hiking In peru

Hiking in Peru

Peru in South America, home to the golden Inca City of Machu Picchu, has a full spectrum of possibilities for travelers that's best explored on foot! The Peruvian Andes runs along the center of the country like its backbone. These mountains are diverse in mesmerizing landscapes that make for some of the most amazing mountain hiking getaways in the world-- cloud forests, cordilleras-- mountain ranges, mysterious and deep river canyons, and fascinating relics and remains of ancient Inca civilization mark the trails. Wake up your inner explorer and rise to the challenge of hiking in Peru!

Why should you go for Hiking in Peru?

Peru is the seat of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, the one that was in the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Then there is much more! The highest navigable lake of the world, one of the deepest canyons, scope to sandboard in the dunes, fishing for piranhas in the Amazon River, and exploring hidden trails in the Peruvian Andes will keep you hooked and coming back for more in this country. Take your first Peru hiking holiday soon!

Which Are the Best Hikes In Peru?

Inca Trail
Voyage out to see for yourself one of the seven ancient Wonders of the World-- Machu Picchu at the end of this trail. This path was traversed originally by the Incans and remains intact till date the way it was built. The trail is only mildly challenging so anyone can do it and takes 4 days. Enter Machu Picchu through the glorious Sun Gate!
Santa Cruz Trek
A diversely colorful trek of 4 days, this Peru hiking trail will take you along Cordillera Blanca-- one of the most concentrated collections of big peaks in the Western Hemisphere. Hike through open valleys, watch snow ensconced peaks rise and shine, and extensive shores of brightly colored lagoons.
Laguna 69
Laguna 69 is located in the Huascaran National Park which you need to access from the bright and vivacious Huarez city, located 2 km away. The highlights of this Peru hiking tour is the spectacular turquoise lake of Llanganuco-- garlanded with tall mountains.
Rainbow Mountain
The Rainbow Mountain is a destination anyone can chance to reach by the Peru hiking trails, the trail is only moderately challenging. Peru’s Rainbow Mountain is a gorgeous rock formation located a few hours stretch away from Cusco-- the bustling tourist capital.  Snaky mountain roads, little villages snuggled up in mountain valleys, stark mountain landscapes, local cluster of village houses made from rock, stunning red and green rocks, glittering mountain streams and more awaits on the Rainbow Mountain hike.
Salkantay
Salkantay will take you through cloud forests and Incan ruins with a view of Machu Picchu. The most fascinating moment comes with the Salkantay Pass crossing at 4600m before descending into the cool of the cloud forests.
Huayhuash
Extreme altitudes and breathtaking views come together on the Huayhuash trek which is any day more challenging than the Incan Peru hiking trails. It’s an entirety of 81 miles along rock trails and jumping elevations. The highlights of the views being-- turquoise lakes and thermal mineral springs, barricades of tall serrated mountains doused in spotless snow, the trail is a photographer’s delight. From the ridge of Cerro Huacrish, you can find a sweeping panorama over the full circuit!
Choquequirao
Way up the Quriwayrachina mountain range, seats the archeologically significant site of Choquequirao. The highlights are-- exposure to an extensive collective of indigenous plants and wildlife including the sacred Andean condor, and sweeping views of the starkly gorgeous Andes.

When to Visit?

The ideal time to visit the Peruvian highlands, home to the Andes and the fabled Inca trail is during the dry season. From May to October the daytime temperatures remain between 20-25°C while the nights are cold. Avoid February when the Incan trail remains closed for maintenance.

What Are The Essential Items To Pack For Hiking In Peru?

• Large or medium size backpack, and a duffle side bag for extras
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Warm cap
• Base layers
• Fleece jacket
• Outer jacket
• Rain jacket (essential for the monsoon months)
• Sturdy trekking shoes and a pair of floaters
• Flashlight
• Trekking pants, several pairs
• UV-protection glasses
• Thermal socks

How to Reach For Hiking in Peru?

The important airports of Peru are Jorge Chˆvez International Airport in Lima, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco and RodrÍguez Ballon International Airport. Connecting trains and road transport are available from these airports near the Peru hiking trails