The Best Hikes In Peru To Enjoy During Your Trip

What Is The Best Hike In Peru?

Overall there are many incredible hikes to enjoy in Peru, and there really is something for everyone here. So the best hiking experience really depends on what you personally like and want to enjoy.

However one of the best all-rounders has to be the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek. Here you get to see many epic Inca ruins aside from the New Seventh Wonder of the World, such as Wiñay Wayna, Sayacmarca, Intipata and Runkurakay. You’ll also get to camp up in cloud forests, hike through jagged Andean peaks and also get to know the local Sacred Valley communities.

Here at AB Expeditions we operate our very own popular Four Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek, which is an all-inclusive experience that includes all meals, camping in the best spots, all gear as well as an experienced guide to lead your trek.

Your 101 Regional Guide To Peru’s Best Hikes

Below we’ll now take a look at some of the best hikes in Peru, split by regions of the Andes Mountains, Amazon Jungle and Pacific Coast.

Best Andes Peru Hikes

Of course the Inca Trail is the first go-to, however there are many more incredible treks within Cusco that you can enjoy both incredible landscapes and ancient history. The Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek includes more surreal glacial and mountainous landscapes, whilst the Inca Trail Quarry Trek sees us exploring the valleys of which the Inca used to create their legendary stone structures. And these are really just scratching the surface, given there are dozens of unique hiking opportunities in this region!

Outside of the Sacred Valley, there are other worthwhile regions to visit for hiking. This includes the region of Huaraz which is home to the stunning glacial landscapes of the Huascaran National Park and Cordillera Blanca. The Huayhuash and Santa Cruz circuits are high altitude multi-day treks known for their amazing views and trails, although you’ll need to prepare more for the harder hiking conditions. Other picturesque day trips include Lake Parón, Lake 69 as well as the impressive views from the top of Nevado Mateo.

Best Amazon Jungle Peru Hikes

Covering over two thirds of Peru, the Amazon Jungle is an incredible region full of mystery, exotic animals and beautiful remote landscapes. Now whilst its sheer size can be daunting in terms of where to start, the city of Iquitos is usually the go-to for jungle treks. The deepest-lying city which you can only reach by flight or boat, here we can head out on multi-day treks through the Pacaya Samira National Reserve, observing Monkeys, Crocodiles, Pink River Dolphins and more.

The south of Peru is arguably home to a larger variety of dramatic landscapes. The Tambopata Jungle is easily accessible from Puerto Maldonado, and is one of the best areas in the continent for spotting Jaguars at an eco lodge. Giant River Otters and Poison Dart Frogs can also be spotted on longer treks. Another is the Manu National Park, which is a more mountainous region and has incredible levels of biodiversity. Both regions are easily accessible from Cusco, making them ideal to visit after exploring Peru’s Andes.

Best Coastal Peru Hikes

Unlike the other two grandiose regions, Peru’s Pacific coast doesn’t tend to receive as much attention for its hiking – however there’s still certainly opportunities. During the winter months (June until September) we can explore Lima’s Lomas, which are bright green hill treks where we can spot lots of Peruvian Birds and Butterfly species. Lomas del Lúcumo and Lomas del Paraíso are two of the best, where nearby Marcahuasi (sandwiched between the coast and Andes) is another impressive 4000m+ hiking and camping spot.

The other impressive regions are those of Ica and Arequipa – and whilst the latter is known for its giant mountains, this region is also in-between the Coast and Andes. The Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon on the planet, and camping here promises scenic views and soaring Condors overhead. Dormant volcanoes like Chachani and El Misti are definitely more Andean are are challenging hikes to complete – whilst those who want to stroll around scorching deserts will love those found around Ica and Huacachina.

Our Expert Tips For Hiking In Peru

Once you’ve chosen the hikes you’ll embark on within Peru, it’s now vital you are properly prepared before going hiking. 

Adjusting To Altitude Properly

Aside from hiking in the Amazon Jungle and at altitude lower than 3000m – altitude is going to play a big part in how your treks go. In the upper Andes, circuits can regularly pass above 4000-5000m, and up here it’s common to have altitude sickness if you’re not preparing properly before and during your trek. Spending at least two days at a base camp city (like Cusco or Huaraz) helps your body naturally adjust, whilst taking Coca Leaves will also really help you during your treks. You can also buy Soroche Pills in local pharmacies too, which are strong and have longer-lasting effects.

Choose Your Season Wisely

Peru has many different climates and ever-changing conditions, so it’s important to also factor these in. The winter season (May until September) is best for dry weather and clear blue skies in the Andes, and also for seeing more rare land animals in the Amazon where river levels are lower – however tourist crowds are also highest during these months. The summer season (October until April) also coincides with the wet season, so heavier rains can be expected along treks. Whilst this can make some treks difficult (such as the Inca Trail closure every February), it can also lead to both more beautiful green landscapes, snowy paths and less crowded hikes.

Choose A Reputable Hiking Operator 

We’ve already covered this in great detail in this article, however choosing a trusted and experienced hiking operator is essential for any trek in Peru. Making sure they have years of experience and good customer reviews is very important, where checking their TripAdvisor Accounts allows you to see unbiased opinions and accounts. You’ll also want to check their safety and communication protocols, and also what they include on their treks. Here at AB Expeditions we operate a variety of incredible hikes around the Cusco Andes, such as the Four Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – where you’ll enjoy the best camping spots, meals and expert tour guides.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Best Hikes In Peru

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the best hikes in Peru, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Is The Most Beautiful Hike In Peru?

The Four Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu is arguably the most beautiful hike of all, where we can see stunning Andean peaks, wildlife within the cloud forests as well as the high Amazon Rainforest. We’ll also get to see lots of local culture, as well as ancient ruins like Wiñay Wayna, Sayaqmarca and Intipata. Other beautiful hikes in Peru include the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain, Huayhuash Circuit and the Salkantay Trek.

What Is The Best Time To Hike In Peru?

The overall best time to hike in Peru is between May and October, which is the dry winter season. Whilst temperatures can be a bit colder, there’s virtually no rain (aside from the Amazon Jungle – although it’s the driest time to visit) which makes it ideal for outdoor trekking. The shoulder season months of April and October combine both great weather along with less crowds as they are less popular times to visit.

Which Machu Picchu Hike Is The Best?

There are many different Machu Picchu hike options, and the best for you will depend on your particular goals. The Four Day Inca Trail offers the most complete hiking experience, whilst the Short Two Day Inca Trail still offers incredible ruins and scenery, however with just one full day of hiking. There are also day trips to Machu Picchu from Cusco for those who want the easiest trip to and from the sacred site. 

Overview Of The Best Peru Hikes

And that’s all for this guide on the best Peru hikes to enjoy in the country.

From ancient ruins and staggering mountains of the Cusco region to seeing exotic wildlife in the deep Amazon Rainforest, there are many epic routes to enjoy all throughout Peru. Your only trouble will be trying to fit them all in, which is why we suggest planning more time here and also being flexible with how you travel around Peru.

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu remains arguably the best all-rounder trek for ancient history, stunning landscapes and local culture. Book your Inca Trail spot with us today and guarantee your permits, the best camping spots as well as incredible small-group service.