15 Hikes in Peru to Plan a Trip Around

1.From Arequipa: Sillar Route Trek

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 461 reviews · 4 hours · from $12Our pick

Travel from central Arequipa to the working Añashuayco Quarry, learn how white sillar stone is cut, and walk through Culebrillas Canyon to see ancient Wari petroglyphs. English and Spanish guides lead this four-hour trip, with morning and afternoon departures. Bring 18 soles for entrance fees, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes.

“It was a really nice, relaxed and informative tour. Our guide was so great but sadly I am bad with names. But she was super. Take close shoes because you walk a bit.”

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2.From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 360 reviews · 1 day · from $29

Leave Cusco before dawn for Pacchanta, then hike about 13 kilometers past Ausangate’s high-altitude lakes, alpacas, and snow-capped peaks. The route reaches roughly 4,620 meters, so it is a serious trek, not a casual walk. Guides such as Kevin, Carlos, Eduardo, and Sebastian have been praised for pacing and support. Breakfast, lunch, transport, and hot springs access are extra value at $29, though horses cost more.

“Overall it was a good trip, Jonathan the guide was very friendly and helpful. The only thing that was a bit disturbing is that we didn't have much time to admire the landscapes, we had time to take some pictures and then we had to continue. I'd recommend for people who also want to contemplate the scenery not just hike to go in the front if you can, because there are always slower people who you need to wait for and you can use that time for looking around.”

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3.From Arequipa: 2-Day Colca Canyon Trekking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 243 reviews · 2 days · from $30

Walk 24 kilometers through the Colca Canyon with an English-speaking guide, descend to Sangalle Oasis, and climb back to Cabanaconde before returning to Arequipa. Guides such as Carlos, Alex, Rafael, and Luigi are praised for local knowledge and encouragement. Expect a very early start, basic lodging, and a tough 1,000-meter ascent.

“Everything was great and well organised m, our guide Alex was incredible, truly a nice person! Only thing I would improve is maybe to skip lunch or just have a quick sandwich to arrive earlier at the oasis and enjoy it more before dark :)”

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4.Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Tour and Red Valley Hike (Optional)

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 149 reviews · from $29

Travel from Cusco to Vinicunca with a bilingual guide, breakfast, lunch, transport, and optional trekking poles. You’ll hike to 5,020 meters through Andean scenery, with guides such as David, Fredy, Joel, Gorky, or Edgar assigned depending on the departure. Red Valley access may be limited by current route restrictions.

“Had the most amazing time! I can totally recommend this company because they really value your feedback. Our guide, Joel, was translating all the information into English just for me, considering I was the only non-Spanish speaker on the bus. Everything was perfect, from the smooth transport to the delicious food (with plenty of vegetarian choices) and the super enjoyable hike up the mountain. Highly recommend. P.S. Note for Joel: Aconcagua - 6,961 m, Everest - 8,849 m, Ausangate - 6,384 m”

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5.Cusco: Full-Day Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trekking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 121 reviews · 1 day · from $145

You’ll leave Cusco early, eat breakfast near Quiquijana, then hike from Phulawasipata to Rainbow Mountain at 5,036 meters. The route continues toward Red Valley, with views of Ausangate and Andean animals. Expect a small group of up to 15, bilingual guides, buffet meals, transport, and a return to Cusco by evening.

“Escursione? Sostanzialmente è stato un servizio di transfer. Nessuna spiegazione dalla guida che non ci ha seguiti durante il tragitto. Inoltre, si è persa un turista causando un ora di ritardo a tutto il gruppo. Infine, non è stato dato il tempo per visitare la red valley.”

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6.From Huaraz: Hike to the Lagoon 69

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 121 reviews · 12h 30m · from $31

Leave Huaraz before sunrise for a full-day trip to Lagoon 69 in Huascaran National Park. You will stop at the Llanganuco Lakes, then hike from Cebollapampa at 12,631 feet to the vivid blue lake at 15,255 feet. Spanish guiding is included, with limited English possible. Bring lunch, snacks, water, and passport details for the permit.

“Bellissima escursione! Se siete a Huaraz, consiglio di fare questa gita”

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7.Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $680Top rated

Take the fast, demanding route from Cusco to Machu Picchu over the Salkantay Pass. You will sleep at Mountain Sky View and in Aguas Calientes, walk through coffee country, and finish with a guided Machu Picchu visit. Guides such as Marco, Guido, and Cesar Quispe have led this trip.

“I just completed the Salkantay 3 day Challenge with Salkantay Trekking and had an AMAZING time! My guide, Marco, was incredibly helpful and organized and made sure we all had an amazing time.”

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8.2 Day 1 Night Trek / Colca Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 92 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $124

Leave Arequipa before dawn for Chivay, Condor’s Cross, and a steep 3-hour descent into Colca Canyon. Walk through villages and terraces to Sangalle, where you sleep at basic Cielo Azul Lodge and use its pool. A sunrise climb leads back to Cabanaconde, followed by hot springs and camelids on the ride home.

“We really enjoyed this 2-day trip to the Canon de Colca. The landscape was incredible and our tour guide, Eveline, was really competent and kind. She gave us some info and then let us free to enjoy this experience at our best supporting us in the hardes part of the treck. The tour was realised exactly as described (keep in mind that the place where you will spend the night is really basic) and we are happy to suggest it to those who wish to visit this amazing place.”

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9.Choquequirao Trek 4 days and 3 nights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $698

You’ll hike from Capuliyoc through the Apurimac Canyon to Choquequirao, an Inca site with far fewer people than Machu Picchu. TreXperience provides transport, an English-speaking guide, chef, porter service for up to 7 kilograms, meals, camping support, and a visit to Saywite. Guides may include Elias, Sebastian, or Gary, depending on your departure.

“With all of the positive reviews that I read for TreXperience, our expectations were very high. We were incredibly happy to have those expectations exceeded treXperience was efficient, friendly, competent, and everything went very smoothly. We had a fantastic four days. Our guide Elias could not have been a better guide. He was patient and kind, inspired us to keep going on the steep hills, and shared lots of historical and archaeological knowledge. Our chef Leandro prepared meals that you cannot believe were possible while trekking for four days. His assistant Elias was incredibly helpful and friendly. Our mule master Boris was cheerful and efficient. The whole team could not…”

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10.Machu Picchu: 5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 5 days · from $655

Trek from Cusco through Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, cloud forest, coffee farms, and Llactapata with guides such as Cesar, Roger, and José. You will camp, enjoy a Pachamanca feast, see Machu Picchu from an unusual angle, then return by Vistadome or 360° train.

“Booked this last minute because I am a very “book things as you go” traveler, and I honestly think I got so lucky because I genuinely do not think there is a better experience you can get. My guides were absolutely incredible. Eddie was very knowledgeable and put together and made sure everything went smoothly. Elias was just the kindest and most fun person to be around, and truly cared about all of the people. Very amazing environment and the food was just phenomenal. Seriously cannot recommend this company more, and it is also 100% local!!!”

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11.Ancascocha Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days And 3 Nights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · from $730

You’ll hike from Soqma through waterfalls, Inca ruins, Andean villages, llama country, and the 14,599-foot Kuychiccasa Pass before reaching Machu Picchu. This four-day trip includes a guide, camping gear, meals, park fees, hotel pickup, and one night in Aguas Calientes. Expect demanding altitude, small-group attention, and far fewer people than on the Classic Inca Trail.

“My brother and I did this trip and had an amazing time! This trail, while not the classic Inca trail, is a great experience. The hike goes through the mountains and gives amazing views without the crowds of the classic trail. We visited several Incan Read more”

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12.Humantay Lake Full Day Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $89

Leave Cusco before dawn for Mollepata, breakfast, and a private ride to Soraypampa at 3,900 meters. Hike about 1 hour 45 minutes to turquoise Humantay Lake, with guide support, meals, oxygen, and a maximum of 15 people. Guide Luz is praised for helping hikers who struggle on the climb.

“Tour was awesome. Pick up perfectly on time. Our tour guide Luz was above and beyond , she was perfect. She answered all questions we were asking and most important she helped us to get all the way to the top because at the beginning of the climb I was struggling. Thank you Luz and I hope we meet again on some other tour.”

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13.4 hours Tour: Route of Sillar with Trek in Culebrillas

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 69 reviews · 4h 30m · from $11Best value

Join an English or Spanish-speaking guide for a roughly four-hour trip from central Arequipa to the Sillar Route. See working stone quarries, a carved Church of the Company of Jesus, volcano views, and Wari petroglyphs in Culebrillas canyon. The walk is short, but the canyon walls and stonework give the outing real character.

“Véhicule neuf. La visite a eu lieu seulement en espagnol car le guide anglais était malade. On nous a toutefois offert de reporter, mais nous avions autre chose. Le tour a commencé 30 minutes plus tard et nous n’avons pas eu assez de temps pour apprécier totalement.”

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14.Full-Day Trek to Humantay Lake from Cusco with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 66 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $29

Leave Cusco at 4:00am for Humantay Lake with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. You’ll ride through Andean villages to Mollepata, continue to Soraypampa, then hike about 90 minutes to the lake. Breakfast, lunch, round-trip transport, first aid, and oxygen are included, but the 20-sol entrance fee is extra.

“Tough but AMAZING hike and experience! I struggled as I was not quite adjusted to the altitude yet but the tour guide was patient and helpful during the climb. It’s a long ride up and down and the hike is a little intense but the views and the lagoon were totally worth it!! Would recommend for a day trip in Cusco!!”

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15.4 days/3 nights: Inka Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 25 reviews · 4 days · from $420

You cycle from Abra Málaga into the jungle, hike old Inca paths, cross the Urubamba River, visit Cocalmayo hot springs, and walk the railway to Aguas Calientes. Guide Gustavo Candia is especially praised for his care and clear English. The small group is limited to 15 people.

“Świetny przewodnik. Obszerna wiedza na temat historii, szlaku i panujących na nim niebezpieczeństw (nie pić wody ze strumienia). Elokwentnie wypowiada się w języku angielskim, łatwo złapać dobry kontakt. Mamy podejrzenie że o północy zamienia się w psa ale nie mamy wystarczających dowodów.”

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