Peru is not only full of culture and history, but also landscapes that can be explored simply by walking. Discover the wonders of Peru through the trekking routes found throughout the country.
Here, we present the best trekking routes in Peru.
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Peru has a very diverse geography, making it an ideal place for trekking. Thanks to its three geographic regions, you will find routes adapted to different interests, while also discovering its megadiverse flora and fauna.
If you love trekking, Peru will offer you some of the best experiences, whether walking along winding mountain trails or paths through the dense jungle.
Peru has a large number of trekking routes, each with different characteristics. Here, we present the best places to go trekking in Peru.
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most visited hiking routes in Peru. Along the entire trail, you will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You will also visit natural attractions such as Humantay Lake, a blue body of water set among the mountains.
You will reach the archaeological site of Llactapata, from where you can see the Inca city of Machu Picchu, and you will move from snowy landscapes to dense vegetation typical of the high jungle area.
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The Choquequirao route is one of the great challenges for every trekking lover. This route requires good physical condition to complete the entire journey.
Along the way, you will visit the Inca citadel of Choquequirao, considered the younger sister of Machu Picchu because of its architectural similarities, and you will finish the route by visiting Machu Picchu.
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The Ausangate Trek is a circular route that surrounds the snow-capped Ausangate mountain. Although it is not as popular as the Inca Trail, this means there are fewer tourists along the route, allowing you to enjoy a quieter experience.
Throughout the route, you will be surrounded by lakes, snow-capped peaks, and glaciers, including the main attraction: Ausangate mountain. Previous acclimatization is necessary because the route is located above 4,000 meters above sea level.
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The hike through Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, is an experience where you can visit villages and take memorable photographs. You will visit places such as the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can observe vicuñas and other camelids.
With some luck, you may see the flight of the condor over the canyon, one of its main attractions. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Chacapi hot springs in Yanque.
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The Vilcabamba Trek is a little-known hiking route, which gives it an even wilder feel, as its surroundings have not been heavily affected. The entire trail is surrounded by nature, and you can camp beneath snow-capped mountains.
You can also visit archaeological sites that can only be reached through this hike. With a bit of luck, you may even see the flight of the condor along the route.
This trail is much more challenging than the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, making it one of the favorites among adventurous hikers.
The only way to do this hike is with a tour operator, as its difficulty requires constant support and the necessary logistics for camping.
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The popular Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is located 140 km from the city of Cusco. However, the hike only begins at the base checkpoint of the Chillihuani community. From there, you walk for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes until reaching the mountain. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a spectacular view and can take the classic photo of Rainbow Mountain. The Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco is one of the most requested experiences for those who want to discover this Andean landscape.
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Palcoyo is an alternative route to Rainbow Mountain. This route is less traveled than the hike to Vinicunca Mountain. From the city of Cusco, you travel by car to the Palcoyo mountain range, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, passing by the historic colonial bridge of Checacupe. Upon arriving in the town of Palcoyo, you begin an approximately 1-hour hike. You will reach an approximate altitude of 4,900 meters above sea level and be surrounded by mountain ranges. Those who take the Palcoyo Tour can climb to the Stone Forest, from where there is a panoramic view of the valley.
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The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the best hikes in the world. It is an adventure for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the nature and history of the Incas.
It has a surprising geography that allows you to experience a great diversity of climates along the way. It is also one of the routes that allows you to visit archaeological sites such as Wiñayhuayna.
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