Top 5 Trekking Routes in Peru That Will Change the Way You See the World

N 1 . Cordillera Huayhuash Trek – The Hidden Jewel of the Andes

The Cordillera Huayhuash, located between Huánuco, Áncash, and Lima, is considered one of the most spectacular trekking circuits on Earth. Its classic 8–10 day route passes through a world of peaks over 6,000 meters, turquoise lagoons, and high mountain passes where the air is pure and silence speaks its own language.

Here rise legendary mountains like Yerupajá (6,634 m), Siula Grande — famous for the true story “Touching the Void” — and Jirishanca, with its impossible silhouette.
Each day offers something new: golden sunrises over the glaciers, perfect reflections in Carhuacocha or Jahuacocha lagoons, and nights beneath an infinite sky.

But beyond the scenery, Huayhuash is pure introspection. Walking among those giants reminds you of how small we are before nature’s greatness, and how fortunate we are to explore it.
Whoever completes this circuit not only conquers one of the most demanding routes in the Andes, but returns transformed.

N 2. Salkantay Trek – The Alternative Route to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek is a magical journey that connects the snow-capped peak of Apu Salkantay (6,271 m) with the lush tropical forests of Cusco. It’s a route where landscapes shift dramatically each day — from glacial cold to humid jungle heat, from the silence of the heights to the songs of parrots and colorful orchids.

The trail crosses the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trek, surrounded by stunning glaciers. From there, the path descends toward the green valleys of Santa Teresa and Lucmabamba, where travelers can visit local coffee farms and relax in natural hot springs.

The journey culminates at Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Andes. Watching the sunrise over the citadel after days of effort is an experience many describe as spiritual.
The Salkantay Trek not only leads to a historic destination but also to a deeper connection with the traveler’s own soul.

N 3. Santa Cruz Trek – The Essence of the Cordillera Blanca

Located in the heart of Huascarán National Park, the Santa Cruz Trek is the classic Peruvian hike. In just four or five days, it offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the country — iconic peaks, glacial lakes, and valleys where the wind carries ancient stories.

The route crosses the Santa Cruz and Huaripampa valleys, climbing over the Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m) with panoramic views of Alpamayo (often called “the most beautiful mountain in the world”), Artesonraju, and Taulliraju.
Campsites beside the Ichiccocha, Jatuncocha, and Arhuaycocha lakes create dreamlike settings where every sunset becomes a natural spectacle.

The Santa Cruz Trek is ideal for those seeking an intense yet accessible adventure — combining scenic beauty, nature connection, and the unmatched spirit of the Cordillera Blanca.

N 4. Inca Trail – The Sacred Path to Machu Picchu

Few experiences compare to hiking the original Inca Trail — the ancient network of roads that once connected the Inca Empire. This 4-day, 3-night route combines stunning natural landscapes, hidden archaeological ruins, and an indescribable mystical atmosphere.

The trail winds through mist-covered mountains, crosses ancient Inca tunnels, and passes sites such as Wiñay Wayna and Runkurakay, before culminating at the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
There, at dawn, Machu Picchu appears before the hiker, bathed in the first golden light of day — a moment that truly stops time.

The Inca Trail is more than a hike; it’s a spiritual pilgrimage that connects past and present, culture and nature. Every step is an offering to the path and to the ancestors who built it.

N 5. Lares Trek – Living Culture in the Andes

For those seeking a more intimate and cultural experience, the Lares Trek is the way to go. Less crowded than the Inca Trail, this route blends mountain landscapes with traditional villages where time seems to stand still.
Along the way, travelers interact with Quechua families, learning about their weaving traditions, farming practices, and everyday life in the highlands.

The trail passes through agricultural valleys, alpaca pastures, and high passes like Abra Ipsaycocha (4,450 m), offering views of mountains reflected in emerald-colored lagoons.
The villages of Huacahuasi, Patacancha, and Pumahuanca preserve an ancestral legacy of community work and respect for the land.

The Lares Trek is more than a journey — it’s a genuine encounter with humanity. It teaches that true luxury lies in authenticity and connection with others.

Discover Peru

Discover Peru — where every trail tells a timeless story.
From the sacred peaks of the Andes to hidden valleys,
each step reveals the beauty, culture, and spirit of a living land.