One of the most diverse cities you can visit in all of Peru, Cusco is known both for its incredible architecture and nearby Sacred Valley region.
However it’s the surrounding Andean landscapes that really bring this city and region to life, where we can find multi-colored mountains, deep blue glacial lagoons, snow-capped peaks and untamed wildlife in all corners. As a result there are many unforgettable hiking circuits to head on from Cusco, which all offer something slightly different.
In this article we’ll explore 5 of the very best multi-day hikes that you can do from Cusco, and why each one is worth the visit. We’ll also cover everything else you need to know for a trip, including the best time to hike, preparation and how to book a tour.
Why Head On A Multi-Day Hike From Cusco?
One of the very best countries to go trekking within South America, Peru has many incredible hiking circuits which include those found in Huaraz as well as those within the Amazon Jungle. However the multi-day circuits that can be taken from Cusco are something special in their own right.
Just over 500 years ago this region was once the beating heart of the legendary Inca civilization, who were both formidable and way before their time. They were perhaps best known for their advancements in stonemasonry and architecture, which allowed them to create many incredible structures which we can still see today (such as the perfectly-fitted giant stones of Sacsayhuamán Ruins).
During a multi-day hike from Cusco we can see even more of these spectacular creations, and especially on the Inca Trail which includes the strongholds of Wiñay Wayna and Sayaqmarca. On other treks we can also interact with different remote Andean communities, who still live and practice the ancient ways of their ancestors today.
Of course the scenery of these regions are special in their own right, which includes multi-coloured Rainbow Mountains, towering snow-capped peaks and high Amazon Jungle. Given the variety of biomes here, this means we can see a variety of exotic animals along treks such as Vicuñas, Spectacled Bears, Viscachas as well as the emblematic orange Cock-of-the-rock (which is the national bird of Peru).
How To Get To Cusco
Despite Cusco’s remote location deep within the Peruvian Andes, getting here is quite simple given how it has now become one of the most popular places to visit within this iconic South American nation. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll first need to arrive into the capital of Lima, which is the main gateway into Peru.
Flying from Lima to Cusco is the most popular option, which is a one hour flight over the scenic Andes Mountains. Airlines such as LATAM and Sky Airlines operate dozens of flights daily, with a one-way costing roughly $35-50 (without baggage). This is the best option for those who are either short on time in Peru and want to arrive into Cusco without delay, or for those who want a more comfortable travel option.
Our next method of getting from Lima to Cusco is by bus, which despite being the cheaper option (around $20-30), will take a sobering 20-22 hours to arrive from the capital. Within the district of La Victoria in Lima we can find numerous bus operators which all vary in comfort and extras, with the most popular being Palomino and Paredes Estrella. Of course the long ride puts many off, however it is a solid option for those who want to cut travel costs, those who have a longer time in Peru or for those who simply want a new adventure.
The 5 Best Multi-Day Hikes To Do From Cusco
Alright let’s go! Here are the best multi-day hikes you can do from Cusco. Of course everyone knows number one, but there are other must-see hikes as well.
The Four Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Hike
Out of all the different Cusco treks you can head on, the Four Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu is the best all-rounder for nature, history and culture. Here we will hike along the same stone steps that the ancient Inca once took to get to Machu Picchu, where we’ll also visit lost ruins such as those of Sayaqmarca, Wiñay Wayna and Intipata.
As well as camping in some extraordinary locations within the Andes, we’ll also get to enjoy many diverse landscapes along the hike. This includes epic mountain views such as those from Dead Woman’s Pass, trekking through remote cloud forest as well as exploring the high Amazon Jungle. There’s also a chance of spotting animals like Vicuñas, Spectacled Bears and the elusive Cock-of-the-rock Bird.
The Five Day Salkantay Trek
If you love epic mountain scenery, then the Salkantay trek is by far your best bet. Set much higher up into the remote Andes than the Inca Trail, here we will see lots of snowy passes, icy lagoons as well as giant glaciers along the hike.
Here we will also get to visit many famous sites, such as the deep-blue lagoon of Humantay, Machu Picchu as well as getting up and close with Apu Salkantay – one of the tallest mountains in all of the Cusco region. It’s important to mention that the altitudes can be quite difficult along this trek, so you’ll want to follow our key high altitude hiking tips which we’ve listed later in this article.
The Four Day Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain
Peaking at a towering 6384m above sea-level, the Ausangate Mountain is the highest of all in the Cusco region (and the fourth highest in Peru). Along the hike this means we will experience incredible high mountain passes such as those of Surini and Arapa, as well as many multicoloured lakes dotted throughout the region.
During the Four Day Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain we’ll also get to experience authentic local culture, as we meet indigenous cultures in the mountains and also have a homestay within the Upis settlement on the first day. The other special thing about this particular trek is how the surrounding mountains slowly become more red as we continue hiking – until we eventually culminate the hike at the unforgettable Rainbow Mountain.
The Five Day Lares Trek And Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
One of the biggest pulls of hiking outdoors around the Cusco region is getting out into untamed nature, and also experiencing a variety of beautiful scenery. This is where the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is arguably one of the best well-stocked, where we’ll see crashing waterfalls, turquoise lagoons, giant glaciers as well as indigenous Quechua villages along the hike.
During the last two days we’ll then join on to the Short Inca Trail, which takes a slightly different route from the classic 4 day hike. Here we’ll pass through the ancient Chachabamba Ruins, and also others such as Wiñay Wayna before finally enjoying the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu at the very end of the hike.
The Three Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek To Machu Picchu
If getting off the beaten path and experiencing lesser-explored routes is a must for you, then the three day Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu is a great contender. Located within the remote sacred valleys above Lamay, Huchuy Qosqo is another Inca stronghold that is also connected up by a lesser-known part of the original Inca Trail. It’s believed that this site once served as a retreat and ceremonial site for the Inca Elite.
During the multi-day hiking experience we will also get to visit the ancient ruins of Patabamba and Moray, and also get to visit the legendary Maras Salt Mines – which are one of the most popular sites to see within the entire Sacred Valley region of Peru. On the last day we will also enjoy a guided tour around Machu Picchu, and learn why this site was so formidable and remained completely undetected during the Spanish Conquest.
The Best Time To Hiking Around Cusco
The dry season is the overall best time to go hiking due to frequent clear blue skies, which begins in May and lasts until October. This is where we usually have clear blue skies and virtually no rainfall most days, which is perfect for views along the different routes. It does also fall within the winter season, and as a result temperatures can get much colder during these months (so you’ll need to bring extra layers, gloves and a hat).
The wet season isn’t as popular, but still offers many of its own benefits for hikers here. Lasting from November until April, these months see much more rainfall than the dry season, which can sometimes cause flooding on roads and more difficult hiking conditions (with certain routes closing such as the Inca Trail during the month of February). The benefits however include more comfortable temperatures, less crowds as well as a better chance of seeing wildlife and greener pastures.
How To Prepare For A Multi-Day Cusco Trek
A big part of your hiking experience and success here in Cusco comes down to solid preparation, which often begins long before you come to Peru. Below we’ll explore the main factors which you’ll want to plan properly for in advance.
Pre-Booking Your Hiking Tour
One of the best things you can do is to book your hike early, which guarantees both your spot and preferred camping locations. Hikes like the classic four day Inca Trail trek can run out of spaces quickly, so we highly recommend booking at least 6 months in advance to guarantee your spot (only 500 permits are available each day). It’s important to note that treks aren’t as popular in the wet season so you can sometimes get away with a late booking – however it can be risky leaving it all up to a last minute chance.
Preventing Altitude Sickness
The biggest issue for travellers heading to Cusco is altitude sickness – given the city is located up at 3399m above sea-level (whilst much of the rest of Peru is situated lower down).
It’s common for symptoms such as headaches and sickness can occur, and especially so when heading on these higher-altitude treks which often surpass 4000m in altitude. We suggest spending at least two days in Cusco prior to your trek for your body to start acclimating, and also to drink Coca Leaf Tea which helps prevent symptoms. You can also buy Soroche Pills in Cusco which are the most effective method of preventing altitude sickness.
Packing Properly For Your Trek
Packing properly can really make or break your hiking trip, so you’ll want to make sure have everything you need before arriving into Cusco.
As a starting point you’re going to need both light layers, as the sun can be intense during the day. During the evenings the temperatures will dip quickly, so you’ll also need to bring some thick layers too.
We highly suggest bringing walking poles if you are inexperienced or have had injuries from hiking before. Other important things to bring include a hat, thick socks and warm gloves (especially when heading on the higher altitude treks such as those around Ausangate and Salkantay).
Important Tips Before Heading On A Multi-Day Cusco Trek
Tip #1: Book Your Hiking Tour With A Local Operator – Cusco is a very popular place to go hiking within Peru, and this means we can find all kinds of different agencies who offer all kinds of different tours. I highly recommend booking with local hiking company AB Expeditions, who are highly reputable and operate all of the treks mentioned in this article. Not only will you have high quality gear and local expertise, you’ll also be helping them to improve wages and standards for local communities within the Cusco region.
Tip #2: Head To Cusco During The Shoulder Seasons – As we mentioned earlier in this article, the dry season remains the most popular time to hike around Cusco for its great weather. However you can do one better and plan your hike during the shoulder months (April, May, September and October), where you will still have perfect weather for those memorable mountain photos whilst having less tourist crowds around.
Tip #3: Embark On Gentle Day Hikes Around Cusco Before Your Multi-Day Hike – If you’re still worried about getting altitude sickness, then another way of getting prepared for your trek is to head on gentle day trips from Cusco as a way of getting acclimated both quicker and smoother. This includes hiking around Pisac Ruins, Ollantaytambo and up to the Cristo Blanco Statue in Cusco – all of which are located at not-so-demanding altitudes – whilst still helping your body to acclimate.
Overview Of The Best Multi-Day Hikes To Do From Cusco
And that’s all for this guide on the best multi-day hikes that you can do from Cusco.
Known for its stunning mountains, ancient history and high-altitude lagoons, Cusco and the surrounding Sacred Valley region are home to many impressive multi-day treks. With proper planning you can easily enjoy one (or many) hikes during your trip, which may end up being your best highlight during your trip to Peru.
As always, be sure to take the altitude seriously and to go slowly, and also to make sure you pack everything you need before heading on your trek. Depending on the season you will be visiting, you’ll also want to book your hike at least 3-6 months in advance to guarantee your spot on your dream Cusco multi-day trek.
