Peru is no doubt an ideal destination for hikers and backpackers. There are many well-known treks throughout Peru that take you to magnificent destinations like Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Lares hot springs. But with so many options, it can be hard to choose exactly which treks to embark on, especially if your in-country time is limited. To help you narrow down your trekking options in Peru, we’ve created a list of our top picks.
Here are Anyi Peru’s top seven treks in the Peruvian Andes:
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Cusco)
It’s no secret that the Inca Trail is one of Peru’s most popular treks, and for good reason. This historic path consists of three overlapping trails that stretch for miles and miles along the Peruvian countryside. Hiking the Inca trail is like taking a step back in time to the Inca Empire, as much of the trail is original Inca construction. The trek will take you past incredible natural scenery and world-famous Inca ruins, finishing at Machu Picchu. This trek is great for any type of traveler and should not be missed!
Duration: 4D/3N or 2D/1N, depending on your tour option
Availability: Year-round, excluding February
Salkantay Trek (Cusco)
The Salkantay Trek is a great alternative to the Inca Trail if you want to get off the beaten path. This adventurous trek is perfect for the avid hiker, taking you to a maximum height of about 15,000 feet above sea level. The Salkantay Trek is a four-day hike that takes you first through the Salkantay Pass, and then through the high jungle. On this trek, you will see snow-capped peaks, a crystal-clear lagoon, and forest landscapes with waterfalls and banana farms. On the fifth day of the trek, you will arrive at Machu Picchu where you will enjoy admiring one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Duration: 5 days
Availability: Best completed April-October
Lares Trek with Homestays (Cusco)
The trek to Lares hot springs is the hidden gem of the Peruvian Andes. This trek departs from the indigenous village of Patacancha where you can stay in a local homestay and learn more about native Peruvian culture. From Patacancha, the Lares Trek takes you through the Peruvian highlands where you will get a glimpse of grazing alpacas and snow-capped mountains. The trek ends at the hot springs where you can relax and enjoy the view before heading to your next destination. From Lares, a bus can be arranged to take you to Machu Picchu.
Duration: 2-4 days, depending on your tour option
Availability: Year-round
Trek to Rainbow Mountain (Cusco)
Rainbow Mountain is possibly the most fascinating and colorful natural landscape found in Peru. This trek takes you through sloping meadows surrounded by sky-scraping mountains on your way to the famous site. At just over 16,000 feet above sea level, you will hike Vinicunca Pass to reach your destination. Once there, enjoy the view of Rainbow Mountain, beautifully striped by natural mineral deposits. Turn around and you will also see the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain.
Duration: 2 days
Availability: Year-round
How to book: https://www.ayni-peru.com/tour/rainbow-mountain-peru-vinicunca-yauricunca-2-days-1-night/
Choquequirao Trek (Cusco)
This is the perfect trek for travelers who are looking to experience ancient Peruvian ruins outside of Machu Picchu. Choquequirao, commonly known as Machu Picchu’s sister city, is also home to the ruins of an original Inca citadel. These ruins are much less traveled than Machu Picchu, and a bit more challenging due to the deep canyons that surround them. This route takes you through one of Peru’s most biodiverse areas and ascends to over 15,000 feet above sea level. From Choquequirao, you can continue trekking through the high jungle toward Vilcabamba and on to Machu Picchu.
Duration: 4-8 days, depending on your tour option
Availability: Best between May and September, Peru’s dry season
How to book: https://www.ayni-peru.com/tour/choquequirao-vilcabamba-trek/
Santa Cruz Trek (Huaraz)
The Santa Cruz trek is a four-day adventure that leads you through the Cordillera Blanca mountain range of Huaraz. Because of its location, Santa Cruz is not frequented as often as treks in Cusco, and hiking this route will ensure that you get a more private and independent experience. This trek will take you to heights of over 15,000 feet above sea level. On the way, you will make a stop at the twin Llanganuco lakes, two side-by-side lakes with bright turquoise water. At the highest point, Punta Union, you will see Huascaran peak crowned with snow. Santa Cruz is one of the most unique and beautiful hikes in Peru, and should not be missed by the avid hiker!
Duration: 4 days
Availability: Year-round
Trek to Churup Lake (Huaraz)
The trek to Churup Lake is perfect for the traveler who is an enthusiastic hiker short on time. While this one-day hike may be simple on the surface, it is nonetheless action-pack and adventure-filled. The hike to Churup Lake is about two miles from the trailhead, with some challenging technical hiking along the way. The last section of the trail is so steep that requires the use of bolted cables as handholds to help keep your footing. After this section, you will reach beautiful Churup Lake, situated at approximately 14,600 feet above sea level. There you will enjoy the lake’s gorgeous teal blue color and the rocky mountainside surrounding it.
Duration: 1 day
Availability: Year-round, but best between May and September, Peru’s dry season
