Peru is a destination of choice for lovers of hiking and mountain treks. With breathtaking landscapes, majestic peaks and historic trails, this South American country offers a wide variety of options for all levels and all tastes.
In this article, we have selected seven of the most beautiful treks in Peru. Whether you’re looking to uncover Inca history, explore the mountains, or have a wilderness adventure, there’s a trek for you in this list.
1 – The Sacred Valley Trek
The Sacred Valley Trek is a two day trek which allows you to discover the Inca archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley. The trek begins in Pisaq, a town famous for its craft market, and ends in Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved traditional village. Throughout the trek, you will be able to admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the landscapes of the valley.
The highlight of this trek is the visit of the Inca sites of Pumamarca and d’Ollantaytambo.
Pumamarca is a little-known Inca site, perched on a steep hill with breathtaking views. Ollantaytambo is a very well preserved site with agricultural terraces, public baths and stone houses that testify to the sophistication of the Inca civilization.
During this trek in Peru, you can also visit traditional villages and local markets. The Sacred Valley trek is ideal for those who wish to discover the Inca sites while enjoying the natural beauty of the valley.
This trek is accessible all year round and does not require any particular physical condition.
2 – The Lake Titicaca Trek
Ce three day trek in southern peru takes you to discover the highest navigable lake in the world!
The trek begins in Puno, a city located 3,800 meters above sea level, and ends on Amantani Island, an isolated island in Lake Titicaca.
You will have the chance to visit Uros, Taquile and Amantani islands.
The Uros Islands are man-made islands built by local people using reeds from the lake!
Taquile and Amantani are two real islands. By spending a night there with the locals, you can discover their culture and local life. You will also have the opportunity to participate in local ceremonies.
You will also be able to admire the wonderful landscapes that extend as far as Bolivia. We advise you to climb to the top of pachamama and or Pachapapatwo hills that are on the island of Amantani.
The Lake Titicaca trek is a good choice for those who want to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of southern Peru. It requires good physical condition, in particular because of the altitude at which it takes place: Lake Titicaca is located at an altitude of 3995 m.
3 – The Inca Trail, a world famous trek in Peru
The Inca Trail is a trek in Peru known in the whole world. oflasting four days and 43 km longthis trek is considered one of the most difficult in Peru.
It starts in Cusco and ends at Machu Picchu, perched on a sacred mountain. During this trek, you will cross the Andean mountains, cloud forests and high passes following the ancient Inca paths.
At the end, a visit to the famous citadel of Machu Picchu awaits you, one of the wonders of the world. Along your route, you can also visit Inca archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna, Phuyupatamarca and Intipata, which offer great panoramic views of the mountains and the valley.
The Inca Trail Trek is very popular and getting a hiking permit requires a reservation several months in advance. The Peruvian authorities also limit the number of hikers in order to preserve the environment and the archaeological sites.
This trek is difficult and requires good physical condition as you will face very steep climbs and descents throughout the circuit, especially to reach the Warmiwañusca pass, located at 4,215 meters above sea level.
It is important to emphasize that Machu Picchu is a protected archaeological site and visitors must respect the rules and regulations regarding the protection of the environment and cultural heritage.
4 – Le Trek du Salkantay
The Salkantay trek is an increasingly popular alternative to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu.
This five-day trek in Peru begins in Mollepata and ends in Aguas Calientes, the town located at the foot of Machu Picchu. It offers varied and breathtaking landscapes, ranging from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Cordillera to lush cloud forests and verdant valleys.
Arriving at the Salkantay pass, located at an altitude of 4,630 meters, you can admire the majestic Salkantay mountain, considered sacred by the Incas.
Although this trek is considered difficult, it is accessible to hikers of all levels if they are in good physical condition. However, you should be prepared for temperature changes and the effects of altitude.
The Salkantay trek is less crowded than the Inca Trail, but it attracts more and more hikers every year. Local authorities are therefore working to limit the environmental impact of hiking by tightening regulations in terms of the number of people and accommodation.
5 – The Choquequirao Trek
This 4 to 5 day trek in Peru takes you through the mountains of the Andes Cordillera to the Inca site of Choquequiraoan archaeological site still relatively little visited by tourists.
The trek starts at bitch, a town located regarding 4 hours drive from Cusco. During 2 or 3 days of walking, you will cross green valleys, deep canyons and steep mountains, with extraordinary views of the peaks of the Andes Cordillera. The highest point of the trek is the Choquequirao pass, located at a altitude of 3,100 meters.
Choquequirao is often compared to Machu Picchu for its impressive architecture, preservation and spectacular location.
Although less well known than Machu Picchu, the site is just as impressive and offers a unique experience for trekkers brave enough to make the trek to reach it. You will have the leisure to explore the ruins of Choquequirao, and in particular the temple of the sun, the agricultural terraces and the public squares.
The Choquequirao trek is considered difficult due to altitude and difficult terrain. Trekking agencies offer to provide tents, picnics and luggage porterage services.
Due to its remote location and difficulty, the Choquequirao trek is less crowded than other popular treks in Peru. However, it is increasingly popular with hikers seeking a unique and authentic experience in the Andes.
6 – The Ausangate Tour, the trek in Peru for lovers of altitude
The Tour de l’Ausangate is a trek in Peru that goes around the summit of the eponymous mountain located in the Andes. This is a challenging 6-7 day trek and which takes place over approximately 70 kilometers et 4800 m of elevation gain.
The trek begins in Tinqui, located regarding 3 hours drive from Cusco. Hikers pass through villages, canyons and passes, with spectacular views of the highest peaks of the Andes Cordillera, including Mount Ausangate culminating at 6,372 meters above sea level.
The Ausangate trek is considered difficult due to altitude, temperature changes and the difficulty of the terrain. To do this, you must be in very good physical condition and have mountain trekking experience.
For more security, you can do this trek with a French-speaking or local agency. A guide will accompany you and can assist you in case of unforeseen events. In addition, doing this accompanied trek allows you to take advantage of the carrying of your luggage by muleteers and not to worry regarding logistical aspects such as accommodation or food.
On this trek, the highest point is the Palomani pass, located at an altitude of 5,200 meters (higher than Mont Blanc!). From there, you can admire a view of the massifs and valleys stretching far to the horizon.
7 – The Trek of Huayhuash
The Huayhuash trek is a 10 day trek in Peru which takes place in the Andes mountain range, famous for its magnificent mountains and breathtaking landscapes. It is one of the most difficult treks in Peru, but also one of the most beautiful in the world for many trekkers.
The route covers approximately 140 kilometers distance for 10,000 vertical meters. It usually begins and ends in the small village of chiquianregarding 400 kilometers north of Lima.
Walkers cross high altitude passes, glaciers, lakes and traditional Andean villages. The scenery is spectacular, with snow-capped peaks reaching over 6,000 meters above sea level and strange rock formations.
Due to its high altitude, steep slopes and the distance to be covered each day, this trek is reserved for experienced trekkers. You must absolutely be well prepared physically and mentally to face the difficult trekking conditions. Allow time for acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness.
Despite the difficulty, the challenge is well worth it! It is a unique experience that thousands of mountain lovers dream of living.
We strongly advise you to leave in the company of a mountain guide qualified to do the Huayhuash trek, as he is no solo camping in the area. Local trekking agencies offer organized tours for this trek, with professional guides, quality camping gear and emergency medical assistance.
The months of April to September are considered the best time to do the Huayhuash trek. It is during this period that the climatic conditions are the most clement.
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Peru offers a variety of treks for all levels of hikers, ranging from easy to very difficult. Whether you are looking for spectacular scenery, historical sites or both, Peru has something for everyone.
If you’re up for the challenge, pack your backpack and go on an adventure!
