Travel to Peru – Hiking in Peru

Peru is a mountainous country with the Andes running down the length of the country making it a paradise for people interested in trekking during tours of Peru.

The most famous trek is of course the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu normally undertaken in four days. Additionally the Salkantay trek ending at the town of Aguas Calientes below Machu Picchu is also well known as an alternative option to trek to the Inca citadel.

There are numerous other options for hiking on Peru Amazon tours. Here we have listed and described some of the best known and most popular.

Lares

The Lares trek normally takes three days departing from the city of Cusco and driving to the start point in the village of Calca. The hike passes through traditional Andean communities where weaving and agriculture are the way of life. The trek reaches altitudes of 4,600m passing through stunning landscapes of snow-capped mountains, lakes and valleys.

This trek normally ends at Ollantaytambo from where the train can be taken to Machu Picchu and is usually combined with Machu Picchu tours thereby taking four days in total.

Choquequirau

This four (or five) day trek to the exceptional site of Choquequirau begins from the village of Cachora, a four hour drive from Cusco. This challenging trek passes through the steep Apurimac Canyon and has mountain views and impressive scenery. The magnificent site of Choquequirao itself is as impressive as that found at Machu Picchu, although more isolated and so less visited.

There is also the option to undertake a much longer trek of nine days which continues on from Choquequirau ending by Machu Picchu.

Ausangate

This stunning six day trek departs from the village of Tinki, several hours drive from Cusco. This challenging high altitude trek reaches 5,200m passing through superb and imposing scenery as a full circuit of Nevado Ausangate (6,372m) is made. This trek involves hiking over four high passes through varied scenery including snow-capped peaks, lakes and glaciers.

Santa Cruz – Llanganuco circuit

Starting out from the city of Huaraz this 4 day trek in the Cordillera Blanca enjoys some spectacular scenery. Twisted red quenua trees and wildflowers are to be seen along with turquoise lakes and stunning peaks. The trek reaches 4,760m with fantastic views.

Cordillera Huayhuash

This long and challenging trek circles the Cordillera Huayhuash range starting out from Chiquian which is reached from the city of Huaraz. 12 days is the usual length of time taken to round this remote set of peaks, passing over at least five passes at more than 4,600m.

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