Peru Treks

You can choose to camp or stay in sustainably-run mountain lodges thanks to the wide range of multi-day and alternative treks to Machu Picchu. Spectacularly scenic routes start as short as just one night, with much longer and more challenging routes to suit seasoned hikers.

With the exception of the seven day Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge trek group trek, all our our multi-day Peru treks are offered on a private basis only without fixed departure dates for maximum flexibility. Contact us to speak to locally-based experts for advice on the best Peru treks.

Enjoy the perfect balance between comfort and adventure with stunning lodge-to-lodge treks in Peru that take you off the beaten path. Choose between the Salkantay lodge-to-lodge route, a popular alternative trek to Machu Picchu with premium lodges, or high-altitude Ausangate with cozy community-run lodges in other-worldly landscapes with itineraries of different durations.

The Salkantay trail winds through 15 different eco-systems in the beautiful Cordillera Vilcabamba range, from snow-capped peaks to tropical vegetation. The level of luxury varies between lodges, but you can expect hot showers, Wi-Fi, gourmet meals and a massage or dip in an outdoor Jacuzzi to rest weary feet. Alternatively hike in the Ausangate region, south-east of Cusco, accompanied by llamas. A handful of simple lodges allow routes starting from just one night to the striking scenery of Rainbow Mountain.

Explore the picture-postcard beauty of the Andes with a wide range of multi-day camping treks in Peru. All of Aracari’s camping treks are led by expert guides and arrange on a private basis only – allowing you complete flexibility to start your hike any day of the week and walk at your pace. We set ourselves aside from other Peru trekking operators by offering unrivalled service, deluxe comfort and taking our social responsibility seriously. Choose between our two premium standards of service: Luxury Exploration trekking and Luxury VIP Trekking. Plump pillows, gourmet cuisine and extra luggage allowance are just some of the special touches to enjoy our alternative treks to Machu Picchu.

The Salkantay trek is the most popular alternative to trek to the Inca trail, taking the same duration with a glimpse of the iconic ruins from the last campsite, while the shorter Lares trek passes traditional village communities. There are Peru treks to suit all time-frames and fitness levels.

Aracari’s private camping treks offer exacting standards for discerning travelers looking to hike in Peru without compromising on comfort. All our private camping treks use first-class equipment and expert guides. We offer two standards of service and comfort level. We like to think of our Luxury Exploration Trekking as ‘appropriate luxury’, balancing adventurous hiking with premium comfort. Alternatively, our Luxury VIP Trekking provides the most luxurious trekking possible in Peru – splurge on luxury upgrades like a dedicated massage tent and chef-prepared afternoon apertifs. Regardless of the level of luxury you opt for, all meals can be adapted for your needs – be that gluten-free vegan or having a cake whipped up in the remote mountains to celebrate a birthday by your private chef. Responsible travel is core to our philosophy and we take the social responsibility and conditions of our staff seriously, paying above-average wages

Luxury Exploration Trekking

Premium camping for discerning travelers looking to balance authenticity and comfort. Expect details like:

• First-rate equipment 4-season EUREKA tents
• Warm showers available on all routes (except the Inca trail)
• Three-person tents used for just two for extra space
• Inflatable (not foam) mattresses, pillows and hot water bottles
• Chef-prepared meals, served with linen and glassware (not plastic)
• Sleeping bags available in different sizes and thickness to suit the climate
• Private ecological toilet tents

Day treks in Peru take you across varied and exciting terrain. From exquisite glacial lakes to remote ruins, there are half day and full day hikes to suit all ability levels. Whether you’re looking for just a taste of adventure or a warm-up to a more challenging, multi-day hike, our private day treks are all arranged on a private basis to hike at your pace.

On our hikes we arrange gourmet pop-up picnics in secret locations in the middle of the countryside, besides glistening lakes and in the shadows of breathtaking mountains. All short treks can be combined with other exciting adventure activities – from mountain biking to stand up paddle boarding – as part of a private, tailormade trip.

In addition to our top day treks below in the Cusco and Sacred Valley, we also offer privately guided hikes to hidden corners of Peru, such as a full day hike to the impressive waterfall of Goctoa in Northern Peru, or a full day hike in Colca to the little-known pre-Incan fortress of Chimpa for views of Colca Canyon.

Just like Peru, neighboring Bolivia similarly draws hikers to its fantastic mountain landscapes. The capital La Paz makes for a great launch pad for day and multi-day hikes. Elsewhere, the countryside surrounding Sucre offers charming hikes to visit traditional rural weaving villages. Contact us to speak to an expert travel consultant for more information on the best Bolivia treks.

Palca Canyon – Full Day
With views of the Illimani Mountain towering in the distance, this trek takes you past farming village and impressive rock formations in Spirit Valley. The day hike ends in the village of Palca.

Potolo & Maragua – Full Day
Towards the northwest of Sucre lays the Cordillera de los Frailes mountain range, home to the Jalq’a ethnic group and their traditional weaving villages. Day hike trails of differing difficulties allow you to visit these communities, optionally hiking in the crater of Maragua – noteworthy for the dinosaur footprints embedded in the terrain.

The Choro Trek – 3D/2N
Thanks to its close proximity to La Paz and its variety of scenery, the Choro trek is a popular trek from La Paz in the Cordillera Mountain Range. Once forming part of the extensive Incan trail network, this challenging trail leads you from high-altitude, snowy, mountain peaks down into the semi-tropical climes of the Yungas valley, camping en route.

Head to one of the top mountain lodges in the Cordillera Blanca and use it as a base to explore the best of the region or simply soak up the fresh mountain air. Our five day, four night itinerary Exploring the Cordillera Blanca is a great way to enjoy the region, basing yourself at the welcoming Llanganuco Mountain Lodge.

Laguna 69
The most popular day trek in the Cordillera Blanca takes you to Laguna 69, the crown jewel of the region. A relatively rigorous out-and-back trek, you’ll hike through lush meadows to reach the picture-perfect stunning turquoise glacier lake.

Churup Lake
Another of the most popular day treks, this is also a moderately difficult hike with a tough final ascent on a rock wall at the end for added adventure to reach this dazzling lake. Visit as a day trip from a nearby lodge – Churup Mountain Lodge is the closest.

Llangaunco Lake
The launch pad for the Laguna 69 trek, Lllanganuco Lake is a great day hike if you’re staying at nearby Llanganuco Lodge. The lake also attracts non-hikers who can rent small row boats to paddle out onto the lake.

One of the best trekking routes in the world, the Santa Cruz trek takes in turquoise lakes, meadows of wildflowers and snow-capped peaks that make the Cordillera Blanca a haven for hikers. The Santa Cruz trek is four days, with the option to add on an extra day for a side-trip to Laguna 69. Although at altitude, the trek is relatively easy with the option to rent donkeys, so is a great option for adventurous families looking to trek in Peru.