You’ve kept Peru on your bucket list and you find yourself returning to thoughts of its heights and valleys again and again. You crave the crisp mountain air the scent of campfire smoke the murmur of rivers and the sight of stone pathways once used by the Incas. Here you’ll feel the rugged landscapes walk through centuries-old ruins and soak in thermal springs under starry skies.
Peru brings together coastal plains high Andean peaks and lush jungle so each hike feels like a different world. You’ll walk past terraced fields sample local meals from village kitchens and meet Quechua-speaking families who still honor mountain deities.
Below are the 12 best treks in Peru each laid out with duration distance elevation difficulty route notes and the points you won’t want to miss.
Hiking in Peru – Top 12 Routes
- Ausangate trek
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m)
- Choquequirao ruins circuit (9,940 ft / 3,030 m)
- Santa Cruz loop
- Vilcabamba heritage route
- Salkantay crossing
- Laguna 69 day hike (4,600 m / 14,028 ft)
- Humantay Lake excursion (4,200 m / 13,779 ft)
- Rainbow Mountain day trip (5,020 m / 16,469 ft)
- Huayhuash circuit
- Colca Canyon descent
- Huchuy Qosqo overnight
Ausangate Trek – High Altitude Circuit
Duration 6 days / 5 nights
Distance 46 km approx
Elevation range From 3,000 m / 9,843 ft up to 6,384 m / 20,944 ft
Difficulty Challenging
Route overview
You start from Tinki town (2 h bus from Cusco) and circle the Ausangate snow, crossing three passes over 5,000 m and sleeping in high valleys. You’ll see mineral-streaked hills bright lagoons herds of alpacas and condors gliding overhead. Nights are cold clear and perfect for stargazing.
Physical challenge
Steep slopes rocky trails and thin air require good acclimatization. You cover 7–12 km daily, sometimes on rough ground. Best seasons are April and October–November when skies are dry.
Key highlights
- First days view Rainbow Mountain slopes rising in bands of color
- Day 5 soak in Pacchanta hot springs to ease sore muscles
- Panoramic shot from Palomino Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft)
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Classic Andean Path
Duration 4 days / 3 nights
Distance 50 km (31 mi)
Elevation range 2,500 m / 8,202 ft to 4,215 m / 13,828 ft
Difficulty Moderate to strenuous
Route overview
You depart from Ollantaytambo train station then hike ancient stone causeways past Wayllabamba camp, up to Dead Woman Pass, and on to Wiñaywayna before arriving at Machu Picchu at dawn. The Peruvian government limits access to 500 hikers per day so you need agency-handled permits at least 6 months ahead.
Physical challenge
Steep day 2 climb to Pacaymayo camp then peak ascent to Dead Woman Pass on day 3. Paths can be slippery. Proper gear and slow pacing help prevent altitude sickness.
Key highlights
- Ruins at Runkurakay and Sayacmarca perched on ridges
- Phuyupatamarca terraces and ceremonial baths
- Sunrise entry through Inti Punku into Machu Picchu citadel
Choquequirao Circuit – Sister City in the Clouds
Duration 5 days / 4 nights
Distance 60 km (37 mi)
Elevation 3,030 m / 9,940 ft
Difficulty Challenging
Route overview
Begin at Cachora and descend to the Apurímac River canyon then climb back up through cloud forest to Choquequirao ruins—less visited than Machu Picchu yet twice as large. You return via the same remote pathway.
Physical challenge
60% of trail features steep slopes with loose rocks. Daily legs range 10–15 km with long altitude gains and losses.
Key highlights
- Well-preserved hydraulic channels and Andean terraces
- Panoramic view of Apurímac Valley from sanctuary ruins
- Camping near the citadel under a sky full of stars
Santa Cruz Loop – Blanca Range Adventure
Duration 4 days / 3 nights
Distance 50 km (31 mi)
Elevation 3,700 m / 12,139 ft to 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
Difficulty Moderate to strenuous
Route overview
You trek from Vaquería past alpine meadows up to Punta Unión (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) then descend into lush valleys, ending at Cashapampa. The trail threads through Huascarán National Park where glaciers loom overhead.
Physical challenge
First day steep climb to Punta Unión, then more even trails. High altitude demands slow hiking and hydration.
Key highlights
- Refreshing dip in Cashapampa hot springs
- Arhuaycocha Lake nestled among snow-capped peaks
- Close-up views of Cordillera Blanca summits
Vilcabamba Heritage Route – Lost Inca Stronghold
Duration 5 days / 4 nights
Distance 71 km (45 mi)
Elevation Around 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
Difficulty Moderate
Route overview
By road you reach Huancalle then hike through cloud forest to Rosapata and Vitcos ruins. You follow ridgelines across jungle-covered valleys to Espíritu Pampa where the last Inca refuge stood.
Physical challenge
Daily legs of 8–12 km with one 3,860 m / 12,664 ft pass. Trail descends steadily into warmer forest.
Key highlights
- Collpajasa Pass views over Vilcabamba Valley
- Remains of Huayna Pucara hilltop fortress
- Seven Pottery Falls (Siete Tinajas) in the jungle
Salkantay Crossing – Sierra to Jungle Transition
Duration 5 days / 4 nights
Distance 70 km (44 mi)
Elevation 4,500 m / 14,763 ft peak
Difficulty Moderate
Route overview
Start at Soraypampa below Salkantay snow (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), climb to the glacial pass, then descend through cloud forest into jungle warmth, finishing at Aguas Calientes.
Physical challenge
Second-day pass ascent over 4,600 m / 15,091 ft is longest steep stretch. Rest days help with recovery.
Key highlights
- Humantay Lagoon reflection under Salkantay peak
- Flora shift from alpine tundra to lush rainforest
- Soaking in Santa Teresa hot springs
Laguna 69 Day Hike – Azure Alpine Lake
Duration 1 day
Distance 6 km (4 mi)
Elevation Up to 4,600 m / 14,028 ft
Difficulty Easy to moderate
Route overview
From Cebolla entrance in Huascarán National Park you follow a single trail along waterfalls and meadows up to Laguna 69. Return same day to Huaraz.
Physical challenge
Gentle climb until final hour which is steeper. Early start helps avoid sun and altitude fatigue.
Key highlights
- Turquoise lake framed by glaciers
- Multiple waterfall viewpoints en route
- Quick access from Huaraz makes it ideal day trip
Humantay Lake Excursion – Turquoise Reflection
Duration 1 day
Distance 10 km (6 mi) round trip
Elevation 3,870 m / 12,696 ft to 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
Difficulty Moderate
Route overview
You travel from Cusco to Mollepata then hike 1½ h up rocky slopes from Soraypampa base camp to the glacial Humantay Lake. Descend same way.
Physical challenge
High altitude and 500 m elevation gain over short distance can strain lungs. Take breaks and move at steady pace.
Key highlights
- Mirror-like lagoon under Salkantay peak
- Apacheta stone cairns where locals leave offerings
- Lunch in Mollepata town with home-cooked specialties
Rainbow Mountain Day Trip – Striped Summit
Duration 1 day
Distance 7 km (4 mi) round trip
Elevation 4,400 m / 14,435 ft to 5,020 m / 16,469 ft
Difficulty Challenging
Route overview
Pre-dawn pickup from Cusco to Quesiuno community then 3 h trek over stony paths to Vinicunca top where mineral bands form rainbow stripes. Return same route.
Physical challenge
Steep final 1 km at 5,020 m / 16,469 ft with strong winds. Warm clothes gloves and sun protection essential.
Key highlights
- Seven-color hills at summit
- Andean alpaca herds grazing in valleys
- Community-run eco-lodge in Quesiuno for local support
Huayhuash Circuit – Extreme Andean Loop
Duration 10 days
Distance 180 km (112 mi)
Elevation 3,400 m / 11,154 ft to 5,300 m / 17,388 ft
Difficulty Challenging
Route overview
Circular trek in Cordillera Huayhuash crossing eight high passes between massive peaks like Yerupajá and Siula Grande. You camp by glacial lakes each night.
Physical challenge
Long days of 15–20 km with heavy packs and altitude above 4,500 m. Only for well-trained hikers.
Key highlights
- Ice-blue moraine lakes at high camps
- Close-up of 6,600 m peaks
- Remote valleys with wild vicuñas and condors
Colca Canyon Descent – Deep Gorge Adventure
Duration 2 days / 1 night
Distance 24 km (15 mi)
Elevation From 3,500 m / 11,482 ft down to 2,200 m / 7,217 ft
Difficulty Strenuous
Route overview
Start at Pampa San Miguel overlook then descend over 3,200 m drop into canyon floor. Overnight in Sangalle Oasis before climbing back up 1,107 m to Cabanaconde.
Physical challenge
Day 1 long downhill 18 km on rocky steps; day 2 steep 8 km ascent. Early start recommended.
Key highlights
- Morning condor flights at La Cruz viewpoint
- Sangalle hot springs for sore muscles
- Sunset view from Sangalle pool
Huchuy Qosqo Overnight – First Hacienda Path
Duration 2 days / 1 night
Distance 16 km (10 mi)
Elevation From 2,900 m / 9,514 ft to 4,250 m / 13,943 ft
Difficulty Moderate
Route overview
Two-day route starts at Tambomachay ruins then rises to Ccauca community campsite. Next morning you reach Huchuy Qosqo (3,650 m / 11,112 ft) to explore colonial Inca manor before descending to Lamay.
Physical challenge
First day three passes up to 4,300 m then gentle terrain; second day 5 h descent. Good footwear and rain gear help.
Key highlights
- Stone irrigation channel and ceremonial niches
- Laguna Qeullacocha reflection pool
- Panoramic views over Sacred Valley terraces
Peru’s mountains and canyons are waiting – each trail brings you closer to local life highland flora and the echoes of ancient empires. Choose your path pack your gear and set out on a journey you’ll relive in stories long after you return home. Safe travels and happy hiking in Peru.