Peru's best hikes pair demanding days on the trail with archaeological sites and living culture. Some routes cross the highest non-technical trekking passes in the Americas. At these elevations, poor planning can be dangerous. Build acclimatization into every route.
Permit requirements, community agreements and protected-area rules vary by route. Use authorized agencies where required, and ask operators how they care for porters and pack animals. Descend if altitude symptoms get worse.
Peru hikes at a glance
| Hike | Region | Commitment | Main challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | Cusco | 4 days | Permit and altitude |
| Choquequirao | Apurímac/Cusco | 4–5 days | Extreme elevation loss |
| Huayhuash circuit | Central Andes | 8–12 days | Sustained high passes |
| Santa Cruz trek | Cordillera Blanca | 3–4 days | Punta Unión altitude |
| Ausangate circuit | Cusco | 5–6 days | Cold and remoteness |
| Colca Canyon | Arequipa | 2–3 days | Heat and steep ascent |
The 10 best hikes in Peru
Trek the Classic Inca Trail
The regulated trail crosses high passes, cloud forest and archaeological sites, then reaches Intipunku above Machu Picchu. Most itineraries take four days and use designated camps.
Book through an authorized agency; permits are limited and assigned to individuals. Acclimatize around Cusco, pack for cold rain, and ask how porters are paid, equipped and loaded.
View in GoExploringTrek to Choquequirao
Choquequirao sits above the Apurímac canyon. Reaching it means a steep descent and climb, both of which you must repeat on the way back. Allow four or five days to visit the terraces and forest setting.
Expect heat low in the canyon and altitude on the ridges. Work with local support responsibly, and check whether infrastructure work has changed access or routes around the site.
View in GoExploringComplete the Huayhuash circuit
The Huayhuash circuit crosses several passes above 4,500 metres beneath a ring of glaciated peaks. Camps are remote and days are long, making it Peru's most demanding classic trek.
Allow eight to twelve days, carry emergency communication and budget for community fees. Use experienced expedition support unless you can manage the altitude entirely on your own. Shorter circuits are also an option.
View in GoExploringCross Punta Unión on the Santa Cruz trek
The Santa Cruz route passes turquoise lakes and broad valleys, then crosses 4,750-metre Punta Unión. After proper acclimatization, it is a good first multi-day trek in the Cordillera Blanca.
Follow Huascarán National Park rules, camp responsibly and allow three or four days. Snow and altitude can slow you on the pass. Plan for that pace instead of assuming you will walk as quickly as at sea level.
View in GoExploringWalk the Ausangate circuit
The Ausangate circuit links high lakes, alpaca country, hot springs and passes beneath the sacred peak. Much of it lies above 4,000 metres.
Arrange local support that respects community needs, and prepare for very cold nights. Ask before photographing residents. If you add Vinicunca, keep the stages safe and leave time for more than its crowded viewpoint.
View in GoExploringHike Laguna 69
The trail to Laguna 69 climbs from the Llanganuco valley to a bright glacial lake at around 4,600 metres. It is popular, but the altitude makes it a poor choice for your first day after arriving in Huaraz.
Take a lower acclimatization hike first, start early and bring layers. Stay out of the lake and on official paths to protect the sensitive high-altitude environment.
View in GoExploringDescend into Colca Canyon
Paths descend from the canyon rim toward villages and Sangalle, followed by a steep climb back out. The bottom is hot; the air is thinner at the top.
Allow two or three days, carry water and check trail conditions after rain. Stay in locally run accommodation, and avoid racing out before dawn just to catch a tour bus.
View in GoExploringHike to Waqrapukara
Waqrapukara stands on a horn-shaped outcrop above the Apurímac. Several approaches across the high puna reach its archaeological walls through exposed, sparsely settled terrain.
Follow an established route with a local guide. Bring protection from sun and storms, and keep off the masonry. Road conditions will determine the best trailhead.
View in GoExploringHike from Pampas to Rúpac
Rúpac's stone complex stands high above the Chancay valley, north of Lima. The climb from Pampas crosses dry mountain terrain to ruins often called the Machu Picchu of Lima. Rúpac has its own history, too.
Arrange access with the community, carry water and camp only where permitted. Learn about the site from local guides instead of relying on a nickname that overlooks Atavillos culture.
View in GoExploringHike to Yumbilla Waterfall
From Cuispes in the Amazonas region, a forest route leads to viewpoints around the multi-tiered Yumbilla waterfall. Mud, rain and steep ground make the walk more demanding than a roadside cascade visit.
Arrange a local guide, wear reliable footwear and stay clear of unsafe fall zones. Spend several nights around Chachapoyas instead of making a long road transfer there and back in one day.
View in GoExploringChoosing a Peru hike
Base yourself in Cusco for the Inca Trail, Choquequirao, Ausangate and Waqrapukara; in Huaraz for Huayhuash, Santa Cruz and Laguna 69; in Arequipa for Colca; or in Chachapoyas for cloud-forest waterfall and archaeological walks.
Continue with Peru's best adventure activities, archaeological sites and wildlife experiences.
Before setting out
- Spend several nights acclimatizing before attempting high passes.
- Reserve permits through official or authorized channels.
- Verify porter, guide and pack-animal welfare.
- Carry emergency communication on remote circuits.
- Descend if altitude symptoms worsen or you develop neurological symptoms.