Peru boasts some of the world’s most epic hikes, none more famous than the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. But few know there are other ways of reaching the famous citadel by foot — and that it’s not the only amazing adventure you can have in the Andes mountains.
Read on for our round-up of the best hikes in Peru, which come with out-of-this-world landscapes, rare Peruvian wildlife, Incan ruins and priceless cultural exchanges with Andean communities as standard. Oh — and if you hike Peru with us, you’ll get to glowingly gush about our legendary Inca warriors guiding you.
1. Hiking to Rainbow Mountain
Located in the Andes at an altitude of 5,029m (16,500 ft), Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is breathtaking in every sense of the word. Its striking bands of gold, lavender, maroon and turquoise hues,formed by varying levels of copper in the rocks, attract 1,500 visitors each day.
The 14km (8.7 mi) hike to the site from Pitumarca village is no walk in the park, but the views will spur you on. You’ll follow a rocky trail between spectacular copper peaks which look all the more vibrant against their snow caps, passing llamas grazing. The final push is to a plateau opposite Rainbow Mountain.
See it for yourself on: Peru: Inca Jungle & Rainbow Mountain Trek
2. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail (Camino Inka) is Peru’s most famous hike totalling 43km (26 mi) over four days with a maximum elevation of 4,215m (13,828 ft) at Dead Woman’s Pass. The most common starting point is Kilometre 82, named after the distance it is from the Incan capital, Cusco.
After a team photo beneath the Camino Inka sign, the adventure begins — and believe us when we say the sites get more spectacular by the day as you pass some impressive Incan settlements (tambos) and cloud forests frequented by hummingbirds.
On the last day, tired and likely smelling a bit llama-like, leave camp before dawn for the final push to Machu Picchu. Those first glimpses of the citadel from the Sungate will stay with you forever.
See it for yourself on: Trekking the Inca Trail: 4D/3N
3. Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek in the Vilcabamba mountains is one of the lesser-known hikes to Machu Picchu. Boasting cloud forests, Incan ruins and the emerald green Humantay Lake, it’s no mystery why Salkantay is dubbed the most spectacular peak in the Peruvian Andes.
At the highest point on the Salkantay Pass, you’ll be 4,600m (15,092 ft) above sea level, some 385m (1,200 ft) higher than Dead Woman’s Pass on the Inca Trail. By the time you’ve reached Machu Picchu, you’ll have trekked 70km (43 mi) over five days, starting from Soraypampa.
See it for yourself on: Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu
4. Cordillera Huayhuash trek
Boasting vibrant blue lakes, hot springs and one of the wildest stretches of the Andes mountains, this 12-day trek in Peru is considered one of the world’s greatest hikes.
You will encounter Yerupajá, the second highest mountain in the tropics at 6634m (22,000 ft), and cross passes between 4,600 and 5,000m (15,000 and 16,400 ft) above sea level — needless to say this is a challenging undertaking.
Highlights along the classic circuit from Huarez include camping on the shores of Carhuacocha Lake, visiting mountaineer Joe Simpson’s base camp which was made famous by his book ‘Touching the Void’, and visiting traditional Andean villages.
5. Marcahuasi
Marcahuasi is an Andean mountain plateau around a four-hour drive east of Lima, ideal for a weekend break from the capital during your stay in Peru. It’s known for its pre-Incan ruins and a stone forest with unique granite rock formations resembling faces, thought to have been forged by wind erosion 10,000 years ago.
The circular route from San Pedro de Casta boasts fantastic Andean scenery and turquoise lakes. At 4,000m (13,100 ft) above sea level, the trek may not be long (11.4km / 7 mi) but the thin air makes it strenuous. If you’re feeling strong, carry a tent up and camp beneath the stars on the Marcahuasi plateau, surrounded by the curious rock formations.
6. Huayna Picchu
If you’ve seen photos of Machu Picchu, chances are you’re already familiar with Huayna Picchu — the majestic peak behind the site. Huayna Picchu (Wayna Pikchu in Quechua) was an important vantage point and ritual site for the Incas. Nowadays, it offers hikers the chance to see the citadel from another perspective.
The 4km (2 mi) trail begins on the north side of the archeological site and takes a couple of hours to complete. It’s a good option if you want to experience hiking in the Andes without committing to some of the overnight treks. It also stays below the altitude sickness zone with a maximum elevation of 2,693m (8,800 ft).
7. Choquequirao Trek
If you think hiking to Machu Picchu looks a little easy (said no one ever), the trek to its little sister is guaranteed to get the calves fired up.
The lost city of Choquequirao, meaning ‘Cradle of Gold’ in Quechua, may not be as famous as Machu Picchu (it gets around 20 visitors per day compared to Machu Picchu’s 5,000), this Incan citadel is of equal importance in the empire’s history. When the Spanish invaded, the Vilcabamba Incas consolidated here in a final effort to regain power.
The circular route from Cachora takes around five days to complete, along undulating, rocky paths reaching altitudes of 3,050m (10,010 ft) and cliff-clinging steps through thick forest.
See it for yourself on: Trek to Choquequirao
8. Lomas de Lucumo
These coastal hills 34km (21 mi) southeast of Lima are a great place to warm up your legs for Peru’s more challenging hikes, or indulge in other outdoor activities such as camping, rappelling, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
The ecotourism park has some spectacular geology and biodiversity with vizcachas (a South American rabbit-like rodent), turtupilines (a small bird) and hawks inhabiting the area. Hiking in Lomas de Lucumo is a great option for family travel in Peru as the circular tourist route is just shy of 5km (3 mi) with a maximum height of 400m (1,312 ft) and good public transport links from Lima. Another great option for the whole gang is our Peru Family Experience starting in Lima.
9. Colca Canyon trek
The Colca Canyon is the world’s second deepest canyon with a depth of 3,270m (10,700 ft). Located in southern Peru near the beautiful city of Arequipa, it’s visited by 120,000 people per year. Other than its depths, the canyon is renowned for its population of Andean Condors as well as a glorious blue lake on the canyon floor.
The most popular hiking trail there takes two to three days to complete, starting and ending in Arequipa and reaching a maximum altitude of 4,100m (13,400 ft). There is accommodation and food en route, so no need to carry camping equipment.
See it for yourself on: Absolute Peru
10. Lares Trek
Another less touristy hiking route to Machu Picchu, the Lares Trek starts in Lares town and ends near Aguas Calientes which is a short train ride away from the famous Incan citadel.
While it takes one less day to complete than the more famous Inca Trail, the Lares Trek is higher in altitude (4,800m / 15,748 ft at its highest point) and therefore tougher on the lungs. The reward for your efforts? Just some epic lakes, snow capped peaks, and the friendly faces of the Cuncani community cheering you on!
See it for yourself on: The Lares Trek
