Best Hikes in Peru: 10 Trails for Beginners and Advanced Hikers
Ah, Peru!
Home to the mystical Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage from the ancient Inca civilisation.
But if you're pondering whether Machu Picchu is the only hike area in Peru's crown, you're in for a delightful revelation.
If you want an adventure beyond the popular routes, Peru offers some of the world's most exhilarating hiking experiences.
At Skyhook, we've researched and assembled a list of the best hikes in Peru just for you - from Machu Picchu to soaring peaks and hidden valleys.
So, are you ready to discover the wild side of Peru? Let's dive in!
1. Inca Trail
Distance: 43 km
Duration: 4 to 7 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This Inca trek to Machu Picchu is among the most iconic globally because of its profound blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
As you travel this ancient route, you'll encounter stunning mountain scenery, lush cloud forests, and a series of fascinating Incan ruins before arriving at sunrise at the breathtaking Machu Picchu Sun Gate.
Starting from KM 82, the trail leads you through varying altitudes, with the highest point at Dead Woman's Pass (4,198 metres).
The journey includes a mix of steep ascents and descents, requiring good physical condition and acclimatisation to altitude.
At Skyhook, we offer three variations of this Machu Picchu hike:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: a seven-day adventure on the classic route. We start in Cusco for two days before heading over to KM 82 to begin our expedition.
Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu: Our four-day adventure combines hiking with mountain biking and optional rafting or zip-lining.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu follows the classic route.
The Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu in 2 days is our shortest and probably most challenging trek. We start from KM82 on day one and summit Machu Picchu the following day.
2. Salkantay Trek
Distance: Approximately 74 km
Duration: 5 to 8 days
Difficulty: Strenuous
The Salkantay Trail is a spectacular alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, starting in the village of Mollepata.
This trek ascends to the formidable Salkantay Pass at 4,630 metres for breathtaking views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain - one of the most sacred peaks in Inca mythology.
As you trek this path, you'll experience a stunning array of environments, from lush cloud forests to rugged highlands and serene riversides, culminating in the magical arrival at the ruins at Machu Picchu.
Ready for this trip to the Andes? At Skyhook, we take you there with two trip variations: the Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu (8 Days) and the Salkantay Trail To Machu Picchu (5 Days).
3. Lares Trek
Distance: Varies, approximately 33 km
Duration: 3-4 days
Difficulty: Moderate
This trek starts at the small village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley, going through stunning mountain scenery, traditional Andean villages, and therapeutic hot springs.
On this trek, you'll ascend to high mountain passes, the highest being Ipsaycocha Pass at about 4,450 metres, offering spectacular views of the Andean landscape.
Despite its moderate Machu Picchu difficulty, the Lares trek can be strenuous for the beginner due to the high altitudes and rugged terrain.
However, it's more off-the-beaten-path than other popular routes, providing a more intimate experience with nature and local Andean life.
Ready to go? Book our 4-day Lares trek to Machu Picchu today!
4. Ausangate Trek
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Strenuous
One of the best hikes in South America, the Ausangate Trek is an epic journey through one of the highest and most scenic parts of the Peruvian Andes.
It is renowned for its vast landscapes of glacial lakes, rugged mountain passes, and vibrant alpaca herds against the backdrop of the majestic Ausangate mountain, standing at 6,384 metres.
It's a high-altitude adventure, traversing passes over 5,000 metres, including the challenging Palomani and Arapa passes.
Get the genuine experience
5. Humantay Lake
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) round trip
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Moderate
The Humantay Lake Trek is a breathtaking day trip from Cusco and a unique opportunity to see one of Peru's most beautiful alpine lakes.
The trek is fairly short but steep, taking you from the trailhead at Soraypampa to the lake itself.
The path winds through stunning mountain scenery, with the vibrant turquoise waters of Humantay Lake set against a backdrop of snowy peaks.
Starting at an altitude of around 3,800 metres and climbing to about 4,200 metres, the trek is demanding due to the thin air.
Reaching the lake typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, with the return journey slightly quicker. The path is rocky and uneven in parts, which might require some careful footing on the descent.
6. Choquequirao Trek
Distance: Approximately 64 km round trip
Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The Choquequirao Trek is a demanding trip through the remote terrains of the Cusco region, leading to the lesser-known but equally majestic 'Cradle of Gold - Choquequirao (3,050 metres).
If asked, we'd say this is one of the best mountains to climb before Everest - it's challenging, scenic, and generally isolated, which makes it superb for training!
Beginning at the Capuliyoc Pass, situated at an elevation of 2890 metres, you are immediately treated to expansive views of the Apurimac Valley.
The trek then descends toward the mighty Apurimac River to set the tone for the adventure ahead.
One of the key highlights along the route is the Saywite Monolith, an intriguing carved rock that historians believe was used by the Incas as a religious or mapping artefact.
You'll also travel through remote Andean villages like Santa Rosa and Marampata for a glimpse into the rural lifestyles and the resilience of mountain communities.
This all, before you make it to Choquequirao itself, also called the 'sister' of Machu Picchu!
Explore the sprawling terraces, plazas, and ceremonial centres, all set against the imposing Padreyoc peak and deep green canyons.
7. Rainbow Mountain Trek
Distance: 7km
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Moderate
Rainbow Mountain, known locally as Vinicunca, offers a stunning display of naturally coloured sediments draped across its slopes.
This trek, taking just one day, presents a challenging yet rewarding hike through a remote Andes area.
Starting from the trailhead near Pitumarca after a 2-hour drive from Cusco, the route ascends to an impressive 5,200 metres. It was initially part of the Ausangate Trek above, but you can now book an independent trip.
The colourful views of the mountain itself are truly a highlight, presenting a palette of red, orange, yellow, green, and violet hues - surreal!
Given the mountain's popularity, expect to share the trail with many other tourists, especially during the peak season from May through August.
8. Huascarán Circuit
Distance: Around 120 km, but varies, with multiple acclimatisation hikes
Duration: 21 days
Difficulty: Very challenging
Take on the Huascarán Circuit, an awe-inspiring mountaineering expedition around Peru's highest peak, Mount Huascarán. It's one of the best mountains to climb in South America, and for good reason - It towers at 6,768 metres for a challenging 21-day adventure that requires technical climbing skills for experienced mountaineers.
You'll cross vast ice fields, navigate large crevasses, and ascend steep ice and snow slopes. For success, prepare for the demanding ascent with acclimatisation climbs like Mount Pisco, Yanapaccha, Vallunaraju, and Ishinca.
This circuit offers extreme high-altitude climbing and unparalleled views of the Cordillera Blanca's stunning peaks and deep valleys.
9. Santa Cruz Trek
Distance: 50 km
Duration: 3-4 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
The Santa Cruz Trek is a moderate journey through the heart of the Cordillera Blanca - you're in for some of Peru's most stunning high-altitude scenery!
This hike takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush valleys and dense forests to rugged mountain passes and pristine glacial lakes.
The highest point is the Punta Union Pass, which stands at 4,750 metres with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped cliffs, including the mighty Huascarán. You'll also love the traditional Andean villages where you can immerse yourself in the local culture.
10. Colca Canyon Trek
Distance: Up to 50 km, depending on the route
Duration: 2-3 days
Difficulty: Moderate
The Colca Canyon Trek takes you deep into one of the world's deepest canyons. This moderate trek can vary in distance but the full loop typically covers up to 50 km over 2-3 days - a blend of cultural and natural experiences.
You'll encounter local Andean communities, observe majestic Andean condors, and explore diverse landscapes ranging from arid deserts to green terraces.
Pose for a moment and take in the stunning views of the canyon itself, often enjoyed at sunrise from vantage points like Cruz del Condor.
Conclusion
Peru is home to many hiking trails, not just the ones above.
So, the next time you want to go to Peru, you can plan any type of hike - from the Machu Picchu site to the other mountains dotting the Andean landscape. It's the environment, the people, the wildlife and more. You will love it here!
