Cusco Walking Holidays, Treks & Hikes

Introduction to trekking near Cusco

Cusco or the Sacred Valley are the starting points for a host of walks, from day hikes to longer trekking tours.

Once acclimatized to the high altitude, you can be hiking in the fresh air of the Andes. Paths take you past traditional villages, hot springs, mountain glaciers, and Inca ruins.

Hikes we offer near Cusco

We have many years experience running fully supported hikes all over the Cusco region:

Inca Trail: The classic 4 or 5-day hike past Inca ruins, through beautiful mountains, and arriving at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate. 

2-day Inca Trail: Perfect for people that want an energetic day walk and avoid camping. Wake up refreshed in your hotel, ready to explore Machu Picchu.

Lares: The Weaver’s Route, home to locals dressed in colorful, traditional clothing. Walk among lush, green landscapes, mountain lakes, and close to glaciers.

Huchuy Qosqo: Magnificent Inca ruins perched above the Sacred Valley. Option to camp or sleep at a homestay with wonderful views.

Ausangate: For the purists, this challenging and high trek traverses some of the Cusco area’s most dazzling scenery, including the Rainbow Mountain.

Don’t forget to read our FAQs, covering altitude, money, COVID, and more.

More information about trekking in and around Cusco

Climate for Cusco treks

The best time to hike in these mountains is from April to October. Here’s a quick guide:

Dec-Mar:  Rainy season, summer. Warm days, often afternoon rain. Trekking days start early and aim to get to camp early afternoon. 

April: Shoulder season, autumn. Much less rain, clearer, brighter days, and colder nights.

May-Sept: Best season, winter. Warm, dry days and cold, and clear nights. 

Oct-Nov: Shoulder season, spring. Possible afternoon showers, milder nights,

Mountain ranges near Cusco

There are several mountain ranges with fantastic hikes.

The most famous hiking area is Vilcambama. Here you can trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay, and the longer walk to Choquequirao.

There is Cordillera Urubamba that hugs the Sacred Valley. The Lares treks run through this range. Its highest mountains are Veronica at 5,893m / 19,334ft) and Sahuasiray at 5,818m / 19,088 ft.

Finally, the Cordillera Vilcanota lies to the southeast of Cusco, with the Rainbow Mountain and the Ausangate trek. You can see lots of llama-herding communities in this area.

Trekking tips 

Hiking holidays are a rewarding way to see a country you are visiting.  

In order to make the most of your trek, it’s good to get in shape and prepare for it, both physically and mentally. 

Here are some quick tips on how to get ready for your hike.

Walk: It may sound obvious, but you need your body’s walking muscles to be trained. Start with shorter walks and build up.

Gym: Build core strength at the gym. Ask your instructor for the best exercises for walking. Lunges, squats, and leg work plus upper body (back, shoulders), too.