23 Apr. 2021

Pérou is one of the most diverse countries in the world, home to incredible treasures that travellers never tire of discovering. While the country primarily attracts visitors for its Incan heritage, such as the famous Machu Picchu, it is also an ideal destination for hikers. The valleys and mountains of Pérou offer magnificent terrain for trekkers. Pérou boasts countless unforgettable hikes through spectacular landscapes, mountain passes ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 metres, a spectacular palette of colours, moderate elevation gains, and most importantly, very few tourists.

To learn more about trekking in Pérou, we've compiled a list of 5 must-do treks suitable for all levels of hikers.

Ausangate Circuit

The Ausangate Circuit is considered the most challenging trek in the Cusco region, as well as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. The quebradas and mountain passes at 5,000 metres that surround Ausangate, which peaks at over 6,300 metres, require a certain period of acclimatisation, but promise breathtaking scenery without question.

The Ausangate Circuit traverses the high passes and valleys of the Vilconata Cordillera and takes you through snow-capped peaks, hanging glaciers, lakes of otherworldly colours, multi-hued volcanic rocks, and trails lined by massive rock formations that seem to embrace the sky. Few tourists venture here—you're more likely to encounter llamas and alpacas.

Details: 4 to 6 days of hiking – 3 to 5 hours of walking per day – Average elevation gain of +650m per day – Difficulty: moderate to high – Departure from Tinki or Ocongate.

Note: The Ausangate Circuit is the classic trek of this cordillera, but Amerika Voyages also organises alternative treks such as the High Route, which over 8 days takes you through the most spectacular landscapes, including a pass at 5,300 metres, making it one of the highest treks in the world. The Ausangate-Carabaya Traverse via Acero Pass over 4 to 5 days is also one of the most stunning routes you can undertake in the Andes.

Huayhuash Cordillera Circuit

Wilder than the Cordillera Blanca, the Huayhuash Cordillera remains relatively undiscovered. Yet those privileged few who have ventured there describe this trek as one of the most beautiful in the world. Huayhuash comprises six peaks exceeding 6,000 metres, and hiking here also requires acclimatisation time to avoid altitude sickness.

This fabulous trek immerses you in the heart of wild and mysterious nature, featuring towering peaks, mountain passes, lagoons with crystal-clear waters, glaciers, and glacial lakes.

Details: 5 to 13 days of hiking – 6 hours of walking per day – Average elevation gain of +900 metres per day – Difficulty: high.

Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon is one of the must-see destinations when visiting Pérou. Home to the condor, the canyon impresses with its 3,400-metre depth, making it the second-deepest canyon in the world.

Numerous hiking trails crisscross the canyon, allowing you to enjoy a magnificent landscape at a leisurely pace. Treks in Colca Canyon are relatively accessible and are especially exceptional after the rainy season when the entire landscape bursts with lush vegetation.

Details: 2 to 3 days of hiking – 4 to 5 hours of walking per day – Elevation gain of +1,070 metres – Difficulty: moderate – Departure from Arequipa

The Lares Trek

The Lares trek is highly popular in Pérou. The hike is punctuated by ancient Incan trails, the discovery of ruins, and exceptional landscapes. Less crowded than other treks leading to Machu Picchu, Lares allows you to meet local communities in the Wayruros and create unforgettable memories. You'll traverse the magnificent Andean landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Details: 3, 4 or 5 days of hiking – 3 to 7 hours of walking per day – Average elevation gain of +700 metres – Difficulty: moderate

Laguna 69

Located in Huascaran National Park, Laguna 69 is one of the most popular hikes in the Cordillera Blanca. The trek begins at just over 3,000 metres altitude; it's recommended to acclimatise well to avoid struggling on the ascent to the lagoon.

The hike presents occasional mild challenges, especially on the final stretch. Regardless, every small difficulty is worth the effort. Upon arrival, you discover a true natural wonder!

The first two hours traverse sumptuous landscapes of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, streams and small caves, leading to a small emerald lagoon. After one final push, Laguna 69 and its extraordinary blue hue emerge before your eyes.

Details: Duration: 14 hours – Distance: 14 km – Elevation gain: 750 metres – Difficulty: moderate – Maximum altitude: 4,600 metres – Starting point: Huaraz

This hike is one of the most classic acclimatisation treks before undertaking a more challenging and longer trek such as the Alpamayo Circuit in the Cordillera Blanca or the Grand Huayhuash Circuit.

Charlène – Nomadays

As an SEO writer from the outset at Nomadays, Charlène has evolved into content manager and head of communications, accompanying the adventure since its inception with passion and dedication. Having spent seven years in Asia—from China to Thailand, passing through Mongolia and South Korea—she has made travel a way of being in the world. A lover of words, nature and human connection, she strives to convey in her writing a thoughtful, committed and responsible vision of tourism. For her, each article is a bridge between curiosity, respect and wonder.