Things to Do around Peru

Peru offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, primarily focusing on hiking across its varied landscapes. These include high-altitude mountain treks, explorations of deep canyons, and routes through ancient Inca trails. The country's unique geography, encompassing the Andes, Amazon, and Pacific coast, supports various adventures.

Peru is renowned for its iconic hiking trails. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is highly famous, while alternatives like the Salkantay Trek and Ausangate Trek offer stunning high-mountain scenery. Other notable routes include the Santa Cruz Trek in Cordillera Blanca and treks within Colca Canyon.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a regulated multi-day trek requiring permits booked well in advance through authorized tour operators. It combines ancient ruins with dramatic mountain and cloud forest scenery. This trail is one of Peru's most famous hikes.

Several alternative treks offer similar stunning landscapes and cultural experiences without the strict permit requirements of the classic Inca Trail. Popular options include the Salkantay Trek, Lares Valley Trek, and the Choquequirao Trek. These routes lead through impressive Andean passes and ancient Incan sites.

Peru offers various easy hikes suitable for beginners, particularly in areas like the Sacred Valley which are ideal for acclimatization walks. komoot provides guides such as Easy hikes around Peru, which detail accessible routes. These trails often explore Incan ruins and scenic landscapes without extreme difficulty.

The Salkantay Trek is a multi-day trek that serves as an alternative route to Machu Picchu, leading past glacial and high-mountain scenery. It typically takes 4 to 5 days to complete, descending into the Amazon rainforest in its later stages. This trek offers stunning landscapes with fewer crowds than the Inca Trail.

Colca Canyon, located near Arequipa, is one of the world's deepest canyons and is famous for its pre-Inca terraces and hot springs. It is also a prime location to observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor, particularly at the Cruz del Cóndor lookout. Various trekking circuits are available, ranging from one to four days.

The Cordillera Huayhuash Trek is a challenging multi-day trek located in a region of unparalleled beauty within the Andes. It features snow-capped peaks and emerald lakes, offering a remote and demanding experience for experienced hikers. This trek is known for its dramatic mountain scenery.

Outdoor routes in Peru shared on komoot have received an average rating of 4.73 out of 5 stars from more than 500 visitors. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users who have explored the region's trails. komoot offers guides like Hiking around Peru for further exploration.

Official tourism information for Peru can be found on the government's tourism website, peru.travel. For general inquiries, the Peruvian Commission for the Promotion of Exports and Tourism (PROMPERÚ) can be contacted at (511) 616 7300.

While many treks in Peru are challenging, there are family-friendly hiking options, especially for day trips or shorter, less strenuous routes. Areas like the Sacred Valley offer accessible trails with cultural sites. It is advisable to research specific routes for their difficulty and suitability for children.