remote and not a crowded trail, with plenty of authentic trekking experiences
• Vilcabamba also known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, the Incas’ last refuge during the Spanish conquest
• Amazing landscapes with varied terrain including snow-capped mountains and sub-tropical jungle

Lowlights

• Lack of facilities such as toilets
• Trek only possible during the dry season

A remote and adventurous high-altitude trek in Peru, and a good alternative to the Inca Trail, the Ancascocha trek will take you right into the wilderness of Peru. For four days, you will be trekking through stunning mountain scenery before finally being able to visit Machu Picchu on the last day.

Highlights

• Little-known trek with very few tourists
• Off- the-beaten trekking route
• Sublime mountain scenery with high passes and glistening lakes
• Finishes with a visit to Machu Picchu
• Opportunities to interact with the locals

Lowlights

• Requires three days of acclimatisation in Cusco, before starting the trek.
• Cold temperatures at high altitudes

A very demanding trek for those who wish to test themselves, this trail leads all the way around the mighty Huayhuash range in an unforgiving, but stunning part of the world. The Huayhuash Circuit trek passes below some of Peru’s most notorious mountains including Siula Grande, the mountain made famous by Joe Simpson’s account of his gruelling ordeal in Touching the Void, as well as Yerupajá, Peru’s second highest peak, which has been successfully summited only a handful of times.

Highlights

• Catch sight of mighty peaks such as Siula Grande and Yerupajá
• Test yourself against an extremely remote terrain
• See remote locations of astounding natural beauty
• Feel the thrill of crossing several passes over 5,000 metres

Lowlights

• Tough trek involving hard ascents and cold temperatures
• Very little tourist infrastructure, but trails are there

If you are not an elite mountaineer, it is impossible to reach the peak of Mt. Alpamayo (5,947 m), but if you are in good physical condition, then you can still easily opt for the Alpamayo Base Camp trek. The Alpamayo mountain is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. This trek should only be attempted by trekkers who are very fit and have high stamina. This challenging trekking trail in Cordillera Blanca is also an intriguing alternative to the popular Santa Cruz trek.

Highlights

• Catch sight of Mt. Alpamayo, one of the world’s most beautiful mountains as well as Mt. Huascaran (6,768 m), the highest mountain in Peru
• Chance to trek in a remote, rarely visited part of the Cordillera Blanca
• Far fewer tourists than on the Santa Cruz Trek

Lowlights

• Involves a high level of danger where evacuation might be impossible
• No facilities along the trekking route

Trekking in the Cotahuasi Canyon is an alternative to the increasingly popular Colca Canyon treks. Taking a three-hour drive from the attractive town of Arequipa, brings trekkers to the Cotahuasi Canyon, an area and gorge where trekkers can expect to find cascading waterfalls, Incan and pre-Incan ruins, hot springs, astounding views and giant condors soaring in the skies above.

Highlights

• Chance to discover a much less known part of the country
• Opportunity to experience traditional way of life
• Many different trekking options to suit all requirements
• Area of great natural beauty
• Sipia waterfalls, having a 150 m drop!

Lowlights

• Some trails difficult to access without a guide

While not as famous as Cusco and Huaraz hikes, this trek comes with plenty of ruins and cloud forest scenery. Encounter rarely visited ruins on your 7- to 10-day journey. These ancient structures receive much less footfall than their counterparts in Cusco. The trek also treats you with a stunning view of the world’s third highest waterfall.

Highlights

• Witness the amazing Catarata de Gocta waterfall, which was discovered in 2006
• Explore 200 ancient structures in Vira Vira
• See Kuelap Ruins, a walled settlement that came to existence in the 5th century

Lowlights

• Lack of enough hiking information and detailed maps
• You might need a guide to complete this trek

Stunning views of the gorgeous Huaytapallana Mountain Range follow you throughout the journey during this trek. Experience what it is like to hike along Peru’s shrinking glaciers and around glistening glacial lakes. You will descend into the dense Amazon towards the end of your journey.

Highlights

• Hike through glaciers and along glacial lakes
• Be surrounded by arid but beautiful Andean scenery
• Spend the majority of the trek away from crowds

Lowlights

• High elevation, which means multiple days of acclimatisation
• You will need a guide for this route

As with all treks anywhere, it’s important to consider safety before embarking on Peru treks. Altitude sickness can have a major effect on short-term well-being. Be sure to acclimatise, especially in elevated places such as Cusco. Take Diamox tablets and drink plenty of water. If travelling during the wet season, be aware of weather issues such as flooding and landslides. Be well prepared for the cold with quality thermals and sleeping bags.

Peru and mountains go hand-in-hand. While hiking the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu trek has gained a reputation for being a bucket-list item, there are many rewarding treks in Peru that offer a more authentic experience, while still experiencing the history of Peru.

Although Peru is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, with a little planning and forethought, Peru offers some of the best treks in the world. Still, some of these treks receive few tourists, making them that more attractive, remote and pristine.

Whether you want to find an original alternative to the Inca Trail or you hope to trek in the Cordillera Blanca without following the masses along the Santa Cruz trail, Peru is very likely to have a hike or trek that will appeal to you. All that is left is for you to choose your next trek or hike in Peru!