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. In this blog we will give you the best treks in Peru to consider for your next adventure to the Peruvian Andes.
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.
The trail is an impressive either 5, 4- or 2-day 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.
Some of the Highlights:
Visit the most important Inca sites: Patallaqta, Dead Woman’s Pass, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna, Machu Picchu and many different ecosystems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some of the Highlights
Glaciers, Turquoise Blue Lakes, Inca Ruins, Mountain Peaks and Machu Picchu Inca Citadel.
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.
Some of the Highlights
Trek to Rainbow Mountain, Glaciers, Ausangate Mountain, Hot Springs on the last day.
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.
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.
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.
Some of the Highlights
The high Andes mountains, Cordillera Blanca and the magnificent lake
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.
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.