Best hikes in the Cusco region

Thanks to its high mountains, abundance of ancient archaeological sites, and picturesque valleys, Cusco is always a favourite for hikers the world over. If you are a seeking a connection with nature, look no further than the Andean region of Cusco with its beautiful landscapes and agricultural terraces that will take you on an adventure like no other.

This part of Peru is famous for its ancient network of Inca Trails, known locally as Qhapaq Ñan, that meander through the Andes Mountains for over 25,000 miles. The Inca Trail brings thousands of visitors each year to the region, hoping to discover the ancient land of the Incas and conquer a bucket list moment on their way to Machu Picchu.

While the Inca Trail is celebrated and for good reason, there is also a wide range of treks in Cusco that are often overlooked but are nonetheless worthy of exploration and fame. Here we will provide you with a list of our favourite hikes in and around Cusco, including unforgettable adventures to remarkable and sacred Inca sites.

Inca Trail:

The famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the principal attractions of Peru. Known locally as the ‘Camino Inca’, it consists of a network of ancient Inca paths that lead to the lost city of the Inca’s through the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail is considered to be 1 of the 10 best hikes in the world, and is a 43 km (26 mile) route starting from the check point at Kilometre 82. The trail is notoriously challenging as it ascends and descends over the Andes Mountains, through Amazonian cloud forests and alongside ancient archaeological centers. Therefore, physical ability and thorough preparation, both mentally and logistically is recommended.

The Short Inca Trail is a 2-day excursion, starting at the checkpoint of Kilometre 102. The 13km trail takes you on a journey through Inca history, visiting the impressive sites of Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna, before culminating at the famous panoramic viewpoint atop the Inti Punku Sun Gate. The 2-day tour treats you to not one, but two chances to get to know Machu Picchu, with the in-depth guided tour of the Inca citadel taking place on day 2.

Due to the prestige of the Inca Trail, it is recommended that you book your place in advance and start preparing yourself for the challenge. Entrance into the Inca trail can only be achieved through entering the official government checkpoints that are stationed along the trail. It is therefore a provision of the Ministry of Culture of Peru that in order to enter, visitors must be accompanied by a licenced tour guide who is registered with an authorised travel agency. Reservations for the Classic Inca Trail must also be secured 3-4 months in advance, due to high demand and a government limit of 500 entries per day.

Lares Trek:

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail, offering trekkers a fantastic cultural experience and unique opportunity to hike their way through the Sacred Valley to the gates of the Inca Citadel. The trek begins in the mountain town of Lares, with a relaxing dip in its volcanic thermal baths.

The Lares trek is also known as the “Weaver’s Way,” since it passes many isolated indigenous communities and traditional Andean weaving villages that keep the ancient Inca traditions alive. The residents are renowned for their incredible and very time-consuming handicrafts that offer vibrant colours to the surrounding landscape. Along the trail you will also be treated to shimmering glacial lakes, skyscraper mountains and herds of resident llamas and alpacas. 

Ausangate Trek:

On a clear day, the snow-capped peak of Ausangate can be seen from the city of Cusco. It is one of the most sacred mountains in all of Peru and is home to one of the country’s most extraordinary multi-day hikes. As the trail is over 4,000 meters in altitude, it offers hikers a challenging adventure! But will treat you to everything from snow-capped mountains to hanging glaciers and alpine lakes at every turn.

The 5 day Ausangate Trek is a true adventure in nature for those seeking to get to know the best of the Cordillera de los Andes. Along the trail you will pass by indigenous mountain communities, experience beautiful landscapes including the famous Rainbow Mountain, and befriend the local Andean camelids of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas in their natural habitat.

Salkantay Trek:

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is considered to be of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic. The Salkantay pass at 4,650 meters in altitude, has been a highlight for hikers on the way to Macchu Picchu the world over, and is one of the best alternatives to the Inca Trail for hikers wanting to reach the Lost City of the Incas.

The 4 or 5 day trail takes you on an epic journey through snow-capped glacial mountains and Amazonian jungle valleys. Throughout the trek you will visit the turquoise shores of the glacial lake of Humantay aswell as the Inca ruins of Llaqtapata, which offers a stunning view of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu from above. The penultimate day of the trail concludes in the town of Aguas Calientes, the official home of Machu Picchu.

Choquequirao Trek:

The Choquequirao Trek takes you on an unforgettable 5-day camping adventure through the picturesque Apurimac valley to the archaeological site of Choquequirai. Its name means ‘Cradle of Gold’ in Quechua; however, it is more famously known as the ‘Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu’ due its resemblance to the Inca Citadel. This spectacular complex is considered to be ‘the last refuge of the Incas’ as it is widely believed that 15th century site was one of the last bastions of resistance and refuge of the Inca royalty, after the siege of Cusco by the Spanish.

Although breathtakingly beautiful, the route to Choquequirao, is little known to tourists. Giving hikers more of an exclusive experience along the historic Andean Mountain trail. Along with the wonder of Choquequirao, the adventure will treat you to a spectacular view of the deepest canyon in the world, the Apurimac Canyon!

Our most recommended hikes

With an abundance of breathtaking trails to choose from, the Cusco region can offer something for everyone. However, deciding on which trek is best for you depends on your overall experience, available timescales, and landscape preferences.

It is for this reason, that if we had to recommend one, it would be have to be the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Not only does this 4 day adventure culminate in the Lost City of the Incas, but this ancient trail leads you through the best that the Andean landscape has to offer, including cloud forests, over mountain passes and alongside Inca ruins.

In addition to its impressive natural beauty, the Inca Trail has great historical and cultural value. Giving its visitors a unique insight into the Inca culture by way of its multitude of Inca ruins, including the impressive citadel of Wiñaywayna.

It is important to note that the Inca Trail requires advance booking and special entrance permits, so planning ahead is absolutely necessary. This hike is also a challenging one, due to the high altitude and unforgiving terrain, so it is equally important to be physically prepared.

The Inca Trail is a unique and unforgettable experience that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. If you like trekking and are interested in Inca culture, you will not find a more fulfilling place than Cusco.