Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Peru, cradle of the Inca civilization and guardian of breathtaking landscapes, offers unmatched trekking terrain. From the paved routes of the Qhapaq Ñan to the forgotten trails of the Cordillera Huayhuash, every path tells a thousand-year-old story while challenging altitude lovers. Between dizzying passes, turquoise lagoons, and preserved Quechua villages, Peruvian trekking is a full sensory and cultural experience.
“To hike in Peru is to follow in the footsteps of the chaskis (Inca messengers) along pre-Columbian paths, to cross unique ecosystems between 3,000 and 5,000 meters in altitude, and to share quinoa with Andean communities. Each trek is both a physical challenge and an immersion in a living culture, where myths merge with landscapes.”
From legendary trails to breathtaking landscapes
The most iconic trek in Peru, following the paved paths of the Incas through mountains, valleys, and cloud forests. This historic route leads to the famous Sun Gate, with a breathtaking arrival at Machu Picchu at dawn. A legendary itinerary rich in archaeological sites and stunning views.
📍 Location: Cusco → Machu Picchu
⏱ Duration: 4 days / 43 km (short 2-day version available)
⛰ Altitude: from 2,800 m to 4,215 m
✨ Highlights: The only trek arriving at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, preserved Inca sites (Wiñay Wayna), cloud forests.
📌 Info: Guide and permit required (book 6 months in advance).
📍 Want to walk in the footsteps of the Incas?
Discover our complete guide to the Inca Trail.
Considered one of the most beautiful high-altitude treks in the world, the Santa Cruz crosses the majestic Cordillera Blanca. It offers spectacular views of snow-capped peaks (Alpamayo, Taulliraju), turquoise lagoons, and glacial valleys. A wild yet accessible route, with no permit required.
📍 Location: Huascarán National Park (Cordillera Blanca – Huaraz region)
⏱ Duration: 4 days / 50 km
⛰ Altitude: from 2,900 m to 4,750 m (Punta Unión Pass)
✨ Highlights: Views of Peru’s highest peaks, glacial lagoons (Llanganuco), Andean wildlife.
📌 Info: Independent trekking possible, but guide recommended.
Ausangate is a sacred mountain for local Quechua communities, offering breathtaking landscapes of colorful lagoons, glaciers, and snow-covered peaks. This trek crosses green valleys, highland pastures, and traditional villages, providing a unique cultural immersion.
📍 Location: Cusco region
⏱ Duration: 5 days / 70 km
⛰ Altitude: from 4,300 m to 6,384 m (highest point)
✨ Highlights: Colorful lagoons (like Sibinacocha), glaciers, snow-capped peaks, Quechua culture.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for an authentic and safe experience.
📍 Looking for an off-the-beaten-path trek?
Discover our complete guide to the Ausangate Trek.
The Salkantay trek is an alternative to the Inca Trail, offering equally breathtaking landscapes in a wilder and less touristic setting. The highest point of the trek is the Salkantay Pass, with an incredible view of the mountain bearing the same name.
📍 Location: Mollepata → Aguas Calientes
⏱ Duration: 5 days / 72 km
⛰ Altitude: from 2,800 m to 4,600 m (Salkantay Pass)
✨ Highlights: Views of Salkantay peak, Humantay Lagoon, traditional villages, Amazon jungle.
📌 Info: Guide and gear recommended for a safe experience.
Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, offering spectacular landscapes and unique wildlife, especially the Andean condors. Traditional villages and hot springs enhance the experience, offering immersion in local culture.
📍 Location: Arequipa region
⏱ Duration: 2 days / 1 night (day trips also possible)
⛰ Depth: approximately 3,400 meters
✨ Highlights: Condor watching, traditional villages, hot springs, stunning landscapes.
📌 Info: Best time to see condors: early morning.
The Lares trek offers a unique experience of immersion in local communities, with visits to traditional villages and natural hot springs. The scenery is also breathtaking, with mountains, valleys, and rivers.
📍 Location: Cusco region
⏱ Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
✨ Highlights: Community immersion, hot springs, stunning landscapes, local culture.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for an authentic experience.
The Sacred Valley is a region rich in history and culture, with many Inca ruins and breathtaking landscapes. Traditional villages and local markets enhance the experience, offering insights into local life.
📍 Location: Cusco region
⏱ Duration: 2–3 days
✨ Highlights: Inca ruins, stunning landscapes, local culture, traditional markets.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for an authentic experience.
Explore the most beautiful colored mountains of Peru and discover the natural and cultural riches of this exceptional country.
Unique landscapes and unforgettable experiences
Discover Vinicunca, Palcoyo and Pallay Punchu, three mountains with exceptional colors.
Learn more about the colored mountains →Discover unique routes and breathtaking landscapes
Choquequirao is a lesser-visited Inca archaeological site, yet just as impressive as Machu Picchu. The trek to reach it offers breathtaking views of mountains and valleys, including vistas over the Apurímac Canyon.
📍 Location: Cusco region
⏱ Duration: 4–5 days / 64 km
⛰ Altitude: from 1,500 m to 3,050 m
✨ Highlights: Inca archaeological site, stunning scenery, Apurímac Canyon.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for a safe and authentic experience.
📍 Ready for a unique adventure?
Discover our comprehensive guide to the Choquequirao Trek.
The Huayhuash trek is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, featuring stunning mountain, lake, and glacier landscapes. The circuit passes through lush valleys, high passes, and traditional villages.
📍 Location: Huaraz region
⏱ Duration: 8–12 days / 140 km
⛰ Altitude: from 3,000 m to 4,800 m
✨ Highlights: Stunning scenery, mountains, lakes, glaciers, traditional villages.
📌 Info: Local guide and equipment recommended for a safe experience.
Gocta Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, located in a lush cloud forest. The trek to reach it reveals breathtaking landscapes of mountains, forests, and rivers.
📍 Location: Chachapoyas region
⏱ Duration: 2 days / 1 night
✨ Highlights: 771m waterfall, cloud forest, stunning landscapes.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for a safe and authentic experience.
Laguna de los Cóndores is a unique archaeological site that houses Chachapoya mummies in character-shaped sarcophagi. The trek features stunning mountain views and lush cloud forest surroundings.
📍 Location: Chachapoyas region
⏱ Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
✨ Highlights: Chachapoya mummies, human-shaped sarcophagi, breathtaking landscapes.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for a safe and authentic experience.
Cotahuasi Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, offering breathtaking mountain and valley scenery. The trek also allows you to explore traditional villages and unique natural landscapes.
📍 Location: Arequipa region
⏱ Duration: 4–5 days
✨ Highlights: Deep canyon, stunning landscapes, traditional villages.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for a safe and authentic experience.
Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological site near Cusco, offering breathtaking views over the Sacred Valley. The trek reveals unique landscapes and lesser-known ruins along the way.
📍 Location: Cusco region
⏱ Duration: 2 days / 1 night
✨ Highlights: Inca ruins, panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, unique landscapes.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for a safe and authentic experience.
The Huayllay Stone Forest is a unique natural site featuring impressive geological formations. The trek allows you to explore breathtaking landscapes and remarkable rock structures.
📍 Location: Pasco region
⏱ Duration: 1 day
✨ Highlights: Unique geological formations, stunning landscapes.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for a safe and authentic experience.
The Vilcabamba trek offers the chance to explore Inca ruins and stunning landscapes deep in the Peruvian jungle. It’s a unique opportunity to discover Inca history and culture in a breathtaking natural setting.
📍 Location: Cusco region
⏱ Duration: 4–5 days
✨ Highlights: Inca ruins, spectacular scenery, Peruvian jungle.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for a safe and authentic experience.
The Marcahuasi trek allows you to explore unique geological formations and stunning landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. It’s a great opportunity to discover the region’s natural beauty and geological wonders.
📍 Location: Lima region
⏱ Duration: 2–3 days
✨ Highlights: Unique rock formations, breathtaking landscapes.
📌 Info: Local guide recommended for a safe and authentic experience.
➤ Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a lover of breathtaking landscapes, Peru offers treks for all levels. From the Andes to tropical forests, every trail brings you closer to the cultural and natural richness of this exceptional country.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
– Saint Augustine
We hope this selection of treks has inspired your next adventure in Peru. Happy planning and safe travels!