Top Rated Peru Treks 2023

Top Rated Peru Treks 2023

Peru, a country filled with history, culture, and some really amazing adventure treks. A nation with abundant natural diversity, from coast, to mountains, to jungle, has long attracted lovers of the Great Outdoors. The Peruvian Andes, running like a backbone down the centre of the country, contain mesmerizing variations in landscape that make for some of the best trekking found anywhere in the world! Cloud forests, Andes Mountain ranges, the world’s deepest canyon and the striking remains of ancient civilizations all await.

Some Peru treks Highlights

  • Hike one of the world’s ten best hikes; Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, 42km
  • Hike into the world’s deepest canyon, in Arequipa
  • Trek through Salkantay, a mountainous 4 or 5 day alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Tackle the arduous yet rewarding Choquequirao trek, sister city of Machu Picchu in Cuzco
  • Rise to the challenge of one of the legendary treks near Peru’s adventure hotbed, Huaraz

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 or 5 days

On the 4 day Inca Trail, you will walk approximately 42km / 26.7 miles in 25 hours. The highest point is 4,215 MASL / 13,828 FASL.

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is famous for being one of the world’s ten best hikes! Walk in
the footsteps of the Inca as you discover astonishing ecological diversity and a wealth of archeological
treasures. The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary covers 32,952 acres and is home to a network of Inca trails, scores of archeological sites, 10 ecological zones (from glacial peaks to tropical forests), over 450
species of birds and 200 species of orchids, as well as the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu!

More detailed information here!

peru treks

Rainbow Mountain 1 day in Cusco

A thing of beauty. Located in the Peruvian Andes Mountains, as you might have guessed, Rainbow Mountain is known for its natural, colorful beauty. It was only recently discovered, but has fast become one of the top treks in Cusco, Peru. On top of this you can add the close-by Red Valley.

Find out the detailed itinerary here!

Rainbow Mountain trek

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days

Of all the treks leading up to the world famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is the most challenging and the most beautiful. Located in the same region as the more popular Inca Trail, you’ll take an ancient footpath through both subtropical jungle and high-altitude mountains (including the trek’s namesake of Salkantay, the highest peak of the region). On the way, you’ll pass throught the Humantay Lake and amazingly diverse wildlife and some lesser-known Inca ruins, ultimately arriving at the incomparable Machu Picchu after several days.

Check out the Salkantay Trek options here!

peru treks

Santa Cruz & Laguna 69 in Huaraz

Located in the Cordillera Blanca range near the city of Huaraz in northern Peru, the Santa Cruz trek is one of the most beautiful mountain treks in Peru. You’ll see native Andean wildlife in its natural habitat and incredibly beautiful alpine scenery, including the famous Laguna 69. Located just 10 hours from Lima by bus, it’s both accessible and remote at the same time. Well worth the detour north from the capital.

Laguna Paron - Sam Corporations

Colca Canyon trek in Arequipa.

More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the famous Colca Canyon is the second deepest in the world and a must see for many visitors to Peru. This strenuous hike will reward you with gorgeous waterfalls, colorful flowers, majestic birds, and interesting pre Inca ruins as you descend deep into the canyon.

See all our tour in Arequipa here!

Colca Canyon trek in Arequipa.

Ausangate Trek in Cusco

This 4, 5, or 7 day trek circles the sacred snow-covered mountain of Ausangate in the heart of the Andes. You’ll ascend from lower valleys up to a maximum altitude of 5,200 meters or 17,060 feet, passing by gorgeous glaciers, lakes and mountain vistas along the way. This is a difficult trek due to the altitude and the remoteness of the area, but the entire trek is breathtaking and well worth the effort required. Along the trek you explore the Rainbw mountain, Red Valley and 7 Lakes trek.

Choquequirao Trek in Cusco

Most people who come to Peru will pay a visit to the world famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, but not many people will take the time to visit Machu Picchu’s “little sister,” called Choquequirao. In many ways, Choquequirao is very similar to its more famous relative, with beautiful stone buildings tucked deep in the Andes with the jungle at its feet. The main difference is that The Trek To Choquequirao requires three to four days to reach, so you’re much less likely to run into other tourists, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience of discovering a forgotten Inca citadel.

Check out Choquequirao Treks here!

Huayhuash Circuit in Huaraz

Once considered a dangerous route due to hazardous trails and Shining Path guerrilla activity in the region, the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit is now becoming increasingly popular among trekkers with the installment of improved infrastructure and security measures by the Peruvian government in recent years. This trek hits a sweet spot for travelers: it’s just well-known enough to be safe but not well-known enough to be overrun with tourists. It’s likely you may only see one or two other groups of hikers during your entire trip. It’s a difficult one, passing high altitudes and rocky terrain, but those who choose to undertake it will be rewarded with pristine glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains and close encounters with native communities.

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in Cusco.

Best scenic and cultural trekking route, that treks completely off the beaten path. You pass through the most isolated indigenous communities keeping the Inca culture alive, and get the privilege to interact with them. The unique route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic ice glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. Check the #1 Operator for this unique trek here!