10 daysHiking and trekking tours in Peru
Peru's best known trek is the four day Inca Trail, which ends at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu. Permits are limited and often sell out months ahead, so many walkers choose Salkantay or Lares instead, both of which also finish with a visit to Machu Picchu.
For something quieter, Choquequirao is a remote Inca site reached on foot only, and the Ausangate circuit loops around a glaciated peak near the colourful Rainbow Mountain.
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Hiking and trekking tours in Peru: questions
Which trek to Machu Picchu is best?
The Inca Trail is the only one that walks into Machu Picchu along an original Inca path. Salkantay is higher and more varied, crossing a pass of around 4,600 metres before dropping into cloud forest. Lares is the gentlest and passes through traditional weaving villages.
How far ahead should I book the Inca Trail?
As soon as your dates are fixed. Daily permits are limited and can only be bought through licensed operators, and dates from May to August often sell out months in advance. The trail also closes every February for maintenance.
When is the best time to trek in Peru?
The dry season from May to September brings the most reliable weather, with sunny days and cold nights at altitude. The wet season from November to March means afternoon rain and muddy trails.
How hard are the treks around Cusco?
The main challenge is altitude rather than distance. Spend at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before you start, and expect steep climbs on the Inca Trail and Salkantay passes. Porters or mules carry the camping gear on most guided treks.
