Top 8 Treks in Peru for 2026: The Ultimate Hiking Guide
If you know anything about Peru, you know that the country has some of the most spectacular hiking anywhere in the world. The Andes Mountains have some amazing treks in some of the most remote mountains, with undoubtably the best views you will see anywhere. The sense of achievement gained will live with you forever. In this article we will give you the best treks to consider for your next adventure to the Peruvian Andes.
1. The Inca Trail Hike
The most famous trek in Peru, the Inca Trail attracts thousands every year to experience the sites and to follow in the footsteps of the Inca. In ancient times the trail, which has a network of thousands of kilometers, throughout South America was used as a passage to Machu Picchu and all over the Inca Empire.
- See Inca Trail Tours
The trail is an impressive either 5,4- or 2-days hike passing impressive ruins and admiring the Andes. Pass through cloud forests and experience vegetation of the rainforest all while walking to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
- Duration: 2, 4 to 5 days
- Walking distance: 42 km (26 miles)
- Climate: Cool – Subtropical
- Altitude: The highest point is at 4,214 m, and the lower point reaches 2,430 m
- Seasons: Dry, April to November, crowded but views at Machu Picchu are clear. Booking early is a must. Wet, December to March, less crowded limited views, cheaper prices.
Some of the Highlights:
Visit the most important Inca sites: Patallaqta, Dead Woman’s Pass, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna, Machu Picchu and many different ecosystems.
2. The Salkantay Trek
The spectacular Salkantay Trek is a mountainous route to Machu Picchu. Travel through incredible landscapes and different micro climates, each different with unique types of flora and fauna. Trek off the beaten path with unbelievable views of Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. Visit incredible crystal-clear lakes.
Trek to the almost forgotten Inca Ruins of Llactapata, here have your first views of Machu Picchu. On the last day visit the incredible Inca site of Machu Picchu, where you will be given a private guided tour and learn about the history of this wonderful site.
- Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
- Duration: 4 to 7 days
- Walking distance: 70 km (43.5 miles)
- Climate: Cool – Subtropical
- Altitude: The highest point is at 4,630 m, and the lower point is at 2,600 m
Some of the Highlights:
You will have the chance to visit Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu. Enjoy the best of the high Andes lush forests and mountains to the warm cloud forest.
3. The Choquequirao Trek
Arrive at the ruin of Choquequirao on the second day of this trek. The trek is off the beaten track so there will be no crowds. Located above the raging, glacier-fed Apurimac River, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and seated on a high ridge, Choquequirao is a remote and rarely visited ¨Lost City of the Incas. ¨
The Inca archeological site is considered to be the sister to Machu Picchu. It is less known and less visited but three times larger than Machu Picchu. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city.
- Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
- Duration: 4 to 9 days
- Walking distance: 50 km (31 miles)
- Climate: Subtropical
- Altitude: The highest point of the trek reaches 3,050 m
- Seasons: Dry, June to November, best time to trek. Wet, December to April, trek can be cancelled due to wet conditions.
Some of the Highlights:
It is a less crowded Inca Site that offers a more freely exploration of the site. You will encounter many flora and fauna species along the way. You may even have the chance to spot the Andean Condor.
4. The Lares Trek
This trek gives you the best trekking experience in 4 days. The Lares Trek is a unique route and is incredibly scenic, with glaciers, blue lakes, waterfalls and much wildlife. On the second half of the trek explore and trek the original Inca Trail. See ancient Inca sites before arriving at the Sun Gate for one of the best views of Machu Picchu. Explore the city with your guide before returning to the Imperial city of Cusco.
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Duration: 4 to 5 days
- Climate: Subtropical
- Altitude: The highest point of the trek reaches 4700 m
- Season: Dry, June to November, best time to trek. Wet, December to April, trek can be difficult in wet conditions.
Some of the Highlights
Glaciers, Turquoise Blue Lakes, Inca Ruins, Mountain Peaks and Machu Picchu Inca Citadel.
5. The Ausangate Trek
The Ausangate Trek featuring Rainbow Mountain is one for those who enjoy a challenge and who are physically fit. On the first day experience a trek to Rainbow Mountain, one of the most popular sites in Peru. Hike past Mount Ausangate the most scared mountain in the Southern Andes. Every year thousands of Andean people take an annual pilgrimage to Ausangate. With spectacular glacial vistas, beauty and solitude, this trek is for those who love outdoor adventures.
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Duration: 2 to 7 days
- Climate: Subtropical
- Altitude: The highest point of the trek reaches 5100 m
- Season: Dry, June to November, best time to trek. Wet, December to April, trek can be difficult in wet conditions.
Some of the Highlights
Trek to Rainbow Mountain, Glaciers, Ausangate Mountain, Hot Springs on the last day.
6. The Colca Canyon Trek
The Colca Canyon is the most popular destination in Arequipa. The Canyon is the second deepest in the world, with spectacular vistas of the Andes. One of the many attractions of the canyon is its interesting diversity of flora and fauna. The hike can be completed in just 2 days but some prefer a slower 3-day itinerary. The Colca Canyon trek is still considered hard because of its sudden rises and falls in altitude.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Duration: 1 to 3 days
- Walking distance: 16 miles
- Climate: Cool
- Altitude: The highest point is at 3,597 m, and the lower point is at 2,160 m
- Seasons: Dry, May to October is considered the best season due to the dry weather. Wet, November to April, trekking can get a little tricky, with the trail being wet.
Some of the Highlights
You will enjoy the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, Sangalle Oasis, Yanque Hot Springs, Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and local communities along the canyon.
From the South of Peru, we now move to the North of Peru, high in the Andes Mountains in the town of Huaraz. The town is located in the Cordillera Blanca, a snowed mountain chain in the Andes, over a hundred miles long, it is the most extended and home to the highest peak in the area, Huascarán. You will have to visit Huaraz City to start any trek in this region, which is considered the country’s trekking capital.
8. The Laguna 69 Trek
Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Laguna 69 is a short one-day hike near Huaraz. This wonderful lake is the most magnificent turquoise a stark contrast to the grey surroundings.
This trek will only take you 5 hours roundtrip. You can depart from Huaraz City or Caraz Town, take a vehicle that will take you to the starting point of the trail.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 5 hours
- Walking distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Climate: Cool
- Altitude: The highest point is at 4,604
- Best season: May to October
Some of the Highlights
The high Andes mountains, Cordillera Blanca and the magnificent lake
8. The Alpamayo Hike
This is a very high thrilling trek through the Cordillera Blanca. It is very hard to climb to the summit, but if you want to try the adventure without the risk, you can reach the base camp. One for the experienced trekkers, in this route, you will enjoy the experience of hiking at your own pace with only a few people.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Duration: 6 Days
- Walking distance: 101 km (63 miles)
- Climate: Cool
- Altitude: The highest point is at 5,947 m, and the lower point is at 2,900 m
- Season: May to August
Some of the Highlights:
Get to know a beautiful ecosystem full of glaciers and lakes in the heart of Peru. Challenge yourself on long-hour hiking days.
Trekking in Peru is one of the best ways to visit. There are many and varied types of treks for all levels of trekking experience. Here we have listed just a few of the many treks available for you in Peru. Contact SAM Travel Peru for the best trekking experiences in Peru.
PERU TREK COMPARISON
| Trek Name | Difficulty Level | Highlights | Highest point | Longest day Km/hours to walk | Temperature (coldest camp at night) | Acclimatisation ** |
| 4 day classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Moderately difficult* | Inca sites, flora and fauna, beautiful scenery. | 4,200 m (day 2) | Day 2 – about 16 kms. This can take up to 10 hours walking. | – 2 to -4°C
Cold season June til August | Recommended |
| 5 day classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Moderately difficult* | The 4 day Inca Trail at an easy pace | 4,200 m (day 3) | Day 3 – 14 kms more or less. This can take up to 8 – 10 hours walking.. | -2 to -4°C at the 2nd and 3rd camp
Cold season June til August | Recommended |
| 7 day Inca Trail and Salkantay to Machu Picchu | Very Difficult* | Trek away from the crowds and after enjoy the Inca Trail. Beautiful views of Salkantay! | 5,100m (day 3) | Day 3 and 5 16kms or more
This can take up to 10 hours walking. | Days:1,2,3, 5 -2 to – 6°C May til September | Recommended. |
| 5 day Salkantay (alternative) trek to Machu Picchu | Challenging* | Trek away from the crowds. Diverse flora and fauna beautiful scenery. | 4,680m (Day 2) | Day 2- 16kms
Day 3- 20kms This can take up to 9 hours | 1st night: -5°C 2nd night -2°C
June til August | Recommended. |
| 4 day Salkantay (alternative) trek to MP | Challenging * | Salkantay trek for those who do not have the time for 5 days. | 4,680m (Day 1) | Day 1 about 18 kms. This can take up to 10 hours walk time. | Day 1: 0°C to -2°C
June til August | Recommended. |
| 4 day Lares (alternative) trek | Fairly difficult* | Trek away from the crowds and experience Andean culture. | 4,800m (Day 2) | Day 2 about 12 kms. This can take up to 8 hours walk time. | Day 1 and 2; -2 to -4°C
June til September | Recommended. |
| 5 day Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu | Challenging* | A diverse trek, from jungle to high Andes Inca sites. Very diverse flora and fauna. With stunning scenery. | 4,700m (Day 3). | Day 3 and 4 About 15kms.
This can take up to 10 hours walk time. | Day 3: -2 to -4°C
June til September | Recommended. |
| 3 day Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu | Fairly easy* | A relaxed trek visiting a Pre Inca site with amazing views of the Sacred Valley. | 3,900m. Day 1 | Day 1
About 10kms. This can take up to 8 hours walking. | Day 1: 0°C to -2°C
June til August | If you have the time. |
| 5 day Ausangate | Very Difficult* | A trek for the love of trekking. Stunning views the whole way. | 5,000m On day 2 and 3. | Day 1,2,3 and 4 -5 to – 8°C
May til September | Strongly Recommended. | |
| 7 day Ausangate | Very Difficult* | A trek for the love of trekking. Stunning views the whole way, visit the largest lake in the Cusco region. | Days 2, 3,4 and 5
Approx 5000m. | Day 3
9 and a half hours | Every day: -5 to – 8°C
May til September | Strongly Recommended. |
| 4 Day Choquequirao | Challenging* | Perfect for those who want the full Inca experience, visit an untouched Inca site. | 3100 meters | Every day is more or less the same distance. | 5°C May til September | Recommended |
