If you thought that only in Lima you can find the best cosmopolitan activities, you are wrong. Lima hides trails equal or even more impressive than other famous destinations in the country. To see it with your own eyes, within this peruvian hike, you will discover a wide range of options with Go Treks Peru.
Doing a Peru hike is like walking the Earth from head to toe. Peru is one of the most megadiverse countries in the world, don’t forget it. Its landscapes are dazzling and its archaeological remains hide enigmatic secrets. And if you travel on foot, even better. You will be able to enjoy them all. Trekking in Peru offers you the possibility to travel new paths that impress and move you for all that they mean.
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Peru offers excellent opportunities for ecotourism, from exploring its mountains to connecting with its culture, preserved in different indigenous communities. That is why this guide to trekking in Peru invites you to discover some of the most important destinations.
The Peru Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Inca Trails, For the most explorers, hiking in Peru, this route is one of the most challenging and demanding. It is a journey of 43 km (4-Day Inca trail to Machu Picchu) along Inca trails that lead to the citadel of Machu Picchu and are part of an immense network called Qhapaq Ñan: a road system that linked the important cities of the Tahuantinsuyo, both on the coast and in the highlands. The trip to Machu Picchu has a total duration of 4 days and 3 nights, although there is a shorter option of only 2 days and 1 night (Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu).
Within the Peru Hike, it is considered one of the most impressive trekking routes in South America for its beautiful landscapes that combine the majesty of the mountains and the greenery of nature, as well as vast archaeological complexes, such as Patallacta and Wiñaywayna.
It is recommended to book your peru hiking trip at least 3 months in advance, as during high season availability is limited and tours tend to sell out quickly.
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The Choquequirao Hike Peru for an unforgettable Peru hiking trip
This Peru hike is located in Cusco, between peaks of difficult access and covered by vast vegetation. This complex is one of the Inca footprints with the greatest tourist potential in Peru. Known as “the sacred sister” of Machu Picchu, it stands out as a unique destination for hiking Peru and an important political and religious center of the Inca Empire.
- See Also: Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
Generally, the duration of this Peru Hike to Choquequirao is 4 days and 3 nights, although several travel agencies offer alternative tours of up to 10-Day Choquequirao Trek.
This Peru Hike Route is done through a winding and rough road, but it captivates visitors with its scenic beauty and the welcoming climate of the jungle’s eyebrow, making it one of the most impressive options for hikes in Peru.
The route begins in Cachora, a small town in Abancay Peru hike. At the end of the first day, we sleep in a camp near the Apurimac River. The tour also includes a visit to the village of Santa Rosa, where you can enjoy a nice brandy in a traditional distillery, ideal for those seeking authentic trekking Peru experiences.
- Distance: 64 kilometers
- Highest point of elevation: 3,050 meters (10,000 feet)
- The difficulty of the hike: moderate to strenuous
The Inca site of Choquequirao is similar in scale to Machu Picchu but much less frequented by tourists. It is believed to be one of the last bastions of the Inca defense against the Spanish invasion, making it a perfect destination for unforgettable peru hiking vacations.
The Choquequirao Site is a larger complex than Machu Picchu, but only about 30% of the site has been excavated. It is one of the most remote Inca ruins and takes about two days to reach on foot and another two days to leave. Along the way, the trail takes in the breathtaking scenery of the Apurimac River and canyon.
Of all the Peru Hikes the Choquequirao Trail is much quieter than the Inca Trail and other popular trekking routes nearby. It is not uncommon to find the site completely empty of visitors.
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Vinicunca the Rainbow Mountain Peru for an amazing hiking Peru experience
Located three hours from the city of Cusco, (Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour) Vinicunca has become a Peru Hike all tourist phenomenon in Peru thanks to its spectacular variety of colors. Thousands of travelers and trekking lovers come to this place to admire its incomparable beauty and take the best pictures.
To get to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco, you must take transport to the town of Checacupe. Then, go by bus to the town of Pitumarca. Try to eat something in this town to resist a last two-hour trip to the town of Pampachiri. Here, you can buy the entrance ticket to Vinicunca for 20 soles.
In Pampachiri begins the Peru Hike route to the top of the Rainbow Mountain, which will take you between two or three hours depending on your physical condition and photographic interest, making it a great option for those who want to hike Peru.
Keep in mind that the trek starts at an altitude of 3399 meters above sea level and ends at the viewpoint of the mountain at 5100 meters, so it is important to prepare your body to fully enjoy this peru hiking experience and avoid altitude sickness.
Trekking to the Huayhuash Cordillera for an epic trekking in Peru adventure
This is one of the most recommended Peru Hikes in Peru. Its route includes a large part of the Cordillera Huayhuash in Ancash and is designed for hiking and camping near the most beautiful lakes, offering an unforgettable peru hiking vacations experience.
There are many alternatives with different degrees of difficulty and duration for this and other Peru Hike routes. The bus from Lima to Huaraz costs an average of 40 soles and takes about 8 hours, making it accessible for those interested in trekking Peru.
Once in Huaraz, you have to take a bus, cab, or bus to Chiquián for 15 soles (the trip takes 3 hours). Most people start the hike in this town, although from there, buses also leave for the district of Pacllón, another starting point for the route to Huayhuash.
This Peru Hikes can vary from 4 to 12 days in length. In addition to hiking, mountaineering in this place is one of the most popular activities for travelers, with several snow-capped peaks that represent a great challenge to conquer.
Salkantay Trek Peru for a complete Peru hiking trip
The most recommended trekking route to Machu Picchu is by taking a multi-day tour. There are 5 days and 4 nights crossing different climates and paths among rocks, vegetation, and even snow, making it one of the best options for trekking in Peru.
Salkantay Treks Peru:
- Salkantay Trek 4 Days To Machu Picchu
- Salkantay Trek 5 Days To Machu Picchu
- Salkantay and classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu 7 days
The Salkantay Trek (6271 meters above sea level) is located in the Cordillera Vilcanota, in the Peruvian Andes. If you go for the first time, it is important to have a guide, although you can also do it independently, especially if you are planning a complete peru hiking trip.
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This Peru Hike includes visits to places such as Mollepata, Soraypampa, Abra Salkantay, Chaullay, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu. An interesting fact about this route is that it remained unknown until a few years ago, making it a great alternative for those looking for less crowded hikes in Peru.
Lares Treks Peru for an authentic peruvian hike experience
The Peru Lares Trail is one of the most popular alternatives to the Inca Trail in the Cusco region and a splendid option for Peru Hike. It does not lead directly to Machu Picchu, but there is an option to take a train ride there at the end.
This route passes through some of the best scenery in the region – rainforests, mountain passes, valleys, and waterfalls.
The Lares Trek Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 3 Days begins in the village of Lares, some 56 kilometers east of Machu Picchu. In the beginning, there is an opportunity to take a dip in the village’s hot springs before the trek begins.
From here, the scenic road leads into the Andes, stopping at village settlements to meet local farmers and weavers, and learn about their way of life.
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As the Inca Trail Peru hike, the second day of the Lares Trek is the most difficult, as it involves a steep ascent to the highest point. The reward for conquering it is an incredible view at the top, and it gets easier after that, making it a rewarding experience for those interested in hiking Peru. You can do the Lares hike independently, but going with a guide will give you deeper insight into the culture, history, and valuable support.
- Distance: 33 kilometers
- Highest point of elevation: 4,780 meters (15,780 feet)
- Physical Level: moderate
- Distance on foot: 12 km / 7.45 miles
- Starting elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
- Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
- Difficulty: The difficulty of the trek varies from easy to challenging.
Places to visit:
- The thermal-medicinal baths of Lares.
- The Mantto waterfalls.
- The trekking route to Machu Picchu.
NOTE: This Peru hike tour is not very frequented, so you will have at your disposal a landscape in all its fullness, ideal for travelers seeking authentic peruvian hike experiences away from the crowds.
Mountain trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash Huaraz for an unforgettable trekking Peru adventure
Hikers heading to Peru’s trekking mecca, Huaraz, will find some of the most impressive routes in South America. This 115 km circuit over nine days in the Cordillera Huayhuash offers a challenging and unforgettable trekking Peru experience, combining remote landscapes, high-altitude trails, and breathtaking scenery.
- Duration: 4 Days
- Walking distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
- Starting elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
- Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
- Places to visit: Peruvian Andes Mountain Range
- Best time to travel: Between the months of April to November.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
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Trek Gocta Waterfall, Chachapoyas
The Gocta waterfall is located in the Peruvian villages of San Pablo, Cocachimba, and La Coca, in the district of Valera in the province of Bongará, in the Amazon – Peru. This destination is ideal for those seeking unique hikes in Peru surrounded by lush landscapes and natural beauty.
This wonderful place, full of mysticism and pure charm, is known as La Chorrera because from this point fall some of the most crystalline waters of Peru, making it a perfect setting for an unforgettable peru hiking vacations experience.
- Duration: 4 days
- Distance on foot: 12 km / 7.45 miles
- Starting elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
- Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
