Best Hikes in Peru
In this post we will cover some of the best hikes in Peru.
Famed for its fair share of towering Andean mountains and snow-lined peaks Peru is becoming ever more so popular with backpackers looking to go hiking.
However, its secret is that this country is also home to some other incredible landscapes that include wild desert, untamed jungle and sprawling canyons.
Staying safe during hikes is a top priority. Peru is full of differing regions, so it’s important to learn what each one entails, and how to best prepare for each.
Best Hikes in Peru
In this article we’ll explore some of the best hikes you can embark on in Peru, and everything you’ll need to know for each.
We’ll also cover other important points such as our hiking recommendations, staying safe and how to hike independently without tours.
Is Peru worth Visiting?
We believe Peru is one of the best hiking countries to visit in South America.
With dozens of amazing hikes and off-the-beaten-path experiences waiting to be discovered, you could spend months getting to know all of the best here.
Is it Safe to Hike in Peru?
As with any activity, knowing how to stay safe is extremely important. And with hiking it’s vital to know the do’s and do not’s before you set off.
As for answering the above, it’s very difficult and depends on perspective.
Seasoned hikers may say it’s safe to hike Peru, whist novices who had tough experiences may say it isn’t.
We believe with good preparation and know-how, any of these hikes mentioned here will be safe to undertake.
However with Peru, understand that there are lots of different types of environments so it’s best to get to know exactly what you’ll be tackling before.
All of the hikes we’ve recommended below follow already discovered paths, meaning expert hikes have already trodden many times and decided these were the best ways to explore the area.
Do you want to get off the beaten path in regards to hiking?
Below is a list of tips we recommend you follow:
- Always try and get in contact with expert hikers in the area to learn about the exact mountain or area you’re looking to explore. They know best.
- Learn about the weather patterns, as rapid changes in weather can be quite common in mountainous areas and can make it very dangerous.
- Find out about surface conditions too. Will you be trekking through snow? Will an exploration during the wet season mean slippery surfaces?
- What about wild animals that live in the area? Best to know before you get a wide-eyed and empty-stomached surprise when out on the hike.
George has even gone as far to write a list of things to know before traveling to Peru so you can get some ground level expertise for your adventures.
Hiking in Peru
There are tons of worthwhile hikes and adventures waiting for you in Peru. Below we’ll cover some of our favorites, with some good starter info for each.
Ausangate Trek
Ausangate is a National park located some 55km from Cusco.
Here a hike, which takes around 4 hours to complete the circuit, will take you past seven incredible and different-colored lakes.
You’ll also see some impressive backdrop views of the towering Andean Peaks that surround the national park.
It’s one of the least busy treks to do from Cusco, and if you like peace and quiet then you’ll love it here as you’ll rarely see another group or hiker trekking along this route!
The easiest way to explore Ausangate is with this all-inclusive Day Tour where all transportation to and from will be covered. If you don’t drive then this will be your only option as there’s no direct public transport here.
Machu Picchu
The legendary. The almighty. The absolute must. Machu Picchu needs no introduction.
The ancient citadel is one of the top places to visit in of South America let alone just Peru, with its complex of over 150 temples and houses perched on top of a mountain.
The hike from Aguascalientes takes around 1/2 hours up to Machu Picchu, and 1 hour back down. It’s by far the most popular to do, so it’s important to not expect to have the whole site to yourself.
Although having said that, visiting at 6:00am (and taking the first quick bus up) will give you the best chance of a more quiet and personal experience, not to mention incredible sunrise views too.
In terms of getting to Machu Picchu, there are several options. To gain deeper insight, see this guide to hiking Machu Picchu for more detailed tips.
For those with time and spirit, then there’s the multi-day Inca Trail. Those with less time can take the hike from the hidroelectrica track, or directly from Aguascalientes.
The Inca Trail
The most epic hiking trail in Peru is also one of the most rewarding.
There are actually several trails that can be chosen, with each weaving through sacred mountains, settlements and high-altitude alpine landscapes.
The most popular takes around 4 days, which depends highly on your fitness level and how well you respond to the higher altitudes (of up to 4200m).
A special permit is needed to hike the Inca Trail, with only 500 given each day to maintain and keep the ancient route from too much human impact. For this reason it’s important to book well-in advance if possible.
The Colca Canyon Hike
At 3400m deep, the Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world.
With mesmerizing landscapes, rocky formations and soaring condors to spot, this is a very popular hike to do in Southern Peru.
It’s located close to Arequipa, and you will most likely begin a hike from here. It’s best to go independent, where you’ll be able to spend multiple days hiking down into the beast, and also visit indigenous villages along the way.
With peaks rising up to 3700m, it’s not as high as others on this list, however proper preparation is key to prevent altitude sickness problems.
This can include acclimatizing at a similar elevation before starting your trek, or taking altitude sickness medications.
You can join this highly-rated Colca Canyon Tour, where you’ll hike for two days as well as explore reserves like the Pampa Cañahuas. You’ll have all meals as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
The Nevado Mateo Hike
This is a must for those wanting that classic snow-lined panoramic view!
Whilst not the most popular nor known about, this 5150m peak in the Cordillera Blanca (near the Peruvian hiking capital of Huaraz) is highly recommended by ourselves.
The only way to summit is by tour, however you’ll hardly see any others on the mountain so it’ll still feel very primitive.
It takes around 3 hours of hiking up jagged canyons, rope-assisted climbs and ascending the final snowy peak to reach the top.
A tour with all equipment included costs around 300 Soles.
Whilst we love and prefer independent hikes where possible, here it’s imperative to go with a tour as hiking and weather conditions can vary rapidly, making a summit dangerous without an expert there with you.
Peru Hiking Tips
George has already spent months travelling through Peru, and has done many of top the hikes in this beautiful Andean nation.
Here I’ll cover the best things I’ve learnt and recommend to others looking to hike their way through Peru.
Hiking in Cusco Peru
Cusco is by far the most popular destination to visit in Peru.
Aside from its proximity to the legendary Machu Picchu, Cusco itself is nestled up in the Andes and as a result is located conveniently close to lots of impressive landscapes and ancient ruins.
Our first tip is just that, to look past the infamous citadel and look at exploring other hiking experiences in the region.
Ausangate National Park, Ollantaytambo, the ruins of Moray, the Sacred Valley, and the Salkantay Trek are all good first options that come to mind.
Secondly, if planning on going on organized tours, then we suggest heading to the Plaza de Armas and browsing many different agencies before buying..
They’re extremely competitive so you can get the price down quite easily.
Hiking in Peru without a Guide
Going with an organized tour of course has its own advantages, however, there’s nothing quite like the thrills of hiking independently.
One of our tips before setting off alone to a new hiking destination is to speak to a local expert about that particular mountain or environment you’ll explore.
They’ll know everything vital such as climbing conditions, best preparation as well as good routes to take up.
Another important tip is to frequently check the weather, and also past historic data. This allows you to gauge what conditions could be like, and whether a hike during your time there would be safe or not.
Again it’s good to speak to a local guide if possible who can best advise you.
Bring Quality Hiking Gear
Regardless if heading with a tour or going independently, it’s essential to bring high-quality equipment and gear. Whilst we like to save on most things, this is an exception given it will make your climb and experience much better (investing more will also mean your gear will last in the long run too).
Hiking Shoes are an important choice, and we recommend these for the guys, as well as these for the ladies. Trust us, you and your feet will thank us after!
Other worthy pieces to invest in include a warm hat, gloves, water bottle and emergency first-aid kit. Also make sure to purchase a high-quality hiking backpack too.
Best Hikes in Peru
Peru really is a fascinating country, and one that really stole George’s heart.
Not only is it home to some incredible food and cultures, but it’s full of endless hiking experiences with something out there for pretty much everyone.
In this guide we’ve explored hiking in Peru and our views on safety.
We’ve also looked at some of the best hikes you can embark on here if you are planning a trip to go backpacking in Peru as well as, some important tips and recommendations to make your trip go much smoother
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