5 Best Multi-Day Hikes In Cusco, Peru That You Must Do!
This article was authored by George Alvarez.
The heart of the ancient Inca kingdom, Cusco is already well-known by travelers who are planning their trips around Peru.
Famous for its crumbling ruins, baroque architecture and delicious cuisine, it’s easy to spend over a week here as you begin to explore every nook and cranny.
However the region itself is also home to many unbelievable multi-day hikes, where you can really get off the grid and experience some truly memorable Andean sceneries.
In this guide we’ll take a look at the very best multi-day treks which you can experience around the Cusco region. We’ll also explore how to properly prepare and choose the right season for your trek.
Things To Know Before You Go Hiking Around Cusco
Choosing The Right Season For You
It’s important to know that there are two main hiking seasons around Cusco, which are more or less the same for all of the different mountains here.
Firstly we have the dry season which begins in May and lasts until October. With virtually no rainfall and clear-blue skies, it is by far the most popular time to come trekking here.
Temperatures will be cooler this time of year so you’ll want to bring extra layers. Please note that the dry season has more tourists, and as such on some treks (like the Inca Trail) you’ll need to book at least 6 months in advance to guarantee your spot.
Then we have the wet season, which runs from November until April. Rainfall and misty skies are frequent during this time, and treks may be closed or only recommended for experts as conditions become more difficult (such as the closure of the Inca Trail in February).
Despite this there are benefits of hiking during this period, which includes less crowds as well as more wildlife and beautiful green trails due to the extra rains.
Packing Properly For Your Trek
Regardless if you are visiting during the wet or dry season, you’re going to need a range of layers when you go hiking around Cusco.
During the daytime temperatures can feel hot as the sun is more intense, and especially during the dry season with clearer skies. It’s a good idea to have thin layers and to wear lots of sunscreen.
In the evenings, temperatures drop rapidly, so make sure to bring a thick coat and jumpers ready. A poncho will also be a must if heading during the wet season!
You’ll also need appropriate camping gear such as a thermal sleeping bag, hiking poles and a warm tent when heading on multi-day treks like those of the Inca Trail and Ausangate Trek.
The benefit here is that certain local hiking companies like AB Expeditions include all of these during their tours, so you’ll only need to worry about packing the right clothes.
Preparing For High Altitudes
Located up at 3399m above sea-level, Cusco itself can cause a few mild altitude sickness symptoms. However on some treks we can go even higher, so it’s important to gradually prepare your body beforehand.
The easiest way is to spend at least 48 hours in Cusco acclimating before starting any treks, where you can do some walks to get used to the higher altitudes.
You can also buy different altitude sickness medications to prevent unwanted symptoms occurring along the trek (such as nausea and headaches). Diamox tablets and Soroche Pills are very popular, whilst Coca Leaves are the locals’ tried-and-tested method.
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The 5 Best Multi-Day Hikes In Cusco
1. The 4 Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Hike
If experiencing ancient archaeological sites is a must for you, then heading along the original Inca Trail is a fantastic option when in Cusco.
Measuring 43km in total, whilst on the 4 Day Inca Trail Hike you’ll walk the same stone steps that they once did, exploring incredible ruins such as Wiñay Wayna, Sayaqmarca and Intipata along the way.
You may also spot local wildlife too if you’re lucky, such as Alpacas, Spectacled Bears as well as the emblematic Cock-of-the-rock bird.
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2. The 3 Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
If Inca ruins are a top priority for you, then you’ll be able to see many throughout the Cusco region (both around the city and on famous treks like the Inca Trail).
However if you want to visit ruins with virtually no other tourists around, then you’ll want to head on the 3 Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek. This incredible site has a picturesque background of Andean peaks, which you’ll hike through to reach the site.
You’ll also meet local indigenous communities along the way as you learn more about the traditions of the local region.
3. The 4 Day Ausangate To Rainbow Mountain Trek
The Peruvian Andes are already well-known for their imposing mountain ranges, and you’ll see these when heading around the Sacred Valley.
However during the 4 Day Ausangate Trek you’ll see even more epic alpine landscapes, including sacred snow-capped mountains, bright blue lagoons as well as the legendary multicolored Rainbow Mountain.
The treks actually range anywhere from 3-7+ days, however the four day hike is a good one for hikers of all abilities.
4. The 4 Day Lares Trek To Machu Picchu
Perhaps you can only do one trek and want to fit in as much as possible? Then the 4 Day Lares Trek is perfect as you will hike past local villages, visit remote waterfalls and also see lots of animals and wildlife along the route.
During the 4 day trek we will also head up to the infamous Condor Pass to see many giant Andean Condors soaring above the mountain valleys, before finally culminating our trip at the citadel of Machu Picchu.
5. The 5 Day Salkantay Trek
The most challenging yet rewarding hike of them all, the Salkantay Trek is one of the most famous of all in this list.
Here we will hike around some of the most impressive snow-capped mountains within the Cusco region, where we will also visit legendary sites such as Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu.
This hike is quite a high altitude one, so you’ll want to make sure you’re properly acclimated and have a good level of fitness before heading on it.
Overview Of The Best Multi-Day Hikes In Cusco
And that’s all for this guide on the very best multi-day treks that you can do around the Cusco region.
Famous for once being the beating heart of the ancient Inca civilization, this area of Peru is full of towering snow-capped peaks, beautiful glacial lagoons as well as mysterious stone ruins.
As we’ve seen there’s many incredible multi-day hikes to do around this region, and your only issue will be choosing between them and trying to fit them into your own itinerary!
Author Bio:
An avid traveler of Latin America, George has spent many years exploring these incredible regions and helps other travelers plan their own dream trips around here too.
