Andean treks, Inca ruins and wildlife-rich wilderness on hiking adventures across Peru's diverse landscapes
Peru is a country of incredibly diverse landscapes, perfect for exploring on foot. You can hike through biodiverse cloud forests in the Southern Peruvian Amazon, explore villages and ancient ruins in the Sacred Valley and trek from lodge to lodge in the Andes.
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an unmissable experience. Arrive by luxury train for day hikes offering views across the ‘Lost City’; we recommend ascending the stone steps to Huchuy Picchu, or tackling the short but steep scramble to Huayna Picchu.
You can also take a longer hike through the Andes, staying in lodges along the ancient Salkantay route, passing glacial lakes and Inca ruins. Marvel at the Peruvian Andes’ soaring peaks and rainbow mountains. See the vivid stripes of Ausangate, Vinicunca and Palcoyo on guided treks, and explore the reed villages of Lake Titicaca.
In the Manu biosphere, look for 13 species of monkey and rare birds (including quetzals) on hikes through the cloud forests, accompanied by photography experts. Or take a short flight from Cusco into the Amazonian wilderness of Madre de Dios. Here, guided treks and nature walks offer the best chances of spotting giant otters and hyacinth macaws.
With so many incredible routes to choose from, start planning your Peru hiking tour now. Your travel designer will craft a bespoke adventure tailored to you, complemented by one-of-a-kind experiences with expert guides.
Highlights
Be guided on a silent hike and meditation near the circular terraces of Moray, in the Sacred Valley
Hike to Choquequirao, a 16th-century Inca complex in the Salkantay Mountain Ridge
Follow trails around Tinajani Canyon in the Peruvian Altiplano, said to be guarded by giants
Ascend the steep peak of Huayna Picchu for spectacular views over Machu Picchu
Take a lodge-to-lodge trek to reach the vivid red mountain of Ausangate
Peru is one of those destinations I could visit again and again. There's no end to its truly epic scenery, and each visit offers a new hike or trek for you to explore. If Machu Picchu is on your list, I like to craft multi-day adventures with lodge stays, or luxury train journeys and day hikes as a more accessible option for multi-generational groups.

Delfina Russo
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation for hiking in Peru
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Trip inspiration
Where to go hiking in Peru

Arequipa
The ‘white city’, crafted from volcanic rock, has views of the Andes and El Misti volcano. Built mostly from white volcanic rock, the ‘white city’ has panoramic views of the majestic Andes mountains. Visit Santa Catalina Convent and take hikes in the surrounding mountains.
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Ausangate Trekking
One of Peru’s rainbow mountains, so-known due to the vivid and unusual stripes formed from colourful clay earth, Ausugate mountain is best explored on foot. Follow ancient routes across the plateau, staying in lodges along the way.
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Chachapoyas
Translating to ‘Cradle of Gold’ in Quechuan and often referred to as the sister site of Machu Picchu, this less-visited Inca site is believed to have been an important religious centre.
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Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is deeper than the USA’s Grand Canyon. Hike between villages and scour the skies for sightings of mighty Andean condors.
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Cusco
High-perched Cusco is the starting point for many journeys to Machu Picchu, though the charming city has a fascinating culture and history of its own. Explore the cobbled lanes, visit the cathedral and taste street food at Plaza de Armas.
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Lake Titicaca
Peru’s portion of the world's highest navigable lake offers trails, birdlife and traditional culture. Spend time with people who live on reed islands and stay in lakeside hotels with views of the azure waters.
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Lares Trail
This trek through the Sacred Valley has high passes and steep Incan steps, putting it on the challenging side. It’s worth the effort for the archaeological wonders and meaningful cultural connections found along the way.
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Luxury train journeys in Peru
Approach Machu Picchu, Cusco and other areas of Peru via a luxury journey on one of the country’s elegant trains. Journey from high-perched Lake Titicaca to the high Andes for Arequipa and the Colca Canyon.
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Machu Picchu
Accessible only via train or on foot, the 15th-century citadel of Machu Picchu, known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, looms high in the cloud forest. Arrive via a multi-day trek or take a train journey, with options for short hikes on arrival.
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Manu Amazon Biosphere
Among South America’s most important natural wildernesses, the Manu biosphere is home to around 1,000 species of birds, 200 species of mammals and tens of thousands of flowering plants.
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Northern Peru Amazon Cruises
The Peruvian Amazon is home to pink dolphins, sloths and giant river otters. Cruise down the rivers and waterways and look for macaws and toucans in the rainforest canopies.
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Paracas and Nazca
This coastal area is where you’ll find the mysterious Nazca Lines, etched into the landscape. Learn about theories behind the ancient designs, and head out from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, often compared to the Galapagos Islands.
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Sacred Valley
Rich in history, the Sacred Valley is surrounded by the peaks and slopes of the Andes. Trek between villages, bike or go horseback riding down rural trails and head out for mountain hikes.
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Salkantay - Lodge to Lodge
On this seven-day trek, trace the ancient Salkantay route, passing glacier mountain peaks, boulder-strewn fields and remote mountain areas grazed by cattle.
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Southern Peruvian Amazon
Monkeys, hyacinth macaws and giant otters are among the incredible species you’ll find in this great wilderness, home to the Tambopata National Reserve. Take guided night walks and follow walkways that weave through the rainforest canopy.
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The Inca Trail
The most famous hiking route to Machu Picchu, this trail winds through mountains and cloud forests to reach the Inca citadel’s Sun Gate, arriving at sunrise just before the site is opened to the public.
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When to visit Peru for hiking
Peru’s dry winter season stretches from May to October, when you can enjoy treks and hikes in typically clear, sunny weather. Go in shoulder season for fewer crowds. The rainy season, from November to April, is best avoided if you’re planning to hike The Inca Trail or follow routes through the Andes.
Some areas remain quite dry all year round, however; while the Amazon receives the most rain, it’s relatively minimal in coastal areas like Lima and northern Trujillo, surrounded by the Moche Valley.

Inca Trail
May–October

Coastal Escapes
November–April

Amazon Treks
June–October

Sacred Valley
May–October
Travel guides
Plan your hiking tour in Peru
Wherever your hiking adventure in Peru takes you, our team of expert travel designers is ready to help.


Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.







































