This note is dedicated to all lovers of trekking, who want to take advantage of these days of escape. If you want to live an extreme adventure and venture to a farther destination, this guide will help you decide at once.
There are roads so steep that they are lost in abysses that freeze the breath; zigzag like gigantic serpents that move through the mountain ranges; flat and extensive that seem to get lost in the immensity of the desert; Hidden and imperceptible among the thick vegetation of the Amazonian forests.
To practice trekking in Peru is to move through beautiful Andean landscapes with fantastic views of snow-capped mountains and lagoons. It is to cross the Qhapaq Ñan, the network of roads that united the Inca Empire; know the culture of the communities; Cross the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash in Ancash or find more than one route to Machu Picchu in Cusco.
Virtually the entire mountain range, including valleys, plateaus and mountain ranges, hosts trekking circuits with varying degrees of difficulty.
Let's start with the closest trekking destinations, but none the less exciting:
Cusco Peru Inca Trail
Trekking and camping route with 39 km of route. The longest road starts at Piscacucho (km 82) of the railway line towards Machu Picchu. It goes through different ecosystems, colossal archaeological sites and places rich in flora and fauna, until reaching the citadel of Machu Picchu. From this route starts a circuit to Salkantay (6.271 masl). To make the excursion, you must contact a specialized tourism agency or an official tour guide.
Huancaya Peru
The Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve offers the possibility of a walk between landscapes surrounded by nature, rivers, waterfalls (Hualhuas) and walking at the foot of the snow-capped mountains of the Western Cordillera, in the surroundings of Huancaya villages (3 500 masl) and Vilcas (3 650 masl)
Huayhuash Mountain Range
The complete circuit (180 km) starts and normally ends in Llámac. In 8 days it surrounds one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, continues on its eastern slope and ends on the western side. It goes through a rosary of snow-capped peaks like the Yerupajá (6 634 masl) and dozens of lagoons and openings. The short route (Llamac - Jahuacocha) takes 2 days.
Peru Colca canyon tour
The Colca Valley offers a diversity of bridle paths that connect villages with fertile andean systems and mountains. The route of the volcanoes is preferred by the cultists of the trekking: Hualca Hualca (6 025 masl), Sabancaya (5 976 masl) and Ampato (6 288 masl). Another suggested route links the towns of Cabanaconde and Tapay in a circuit that takes between two and four days.
Alpamayo
The 80 km route This hike is one of the longest that the Huascarán National Park offers, it crosses deep ravines and elevated portholes, as well as a great variety of heights and climates. During the tour, you can appreciate the rich flora and fauna of the Andes, various glaciers and lagoons, picturesque villages and archaeological remains such as Hualcayán and yaino. It will also be possible to take a close look at the imposing Alpamayo mountain (5,947 meters above sea level), considered the most beautiful in the world.
Choquequirao Peru
If we seek to make Trekking to another level, this is the right place. It is an Inca citadel, as well as Machupicchu and it is located at the top of the Apurímac canyon, in the Vilcabamba Valley at 3300 m.s.n.m. The journey begins in the city of Cusco and after 145 km of road we arrive at the village Cachora where a 32 km road begins, full of beautiful landscapes, flora and fauna. Really, an incredible experience.
Ausangate trek Peru
Tour of ancient trails that link traditional villages of farmers and Quechua shepherds of camelids. It begins in Ocongate and borders the Ausangate (6 372 masl), the Apu or highest tutelary snow in the region
Salkantay Peru
The hike or trekking to Umantay (5 917 masl) and Salkantay (6 271 masl), Apu or sacred snow of the Incas, can be started in Mollepata, on the Apurímac River and finish in Chilca (km 76 of the railway line) , on the Vilcanota river. From there you can take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Hiking tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during 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.
