Endless highlands, a colorful jungle, and in between the fascinating memories of lost cultures - Peru is a country where there is something new to discover every day while hiking! The most beautiful and exciting are the exploration tours on foot, on one of the numerous hiking trails. Sometimes more and sometimes less developed for tourism, there is the right route for everyone - from beginners to experienced trekking adventurers. Eleven of these trails are particularly breathtaking and definitely belong on the to-do list on a hiking holiday in Peru. They all lead through impressive landscapes, and past villages full of hospitable people and offer the ideal opportunity for multi-day trips with a backpack and tents.
Hiking tours in the Andes
A country as large as Peru with its mountain ranges in the Andes naturally also has a large number of hiking trails to offer. We present some of the most beautiful hiking trails and trekking tours here:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The hidden city of Machu Picchu is Peru's most famous attraction and a truly impressive sight. No less impressive is the approximately 43-kilometer trekking path that leads up the mountain. You are on the road from Pisacucho for a whole four days and at the end, you enter Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate. The trail owes its popularity mainly to the fact that it was part of the historical Inca Trail network. Hikers are actually following in the footsteps of the past. The first leg of the day passes through the Urubamba Valley and is the easiest and most leisurely part of the route. The following days are more difficult, mainly due to the difference in altitude. At the highest point of the path, you climb more than 1200 meters in altitude. The efforts are rewarded by the diverse fauna and flora along the way as well as the sight of the destination on the last day. Incidentally, the Inca Trail can only be walked as part of a booked group with an experienced guide. You have to be quick here, the appointments are often fully booked well in advance. No wonder, with a hiking trail with so much history.
- Location: Cusco region. Urubamba province. 2,400 m above sea level NHN (Machu Picchu).
- Climate: Temperate
- Average temperature: 15 °C
- Best Season to Hike: From April to October. Closed in February for maintenance.
- Difficulty level: medium
- Minimum duration: 4 days
- Maximum duration: 7 days (Salkantay to Inca Trail)
Hiking in Huancaya
The Nor Yauyos-Cochas Nature Reserve near the city of Huancaya is the ideal destination for all hikers looking for an easy route in the midst of breathtaking nature. The region is known for its deep blue lakes, steep waterfalls, and impressive gorges. A two-day hike leaves time for a daring walk over swinging suspension bridges or a kayak trip. This is not only fun but also brightens up the day and offers optimal variety for everyone who is embarking on a multi-day hike for the first time. Local guides also share myths and legends associated with the landscape on a tour of the reserve.
- Location: Lima Region. Vilcas (3,650 m asl) and Huancaya (3,500 m asl), Yauyos province
- Climate: Semi-arid and cold
- Average temperature: 12°C
- Best Season to hike: May to September
- Difficulty: Low
- Minimum duration: 2 days
Hiking the road to Choquequirao
Would you like a real adventure? Hiking and trekking professionals set off from the small town of Cachora in southern Peru and after four days reach the archaeological site of Choquequirao. This is a former Inca site that is even larger than Machu Picchu. Due to the remote location, however, hardly any tourists come to the ruins, which have not yet been fully excavated. Those who arrive here after the exertion of the hike can look forward to the unique feeling of standing almost alone in this monument of history. Until then, however, 44 kilometers have to be conquered, partly on very difficult terrain. The road to Choquequirao is challenging but is considered one of the most interesting routes in all of South America by hiking professionals.
Location: Cusco region. Choquequirao (3,105 meters above sea level), Santa Teresa district, La Convención
- Climate: Warm and cool
- Average temperature: 17°C
- Season: April to October
- Difficulty level: high
- Minimum duration: 4 days
- Maximum duration: 9 Days (Choquequirao to Machu Picchu)
LLama Trek from Olleros to Chavín
This hiking trail got its name from the llamas, which accompany the tour groups on their tour as pack animals. It starts in Huaraz, where hikers should spend at least two days getting used to the altitude difference. The llama path leads up to 4700 meters. However, the route itself is pleasant to walk and does not present too many difficulties. The highlight on the way is the arrival in Chavín de Huántar.
This site is indicative of a culture that populated this part of Peru over 1500 years ago. To this day, archaeologists hardly know what purpose the buildings, including the underground passages, had in their heyday. The mountain backdrop, which accompanies the hiker with every step, is particularly attractive on the Llama Trek.
- Location: Ancash region. Provinces of Huaraz and Wari (3,091 and 3,150 m asl respectively).
- Climate: semi-arid and temperate.
- Average temperature: 10°C
- Best Season to hike: April to November.
- Difficulty level: medium.
- Minimum duration: 4 days
Huayhuash Loop Trail
Lagoons on one side, snowy peaks on the other? That's what the 12-day hike from Chiquián into nature and back promises. It surrounds the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Experienced mountaineers can climb the summit of Diablo Mudo as part of the trekking tour. The entire route is varied, full of natural spectacles and particularly beautiful due to the loneliness. There is untouched nature as far as the eye can see. Rivers, glacial lakes and cave systems accompany hikers on their journey. Those who don't mind the long trek can hike the Llamac to Yahuarcocha section in just two days.
- Location: Region Áncash. City of Chiquián (3,090 meters above sea level), province of Bolognesi
- Climate: Dry and very cold
- Average temperature: 5°C
- Best Season to hike: May to October
- Difficulty level: high
- Minimum duration: 2 days
Hiking in the Colca Valley
The Colca Canyon Valley is one of the deepest canyons in the world, similar to the American Grand Canyon. Nestled between two volcanoes, the Colca Canyon is one of the most interesting natural sights and a popular destination for hikers. It is also worth looking up: the Andean condors, the largest flying birds in the world, are clearly visible circling above the Colca Valley. There are several hiking options in the Colca Valley. If you are well informed, you can even set off here on your own. Popular destinations are the hot springs in the region and the caves, whose paintings are reminiscent of people long gone. The providers of guided hikes know the best spots and have a lot to tell. Depending on the route chosen, the Colca Valley is also suitable for less experienced hikers.
- Location: Arequipa region. Chivay (3,633 meters a.s.l.), province of Caylloma
- Climate: Cold and rainy from October to March
- Average temperature: 9°C
- Best Season to hike to Colca Canyon: May to September
- Difficulty level: medium
- Minimum duration: 3 days
Alpamayo Peaks
Towering mountain peaks, lush valleys, historic sites, and fascinating glimpses of Peru's wildlife await on this trail, which takes around 10 days to complete. The Peruvians proudly call the Alpamayo the most beautiful mountain in the world. During the tour, it is completely circumnavigated once and thus shows all its impressive sides. The path is not only framed by all kinds of wildflowers, but also by numerous animal companions. In addition to alpacas, llamas, and Andean foxes, you can catch a glimpse of numerous birds of prey along the way. Due to the mountain air and some difficult passages, the tour is demanding and hikers should already have some experience.
Ausangate Trek
The 6-day trek around Mount Ausangate is a historic trail that farmers and shepherds have used to travel from town to town for centuries. For vacationers, it is one of the most beautiful but also one of the most challenging trails in the region. At the foot of the mountain sacred to the Incas are lakes fed by the melting snow of the glacier. But there are also hot thermal springs along the route. In addition to the green valleys that are traversed on the tour, some of the small villages that invite you to take a break and meet the locals are particularly inspiring. Local tour guides recommend a 3-day acclimatization period in Ocongate, the starting point of the trek, before starting.
- Location: Cusco Ocongate region (3,535 meters), Quispicanchis province
- Climate: Temperate to cold
- Average temperature: 14°C
- Difficulty level: medium and high
- Minimum duration: 6 days
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay trek is the alternative to the Inca Trail to get to Machu Picchu. In five days you go 70 kilometers over the "Wild Mountain" to reach the historical ruins. The two difficult first days are rounded off perfectly by the easier paths of the following sections. While the Inca Trail can only be entered with a booked guide, experienced hikers can also set off on their own across the Salkantay. However, the trail is a bit more challenging than its more famous brother. Among the main attractions of the route are the Santa Teresa Valley with its flora full of fruit-bearing plants and the hot springs where you can relax in the evening after a tiring tour.
- Location: Cuzco region. Urubamba Province (2,650 – 4,200 meters above sea level)
- Climate: Cold and semi-arid
- Average temperature: 14°C
- Best season to hike to Salkantay: April to October
- Difficulty level: medium, high, and downhill
- Minimum duration: 4 days
10. Cotahuasi Valley
On this route, even beginners can explore ancient paths, deep gorges and refreshing waterfalls on their first multi-day hike. The hiking trail is north of the Colca Canyon Valley and here, too, the canyons extend, which are among the most powerful in the world. In contrast to the southern hiking trail, there are hardly any other vacationers in the Cotahuasi Valley. If you appreciate solitude and tranquility, this is the place for you. There is the possibility to spend several nights in the bathing camp and to go in a different direction every day. This is also very attractive for newcomers who want to try camping and hiking first. The historical highlight of the region are the cave paintings of Toro Muerto.
- Location: Arequipa region. Cotahuasi (2,683 meters above sea level), province of La Unión
- Climate: Semi-arid and cold
- Average temperature: 15°C
- Best season to hike: May to September
- Difficulty level: easy and medium
- Minimum duration: 3 days
11. Tinajani Canyon and the Taraco Plateau
At an impressive 3,800 meters above sea level, you can hike to the highest navigable lake in the world, the famous Lake Titicaca, on the Taraco plateau. Also up here is a canyon where hikers will come across a number of fascinating anthropomorphic stone figures. What seems to be reminiscent of sculptures made by ancient cultures has been shaped by nature over thousands of years. The canyon itself can be explored in a 2-day tour. Plan four more days for the plateau. A historical monument on the way there are the burial towers of Sillustani. They date from before the rule of the Incas and appear almost majestic in the picturesque landscape.
- Location: Puno region, Taraco district (3,835 meters above sea level), Huancané province
- Climate: Semi-arid, cold and rainy
- Average temperature: 10°C
- Best Season to hike: April to September
- Difficulty level: medium and high
- Minimum duration: 6 days
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