Peru is a true trekking and hiking paradise. Practically all of the sierra include trekking routes of various degrees of difficulty.
Many are still unexplored and await those who wish to walk the magical trails of the Peruvian Andes. The pre-Colombian roads of Peru offer endless possibilities and the ideal combination for trekkers of all levels of experience.
However, large parts of the hiking regions are more or less unpoliced and the trekkers are on their own. Every season a few trekkers are robbed, and even more get lost. The safest option is to join local tour organizers who provide guided trekking tours.
Hiking The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous trekking route and possibly one of the most spectacular in the Americas. Every year, some 25,000 hikers from around the world walk along the extraordinary 43 km of this stone-paved road built by the Incas leading to Machu Picchu.
The journey starts in the village of Qorihuayrachina and takes three or four days of good walking. The route includes an impressive variety of altitudes, climates and ecosystems that range from the high Andean plain to the cloud forest. Travelers will cross two high passes to culminate with a magical entrance to Machu Picchu through the Inti Punko or Gateway of the Sun.
Many travel agencies sell packages to trek the Inca Trail that include meals, camping gear and porter services.
The Huayhuash Circuit
Arguably one of the most beatiful hikes in the world, the Huayhuash (pronounced "why wash") Circuit takes you over the Punta Coyoc pass at 5,490m (18,012ft) and close to Peru’s second highest summit, the Yerupaja (6634m or 21,765ft). You will find non-stop vistas as the entire Circuit is above the treeline, see condors and other wild birds, and can take a bath in the fantastic natural hotsprings half way round the Circuit.
Trekking is almost always undertaken in the dry winter months of May to September, and the large town of Huaraz is the usual choice for a base.
The entire Circuit takes 10 to 14 days for 140km (87mi). Shorter routes are of course possible, but in any case this is not an easy hike. The greatest danger is altitude sickness because long parts are over 4,600m (15,092ft). Evacuation is difficult, and you will be much safer if you hire an experienced local trekking company to organize your trip.
