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Book trekking tours, guides, and equipment. Experience Peru's world-class hiking routes including the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek.
Peru Trekking Guide: Inca Trail, Salkantay & Routes 2025
Complete Peru trekking guide. Learn about Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Huayhuash Circuit, and other amazing hiking routes in Peru.
Peru offers some of the world's best trekking experiences, from the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to challenging high-altitude routes in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash. This guide tells you about the best trekking routes, how to prepare, what to bring, and helpful information for your Peru trekking adventure.
Inca Trail: Classic 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is Peru's most famous trek, a 4-day, 3-night hike following ancient Inca paths to Machu Picchu. This classic route passes through cloud forests, high mountain passes, and Inca ruins, ending at the Sun Gate with a view of Machu Picchu.
- Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
- Difficulty: Medium to hard (due to altitude and steep sections)
- Distance: About 43 kilometers (26 miles)
- Highest point: Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet)
- Cost: $600 to $1,000+ USD per person (includes guide, porters, meals, permits)
- Booking: Must book 6 months or more in advance (permits are limited)
- Guide required: Yes, you must go with a licensed guide
Important: Inca Trail permits are limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters), so only about 200 tourists can start each day. Book as early as possible.
SERNANP (National Parks - Inca Trail Info) | Machu Picchu Guide
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Salkantay Trek: Alternative Route to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail, offering stunning mountain scenery and a less crowded experience. This 5-day trek passes near Salkantay Mountain (6,271 meters) and ends at Machu Picchu.
- Duration: 5 days, 4 nights (or 4 days, 3 nights)
- Difficulty: Medium to hard
- Distance: About 60 kilometers (37 miles)
- Highest point: Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters (15,092 feet)
- Cost: $400 to $800 USD per person
- Booking: Book 2-4 weeks in advance (no permit limit like Inca Trail)
- Guide: Recommended but not always required (check current regulations)
Why choose Salkantay: Less crowded than Inca Trail, stunning mountain views, easier to book, and often more affordable.
Huayhuash Circuit: One of the World's Best Treks
The Huayhuash Circuit is considered one of the world's greatest treks, a challenging 8-12 day route through remote, high-altitude terrain in the Cordillera Huayhuash. This trek offers spectacular mountain views and is for experienced, fit hikers.
- Duration: 8 to 12 days
- Difficulty: Very hard (high altitude, long days, remote)
- Distance: About 130 kilometers (80 miles)
- Highest point: Up to 5,000+ meters (16,404+ feet)
- Cost: $800 to $1,500+ USD per person
- Guide: Highly recommended, often required
- Best for: Experienced hikers, mountaineers
Important: This is a very challenging trek at extreme altitude. Only attempt if you are experienced, very fit, and properly acclimatized.
Huaraz Treks: Cordillera Blanca Routes
Santa Cruz Trek
One of Peru's most popular multi-day treks, usually taking 4 days. The route goes through amazing alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and high mountain passes.
- Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
- Difficulty: Medium to hard
- Highest point: Punta Union Pass at 4,750 meters (15,584 feet)
- Cost: $300 to $600 USD per person
- Best for: Multi-day trekking, alpine scenery
Laguna 69 (Day Hike)
One of Peru's most beautiful day hikes, leading to a stunning turquoise glacial lake at 4,600 meters. The hike is hard because of the altitude but has amazing views.
- Duration: Full day (6 to 8 hours)
- Difficulty: Medium to hard (due to altitude)
- Highest point: 4,600 meters (15,092 feet)
- Cost: $20 to $50 USD (transportation and guide if needed)
- Best for: Day hikers, photography
How to Prepare for Trekking in Peru
Acclimatization
- Give yourself 2-3 days at altitude before starting your trek
- Stay in Cusco (3,400m) or Huaraz (3,052m) to acclimatize
- Do shorter, easier hikes before longer treks
- Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol
- Consider altitude medication (talk to a doctor first)
Fitness Preparation
- Build cardiovascular fitness before your trip
- Practice hiking with a backpack
- Train on hills and stairs
- Be prepared for long days of walking
Booking and Permits
- Book Inca Trail 6+ months in advance
- Book other treks 2-4 weeks ahead
- Verify guide credentials and company reputation
- Check what is included (meals, equipment, porters)
Complete Altitude Sickness Guide | Practical Travel Information
What to Bring on a Peru Trek
Essential Gear
- ✓ Good hiking boots (broken in)
- ✓ Backpack (30-50L for day hikes, 50-70L for multi-day)
- ✓ Rain jacket and rain pants
- ✓ Warm layers (fleece, down jacket)
- ✓ Hiking pants and quick-dry shirts
- ✓ Hat, gloves, and warm hat
- ✓ Headlamp with extra batteries
- ✓ Water bottles or hydration system
Other Important Items
- ✓ Sunscreen (high SPF, high altitude = strong sun)
- ✓ Sunglasses
- ✓ First aid kit
- ✓ Water purification tablets or filter
- ✓ Snacks and energy bars
- ✓ Camera
- ✓ Cash (for tips, emergencies)
- ✓ Passport (needed for Inca Trail and some treks)
Tip: Many trekking companies provide tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment. Check what is included when booking.
Best Time to Trek in Peru
Dry Season (May to September)
- ✓ Best weather conditions
- ✓ Clear skies and good visibility
- ✓ Stable trails (less mud)
- ✓ Busiest season (book ahead)
- ✓ Cooler temperatures at night
Wet Season (October to April)
- ✓ Fewer tourists
- ✓ Lush green scenery
- ✗ Rain possible (especially Dec-Mar)
- ✗ Muddy trails
- ✗ Less reliable weather
Best months: May, June, July, August, and September offer the best balance of weather and conditions for trekking.
Book Your Peru Trekking Adventure
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best trek in Peru?
The best trek in Peru depends on your fitness and interests. The Inca Trail is the most famous (4 days to Machu Picchu), the Salkantay Trek offers stunning mountain scenery (5 days), and the Huayhuash Circuit is considered one of the world's best treks (8-12 days, very hard). For day hikes, Laguna 69 near Huaraz is spectacular.
Do I need a guide for trekking in Peru?
Guides are required for the Inca Trail and highly recommended for other multi-day treks for safety and navigation. Day hikes like Laguna 69 can be done independently, but guides provide valuable local knowledge and safety support. For challenging routes like Huayhuash, guides are essential.
What is the best time to trek in Peru?
The best time to trek in Peru is during the dry season (May to September), which has clear skies, stable weather, and the best conditions for hiking. The wet season (October to April) can have rain and muddy trails, but has fewer tourists and lush green scenery.
How do I prepare for high-altitude trekking in Peru?
To prepare for high-altitude trekking in Peru, give yourself 2-3 days to acclimatize at altitude before starting your trek, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, start with easier hikes, and consider altitude medication if needed. Many treks reach 4,000-5,000+ meters, so proper acclimatization is essential. Learn more in our altitude sickness guide.
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