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Places to Trek in Peru

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Peru is not only filled with culture and history but also with incredible landscapes that can only be explored on foot. Discover the wonders of Peru with the trekking routes available throughout the country. Here we present the best trekking routes in Peru.

Why go trekking in Peru?

Peru boasts a highly diverse geography, making it an ideal destination for trekking. With three geographical regions, you will find the route that best suits you and discover Peru's hidden natural treasures.

If you are a trekking enthusiast, Peru will offer you the best experiences, traversing winding trails among the mountains or paths through dense jungle.

The 7 Best Treks in Peru

Peru offers a vast array of trekking routes, each with unique characteristics but undeniably special attractions. Here are the best trekking spots in Peru.

Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is one of the most exciting hiking routes in Peru, where you will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains and incredible landscapes unique to the trail. Additionally, you can visit natural attractions such as Humantay Lake, a blue body of water amidst the mountains.

You will reach the archaeological site of Llactapata, from where you can see the Inca city of Machu Picchu, transitioning from snowy landscapes to dense vegetation typical of the high jungle.

General Information

  • Duration: 4 to 7 days
  • Distance: 75 km
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Availability: All year round
Salkantay Trekking Route
Salkantay Trekking Route

Choquequirao Trek

The Choquequirao route is one of the challenges that every trekking enthusiast faces. This route requires good physical condition to cover the entire journey. However, the experience will be completely worth it.

Along the way, you can visit the lesser-known Inca citadel of Choquequirao, considered the younger sister of Machu Picchu due to its architectural similarities, and the journey culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu.

General Information

  • Duration: 2 to 5 days
  • Distance: 55 km
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Availability: All year round
Archaeological site of Choquequirao
Archaeological site of Choquequirao

Ausangate Trek

The Ausangate trek is a circular route around the snow-capped Ausangate mountain, offering an incredible journey. Despite not being as popular as the Inca Trail, this results in fewer tourists, allowing you to have the trail mostly to yourself.

Throughout the trek, you will be surrounded by lakes, snow-capped peaks, and glaciers, including the main attraction, the Ausangate peak. Prior acclimatization is necessary, as the route is above 4000 meters above sea level.

General Information

  • Duration: 3 to 4 days
  • Distance: 55 km
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Availability: All year round

Ausangate trek
Ausangate trek

Colca Canyon

Hiking through the world's second largest canyon, the Colca Canyon, is an experience where you can visit magical villages and capture impressive photographs. You will visit places such as the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can observe vicuñas and other camelids.

If you are lucky, you may witness the flight of the condor in the canyon, the main attraction. Along the way, you can also visit the hot springs of Chacapi in Yanque.

General Information

  • Duration: 2 days
  • Distance: 15 km
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Availability: All year round
Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon

Vilcabamba Trek

The Vilcabamba Trek is a lesser-known hiking route, adding to its wild appeal, as its surroundings remain largely untouched. The entire trail is surrounded by nature, and you can camp at the base of snow-capped mountains.

Additionally, you can visit archaeological sites accessible only via this hike. If you're lucky, you might witness the flight of the condor along the way.

This trail is more challenging than the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, making it a favorite among adventurous hikers.

The only way to undertake this hike is with a tour operator, as its complexity requires constant support and the necessary logistics for camping.

General Information

  • Duration: 5 to 7 days
  • Distance: 62 km
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Availability: March to December
Vitcos, Vilcabamba trek
Vitcos, Vilcabamba trek

Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca

The popular Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is located 140 km from the city of Cusco. However, the hike begins at the base control point of the Chillihuani community, from which you will hike for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the mountain.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy a spectacular view and be able to capture the iconic photo of the Rainbow Mountain.

General Information

  • Duration: 1 day
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Availability: March to December
Path to Vinicunca
Path to Vinicunca

Palcoyo

Palcoyo is an alternative route to the Rainbow Mountain, with less traffic than the Vinicunca trail. From the city of Cusco, you will take a car trip to the Palcoyo mountain range, approximately 2 hours, passing through the historic colonial bridge of Checacupe.

Upon reaching the village of Palcoyo, you will begin a hike of approximately 1 hour, reaching an altitude of 4600 meters, surrounded by mountain ranges. If desired, you can ascend to the stone forest, from where you will have a panoramic view of the entire valley.

General Information

  • Duration: 1 day
  • Distance: 3.39 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Availability: All year round
Stone Forest, Palcoyo
Stone Forest, Palcoyo

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the best hikes worldwide, offering an impressive adventure for those who want to immerse themselves in the nature and history of the Incas.

Its stunning geography allows you to experience diverse climates throughout the journey, and it is the only trail that lets you visit archaeological sites like Wiñayhuayna.

General Information

  • Duration: 2 to 4 days
  • Distance: 43 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Availability: March to December
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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