Trekking in Perú

The Best Treks to Machu Picchu and Across Peru

Discover unforgettable trekking routes through the Andes, from the legendary Inca Trail to alternative adventures such as Salkantay, Lares, Ausangate and Huchuy Qosqo.

Hiking Adventures

Find the Right Trek for Your Peru Adventure

Peru offers some of the most spectacular trekking routes in South America. Walk along ancient Inca paths, cross high mountain passes, visit traditional Andean communities and arrive at archaeological sites surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Whether you prefer a short hike to Machu Picchu, a classic multi-day route or a remote mountain adventure, you will find an experience designed for your schedule and level of preparation.

Popular Treks in Cusco

classic inca trail to machu picchu

Inca Trail or Alternative Trek?

The traditional Inca Trail is ideal for travelers who want to walk along original Inca paths and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. However, permits are limited and can sell out several months in advance.

Alternative treks such as Salkantay, Lares, Ausangate and Huchuy Qosqo offer different landscapes, fewer hikers and greater departure flexibility.

RouteBest ForPermit
Inca TrailHistory and Machu Picchu entryRequired
Short Inca trailHistory and Machu Picchu entryRequired
SalkantayMountain sceneryNot usually limited
LaresCulture and communitiesNot required
AusangateRemote high-altitude adventureNot required
Help Me Choose a Trek

Important: Book your trek well in advance. Machu Picchu tickets are limited and often sell out, especially during the high season. Without a confirmed entrance ticket, your trek may not include a visit to Machu Picchu.

How to Prepare for a Trek in Peru

Trekking in the Andes requires good preparation, especially when routes reach high elevations. Spending time in Cusco before your trek can help your body adjust to the altitude.

Plan Your Trek

Arrive in Cusco at least two days before a demanding trek. Use this time to rest, hydrate and complete light activities.

Consider the number of days, daily walking distance, maximum elevation and amount of ascent before booking.

Mountain weather can change quickly. Bring layered clothing, rain protection, sun protection and suitable hiking footwear.

Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets are limited. Booking early gives you more date and circuit options.

Peru Trekking FAQs

The Classic Inca Trail is ideal for travelers looking for history and an arrival through the Sun Gate. The Short Inca Trail is better for limited time, while Salkantay offers dramatic mountain scenery.

Official Inca Trail routes require a government-issued permit. Many alternative routes do not use the same permit system, although local entrance fees may apply.

Yes. Solo travelers can contact us to check scheduled departures or request a private and customizable trekking experience.

Booking several months in advance is recommended, especially for travel during the popular dry-season months.

Reviews from our travelers

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At Pumadventures, our focus is on creating great travel experiences, and our travelers’ recommendations reflect the care we put into every journey.

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Reviews on Tripadvisor
Puma adventures making the impossible possible!

“To have custom care on a visit to Peru with sacred sites and shamans that were very knowledgeable, kind, and caring. They took time to find a place that I could go because I am compromised with breathing issues. They were able to make my dreams come true with ease and grace. Beautiful family, beautiful company highly recommend it. They took time to listen and care something. You can’t find often a beautiful place to stay. Their care of making breakfast in the morning and making sure we have hot water throughout the evening was very nice and thoughtful.”


Doreen G Feb 2026 • Friends
More Than a Tour

“The tour guides made this trip! There was far more to this adventure than the sites, though the sites were powerful. Along with Puma, Rebi and Neliba shared their experiences and led ceremonies snd rituals from the heart. The energies were often palpable. The accommodations were exceptional. Some participants had the energy to find time to enjoy the evenings in social gatherings. If you are highly affected by the energies and experiences you may wish to spend time assimilating.”


John C. Sep 2025
Life Changing

“Last year through Sacred Journeys, we met Puma and his family of medicine teachers. Since then we've been studying with his school and decided to go back this fall. We arranged our own tour with two of our good friend (they had an Andean wedding).The love, the intention, the teachings are incredible. I can't recommend strongly enough going on a trip with Puma Adventures. Life-changing!”


Rodney B Oct 2025
Puma Adventures

“Returning home after my incredible tour of Peru with Puma Adventures, my first thought was that I’d do it all over again! The itinerary was beautifully planned — a perfect blend of history, culture, and spiritual experiences. Our guides were passionate, knowledgeable, and truly brought Peru’s rich heritage to life. Everything ran smoothly and at a pace that let me take it all in. Thanks to Puma Adventures, I experienced Peru in a way I’ll never forget!”


Wynne R. Oct 2025
Exceeded our expectations in every way!

“Our trip with PumaAdventures exceeded our expectations in every way. Puma and his excellent team took us on an amazing journey of ancestral knowledge, sacred sites, local customs, and spiritual guidance, in a deep and meaningful way that we would have never accomplished on our own. He and his team are professional, organized, and efficient, but also kind, compassionate, generous, openhearted and living lives of teaching and service. This trip was an extraordinary journey - mentally, physically, and spiritually. We cannot recommend it highly enough. Do it for yourself!”


Lynn F. Oct 2025
Reviews on Trustpilot
The Puma Adventures family is awesome

“We just completed our 6th pilgrimage over 8 years with the Puma Adventure family in February 2026. Again it was an outstanding experience over our 12 day retreat and 3 days up at apu Ausangate. It was a big group we brought this time but the Puma team were prepared for everything and it went flawlessly. Our primary guides of Alfredo, Miguel, and Magally did an amazing job picking us up everyday at the retreat centre and guiding our crew through all the beautiful sites of the Sacred Valley and up into the mountains. Always supported by the kind friendly drivers and the support team of Rebellino, Puma and Jimmy. Always a joy to partner with this beautiful family and know that we are in goods hands as were journey through Peru.”


Darcy Kopas. Mar 30, 2026
Gracias!

“Gracias Alfredo for taking the time to listen and to share your wisdom with me. Gracias Rebelino for the wisdom shared by the Apu. Gracias Puma, Miguel, Magali y Flabio! In deep gratitude for the care, love, support and service you provided us during our Peru pilgrimage. An experience that will forever have a special place in my heart.”


Emma Robalino-Rivas. Apr 1, 2026
Pumadventures adds a personal touch and truly tends to its guests in every way.

“This was my second trip to visit Peru with Pumadventures and I highly recommend this fantastic group of people. The travel adventure is a perfect mix of experiencing the magical sites Peru has to offer, the guides are very knowledgeable, and each daily excursion offers exquisite and authentic shopping (supporting small business), as well as glorious meals. Shaman Puma and his family also offer a humbling and truly touching insight into their traditions and how to live in ceremony every day. This trip and visit to Peru will change your life!”


Melanie. Nov 3, 2025
A truly magical journey with Puma and…

“A truly magical journey with Puma and his family, full of ancient wisdom love and generosity. All the trips we took were thoughtfully organized and Alfredo and Magadaly were shared their vast knowledge of their lineage with love. I also felt extremely supported and held during our plant ceremonies! Gracias for an amazing wonderful experience! Hasta pronto! Elba”


Elba HeviayVaca. Aug 20, 2025
Being in the presence of Puma Fredy's awesomeness!

“Being in the presence of Puma Fredy's love and wisdom was the most important thing to me. Also being in the sacred land of Peru, sitting with medicine, meeting the other healers such as Mama Irene and don Sebastian. Listening to the music of Tito de la Rosa. Being with the amazing Shift Network team that include the guides Odon, Nelida and Rebelino, etc. Listening to Ali Maya, Lindsay Wise, Dr. Dan and Dr. Chris. All of this was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life! Also meeting the other like-minded participants who I've made relationships with. And last but not least, learning about myself!!”


Steve A Dec 22, 2022
Outstanding!!! Pumadventures is the most professional…

“Pumadventures is the most professional tour operating business I’ve ever experienced. Around 100 peoples needs needed to be met and they went above and beyond to look after our needs. They had enough guides to lead smaller groups and these guides were very knowledgeable especially Odon, the leader of my small group. PA is a really close family group and they all made us feel welcomed, safe and they really looked after our well being.”


June Stetar. Dec 23, 2022
Reviews on Google

“We did a fantastic private day tour with Pumaadventure. We choose the Sacred Valley Tour and had Nelida as tourguide and Jimmy as driver. We had an absolute amazing day together. This tour operador does an great job and we would recommend it to the fullest.”


A.R. Kuhn March 15, 2024

“Pure care, beauty, kindness, thoughtfulness & the most spectacular settings. I am infinitely grateful for the Pumadventures crew! ❤❤❤”


Darci Faulkner April 2, 2024

“Wonderful place for brunch with friends. Great service with live piano.”


Kevin Wayne May 12, 2024

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