With an abundance of landscapes to show off, Peru is undoubtedly one of the preferred destinations for hikers. Its great geographical variety has made it one of the best countries to enjoy the inexhaustible landscapes and hiking trails. And the Peruvian Andes has a great role in Peru, which is considered the very backbone of the country. But its cloud forests and one of the deepest canyons in the world also have incredible landscapes to experience. This is why together with the travel experts of Machu Travel Peru we have thought of a small article about the best routes of trekking in Peru. Next, we will mention some of the most fantastic and coveted routes by adventurers.
Trekking in Peru: The best hiking trails to experience
INCA TRAIL TREK
If you are looking to experience the best of trekking in Peru, then the Inca Trail is for you. This hiking trail is one of the most popular in all of Peru. One thing is for sure, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu, the 4-day Classic Inca Trail is one of the best experiences that complement the Inca citadel. Along the way, you will not only find landscapes of great beauty, but also some ancient Inca ruins that are not so crowded. You will have the option to travel one of the routes that the ancient Incas used in their many pilgrimages. Most of the treks offer an experience of 4 days and 3 nights in which you can explore a large number of beautiful landscapes. Being one of the most popular hiking trails in Peru, it should be noted that it is highly recommended to book in advance.
CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
This surprising hike leads you to the titanic ruins of Choquequirao, hidden in the depths of the Apurimac Valley. These ruins are often referred to as the “younger brother of Machu Picchu.” Although it is suspected that in reality, the size of Choquequirao exceeds that of the Inca citadel. These ancient ruins are still mostly buried underground, as only about 30% of their entirety can be seen. This route of trekking in Peru could be considered as a great travel alternative to complement your tour of Machu Picchu.
AUSANGATE TREK
The immense Ausangate peak (6,385 meters) is one of the largest mountains that you can see on a clear day in Cusco. The entire hike can last from 5 to 6 days and crosses some quite high passes, some reaching 5,000 meters in height. The route features several quite varied landscapes, including frozen peaks, turquoise lakes, swamp valleys, rolling glaciers, and also the no less amazing Rainbow Mountain. Among the different routes of the Peruvian Andes, the Ausangate is an important pilgrimage route for the locals. The Ausangate mountain range offers one of the best routes for trekking in Peru.
SANTA CRUZ TREK
If you are an adrenaline lover, the Santa Cruz Trek can be a great option for an adventure holiday in Peru. It is a hike of moderate difficulty, but its landscapes and views are something worth experiencing. All the landscapes of Santa Cruz are quite different, from lush meadows to glacial lagoons and other sandy valleys. This route of trekking in Peru is quite marked and you do not need a guide by your side, although these are not expensive either.
COLCA CANYON TREK
While the hike is not as popular as the Canyon itself, it is a trekking route in Peru worth undertaking. The Colca Canyon is one of the most incredible and romantic Peru vacation spots. Keep in mind that there are several routes within the Colca Canyon, but most of them usually start on the Cabanaconde trail. The landscape of the Canyon is one of the most unique and differentiated since its views are not at all the same as other routes. The safest thing is that along your route you can observe the majestic Andean Condor. What are you waiting for to undertake one of the best routes of trekking in Peru?
SALKANTAY TREK
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular tours in Peru and one of the best alternatives to the Inca Trail. Not being as popular as the Inca Trail, its route is a much more personal and relaxed experience. This route is no less difficult, so you will need to be fit or at least quite acclimatized to the area. This route of trekking in Peru is ideal if you are looking for a more individual experience.
“IT IS NOT THE MOUNTAIN WE CONQUER, BUT OURSELVES.”
We hope together with the experts of Machu Travel Peru to have satisfied your curiosity, remember that within Peru there are innumerable hiking routes. These are some of the most popular and coveted by adventurers. If you have any kind of query, do not hesitate to ask our advisors. They will be happy to help you with your dream trip.
