Hiking in Peru

Peru’s vast and varied terrain makes it a joy for hikers to explore. There’s so much biodiversity here and nature lovers are confronted with all sorts of possibilities when it comes to choosing a long or short trek they might enjoy while on a trip to Peru. Some hikes can be accomplished with a friend or in small groups without a guide. Others demand the presence of someone who knows the terrain including where it’s safe to wander and where it’s not.

Some treks are quite challenging while others can be completed by anyone who is in relatively good condition. Most provide an amazing look at Peru’s natural surroundings, but some also lead to some of the most amazing archaeological sites in the world. Which you choose will depend on what you’re hoping to see and what your level of fitness might be.

Hiking/trekking is best accomplished during the dry season – May to September - in the Andes Mountains, but other parts of the country may be perfectly fine for hiking during the wet months.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

By far the most popular hike in Peru, this one gets very crowded, especially during the peak tourist season during the dry months of the year. Only a certain number of people – 500 each day - are allowed on the trail so reservations must be secured before you arrive, sometimes as much as 6 months in advance. (You must go through an approved operator to get a trail pass.)  But if you do manage to secure a spot on the trail, don’t expect a lot of peace and quiet and time to absorb the area’s natural beauty. There’ll be too many people sharing the space with you!

Seasoned hikers understand, however, that there are some alternate routes to this standard four-day trip. Try the Inca Jungle Trail which starts at Abra Malaga and works its way through Santa Maria and Santa Teresa on its way to Machu Picchu. Also remember that there are hundreds more miles of the Inca Trail available for exploration. Talk to an outfitter if you wish to explore a less-busy portion of this famous route.

Arequipa area

If you’d like to try your hand at some canyon trekking, the Arequipa region is calling your name. The most popular hikes here at to Colca Canyon or Cotahuasi Canyon. Colca, the 2^nd deepest canyon in the world, is particularly enticing and hiking here is easier than in the highlands because it doesn’t present the dangers present when hiking the higher altitudes, especially debilitating altitude sickness. Furthermore, if you must visit when its rainy season in the Andes, you’ll find that – in contrast - Colca is quite wonderful during this time of year. Hiking between the area’s rural villages is delightful.

The Cotahuasi Canyon – which is deeper than Colca by about 150 meters – is a bit more rugged and will need to be explored with an experienced guide. Treks of this sort are only offered during the dry season.

Huaraz’ Cordillera Blanca

Another popular hike is found just outside the north central city of Huaraz. The standard hike for this area takes about four days and is best accomplished by experienced hikers who are used to high altitude treks. The journey begins at Llanganuco and travels to Santa Cruz through the Punta Union pass. Really hearty trekkers can choose a route that travels further north around the 6000m Alpamayo peak. That route will take at least a week to complete.

Setting Up a Hike

It’s best to set up your hiking itineraries before you get to Peru, if possible. You’ll find plenty of outfitters in Cuzco, Huaraz, and Arequipa that can provide guides, equipment, and anything else you might need for your journey. Remember, guides are a MUST on some routes; other routes – both long and short – are DIY. However, it’s always helpful to be with a local, especially in areas that might be unsafe for foreigners.

Be sure to have some good topographic maps on hand and ask the outfitter with whom you arranged your tour what other things you’ll need for your trek. Also consider joining the South American Explorers Club, which can provide visitors with a wealth of information about exploring the trails of Peru. (www.saexplorers.org)

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