Hikes in Peru
Hikes in Peru range from a point-to-point trek on Inca stone stairs to a full loop through the Cordillera Huayhuash, all described as strenuous, very strenuous, or high-altitude. The three routes here share an official dry season from May to September, and they differ in route type, length, and in who manages the land they cross.
This collection brings together three long routes in the Peruvian Andes. Two of them, the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek, are point-to-point treks that finish near Machu Picchu in the Cusco region. The third, the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit, is a loop that runs for many days through high mountain terrain. What ties them together is altitude and effort: every route crosses a high pass, and each is rated strenuous or harder. They also share the same dry-season window, which makes planning around May to September the common thread for any trip.
The routes at a glance
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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu · Andes · Cusco, Peru
The Inca Trail is a four-day thru-hike to Machu Picchu, rated strenuous because of a high-altitude pass and steep Inca stone stairs. Its high point is Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). It suits walkers who want a historic route and are comfortable with a trail managed by the Peru Ministry of Culture and SERNANP.
- Distance
- ~42 km / 26 mi, 4-day point-to-point trek
- Difficulty
- Strenuous (high-altitude pass, steep Inca stone stairs)
- Official season
- May to September (dry season); the trail traditionally closes in February for maintenance
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Salkantay Trek · Andes · Cusco, Peru
The Salkantay Trek is a point-to-point route of roughly 74 km (46 mi) over about five days, running from Mollepata/Soraypampa to Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu. Its maximum altitude is around 4,600 m (15,090 ft) at the Salkantay Pass, and it is described as strenuous and high-altitude. It suits hikers ready for sustained climbing and thin air.
- Distance
- ~74 km (46 mi) total over ~5 days, point-to-point from Mollepata/Soraypampa to Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu
- Difficulty
- Strenuous / high-altitude
- Official season
- May to September (dry season)
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Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit · Andes · Peru
The Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit is a loop of roughly 120-130 km, typically walked over 8-14 days depending on the variant. It is rated very strenuous and high-altitude, crossing four passes above 4,270 m (14,000 ft), with the highest passes close to 5,000 m. Local communities manage the area, and it is the longest and most demanding of these routes.
- Distance
- ~120-130 km for the full circuit, typically walked over 8-14 days depending on the route variant taken
- Difficulty
- Very strenuous / high-altitude
- Official season
- May to September (dry season)
How to choose between them
Start with route type and time. The Inca Trail is a four-day thru-hike, the Salkantay Trek is a point-to-point route of about five days, and the Huayhuash Circuit is a loop that can take 8-14 days. Then consider effort: the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek are strenuous, while the Huayhuash Circuit is very strenuous, with average daily gain and loss exceeding 1,000 m. Finally, think about who manages the route, since the Inca Trail falls under the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP, Salkantay under regional authorities, and Huayhuash under local communities. Check each manager for current access rules.
When to go
All three routes share an official season of May to September, which is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes. That overlap means the choice between them rarely comes down to timing within the year. The Inca Trail has an extra note: it traditionally closes in February for maintenance, so it is not a route to plan around that month. Because dates, closures, and access rules can change, confirm current details with each managing authority before committing to a trip.
Common questions
Which hikes in Peru are covered here?
This collection covers three routes: the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek, and the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit. Two are point-to-point treks ending near Machu Picchu, and one is a multi-day loop through the Huayhuash range.
When is the official season for these Peru hikes?
All three list May to September, the dry season, as their official season. The Inca Trail also traditionally closes in February for maintenance. Confirm current dates with each managing authority, since they can change.
Are these hikes difficult?
Yes. The Inca Trail is rated strenuous, with a high-altitude pass and steep stone stairs. The Salkantay Trek is strenuous and high-altitude. The Huayhuash Circuit is very strenuous and high-altitude, with several high passes.
Which route is a loop and which are point-to-point?
The Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit is a loop. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Trek are point-to-point routes, with the Salkantay Trek running from Mollepata/Soraypampa to Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu.
Sources
Facts come from each route's official managing authority, linked on its trail guide:
- Peru Ministry of Culture / SERNANP — machupicchu.gob.pe (official Machu Picchu site, Peru Ministry of Culture) (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu)
- Regional authorities — machupicchu.gob.pe (official Machu Picchu site, Peru Ministry of Culture) (Salkantay Trek)
- Local communities — gob.pe/sernanp (SERNANP, Peru protected areas agency) (Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit)
Conditions, permits and access rules change without notice — confirm current information with each managing authority before you go. See our editorial policy.