Best Treks in Peru 2026: Ultimate Guide & Updated Tips

1.- The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

This is the most famous hike in Peru and one of the 10 best in the world. Hiking it is an unmissable experience for adventure lovers. Along its 26 km, hikers traverse breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient Inca ruins and lush cloud forests, culminating at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Although the hike presents a moderate challenge, it is accessible to most travelers in reasonable physical condition. Due to high demand and limited availability of permits, it is essential to book in advance to secure a spot.

• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Night , 4 Days / 3 Nights and 2 Days / 1 Night
• Hiking difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Maximum altitude: 4,215 m (Warmi Wañusqa mountain )

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2.- Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay route is considered the second best trekking route in Cuzco, only behind the Inca Trail. Its name comes from the imposing snow-capped mountain Salkantay, whose slopes form part of the route. Along the way, hikers pass through breathtaking landscapes, such as the Humantay Lagoon, the Abra Salkantay pass (the highest point on the route) and lush cloud forests. They also have the opportunity to harvest and taste their own organic coffee while interacting with local farmers and exploring the enigmatic ruins of Llactapata. Finally, after a demanding hike, the journey culminates in the town of Aguas Calientes, before reaching Machu Picchu.

• Duration: 5 days / 4 Nights and 4 Days / 3 Nights
• Hiking difficulty:Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 4,650 m

3.- Ausangate Trek

The Ausangate Trek is one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the Peruvian Andes. This challenging multi-day trek encircles the imposing Ausangate (6,384 m), the highest mountain in the Cusco region and considered sacred by local communities.

Along the way, travelers cross otherworldly landscapes: turquoise lagoons, imposing glaciers, colorful valleys and mountains of reddish and ocher tones. It is also one of the few routes where you can still experience authentic Andean life, with alpaca and llama herders who maintain their ancestral traditions.

The trek usually lasts between 4 and 6 days, reaching altitudes above 5,000 m, so it requires a good acclimatization. One of the highlights of the trek is the Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca), famous for its natural palette of reddish, yellow and green tones.

Note: the trek does not end at Machu Picchu.

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• Duration: 6 days / 5 Nights and 4 Days / 3 Nights
• Hiking difficulty:Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 6,384 m

4.- Choquequirao Trek

The Choquequirao Trek is one of the most impressive and challenging treks in Peru, taking adventurers to the mysterious Inca citadel of Choquequirao, considered the sacred sister of Machu Picchu for its architectural similarity and remote location high in the Andes.

This trek crosses deep canyons of the Apurimac River, offering spectacular scenery and a unique connection with nature. Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao remains a rarely visited destination, allowing travelers to explore its terraces, temples and plazas at their leisure. Due to its rugged geography, the only way to get there is on foot.

• Duration: The classic trek to Choquequirao lasts 4 or 5 days, with return to Cusco without reaching Machu Picchu. It is also possible to do an extended trek of 7, 8 or 9 days that connects Choquequirao with Machu Picchu.
• Hiking difficulty:Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 3,033 m

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5.- Lares Trek

This trekking route is known as “the cultural route to Machu Picchu” for its journey through traditional Andean villages, where travelers can experience local culture and ancestral customs up close. Its name comes from the village of Lares, the starting point of the hike.

Along the way, hikers cross imposing mountains, snow-capped mountains and crystalline lagoons, while observing llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat, enjoying spectacular views of the Andes. This route can be combined with the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or with a direct visit to the Inca citadel.

• Duration: From 3 to 5 days, including Machu Picchu..
• Hiking difficulty:Moderate to Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 4,500 m

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6.- Trekking Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz es una de las caminatas más famosas de Perú, ubicado dentro del Parque Nacional Huascarán. Se tarda 4 días en completarla y te permite ser testigo de las impresionantes vistas del paisaje nevado. El recorrido es relativamente moderado en comparación con otros de la misma región. Es muy recomendable; sin embargo, recibe a muchos excursionistas.

• Duration:4 to 5 days
• Hiking difficulty:Moderate
• Maximum altitude: The highest point reaches 4,750 m and the lowest 2,900 m.
• Best time April to September

7.- Alpamayo

Alpamayo is an imposing mountain in the Cordillera Blanca that has become very popular among mountaineers. Although climbing to its summit is a challenge for the more experienced, you can access the base camp if you're looking for something less challenging. It's also the perfect alternative to the Santa Cruz Trail. If you opt for this trekking adventure in Peru, you'll enjoy the experience of hiking at your own pace in a serene, uncrowded environment.

• Duration:6 days
• Hiking difficulty:Hard
• Maximum altitude: Highest point: 4,785 m. Lowest point: 2,900 m..
• Best timeMay to August

8.- Treks in the Colca Canyon

This is Arequipa's most famous destination. The Colca Canyon is the second deepest in the world and offers wonderful views of the Andes, an interesting diversity of flora and fauna, and many natural attractions. It is one of Peru's most popular hikes because it can be completed in just two days on a standard itinerary. However, the Colca Canyon trek is still considered arduous due to its steep ascents and descents in altitude.

• Duration:1 to 3 days
• Hiking difficulty:Moderate to difficult
• Maximum altitude: The highest point reaches 3,597 m, and the lowest point 2,160 m.
• Best timeMay to October