Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Cusco, Cusco, Peru
1. Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
A challenging 5-day trek offering stunning views of the Salkantay glacier and Machu Picchu.
- Glacier Views: Unparalleled views of the Salkantay Glacier throughout the trek.
- Less Touristy: A less crowded trail compared to the Inca Trail, offering a more tranquil experience.
- Altitude Challenges: Higher altitudes requiring proper acclimatization for a comfortable trek.
2. Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu
A 4-day adventure trail combining hiking, zip-lining, and river rafting, culminating in Machu Picchu.
- Adrenaline Rush: A combination of adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining and river rafting.
- Variety of Scenery: Diverse landscapes ranging from dense jungles to Andean highlands.
- Amazon Jungle: Exploration of the Amazon rainforest and its unique wildlife.
3. Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
A more cultural and traditional trek with opportunities to interact with local communities.
- Cultural Exchange: Interaction with local Andean communities showcasing their traditions.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Less touristy trail offering a more authentic experience.
- Hot Springs: Relaxation in hot springs along the way, a perfect end to a long day's hike.
4. Huchuy Qosqo Trek
A shorter and less crowded trek leading to the ancient Incan site of Huchuy Qosqo.
- Ancient Ruins: Visit the well-preserved Incan ruins of Huchuy Qosqo.
- Less Crowded: A less touristy trail compared to the more popular Inca Trail.
- Panoramic Views: Stunning panoramic views of the Sacred Valley from Huchuy Qosqo.
5. Salcantay Pampa Base Camp
A 2-day trek to the Salcantay Pampa Base Camp, offering breathtaking views of the Salkantay Glacier.
- Glacier Views: Unparalleled views of the Salkantay Glacier from the base camp.
- Shorter Duration: A shorter trek suitable for those with limited time or trekking experience.
- Wildlife Spotting: Potential sightings of Andean condors and other unique wildlife.
6. Rainbow Mountain Trek
A day trek to the colorful Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain, offering spectacular landscapes.
- Colorful Landscapes: Stunning multi-colored landscapes at the Rainbow Mountain.
- Day Trek: A day trek suitable for those with limited time or trekking experience.
- Cultural Experience: Interaction with local Andean communities along the way.
7. Ausangate Trek
A challenging 5-day trek around Mount Ausangate offering breathtaking Andean landscapes.
- Andean Landscapes: Stunning views of the Andean mountain range and turquoise lakes.
- Challenging Terrain: A challenging trek with steep ascents and descents.
- Remote Villages: Opportunities to visit remote Andean villages untouched by modernity.
8. Palccoyo Mountain Trek
A less crowded alternative to Rainbow Mountain, offering equally breathtaking views.
- Less Crowded: A less touristy trail compared to the more popular Rainbow Mountain.
- Colorful Landscapes: Stunning multi-colored landscapes at Palccoyo Mountain.
- Cultural Experience: Interaction with local Andean communities along the way.
9. Choquequirao Trek
A long and challenging 4-day trek to the remote and lesser-known Incan site of Choquequirao.
- Remote Ruins: Visit the less-explored ancient Incan ruins of Choquequirao.
- Challenging Terrain: A challenging trek with steep ascents and descents.
- Less Touristy: A less touristy trail offering a more authentic experience.
10. Ancashcocha Lake Trek
A challenging 2-day trek to the beautiful and secluded Ancashcocha Lake.
- Secluded Beauty: An unspoiled lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains.
- Challenging Terrain: A challenging trek with steep ascents and descents.
- Wildlife Spotting: Potential sightings of unique Andean wildlife like the Andean condor.
11. Q'eswachaka Inca Bridge Trek
A short and easy trek to the traditional Q'eswachaka Inca Bridge.
- Traditional Bridge: Visit the only remaining traditional Inca bridge still in use.
- Easy Trek: A short and easy trek suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Cultural Experience: Interaction with local Andean communities along the way.
12. Llactapata Trek
A less crowded and more cultural trek leading to the ancient Incan site of Llactapata.
- Ancient Ruins: Visit the lesser-known but well-preserved Incan ruins of Llactapata.
- Less Crowded: A less touristy trail compared to the more popular Inca Trail.
- Cultural Experience: Interaction with local Andean communities along the way.
13. Santa Teresa Canyon Trek
A day trek to the beautiful Santa Teresa Canyon, offering stunning canyon views and waterfalls.
- Canyon Views: Stunning views of the deep and narrow Santa Teresa Canyon.
- Waterfalls: Encounter several beautiful waterfalls along the way.
- Day Trek: A day trek suitable for those with limited time or trekking experience.
14. Llactapata to Machu Picchu
An extended version of the Llactapata Trek, ending at the famous Machu Picchu.
- Ancient Ruins: Visit both the lesser-known Llactapata ruins and the world-famous Machu Picchu.
- Less Crowded: A less touristy trail offering a more authentic experience compared to the Inca Trail.
- Cultural Experience: Interaction with local Andean communities along the way.
15. Salkantay Pass to Humantay Lake Trek
A short and scenic trek to the beautiful Humantay Lake from the Salkantay Pass.
- Scenic Beauty: Stunning views of the snowcapped Salkantay peak and the turquoise Humantay Lake.
- Day Trek: A day trek suitable for those with limited time or trekking experience.
- Cultural Experience: Interaction with local Andean communities along the way.