Peru HIking & Trekking Tours

The best time to hike in Peru is generally May through September: the dry season in the Andes. This window offers the most reliable weather, clear mountain views, and the best trail conditions, making it ideal for classic treks like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, and adventures in the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash. 

During these months, rainfall is minimal across the Andes, which means dry trails, clear views, and more predictable trekking conditions. Daytime temperatures are comfortable—typically in the mid-60s°F (18–20°C) around Cusco, while nights can be cold, especially at higher elevations. The crisp air and deep blue skies create the classic Andean scenery most hikers are hoping for.

Many of the best places to hike in Peru are centered around the Andes near the high elevation town of Cusco.  This area boasts amazing history and dramatic mountain scenery. The legendary Inca Trail remains the most iconic route in Peru. It culminates at Machu Picchu after days of hiking on ancient pathways through cloud forests, and over high mountain passes. 

Farther north, the Cordillera Blanca range is considered one of the world’s premier alpine trekking destinations, with jagged snow-capped peaks and pristine glacial lakes that rival the Himalaya in beauty but see far fewer visitors. Routes like the Santa Cruz Trek provide a perfect introduction to this region, combining accessibility with spectacular scenery. Meanwhile, the remote Cordillera Huayhuash offers more challenging, expedition-style trips for experienced trekkers, circling some of the most dramatic peaks in South America. 

There are hikes in Peru for which a permit is required, the main ones being the Inca Trail and the Choquequirao Trek. Many other popular treks like Salkantay, Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and the Santa Cruz Trek do not require permits.

Hiking in Peru is generally very safe, especially on well-traveled routes like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, and in popular regions such as the Cordillera Blanca. However, safety primarily comes down to preparation, knowledge, and experience. The most significant risks in Peru are environmental. High altitude is the biggest factor, as many treks start above 8,000 feet and climb much higher. Proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Weather can also change quickly in the Andes, with cold nights, strong winds, and heavy rain impacting trail conditions. However, Peru’s trekking infrastructure is well-developed, and tens of thousands of hikers complete these trips safely every year.

Packing the correct clothing and gear for your Peru hike is essential. What to pack will depend on when you are hiking. Some rules of thumb are:

• Pack clothing in layers that you can easily add or remove to adjust your temperature as you hike.
• Do not pack cotton
• Have high quality, breathable rain gear (jacket and pants)
• Always pack a headlamp

To learn more about what to pack, check out out the trip information packet you receive when you register for one of our Peru hiking tours.