The 10 best trekking in Peru: Discover the diversity of the country

History, adventure, nature and culture: Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world. The third largest country in South America is characterized by an extraordinary variety of landscapes. From the idyllic Pacific coast and the adventurous Amazon region to the barren Altiplano highlands and the snow-capped Andes, Peru makes the heart of every nature lover beat faster. If you would like to go hiking in this dreamland yourself, I have a few great alternatives to the well-known Inca Trail for you today.

Hiking in Peru means diving deep into the fantastic nature and the traditional life of the people. Discover untouched places in the Andes, the longest mountain range on earth, and forget the stress of everyday life by becoming one with nature! These top 10 trekking tours in Peru can enchant you and bring you closer to what is special about Peru. Whether Inca Trail, Lares Trek, Salkantay Trek, Santa Cruz Trek, Choquequirao Trek or Huayhuash Trek - each of these treks takes you past beautiful plants, unforgettable vantage points or bright blue lagoons and brings you closer to the diversity of Peru's nature. And the best part is that some of the hikes end at the world famous Inca site of Machu Picchu - the perfect reward after the effort!

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is one of the classics in Peru. Every day, 500 people walk here from the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu. On old steps and paths laid out by the Incas, you cross changing climate zones - over cool and rough Andean passes you go into the cloud forest. On the last day, through the “Gate of the Sun” you get directly into the Machu Picchu complex and enjoy an indescribable view of the entire Holy City (the trail should be booked at least 6 months in advance as it fills up quickly)

Highlights:

• Reach Machu Picchu like the Incas through the Sun Gate

• Experience fertile river valleys, rugged mountain peaks and high cloud forest on your way to the Holy City

• Hike through the Andes on ancient Inca steps

Huayhuash Trek

If you're looking for a challenge, the is the place for you. The trek leads around the Huayhuash past numerous other giants of the Andes, such as the Siula Grande or the Yerupaja.

Highlights:

• Marvel at one of the highest peaks in the Andes

• Challenge yourself and conquer the hard terrain

• Explore remote locations and discover beautiful landscapes

• Experience what it means to climb several 5,000 passes

Salkantay Trek

Another way to experience the Andes up close is the Salkantay Trek. Starting in Soraypampa above the Apurimac Canyon, the trail takes you through the Vilcabamba Mountains past shimmering glacial lakes and some of the most beautiful peaks in the Andes. The trek ends in a side valley of the Urubamba River. You can get to Aguas Calientes by bus and on foot or by train and a visit to the holy site of Machu Picchu is certainly the highlight after the strenuous trek.

Highlights:

• Cross the Salkantay Pass and enjoy the panorama of the Salkantay and Humantay

• Experience Machu Picchu from a different perspective

• With a bit of luck you will pass a ceremonial offering to Pachamama, the goddess of the Andes

• Explore the Inca city of Machu Picchu

Ausangate Trek

The Ausangate Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Peru and takes you past turquoise blue lagoons, herds of alpacas, green meadows, glaciated peaks and the breathtaking Rainbow Mountains. In 5-7 days you hike along the Ausangate, which at 6,384 m is the highest mountain in southern Peru and climb a height of 5,200 m yourself.

Highlights:

• Discover the beautiful Rainbow Mountains

• Relax in the hot springs

• Get to know the Quechua culture

Santa Cruz Trek

The Santa Cruz Trek in the middle of the Cordillera Blanca is one of the most popular and most beautiful trekking routes in Peru. No wonder, the 4-day trek not only takes you past the most beautiful peaks in the mountain range, but also past beautiful lakes and landscapes. Another plus point is that the path is very well signposted, making it easy to find your way around.

Highlights:

• Meet unique wild animals: eagles, spectacled bears and much more.

• Enjoy the atmosphere in the mountain villages and get closer to the locals

• Discover the beautiful glaciers and numerous mountain lakes

Vilcabamba Trek

The Vilcabamba Trek opens up authentic Peru for you and takes you over Andean passes to the breathtaking Inca city of Machu Picchu. The partially overgrown Inca paths lead you past rushing streams, fascinating glacier tongues and through the Vilcabamba Gorge with its diverse flora and fauna.

Highlights:

• Experience an authentic trek to Machu Picchu

• Traverse beautiful landscapes from snowy peaks to subtropical jungle

• Discover Vilcabamba - the lost city of the Incas

Choquequirao Trek

On the Choquequirao Trek your destination is the not yet fully excavated ruined city of Choquequirao, which is often referred to as the "little sister of Machu Picchu" due to the enormous similarity. So far, only a few tourists have visited the ruined city, since a strenuous trek of at least 4 days has to be completed to reach it. However, the effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view and one of the most beautiful Inca ruins.

Highlights:

• Experience the Inca city far away from the tourist crowds

• Enjoy the diverse landscape on your way to the ruins

Inca Quarry Trek

Same same, but different. You’re still trekking through the best of the Andes, so expect soaring green peaks, granite boulders, isolated villages like Socma and archaeological sites like the famous Q’orimarca ruins. Many trekkers who’ve done both say The Inca Quarry trek actually beats the Inca for pure scenery: you’ve got high passes like Puccaqasa (4,370m), views of the Nevado Veronica mountain and stunning valleys falling away on all sides.

The only difference is you’ll make the very last leg from Cachicata to Ollantaytambo by bus, then a train to Machu Picchu. If all goes according to plan, you should still get there around sunrise.

Top Trekking tours in Peru

• Inca Trail 4 days

• Salkantay Trek

• Short Inca Trail

• Inca Trail to Amazon

• Peru Treks

• Inca Trail cusco

• Sacred Valley to Salkantay Trek

If you want to do the Inca Trail tours, we recommend you book in advance, there are only 500 spots available every day and 280 Inca Trail tour operators. Only the tour operator can get the Inca Trail permits and you can do the trail by yourself.