The Best Places for Trekking in Peru

1. Cordillera Blanca Treks:

The Cordillera Blanca is 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 reach it, which is considered the country’s trekking capital. Laguna 69 is inside the Huascarán National Park, an amazing mountain chain protected as a Natural World Heritage by UNESCO. Peru is considered one of the best destinations for adventure seekers, and The Cordillera Blanca offers the Alpine top treks in Peru:

Laguna 69:

It is the most famous one-day trek in Huascarán National Park. Laguna 69 is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It has a majestic landscape due to its beautiful turquoise waters and contrasting gray 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, and start hiking. Remember that you can make this trek alone or take a full-day agency tour.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 5 hours
Walking distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Climate: Cool
Altitude: The highest point is at 4,604
Best season: May to October

Alpamayo:

This is a very high mountain at 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. Similarly, it is the perfect alternative to the Santa Cruz Trek. In this route, you will enjoy the experience of hiking at your own pace with only a few people.

Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 6 Days
Walking distance: 101 km (63 miles)
Climate: Cool
Altitude: The highest point is at 5,947 m, and the lower point is at 2,900 m
Best season: May to August

Highlights:

• Get to know a beautiful ecosystem full of glaciers and lakes in the heart of Peru.
• Challenge yourself on long-hour hiking days.
• Learn from the variety of protected rocks, animals, and flora.

3. Santa Cruz Trek:

Santa Cruz is another famous trek in Peru located in the Huascaran National Park. It takes 4 days to complete and allows you to witness breathtaking views of the snowed landscape. The trekking is relatively moderate in comparison to others in the same region. This is highly recommended; nevertheless, it receives a lot of trekkers.

Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 to 5 days
Walking distance: 45 km (28 miles)
Climate: Cool
Altitude: The highest point is at 4,750 m, and the lower point is at 2,900 m.
Best season: April to September

Highlights:

• It is a shorter and reasonable trek to enjoy the best of the Cordillera Blanca.
• You will have the chance to see the Huascarán snow peak and two glacier lakes, the Icchiccocha and Hatuncocha lakes.
• Depending on your itinerary and tour, you can get the chance to visit Cashapampa and enjoy a well-deserved bath in the local hot springs.

4. Colca Canyon Trek:

It is the most famous destination in Arequipa. The Colca Canyon is the second deepest in the world, and it offers wonderful vistas of the Andes, an interesting diversity of flora and fauna, and many natural attractions. It is one of the most popular hikes in Peru because it can be completed in just 2 days on a regular itinerary. However, the Colca Canyon trek is still considered hard because of its sudden rises and falls in altitude.

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 1 to 3 days
Walking distance: 16 miles
Climate: Cool
Altitude: The highest point is at 3,597 m, and the lower point is at 2,160 m
Best season: May to October

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.
• It is the perfect plan for adventure travelers who want to experience a good trek in an accessible zone with travelers' comforts.
• Depending on what you want to see, you can personalize your trip and make it last up to three days.

5. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:

This is the most renowned Trekking in Peru. The Inca Trail, or Qhapaq Ñan, consists of an interesting ancient path meant to connect the Inca Empire, which was extended along South America. This project was known as the Tawantinsuyo. Nowadays, the Inca Trail leads to the main tourist locations in Cusco and ends in the most famous Inca Site, the majestic Machu Picchu. 

The Classic Inca Trail takes 4 days to complete, but if you don't have that much time, you can do the short version, which takes only 2 days. Both end with a visit to the Inca Citadel. Undoubtely, one of the Best Places for Trekking in Cusco.

Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
Duration: 2 to 4 days
Walking distance: 42 km (26 miles)
Climate: Cool - Subtropical
Altitude: The highest point is at 4,214 m, and the lower point reaches 2,430 m
Best season: April to November

Highlights:

• Visit the most important Inca sites: Patallaqta, Dead Woman’s Pass, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna, and Machu Picchu.
• It is considered one of the top 10 treks in the world.
• You will see a variety of landscapes and ecosystems along the way.

6. Salkantay Trek:

Starting in Cusco, this is the perfect alternative hike to the Inca Trail. Salkantay is the second-highest peak in the region, and although it is a demanding trek. During your journey, you will see the Andean landscape, interact with locals, and descend into the cloudy subtropical forest. Finally, after completing the route, you will have the chance to reach Machu Picchu.

The tour's flexible, lasting anywhere from 4 to 5 days, so you've got no worries about time. The best time to go is between April and November.

Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
Duration: 4 to 7 days
Walking distance: 70 km (43.5 miles)
Climate: Cool - Subtropical
Altitude: The highest point is at 4,630 m, and the lower point is at 2,600 m

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.
• The National Geographic recognized it as one of the top 25 Adventures Worldwide.

7. Choquequirao Trek:

This Inca Citadel resembles the magnificence of Machu Picchu in a more remote location. That is the reason why it is also known as its little sister. Moreover, the meaning of Choquequirao in Quechua is “Golden Cradle of the Incas.”

This archaeological site has been gaining more popularity over the years, and the only way to access it is on foot. On your way, you will enjoy the mountain landscapes, valleys, rivers, and glaciers. Finally, you will ascend to this incredible place that offers a fantastic view and site exploration. Depending on your time and preference, you can also take a tour to reach Machu Picchu from there.

Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
Duration: 4 to 8 days
Walking distance: 50 km (31 miles)
Climate: Subtropical
Altitude: The highest point of the trek reaches 3,050 m
Best season: June to November

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.
• It has been ranked as one of the best destinations to see in Cusco, offering a more authentic trekking experience.

Wow! There is so much to do in Peru, and trekking is an excellent option! With so many different ecosystems and biodiversity in this wonderful country, you will find only the best options for a great trekking experience. There are the Top 7 treks to do in Peru. Choose your favorite here!