Without a doubt, Cusco is one of the most fascinating destinations you can visit in Peru. One of the main activities tourists love is trekking, but which is the best trail for this? Given the variety of available options, you may have doubts about the best trekking routes in Cusco.
The good news is that while there are many must-see trails, you have the opportunity to choose between short and long routes and make the most of your visit. Among the many options available, you’ll find Lares, Rainbow Mountain, and much more.
Why Should You Go Trekking in Cusco?
The truth is that this is a unique opportunity to take your trip to the next level. So, if your bags are already packed but you still need to plan your options, read this blog and discover where to go trekking in Cusco!
Trekking Routes in Cusco: Short and Long Options
Most people who decide to visit this beautiful destination in Peru wonder what to do in Cusco, and the top option is, without a doubt, trekking. This activity consists of hiking or walking along natural trails. The outdoor experience that Cusco offers is majestic, which is why many tourists travel specifically for trekking.
Now, depending on your needs and experience with long hikes, it is advisable to see which trekking routes in Cusco are the best fit for you. Currently, there is a variety of trails that you will fall in love with, thanks to their natural beauty.
In this blog, we want to share with you the top trekking routes in Cusco, both short and long, to help you make an informed decision. In the following sections, we provide detailed information on the following trails:
- Lares
- Choquequirao
- Ausangate
- Inca Trail
- Salkantay
- Rainbow Mountain
- Humantay Lagoon
- Palccoyo
Short Routes
As we highlighted earlier, we want to help you find the best trekking routes in Cusco, so let's start with the short ones. This option is ideal if you don’t have much time or extensive hiking experience. Let’s take a look!
Palccoyo
If you’re looking for trekking routes in Cusco that are easy to hike yet breathtaking, you must visit Palccoyo. This destination was once submerged under a shallow sea. Over time, erosion and multiple sediment layers created colorful strata, which, due to tectonic plate movement, were gradually pushed upward.
Palccoyo’s most remarkable feature is its three rainbow mountains, where you can admire hues of blue, ochre red, and green. This natural wonder was only discovered in 2017. If you want to take this short trekking route in Cusco, here are some important details to know:
- Why choose this route?
- Three rainbow mountains.
- Vast Andean landscapes.
- Stone Forest.
- Checacupe Bridges.
- Elevation: 4,900 meters above sea level (lower altitude than Rainbow Mountain).
- Difficulty: Moderate, but the easiest of all trekking routes in Cusco.
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- Distance: Approximately 3 kilometers.
Additional information:
- Witnessing the vast red valley is a unique experience, especially against the contrast of the sky.
Humantay Lagoon
One of the must-visit trekking routes in Cusco is the Humantay Lagoon. Not only is it a stunning location with vibrant turquoise-green waters, but it is also a sacred place for locals.
This lagoon has ancient origins, and during the Inca period, it was a strategic site for trails and settlements. Here are some key details to consider for trekking to Humantay Lagoon:
- Why choose this route?
- View of the Salkantay Glacier.
- Intensely turquoise-colored lagoons.
- Elevation: 4,200 meters above sea level.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.
- Distance: 5 kilometers.
Additional information:
- During your visit, you can witness a ceremony held in honor of Mother Earth.
Rainbow Mountain (Montaña 7 Colores)
Rainbow Mountain is one of the most popular trekking routes in Cusco. Due to erosion, the composition of various minerals, and climatic conditions, this terrain stands out for its vibrant colors and sedimentary layers.
Although this destination was already known to locals, it wasn’t until 2006 that tourists began visiting the mountain more frequently. If you decide to take this fascinating route, here are some key aspects to consider:
- Why choose this route?
- Panoramic views of the mountain range.
- Mountains displaying white, green, red, yellow, turquoise, and lavender hues.
- Wildlife.
- Elevation: 5,200 meters above sea level.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.
- Distance: 5 kilometers.
Additional information:
- On the slopes of the mountain, you can see llamas and alpacas grazing.
Long Routes
Just as there are incredibly scenic short trekking routes in Cusco, there are also longer options that offer a more immersive experience. Let’s explore which ones you can take on.
Choquequirao
If you’re looking for a longer and more challenging trekking adventure in Cusco, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit Choquequirao. This ancient city remained hidden from humanity for nearly 400 years. Today, it is considered an archaeological site full of mystery.
One of the unique aspects of this destination is that it is among the most complex trekking routes in Cusco in terms of access. Here are some key considerations for your visit:
- Why choose this route?
- Archaeological site of great historical and touristic significance.
- Stunning views of the Andes Mountain Range.
- Unique flora and fauna of the region.
- Elevation: 3,033 meters above sea level.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
- Duration: Routes range from 4 to 9 days.
- Distance: An average of 8.8 kilometers per day, with some longer sections reaching up to 11 kilometers.
Additional information:
- Since the only way to reach this site is on foot, the route has few visitors, ensuring a peaceful trekking experience.
- The ideal season for this trek is during the dry season.
Ausangate
The Ausangate Glacier is one of the most stunning trekking routes in Cusco. It is also known as “The Creator of Waters” due to the massive natural glacier that gave rise to the Ausangate Lagoons.
Locals believe this place embodies the masculine energy that provides fertility to Pachamama. It is worth noting that this breathtaking site was explored by German expeditions between 1953 and 1966. Here are some key details to consider for this route:
- Why choose this route?
- Rich cultural diversity.
- Pacchanta hot springs.
- Native wildlife, such as the vicuña and Andean fox.
- Elevation: 4,800 meters above sea level. The glacier itself reaches an altitude of 6,384 meters above sea level.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Duration: From 2 to approximately 7 days. If you're only visiting the lakes, there are one-day options available.
- Distance: Around 11 kilometers per day, with some longer trekking days reaching up to 16.5 kilometers.
Additional information:
- It is recommended to visit during the dry season.
- Various adventure sports can be practiced in this area.
Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is one of the most sought-after trekking routes in Cusco. This trail holds immense historical significance, as it was part of an extensive network of roads that connected the former Inca Empire.
From the very beginning, the route is breathtaking, featuring archaeological sites of great value and offering incredible views of the Andean Mountain Range. Here are some key aspects of this trail:
- Why choose this route?
- View of the Patallacta archaeological complex.
- Rustic stone constructions.
- Scenic landscapes of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
- Elevation: 4,200 meters above sea level.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
- Duration: Routes can take up to 4 days.
If you're looking for a shorter trek, check out our 2-Day Inca Trail Tour with Camping.
- Distance: The full Inca Trail spans approximately 40 kilometers.
Additional information:
- This is a direct trekking route to Machu Picchu.
- The trail remains closed in February for maintenance.
Lares
Lares is one of the lesser-known trekking routes in Cusco, yet it is one of the most highly recommended. Its breathtaking Andean landscapes make it an excellent option for excursions. This route dates back to the colonial era, around the year 1857.
In 1958, the area experienced a significant natural event when a landslide caused the Yanatile River to shift. However, today, it is a must-visit stop for many travelers. Here are some key aspects of this route:
- Why choose this route?
- Unique hot springs in the region.
- Cultural preservation of the Ancient Inca Empire.
- Native flora and fauna.
- Elevation: 3,150 meters above sea level.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Duration: There are two main trekking routes:
- Classic route to Machu Picchu (4 days).
- Route connecting to the Inca Trail (5 days).
- Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers of hiking per day.
- Additional information:
- It is recommended to trek during the dry season.
- The landscapes are stunning, and you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local Quechua-speaking inhabitants.
Salkantay
Our list of recommended trekking routes in Cusco concludes with Salkantay—a must if you want to make the most of your trip. For the ancient Incas, this destination was known as the "Wild" or "Indomitable Mountain", believed to be an Apu Sagrado (Sacred Mountain) with great spiritual power.
While the history of the region’s early inhabitants dates back centuries, it is said that Hiram Bingham was the first to visit Salkantay in 1902. Regarding the trek itself, here are some key details:
- Why choose this route?
- A variety of landscapes, from lush green valleys to breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains.
- Elevation: 6,271 meters above sea level.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
- Duration:
- Standard trek: 5 to 7 days.
- Shorter versions: 3 or 2 days.
If you're looking for a shorter trek, check out our 2-Day, 1-Night Humantay Lagoon & Salkantay Tour.
- Distance: The route covers approximately 74 kilometers.
Additional information:
- The route is closed in February for maintenance.
- It is an ideal trek for travelers in good physical condition.
Useful Tips for Short and Long Trekking Routes in Cusco
As you’ve seen, there are plenty of trekking routes in Cusco to choose from. However, before deciding on your itinerary, we’d like to share some useful tips to help you make the most of your adventure. Pay close attention!
- Beware of the climate: The high altitude in Cusco can be challenging for many travelers. The best recommendation is to spend a few days in the city beforehand to acclimatize before starting any trekking route.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Since it’s a mountain climate, sudden weather changes are common. We recommend dressing in layers to stay warm. Also, bring gloves, a scarf, and a hat.
- Use comfortable footwear: If you're planning to trek, make sure your shoes are designed for hiking. Keep in mind that trail conditions can be unstable depending on the season.
- Apply sunscreen: Even if the sky is cloudy, UV rays are more intense in the mountains. Bring a high-SPF sunscreen (+30 SPF).
- Stay hydrated and eat well: Carry enough water for the trek, along with healthy snacks to help maintain your energy levels throughout the hike.
- Train beforehand: If you’re not used to long hikes, it's crucial to prepare physically beforehand to complete your chosen trekking route successfully.
Conclusion
As you've seen, trekking routes in Cusco offer an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in Peru’s breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you choose a short or long trek, each route has unique features that can take your travel experience to the next level. We recommend carefully reviewing all the options we've shared with you today.
Remember that it’s always important to acclimate before starting a trek. That’s why we recommend checking out our list of things to do in Cusco that will interest you while you get ready for the adventure.
Plus, if you’re unsure how to travel to Cusco and have an unforgettable time, Gurú Explorers has you covered! We offer the best tours so you can make the most of every second in Cusco!