Peru is one of the most diverse countries on the planet, it has the Sierra in the Cordillera de los Andes, the jungle around the Amazon river and the coast next to the Pacific Ocean. But if you are going to skip all this, to go to Machu Picchu in Cusco, then you may be interested in entering Machu Picchu ... in a less conventional way. You can choose between one of the amazing Hikes to Machu Picchu, or other incredible trekking routes in Cusco, among which are some of the most amazing hiking trails in the world.
Why take a trekking in Cusco?
After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco. Trekking in Cusco will take you through places with landscapes considered among the most beautiful on the planet, to some of the most amazing and unique places that exist. We may use the word amazing next, but you will realize that there is no other way to describe any of the places you might see, if you decide to take one of the trekking Cusco, many of them end in the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
Important
Remember to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance. If you already book your trekking Cusco to Machu Picchu and your tour through the beautiful city of Cusco; It is time to tell him that there are many other amazing places in Cusco - we did not tell him before so as not to confuse him -, he has Ollantaytambo, Pisac and other places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas; It has Tipón and Pikillaqta in the South Valley and many other places in and out of Machu Picchu. The Incas worshiped the Pachamama (mother earth), so most Inca sites are built with great - not to say amazing - harmony with nature; Most of your activities will be in direct contact with her, so you should know how to make a responsible trip to Machu Picchu. And while you enjoy your Machu Picchu Vacation Package, do not forget that it is in the best gastronomic destination in the world.
When is the best time to trek in Cusco?
The best season is to do it in the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Best routes for trekking in Cusco
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of those experiences that can change your life, unique and unforgettable; one of the best walks in the world. The Inca Trail Tours will let you appreciate beautiful landscapes, with mountains, rivers, exotic vegetation, and flooded with Inca sites; although it will need good physical condition, it is a simply wonderful experience. However, if you want your first view of Machu Picchu to be from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), but you do not want to walk the Inca Trail, you can choose the 3 Day Inca Trail, the 2 Day Inca Trail Tour or the 2 Day Inca Trail with camping.
Important: The income to Machu Picchu for the Inca Trail must be reserved 6 months before. Otherwise, it will be impossible for you to walk the Inca Trail through the Sun Gate.
Salkantay Trek
Many renowned publications place the Salkantay trek among the 10 best hiking trails in the world. Although it is a challenge to cross the highest mountain passes, an even greater challenge is not to enjoy it. It's 4 or 5 days on the way to Machu Picchu, through one of the highest mountain ranges in the Andes. Although the mountain Salcantay, of 6.250 m. of height, it is one of the most beautiful mountains around Machu Picchu and one of the best routes for trekking in Cusco, not all people dare to challenge it. The Salcantay mountain is still venerated by the people of the Andes, as it was in the time of the Incas. You will cross the Salcantay Mountain, beautiful mountain passes, a beautiful cloud forest, beautiful lagoons, and part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas towards Machu Picchu.
Trek to the Ausangate
The Ausangate is the fifth highest mountain in Peru and is considered the guardian of the City of Cusco since the time of the Incas; it measures 6,384 high and has received many names over the centuries; but one that identifies it in Peru, is Vinicunca (mountain of colors). But why the name? If you decide to trekking Cusco through the paths of Ausangate, the most important mountain of the Andean cosmovision, know that the Ausangate, the mountain of the 7 colors, is one of the strangest and most amazing places that exist, and it literally has 7 colors. It's 5 - or 4 - days trekking Cusco where you can find yourself. In addition to Vinicunca (the mountain of colors), you can see snow-capped mountains, small turquoise lakes and enjoy delicious thermal baths. You can travel the mountain of 7 colors in Cusco, unique in the world, but surely you still want to go to Machu Picchu. Then remember that Machu Picchu tickets must be reserved in advance.
Huchuy Qosqo trek
The route through Huchuy Qosqo is one of the classic treks in Cusco; the complex is settled on the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then the cities of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. When the Chancas, rivals of the Incas, besieged Cusco in 1,438, the Inca left the capital of the Inca Empire, to take refuge in the Huchuy Qosqo Palace, and at the time of the conquest Gonzalo Pizarro found an Inca mummy in Huchuy Qosqo , and ordered to burn it. It is one of the easiest walks in Cusco. This walk will take you through several archaeological sites and typical villages of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; but you can choose to stop at this place or continue on another path to the Historic and Natural Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Choquequirao trek
Only some time ago, a French engineer visiting Machu Picchu, discovered a hidden door that thousands, no, millions of people overlooked. Just below the building of the three portals in the urban center of Machu Picchu, there is a secret door that could be the tomb of Pachacútec. However; In the same way, part of the Inca city of Choquequirao is still under huge amounts of weeds, so more than a touristic excursion, it is an exploration trekking in Cusco to an ancient Inca city, considered the sister of Machu Picchu, for the impressive similarities in design and architecture. Although good physical condition is required, it is an experience that every adventurous person should perform. This trekking Cusco to the Inca City of Choquequirao is an incomparable hiking experience, and if it is not yet considered one of the best treks in the world, it is because they still do not finish digging it; an enigmatic place whose history is still investigated. This walk takes 4 days, although there are shorter versions. And you can conclude with a dream ending in Machu Picchu.
Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu
If you want more adrenaline on your way to the Inca City of Machu Picchu, you can choose the Jungle Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, 4 or 3 days. It will travel original Inca trails discovered only a few years ago. These join the traditional and tropical villages of Santa María and Santa Teresa with the Inca city of Machu Picchu. The old stone paved roads are very well preserved by nature, and by local governments in Cusco. This Jungle Inca Trail combines downhill biking, rafting, zip-line (zip line), hiking, rafting (optional) and wonderful landscapes up to Machu Picchu. The Inca Jungle's descent by bicycle is considered among the best landscape experiences in South America.
Lares trek
Although the trekking Cusco from Lares to Machu Picchu is not a technical trek itself, the 4-day tour has been specially designed for people seeking a more exclusive route (less crowded), away from the classic excursions such as the Inca Trail or the Salcantay hike. The Lares trek allows you to see Andean communities lost in time; While walking the paths of the lakes, you will see how these people dedicated to agriculture live, to the raising of animals that produce wool and meat and to the manufacture of typical handmade garments; Enjoy your hospitality. While this trek will not take you to Machu Picchu through the Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku), it will give you the opportunity to board the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu; so not only enjoy an amazing walk, but also one of the most amazing short train routes on the planet, through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes, the town below the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Inca Quarry Trail
It is a trekking hike, an attractive alternative for the excess of Inca Trail requests, on this hike you will appreciate the terraces & nbsp; of Huarocondo, the waterfall, Inca ruins, platforms, the Intipunku (Puerta del Sol), road Original Inca, stone quarries. The Inca Quarry Trail is relatively easy compared to some of the other hikes, making it a great option for less experienced hikers. An archaeological complex that very few know, in our journey we can appreciate the variety of flora and fauna. Cachicata Canteras is located around Ollantaytambo, from where we will board & nbsp; the train to continue our journey to get to MachuPicchu, & nbsp; you will have enough time to explore this mysterious Inca place admired for its magic and charm. The "Lost City of the Incas" is visited on the last day - & nbsp; Macchu Picchu. The Cachicata hike is relatively easy compared to some other walks. On our way we can appreciate a great variety of flora and fauna, the terraces of Huarocondo, the waterfall, Inca archeological remains, platforms, the Intipunku (Puerta del Sol), we will walk along the original Inca trail, stone quarries.
