Spanning the entire length of Peru, the Andes culminate at 6,768 m on Mount Huascarán, ensuring that every trail here involves high-altitude hiking. We organize our tours from two key hubs: Cusco (3,350 m), the starting point for Machu Picchu, and Huaraz (3,052 m), situated alongside the majestic glaciers of the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash.
From Cusco, the classic Inca Trail covers roughly 44 km of ancient stone paths, ascending Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,228 m before reaching the Sun Gate. As the best known alternative to the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek spans approximately 60 km, crossing a 4,630 m pass into high cloud forest without requiring permit caps. Farther south, trail routes around Ausangate navigate mountain passes approaching 5,000 m.
From Huaraz, every trip starts with two acclimatization days. The Santa Cruz route crosses Punta Unión at 4,750 m inside Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects about 3,400 km² of the world’s highest tropical range. The full Huayhuash loop walks 92 km over 8 passes, up to 5,057 m.
Where you sleep sets each itinerary apart on our Peru trekking tours. Traditional camp routes use double tents with a dedicated support crew, as porters or horses move your duffel bag. Meanwhile, lodge and mountain huts across Salkantay or Ausangate provide real beds at the end of the day.
It’s also important to consider the calendar: the ideal window for hiking in Peru runs from April to October, while the Inca Trail shuts every February for routine work.
