Hiking In Peru: One Trail, a Thousand Stories

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Hiking In Peru: One Trail, a Thousand Stories

17 Jul 2025

It was just a random Saturday evening — a casual hangout at my friend Elena’s place (you might remember her from the piece where she shared her hiking experience in Nepal). We do these get-togethers every now and then, but somehow, that night felt different.

We ended up spending over three hours listening to her stories from a recent hiking trip to Peru — the mountains, Machu Picchu, donkeys, amazing food… The kind of tales that make you want to drop everything, open Google, and start checking flights.

And you know what? It turns out the best time for hiking in Peru is actually right now — the season lasts for about four months, from June through the end of September. So I thought, why not tell you a bit more about the place,? Who knows, maybe you were just Googling where to travel from Dubai this summer… There is still time before September rolls around!

Which trek to choose?

Peru has five main trekking routes — each varying in difficulty, altitude, length, and destination. But do all these multi-day hikes in Peru actually include Machu Picchu? And how are these hiking trails in Peru different from one another? Let’s break it down.

Inca Trail — This is the most iconic hiking trail in Peru, following the original Inca path to Machu Picchu. It is moderately difficult, takes about 4 days to complete, covers 42 kilometres, and ends with the legendary arrival at the Sun Gate. Highest point: 4,215 metres.

Salkantay Trek — This trail is ideal for fans of dramatic landscapes. It lasts 4 to 5 days, spans 72 kilometres, and is considered challenging. It finishes in Aguas Calientes, right at the base of Machu Picchu. Highest point: 4,650 metres.

Lares Trek — This trail is less about crowds and more about culture. You will pass through Andean villages, stay in local homes, and still enjoy beautiful natural scenery. It takes 3 to 5 days, covers 33 to 40 kilometres, and ends with a train ride to Machu Picchu. Highest point: 4,400 metres.

Ausangate Trek — This trail is the most remote and extreme of the bunch, best suited for experienced hikers. It doesn’t lead to Machu Picchu, but you will get raw natural beauty, glaciers, and Rainbow Mountain. It takes 5 to 7 days and covers around 70 to 75 kilometres. Highest point: 5,200 metres.

Choquequirao Trek — This is the most physically demanding option. It lasts anywhere from 4 to 9 days, covers over 64 kilometres, and takes you to the ancient ruins of Choquequirao — even larger than Machu Picchu and with almost no tourists. Highest point: approximately 3,300 metres.

Salkantay Trek: Highlights from the insider

Sure, this quick breakdown gives you the facts — distances, altitudes, days — but does it really make choosing a trek any easier? Not really. And since I haven’t done one myself, I couldn’t give you a personal recommendation. So, I turned to someone who’s actually been. What route did Elena take, and what was it really like? Let’s find out.

— How did you decide on your trekking route?

— To be honest, I didn’t have a specific route in mind at first. I just knew I wanted to see Machu Picchu and do a proper hike at the same time. So I looked at what was available around my dates and ended up choosing the Salkantay Trek in Peru. The package also included a city tour in Lima and a Rainbow Mountain Peru hike.

The whole trip lasted about six days, though the main hiking portion was four. We started in Cusco — about 3,400 metres above sea level — and spent two days adjusting to the altitude with some local excursions. After that, we were driven to the base camp where the Salkantay Trek officially begins. On the first day, we reached around 3,800 metres, then hiked up to the lakes at 4,200 metres — that was our acclimatisation day. That night, we stayed in glass-roofed lodges with no heating, sleeping under the stars. It was absolutely breathtaking.

— Is the trek difficult?

— It is definitely not the easiest. The trail starts off manageable, but then you hit a steep, steady climb. What makes it even tougher is the terrain — there is no proper path, just a narrow, rocky trail winding through the mountains.

Each trekking day lasts from early morning until evening. One thing that makes it especially challenging is how the landscape constantly changes. Some days, you are going up and down so much that it is hard to find a steady rhythm or keep your breathing consistent. There is no flat, predictable terrain.

Compared to other treks — like in Nepal, where everything is well-organised with stairs and proper rest stops — Salkantay feels much wilder. At one point during the descent, it started to rain and the trail basically turned into a mudslide.

— Everyone says Peru is beautiful. But what does that actually mean? What does it look like?

— The descent is where it really hits you. You walk about 16 kilometres downhill, and the altitude drops a lot. Along the way, you go through four totally different ecosystems — from tundra and high mountain zones to cloud forest and then jungle. The change is so intense, it feels like you’re walking through different worlds.

Peru is just amazing — one of those countries that still holds on to its culture. Everything feels old in a good way. People wear traditional clothes, and you see llamas and alpacas just walking around. And the food? Honestly, it’s so good. You have to try the ceviche — it is absolutely incredible. The tres leches dessert is also really good. And as strange as it might sound, you should try alpaca meat. For me, the trip felt like a reset. A chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and take in all the little things — the views, the people, the food. It all just worked together so well.

— Was it comfortable during the trek? What does the infrastructure look like?

— There wasn’t much in terms of infrastructure, but that is kind of what I expected — and it actually made the whole experience feel more real. We stayed in lodges, which already felt like a win compared to camping. They were pretty basic — small, not super clean, but honestly, totally fine.

The best part? You don’t need to carry a sleeping bag or mat — the lodges give you warm blankets and whatever you need. Some even had hot showers.

How to prepare for hiking in Peru?

Experienced hikers say your trek starts long before the actual flight — in the gym! We have already covered the key things when it comes to physical preparation before heading into the mountains, but here is a quick recap of the essentials.

First — it is all about building stamina. You are not trying to bulk up, but to boost your endurance. Think long, steady workouts: running, cycling, swimming — anything that gets your heart pumping and strengthens your cardio.
Second — most people struggle with their legs, simply because we don’t walk much in daily life. That is why it is important to add incline walks or uphill runs into your routine.
Third — many hikers say that going downhill is actually harder than climbing up. That is where squats come in. They won’t prepare you 100%, but they will give your muscles a taste of what to expect and help you feel more stable on steep descents.

I was training almost every day — a mix of interval sessions and endurance workouts to help manage my heart rate at high altitudes and make the climb a little easier. I can’t say it helped dramatically, but I did make it to the top.

The way down, though, was a whole other challenge. I had injured my leg in Nepal, and I guess it hadn’t fully healed. On the way down, my knee started hurting again, and eventually I had to rent a horse. And yes — that is actually an option if you are really struggling. It was absolutely terrifying. Way more adrenaline than any rollercoaster I have ever been on.— Elena

What to pack for hiking in Peru?

When it comes to packing, your best bet is to stick to the guide’s checklist. It usually covers everything you might need — even for the things you didn’t think to expect.

A few items on the list really surprised me.

Tissues — sounds random, but trust me, with the wind and cold, a runny nose is almost guaranteed.
A small mirror — you would be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Swimsuit — mountains is the place where you think you will never take your jacket off. But Peru actually has hot springs — especially in Aguas Calientes — so having a swimsuit with you is totally worth it.

Make sure to pack altitude sickness tablets — the elevation is no joke. A lot of people in our group started feeling unwell. I got lucky and didn’t experience it myself, but the pills really helped others.
I would also recommend bringing elastic bandages, just in case of a sprain or any kind of leg injury, and definitely pack a pain relief cream for your legs — it makes a big difference.
Mosquito repellent is a must, and so is sunscreen — you can get burned in seconds up there. And trekking poles? Absolute game changers. They made the hike so much easier. One more thing: it gets seriously cold at the mountain pass, so don’t forget to bring warm layers.— Elena

by Barbara Yakimchuk