7 Hikes in Peru That Aren't Maccu Piccu
Peru has earned its reputation as one of the world's greatest hiking destinations, but most travelers stop at the Inca Trail. That's a mistake. Beyond the famous citadel, the country holds turquoise glacial lakes, canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon, sacred mountains draped in rainbow-colored rock, and Inca ruins where visitors can still count the day's crowd on one hand. These 7 treks prove that the best of Peru's trail system is hiding in plain sight.
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The Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek covers about 74 kilometers over 4 to 5 days, passing through 5 distinct ecosystems on its way to Machu Picchu. The route begins near the village of Mollepata and climbs to Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters before descending through cloud forest and into subtropical jungle. Hikers walk alongside the towering Salkantay glacier and stop at the brilliant blue Humantay Lake along the way.
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek requires no hiking permits and costs significantly less with most guided tours starting around $200 to $450. The trail runs year-round, though the dry season from May through September delivers the clearest skies. Day 2 is the toughest, with 22 kilometers of hiking and a 1,780-meter descent that tests even experienced trekkers.
Is the Salkantay Trek harder than the Inca Trail? The Salkantay Trek covers more distance and reaches higher elevations than the Inca Trail, making it moderately more demanding. However, no special permits are needed and the trail is less crowded.
What is the best month to hike the Salkantay Trek? May and October tend to offer the best weather on the Salkantay Trek, combining warm sunshine with fewer crowds than the peak months of June through August.
Can beginners do the Salkantay Trek? With 2 to 3 days of acclimatization in Cusco beforehand, moderately fit hikers can complete the Salkantay Trek. A guided group handles logistics like meals, camping gear, and route navigation.
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The Choquequirao Trek
Choquequirao is often called the sister city of Machu Picchu, but it receives fewer than 10,000 visitors per year compared to Machu Picchu's 1 million-plus. The 4-to-5-day out-and-back trek from Cachora plunges 1,500 meters into the Apurimac River canyon before climbing 1,800 meters to the ruins at 3,050 meters. Only about 30% of the site has been excavated, leaving much of this ancient city still tangled in jungle growth.
The Peruvian government has long discussed building a cable car to Choquequirao, which would dramatically increase visitor numbers. For now, the only way in is on foot. The dry season from May through September offers the best trekking conditions. Independent hikers can manage the trail without a guide, though mule hire from Cachora makes the steep terrain far more manageable for those carrying their own gear.
How long does the Choquequirao Trek take? The standard Choquequirao Trek takes 4 to 5 days round trip from Cachora. Hikers who want a full day exploring the ruins should plan for 5 days on the Choquequirao route.
Is Choquequirao worth the effort compared to Machu Picchu? Absolutely. The Choquequirao Trek rewards hikers with an uncrowded Inca site, sweeping canyon views, and a genuine sense of discovery that Machu Picchu's packed viewing platforms can no longer deliver.
Do I need a guide for the Choquequirao Trek? A guide is not required for the Choquequirao Trek since the trail is well-marked, but hiring a muleteer to carry gear makes the steep canyon sections significantly easier to manage.
The Ausangate Trek
The Ausangate Trek is a 5-to-6-day circuit around Ausangate Mountain, the tallest peak in the Cusco region at 6,384 meters. The trail crosses multiple passes above 5,000 meters, loops past turquoise glacial lakes, and passes through remote Quechua villages where herding families still live much as they have for centuries. The route also provides access to Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain.
This trek is rated extremely difficult, largely because of the altitude. Overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and the highest pass reaches 5,400 meters. Unlike the Inca Trail, no permit is required for the Ausangate Trek, making it easy to organize on shorter notice. Guided tours typically cost between $300 and $600, while independent hikers can complete the circuit for under $50 if they carry their own gear.
When is the best time to hike the Ausangate Trek? July and August are the driest months for the Ausangate Trek, though temperatures at night can plunge to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. May and September offer slightly warmer nights with acceptable weather.
Is the Ausangate Trek good for beginners? The Ausangate Trek is not recommended for beginners. Previous multi-day hiking experience at high altitude is strongly advised because the trail stays above 4,000 meters for the entire circuit.
Can I see Rainbow Mountain on the Ausangate Trek? Yes. Most Ausangate Trek itineraries include a detour to Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, though hikers should expect tourist crowds at this particular stop along the route.
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The Santa Cruz Trek
The Santa Cruz Trek is a 4-day, 50-kilometer route through the Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz, about 400 kilometers north of Lima. The trail passes turquoise lakes, crosses Punta Union pass at 4,750 meters, and offers views of Alpamayo, a peak often called the most beautiful mountain in the world. Base camp at Huaraz sits at 3,050 meters and serves as the jumping-off point.
This trek can be done independently or with a guided group, and no special permits are needed beyond a Huascaran National Park entry fee of about 60 soles. The dry season from May to September provides the best conditions, with May and early June offering fewer crowds. Acclimatization hikes like Laguna 69 or Laguna Churup are highly recommended before starting the Santa Cruz Trek.
How difficult is the Santa Cruz Trek? The Santa Cruz Trek is rated moderate, with the main challenge being the climb to Punta Union pass at 4,750 meters. Hikers in reasonable shape with proper acclimatization typically handle the Santa Cruz route well.
Do I need a guide for the Santa Cruz Trek? No guide is required for the Santa Cruz Trek. The trail is well-marked, and gear can be rented cheaply in Huaraz for independent hikers tackling the Santa Cruz route.
How do I get to the Santa Cruz Trek trailhead? The Santa Cruz Trek starts at either Cashapampa or Vaqueria, both accessible by bus or van from Huaraz. Most guided tours include transportation to and from the Santa Cruz trailhead.
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The Huayhuash Circuit
The Huayhuash Circuit is a 120-to-135-kilometer loop around the Cordillera Huayhuash, a compact mountain range featuring 6 peaks above 6,000 meters and Peru's second-highest summit, Yerupaja, at 6,634 meters. The trek typically takes 8 to 12 days and crosses a dozen mountain passes above 4,500 meters. Many experienced hikers rank it among the best alpine treks on the planet.
The circuit gained fame as the setting of "Touching the Void," Joe Simpson's survival story from Siula Grande. Today the Huayhuash Circuit draws serious trekkers willing to endure freezing nights, long climbing days, and remote conditions in exchange for staggering scenery. Guided 8-day treks typically cost $500 to $800, while independent hikers can complete the Huayhuash Circuit for around $260 to $330 including transport and campsite fees at one of the most significant international hikes out there.
How hard is the Huayhuash Circuit compared to other Peru treks? The Huayhuash Circuit is one of the most challenging treks in Peru. Daily distances of 10 to 15 kilometers with 500 to 1,000 meters of elevation change, combined with passes above 5,000 meters, demand strong fitness.
What is the best time to hike the Huayhuash Circuit? The dry season from May through September offers the most stable weather for the Huayhuash Circuit, with July and August providing the driest conditions and clearest mountain views.
Can I hike the Huayhuash Circuit independently? Yes, though independent Huayhuash Circuit hikers need backcountry experience, proper navigation tools, and the ability to carry all gear and food for 8 or more days at high altitude.
The Colca Canyon Trek
The Colca Canyon near Arequipa is one of the deepest canyons in the world, reaching 3,400 meters at its lowest point — roughly twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. The 2-to-3-day trek descends from the town of Cabanaconde to the Sangalle Oasis at the canyon floor, passing through terraced farmland, remote villages, and hot springs along the way. The canyon is also one of the best places in Peru to spot Andean condors.
Unlike most Peruvian treks, the Colca Canyon sits at a lower average altitude, making it a solid option for hikers prone to altitude sickness. The biggest challenge is the steep 1,200-meter ascent out of the canyon, which most hikers tackle before dawn. The dry season from May to September is ideal, though the canyon can be hiked year-round. Entry to the Colca Canyon costs 70 soles for foreign visitors.
Is the Colca Canyon Trek suitable for beginners? The Colca Canyon Trek is manageable for fit beginners, though the steep ascent out of the canyon on the final day is physically demanding. Mule rides are available for those who prefer not to climb.
Do I need a guide for the Colca Canyon Trek? No guide is required for the Colca Canyon Trek. Trails are well-marked from Cabanaconde, and lodges in the oasis and villages provide food and accommodation along the Colca Canyon route.
What is the best way to see condors in Colca Canyon? Visit the Mirador Cruz del Condor viewpoint in the early morning, when Andean condors ride thermal currents rising from the Colca Canyon walls. Sightings are most reliable during the dry season.
The Laguna 69 Day Hike
Laguna 69 is a turquoise glacial lake sitting at 4,600 meters in Huascaran National Park, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and fed by glacier melt. The 14-kilometer round-trip hike from the Cebollapampa trailhead gains 800 meters of elevation and takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. It is widely considered one of Peru's most beautiful day hikes and serves double duty as an acclimatization trek before longer Cordillera Blanca routes.
Most hikers reach the trailhead via organized tours from Huaraz, which cost $25 to $45 and include transport. The 3-hour drive passes the Llanganuco Lakes and views of Huascaran, Peru's tallest mountain at 6,768 meters. Crowds gather at the lake around 11 a.m. when tour buses arrive together, so early starters from Caraz by taxi can enjoy the Laguna 69 shoreline in relative solitude.
How hard is the Laguna 69 hike? The Laguna 69 hike is moderately challenging due to the high altitude and steep switchbacks. Hikers should spend at least 2 to 3 days acclimatizing in Huaraz before attempting the Laguna 69 trail.
What should I bring on the Laguna 69 hike? Bring layers, rain gear, sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, and sturdy hiking boots for the Laguna 69 hike. Trekking poles help on the steep descent from Laguna 69 back to the trailhead.
Can I swim in Laguna 69? Swimming in Laguna 69 is technically possible, but the glacial water hovers near freezing temperatures. Most hikers at Laguna 69 settle for photos and a packed lunch on the shoreline instead.
Keep Your Peru Hiking Research Organized With Miimu
Peru's trekking scene goes far beyond the Inca Trail, and keeping track of routes, gear lists, and tour operators across 7 different hikes can get overwhelming fast. Sign up for Miimu to save and organize this guide into a living Peru hiking bundle that grows with each trip. Bookmark new trails, group resources by region, and keep everything in one place so the next adventure is always just a click away.
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