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Best 10 hikes in Peru

BY machupicchuperutravel October 27, 2024 0 COMMENTS 6 MINUTE READ 2535 VIEWS 2 years ago
Best 10 hikes in Peru

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

On the list of the 10 best hikes in Peru is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You will travel approximately 43 kilometers of jungle and mountains, reaching a maximum height of 4200 meters above sea level . During the tour you will be able to see some archaeological complexes such as:

Patallacta (ceremonial site and is located on a flat surface on the right bank of the Urubamba River).

The ruins of Wiñay Wayna , an Inca archaeological site, consists of a long staircase down the side of which a fountain descends. These buildings are constructed with granite stone elements.

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Why trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has been rated as one of the routes with the greatest physical effort and is among the top 5 hiking routes (hikes that are done along paths and roads carrying out sports and tourist activities, in addition to taking advantage of the natural environment) worldwide.

  • Duration: 4 Days
  • Difficulty: The activity level is moderate

Hike from Salkantay to Machu Picchu

10 best hikes in Peru | The Nevado de Salkantay (Wild Mountain), is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region, along with the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, located in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, Department of Cusco.

  • Elevation: 6,271 masl
  • Route: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
  • Type: Adventure – Hiking
  • Mountain range: Andes
  • Duration: 4 Days
  • Places you will pass:

Humantay Lake :

The Humantay Lagoon is characterized by the greenish blue color of its waters, a color that mesmerizes anyone who visits this place for the first time. This wonderful lagoon is located 1 hour and 30 minutes walk from the community of Soraypampa , in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, department of Cusco.

Machu Picchu:

The Historic Sanctuary – National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a mixed cultural and natural heritage site, due to its exceptional universal value, considered as an important political, religious and administrative center of the Inca period.

  • Walking distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
  • Initial elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
  • Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
  • Difficulty: Hard

Choquequirao

Choquequirao or Cradle of Gold is located at 3033 meters above sea level between the hills of the Nevado Salkantay, in the district of Santa Teresa, in La Convención- Cusco.

Choquequirao Archaeological Site or Cradle of Gold, is as important and famous as Machu Picchu. It is said that this place was a kind of royal city for the Inca nobility; the Cradle of Gold is characterized by the great biodiversity and richness of flora and fauna.

  • Duration: The time we will have to visit this Archaeological Site will be 4 days.
  • Walking distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
  • Initial elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
  • Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Hike from Lares to Machu Picchu

Lares is one of the 8 districts of the province of Calca in Cusco. It has an average altitude of 3,171 m above sea level and is located in the Andes Mountains, in southern Peru. The Lares to Machu Picchu Hike.

  • Places to visit:
  • The thermal-medicinal baths of Lares.
  • Mantto waterfalls.
  • The hiking route to Machu Picchu.

NOTE: This tour is not very frequented, so you will have access to a landscape in all its fullness.

  • Duration: The Lares to Machu Picchu trek will last 4 days, passing through wonderful landscapes.
  • Walking distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
  • Initial elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
  • Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
  • Difficulty: The difficulty of the trek varies from easy to challenging

Cotahuasi Canyon, Arequipa

The Cotahuasi Canyon, known as “The Canyon of Wonders” or Cotahuasi Sub-basin, is located approximately 400 km northwest of the city of Arequipa and is one of the 10 best hikes in Peru that you should not miss.

The canyon is a unique landscape in the world, as it houses traditional Andean farms, fields and terraces, walls, steep slopes, deep ravines and remains of pre-Incan and Incan constructions, testimonies of the wonders of the ancient civilizations that inhabited this area.

  • Duration: This tour lasts 4 days
  • Walking distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
  • Initial elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
  • Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Ausangate, Andahuaylillas, Cusco

The majestic Ausangate is the fifth highest mountain in Peru, also called ” The creator of waters” due to its glacial mass. This gives rise to several lagoons, including the Sivinacocha lagoon , which is the second largest in the Cusco region. The hydraulic source of this place plays a very important role since it influences the production of electricity in the region.

Adahuaylillas :

Andahuaylillas, located in the province of Quispicanchi, Cusco, has an average altitude of 3121 m above sea level. This small town according to history was an Inca settlement of some importance. This place is also known as the “Sistine Chapel of America”

  • Duration: The Ausangante , Andahuaylillas, Cusco tour lasts 4 days
  • Walking distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
  • Initial elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
  • Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Huayhuash mountain range, Huaraz

The Huayhuash mountain range is located in the department of Huaraz, and offers you the possibility of practicing sport fishing in the lagoons, Jahuacocha , Solteracocha and Rasac , in addition to trekking that will vary from moderate to difficult.

  • Duration: 4 Days
  • Walking distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
  • Initial elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
  • Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
  • Places to visit: Andes Mountains of Peru
  • Best season to travel: Between the months of April to November
  • Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Gocta Waterfall , Chachapoyas

Among the 10 best hikes in Peru is the Gocta waterfall , located in the Peruvian hamlets of San Pablo, Cocachimba and La Coca, in the district of Valera in the province of Bongará , in the Amazon – Peru.

This wonderful place, full of mysticism and pure charm, is known as LA Chorrera, because the most crystalline waters in Peru fall from here.

  • Duration: 4 days
  • Walking distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
  • Initial elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
  • Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Huaytapallana

Huaytapallana is a mountain in Peru that belongs to the Huaytapallana mountain range in the department of Junín – Huancayo . This place is characterized by its imposing location and for being the food that nourishes the waters of the Mantaro River. Likewise, Huaytapallana was declared a Regional Conservation Area since 2011.

  • Duration: The tour of this hike lasts 4 days
  • Walking distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
  • Initial elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
  • Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.

Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu

Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect combination of Hiking, Biking, Canoeing, Zip line. The Inca Jungle Tour is definitely one of the 10 best hikes in Peru; this tour is a set of activities designed for people capable of producing 100% adrenaline and allowing you to feel alive! Don’t miss out and be part of the Inca Jungle Tour to Machu Picchu.

  • Duration: 4 days
  • Walking distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
  • Initial elevation: 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
  • Highest elevation – 3000 m. / 9842 ft.
  • Difficulty: Easy

About The Author

machupicchuperutravel

machupicchuperutravel

Travel expert and passionate explorer of Peru. Sharing the best tips and hidden gems for your next adventure. Join me as we uncover the magic of the Andes and beyond.

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