Feeling adventurous? Peru hosts many of the world’s top hikes, which comes as no surprise considering it also hosts the world’s longest mountain chain, the Andes. Many are familiar with its most famous hiking destination Machu Picchu but are unaware that there are several stunning routes to choose from i.e. the Inca, Salkantay or the Lares Trek. The Colca Canyon is another contender for Peru’s most popular destination with its impressive status of being second deepest canyon in the world. Additionally, the legendary Santa Cruz Trek should not be looked over as it is ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful treks. Regardless of your final choice(s), you can’t go wrong. From the richness of the indigeneous cultures by day to the brightness of the milky way fulfillingly closing each night, trekking in Peru is an unforgettable experience.
1. Inca Trail
As previously mentioned, there are several trails to Machu Picchu and the most popular is the Inca Trail. This 33km trail takes 3-4 days to trek and traverses 3 high passes, the highest being Dead Woman’s Pass at 4200m. It starts in the Sacred Valley, winding through the snow capped Andes and tucan filled cloud forests ultimately leading to Machu Picchu. En route to the famous archaeological site, you’ll encounter several other ancient ruins: Huillca Raccay, Patallacta, Phuyupatamarca, and Winay Wayna. The first views of Machu Picchu will be through the Sun Gate, fittingly, at sunrise. Experience the first rays of light gracing the sacred citadel in reverence long before any of the tourist buses arrive. Check out our Inca Trail trekking packages.
2. Salkantay
The hardest, arguably most beautiful route to Machu Picchu, winds between the peaks Humantay and Salkantay, both named after formidable Incan spirits. The pinnacle of natural beauty and the jewel of this trek is the Humantay Lagoon at 4200 m. Consider leaving a spiritual offering (a carin or ‘apacheta’) here for the Incan Mother Earth or touch its blue frozen waters to ‘keep you young forever’. The trek continues onto its highest point at Salkantay Pass at 4650 m and afterwards descends gently into a jungle filled with orchids, hummingbirds, and tropical fruits. After visiting the Llactapata ruins and an impressive 300 meter tall natural waterfall, Machu Picchu is the last item on the itinerary. Like the Inca Trail, this trek reaches the ruins at dawn enabling you to watch the sun break silently over the mountains, rays slicing through the mist. Find more details on the Salkantay Trek.
3. Lares Trek
This 2-3 day trek starting in the town of Lares is characterized as the slightly shorter and quieter brother of the Inca Trail. It is still necessary to cross incredibly high mountain passes, the highest point being Ipsaycocha Pass at 4,333 m. However, Lares trek is considered to be the easier option. This less traveled trail introduces travelers to the local cultural traditions with weaving and other demonstrations plus the option to stay with local families. This 36-km hike is a nature lovers paradise as the trek takes you through serene valleys filled with herds of alpaca overlooked by diligent caretakers.
4. Choquequirao Trek
High in the Quriwayrachina mountain range lies the ancient ruins of Choquequirao, translating to ‘Cradle of Gold’. The difficult 64km, 4 day trek plunges deep into the Apurimac Canyon before following the emerging mountain top trail to the lesser known lost Incan City. On the way in you’ll witness enchanting mountain views from the cliffside town of Marampata and experience the sunrise through leafy vistas. With other few visitors trekking to this ‘alternative Machu Pichu’ you’ll feel you’re on an authentic exploration expedition into the deep jungle. Upon reaching the citadel you’ll be charmed by its terraces and stunning location in the remote Andes. The ‘little sister’ of Machu Picchu is not soon forgotten by those dedicated to pursue her beauty.
5. Ausangate Trek
This high altitude 7 day trek in Southern Peru circumnavigates the Ausangate Massif (6,372m) and unlike most Peruvian treks, it does not visit Incan ruins. Instead this difficult but rewarding trek highlights the beautiful geographical features of this region. There are 4 high mountain passes, hot springs, glacial and pink lakes, rugged peaks and the famed Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Properly acclimating in Cusco is a must as the entire trek is above 4,000m and two nights are spent at some of the highest mountain lodges in the world. This relatively undiscovered trek showcases some of Peru’s most pristine and untouched mountain landscape giving trekkers an insight to rural life high in the Alpines.
6. Colca Canyon
Outside the town Arequipa,the second deepest canyon in the world can be found with limitless spectacular views. Tourists also flock here to see its most popular resident, the Andean Condor, gliding high above the precipitous cliffs. After trekking down into the canyon, take time to soak your weary legs in the thermal baths at Oasis Sangalle. However, if you thought the descent was difficult you might be in trouble. The best advice we can give for this trek is to be physically and mentally prepared to hike out of the canyon on the last day otherwise the switchbacks may convince you to hire a donkey to carry you out of the canyon. On the way back be sure not to miss the colorful pattern work of the traditional farming terraces below you or the smoking Patapampa volcano on the horizon.
7. Santa Cruz Trek
Lauded at one of Peru’s best treks, the route winds through lush valleys and the extremely beautiful Cordillera Blanca mountain range at a moderate difficulty. Located in Northern Peru’s Huascaran National Park, this 4 day trek is known for its resplendent lakes and hospitable locals. Although it reaches 4750m at its highest point, this trek is popular due to its easy accessibility to those in fairly good shape. Guides will happily point out the impressive views of Huascarán, Peru’s tallest mountain, and Artesonraju made famous by the Paramount Pictures logo. Breath in the scent of new blossoms as you venture through some of Peru’s most opulent valleys with impressive skylines to match.
8. Huayhuash Circuit
Huayhuash Circuit is an incredibly beautiful and challenging trek. The full circuit takes 10-12 days journeying through 130km of pristine valleys, thermal springs and native communities. The panoramic views from Cerro Huacrish of Erupajá, Peru’s second highest peak (6635m), and the surrounding snow capped giants will take your breath away. If you are short on time or motivation, it is possible to trek a smaller section, lovingly referred to as ‘Mini Huayhuash’. Between the extreme altitudes and the picturesque mountainscapes, Huayhuash will surely take your breath away.
A Reminder About Altitude Sickness
As you may have noticed from this article, all Peru’s hikes are at a high altitude well above the 3,000m mark where altitude sickness can strike. Drink a lot of water, take it one leisurely step at a time and chew cocoa leaves to help with acclimatization. Before any long treks acclimatize in Cusco for 3-4 days beforehand. It’s recommended to bring Diamox in case you do start getting those tell tale headaches. Communicate with guides as soon as you have any symptoms as this is a life threatening illness that can bring down even the most fit trekkers.
Peru is a world class trekking destination and we would love to help you plan a trek there! As always, we hope you found our post helpful in organizing your trip. If you enjoyed it please do like, comment and subscribe to our mailing list for future posts!
