Incredible Hiking In Peru

Peru is the epitome of a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and hiking in Peru is an absolute must. From the heights of the Andes to the second deepest canyon in the world, day walks to epic multi-day treks taking you to some of the most impressive landscapes and archaeological sites on the continent, below are four exceptional recommendations for hiking in Peru.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Classic Peru Trek

An absolute must on many Peru itineraries, it is impossible to overstate how impressive this journey is. The fact that there are so many people on the route would often put me off a trek like this, however this is actually a plus as there was a real sense of comradery because we were undertaking something momentous. Climbing over a ridge, or emerging from morning fog, to see extraordinary Incan sites only accessible by foot is a surreal and humbling experience. And this is before arriving at the pièce de résistance; Machu Picchu.

There are some steep climbs, particularly on day 2 where you reach an altitude of 4,215m over Dead Woman’s Pass, therefore a reasonable level of fitness is required. However, if you give yourself time to train then most people can tackle this historical route. Booking in advance is necessary as only 500 permits, including guides/porters/cooks, are issued for the trail per day.

Moving on from the practicalities, once you are on the trail you will be in awe of the combination of stunning scenery and exceptional Incan sites, such as Winay Waynu which is set in a dramatic position on a slope overlooking the Urubamba River. It is the final moments of this trek though that are undoubtedly the most thrilling when, having woken before dawn and walked with head torches in the dark, the sun rises and you get the first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu through Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). It is experiences like this that make hiking in Peru a must for adventure lovers!

Difficulty: moderate

Length: 26 miles

Walking time: 4 days, 3 nights

Colca Canyon

Captivating Canyon Walk

The world’s second deepest canyon, Colca Canyon is a stunning destination for hiking in Peru. A walk in and out of the canyon can be done in a day, however it is much better done as a 2 or 3 day adventure.

Starting out in the village of Cabanaconda, approximately 6 hours from Arequipa, the path meanders along the rim of the canyon before snaking down into the valley below. Sangalle Oasis is a popular trek, however our favourite route goes to Llahuar, which is quieter than Sangalle and has three lovely thermal pools to relax in right next to the crystal-clear river. After a couple of hours you reach the valley floor, all the while taking in the captivating beauty of this exceptional landscape. Once at the bottom follow the river to Llahuar where you can stay for the night. We have hiked the route to Llahuar and all the way back to Cabanaconda in a day, however we were much younger and we literally walked from sunrise to sunset which we would not recommend! However, if you are short on time and relatively fit this is a possibility.

If, as recommended, you have stayed the night, the next morning one option is to walk back the way you came to Cabanaconda, or alternatively add an extra day and follow the stunning trail via Paccla to San Juan de Chuccho for a second night in the canyon. No matter which route you choose, the hike out of the canyon is exhausting – it is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon after all! However, by pacing yourself and taking enough water it is an exceptional adventure. And remember to give yourself time on your trek to spot condors, the largest birds in the world, and famously found in this area.

Difficulty: moderate

Length: 19 miles (3 day route)

Walking time: 3 days, 2 nights (1 night Llahuar, 1 night San Juan de Chuccho)

Gocta Falls

Day hike in the Amazonas region

Set amid jungle sheltering monkeys and toucans, the spectacular Gocta Falls are an excellent reason to embark on a beautiful day hike in northern Peru. A staggering 771m high, you can either follow the circuit route from San Pablo, which offers views of both the upper and lower cascades, or from Cocachimba where you can walk into the bottom of the falls and out again. Whilst the latter ensures visitors experience the spectacular and unparalleled view of the whole waterfall, to make the most of being in this remote region the full circuit route is highly recommended.

To get to either trailhead you will travel from Chachapoyas, a charming town an hour or so away. Once on the trail you will find that it is well-marked and takes you past small villages and coffee plantations, with impressive views along the way. As you get close to the bottom of the falls you feel the mist coming off them as they fall from high, and once at the base you get quite wet. When we went it was the dry season, and we can only imagine how soaked walkers get in the wet season!

Difficulty: easy to moderate, depending on route

Length: 9.5 miles (circuit) 6.5 miles (in and out)

Walking time: 2 to 5 hours depending the route

Cordillera Huayhuash

The ultimate Peru trek

This trek is epic and without doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world. The splendour of the mountains, the piercing blue/green lakes and the sheer feeling of remoteness makes this one of the most extraordinary places I have ever seen. Famous due to the book Touching The Void, it felt almost surreal when we finally got to see the impressive Siula Grande, and whilst mountain enthusiasts will find every day of the circuit enchanting, this day of the trek is particularly thrilling. Especially the view of Siula Grande Glacier and Sarapo in Sarapocha Valley on the highest point of the trek, which is indescribable.

The impressively positioned Huaraz is the jumping off point for treks in this region, and the trail head for the Huayhuash Circuit is found in the small village of Pocpa, which is reached by bus. Whether on a guided trek, or tackling the route on your own, there are no luxury options here. You are in 100% unspoilt nature, meaning tents, outdoor toilets, and even carrying all your own food if you are not part of a group.

The whole trek is above 4000m, with the high point on day 6 reaching over 5000m. Whilst this is a challenge, what you get in return is more than enough of a reward. From the piercing lakes of Mitucocha, Lago Gangrajanca and Tres Lagunas to name a few, to six soaring peaks over 6000m, including the third highest peak in Peru, Yerupaja, and the infamous Siula Grande, this is without a doubt the trek of a lifetime.

Difficulty: challenging

Length: Approx 80 – 105 miles (route dependent)

Walking time: 10 days, 9 nights