Cusco · HIKING & TREKKING

The 15 Hikes & Treks from Cusco We Would Book First

64 tours  ·  from $29 a head

The 15 best hikes & treks on offer around Cusco, each with its price, its length and who it suits. Start with number one and work down.

From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch - Breakfast in Pacchanta and the first view of Ausangate
Ausangate Treks, Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews

From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

1.7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 360 reviews · 1 day · from $29Our pick

Leave Cusco before dawn for Pacchanta, then hike roughly 12 to 13 kilometers among Ausangate’s high-altitude lakes, with a guide, breakfast and lunch included. Guides such as Eduardo, Kevin and Carlos have been praised for their care and patience. The steep, cold trek reaches extreme altitude; hot springs and entrance fees cost extra.

“A really beautiful adventure day! Sebastian, (our guide) allowed us to all go at our own pace and we had time to take in the lake views. Less touristy experience than Humantay. 😊”

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Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Tour and Red Valley Hike (Optional) - The Dirt Road and High-Andes Views
Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Rainbow Mountain Tours, Red Valley Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Tour and Red Valley Hike (Optional)

2.Rainbow Mountain Tour and Red Valley Hike (Optional)

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 149 reviews · from $29

Leave Cusco before dawn for Vinicunca, a high-altitude hike to the mountain’s colored slopes, with breakfast, buffet lunch, transport and a Spanish- and English-speaking guide included. The ascent takes about 1.5 hours at your own pace. David, Fredy, Joel, Edgar and Gorky have guided groups here, though your assigned guide may differ. Check current access before booking: visits are temporarily limited.

“The mountain trip was amazing. Despite our initial concerns about the walk being challenging, it turned out to be surprisingly easy and enjoyable. Our guide was great, and the agency provided excellent attention and care.”

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Cusco: Full-Day Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trekking Tour - The climb from Phulawasipata
Cusco Tours, Full-Day, Hiking & Trekking, Rainbow Mountain Tours, Red Valley Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cusco: Full-Day Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trekking Tour

3.Full-Day Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trekking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 121 reviews · 1 day · from $145

Leave Cusco early for Rainbow Mountain at 5,036 meters, then continue toward the Red Valley, where the red slopes and Ausangate views reward the extra effort. The small-group tour includes transport, breakfast, lunch, oxygen, and an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain entrance fees cost extra.

“Escursione? Sostanzialmente è stato un servizio di transfer. Nessuna spiegazione dalla guida che non ci ha seguiti durante il tragitto. Inoltre, si è persa un turista causando un ora di ritardo a tutto il gruppo. Infine, non è stato dato il tempo per visitare la red valley.”

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Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights - Day two: coffee country and the walk to Aguas Calientes
3-Day Experiences, Cusco Multi-Day Tours, Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Salkantay Treks, Tour Reviews

Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights

4.Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $680Top rated

Hike from Cusco over the 4,630-meter Salkantay Pass, spend a night at a mountain camp and a night in Aguas Calientes, then tour Machu Picchu with a guide. The group is capped at 12, and guides such as Marco, Guido, and Cesar have led the route. Expect long days, changing climates, and transport and meals arranged for you.

“I just completed the Salkantay 3 day Challenge with Salkantay Trekking and had an AMAZING time! My guide, Marco, was incredibly helpful and organized and made sure we all had an amazing time.”

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From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Trek - From Quesiuno into high country
Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Rainbow Mountain Tours, Tour Reviews

From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Trek

5.Rainbow Mountain Trek

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · 16 hours · from $61

Leave Cusco around 4:00 AM for a small-group trek to Rainbow Mountain at 5,020 meters. Walk past alpacas, llamas, red hills and Ausangate views, with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. Breakfast and lunch are included; bring warm clothes, and allow time to adjust to the altitude.

“Es war ein guter Ausflug, allerdings habe ich die Beschreibung missverstanden, ich dachten wandert ca.3 h hin un 2 h zurück, es waren aber nur 3h insgesamt zum Wandern. Außerdem hat mir die Information gefehlt, dass man zum red valley auch noch gehen kann für 30 Soles zusätzlich. Hätte gerne mehr Zeit gehabt am Vinicunca und Red Valley. Ansonsten hat aber alles gepasst.”

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Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds - The Palccoyo viewpoint at 4,900 metres
Cusco Private Tours, Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tours, Tour Reviews

Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds

6.Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $199

Leave Cusco before dawn for Palccoyo, a quieter alternative to Vinicunca. This 12-hour outing includes hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, a local guide and a gentle walk to views of three rainbow mountains. You can add an optional hike to the stone forest. Groups are capped at eight, though private-guide arrangements depend on your booking date.

“We had a fantastic time exploring Palcoyo, thanks to our experienced guide, Jesús Carrion. The tour started promptly, and Jesús took great care of us throughout the day. Although the walk to Palcoyo, also known as the alternative Rainbow Mountain, was relatively easy and moderate, the high altitude of 4900m caused my husband to feel short of breath. Jesús made a concerted effort to ensure his well-being while also keeping an eye on the rest of the group. Compared to Vinicunca, Palcoyo was noticeably less crowded, and it offered breathtaking views of three rainbow mountains, the red valley, and the stone forest. Unfortunately, we had to skip the stone forest…”

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Choquequirao Trek 4 days and 3 nights - Capuliyoc to Santa Rosa: a big first day
4-Day Experiences, Cusco Multi-Day Tours, Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews

Choquequirao Trek 4 days and 3 nights

7.Choquequirao Trek 4 days and 3 nights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $698

This four-day, three-night trek from Cusco takes you through the Apurímac Canyon to Choquequirao, with a guide, chef, and porter handling much of the support. Expect long uphill and downhill days, camp meals, and a final stop at Saywite. Staff names vary, but past trips have included guides Elias and Sebastian and chef Leandro.

“Trip of a lifetime! We did the 4-day, 3-night TreXperience Trek with Gary (lead guide) and Sergio (support guide) and “Chef Ratatouille” Balbino starting Sept 8th, 2025. Length of trip was just about right - long enough to get good hikes bu”

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Machu Picchu: 5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train - Day one: Humantay Lake and a high-altitude camp
5-Day Experiences, Cusco Multi-Day Tours, Cusco Tours, Cusco Train Journeys, Hiking & Trekking, Machu Picchu Tours, Salkantay Treks, Tour Reviews

Machu Picchu: 5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train

8.5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 5 days · from $655

Spend five days hiking from turquoise Humantay Lake over the 4,630-meter Salkantay Pass and down through cloud forest. Sleep in a glamping camp, Andean huts, a campsite overlooking Machu Picchu, and a hotel. A guide leads the trek and citadel visit; meals, a Pachamanca feast, coffee tasting, buses, and a panoramic train are included.

“The trip was really good organised they know what they doing. Frank and John our guides were incredible and looked after us really good. Big thanks to our chefs the food was soo delicious. And the campsites expecially the one on the 3 night are in such beutiful spots.”

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Ancascocha Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days And 3 Nights - Day one: waterfall, ruins, and a high camp
4-Day Experiences, Cusco Multi-Day Tours, Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Machu Picchu Tours, Tour Reviews

Ancascocha Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days And 3 Nights

9.Ancascocha Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days And 3 Nights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · from $730

This four-day trek from Cusco crosses the Ancascocha region, passing a waterfall, Inca ruins, Andean villages, and a 14,599-foot mountain pass before reaching Machu Picchu. Camping gear, some meals, a local guide, park fees, and one night in an Aguas Calientes B&B are included. Expect demanding high-altitude hiking and a group of up to 30.

“The views were amazing since day one, there were so many different landscapes (jungle, alpines, green fields and more). The people working in the company were amazing. It was really nice to do the trek with someone that is from the area (ERead more”

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Humantay Lake Full Day Hike - Reaching Humantay Lake
Cusco Tours, Full-Day, Hiking & Trekking, Humantay Lake Tours, Tour Reviews

Humantay Lake Full Day Hike

10.Humantay Lake Full Day Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $89

Leave Cusco before dawn for Mollepata, breakfast, then a drive to Soraypampa at 3,900 meters. Hike about 1 hour 45 minutes uphill to glacier-ringed Humantay Lake, with a guide and a group of no more than 15. Breakfast, lunch, entrance, and transport are included; bring your own water and snacks.

“Tour was awesome. Pick up perfectly on time. Our tour guide Luz was above and beyond , she was perfect. She answered all questions we were asking and most important she helped us to get all the way to the top because at the beginning of the climb I was struggling. Thank you Luz and I hope we meet again on some other tour.”

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Ausangate Trek 5 Days - Day 1: From Cusco to Upis and its hot springs
5-Day Experiences, Ausangate Treks, Cusco Multi-Day Tours, Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews

Ausangate Trek 5 Days

11.Ausangate Trek 5 Days

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 5 days (approx.) · from $660

This five-day trek from Cusco circles Ausangate through high passes, glacial lakes, remote villages, and hot springs, with a group capped at 10. Vidal Expeditions provides camping gear, horses for equipment, meals, and a guide. Guides named on past trips include Chino, Urbano, and Guillermo. Expect strenuous days at elevations up to 5,200 metres.

“An epic 5 days completing the Ausengate + Raimbow Mountain Trek with the Vidal Expedition crew (Chino, Begnino, Jośe, Angel). The scenery was amazing, super friendly and knowledgable team, yummy good, and lots of fun! Would highly highly recommend!! Thanks so much for such a cool experience :)”

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4 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Multi day tour - Day two: The long climb to Dead Woman’s Pass
4-Day Experiences, Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Inca Trail Treks, Machu Picchu Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

4 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Multi day tour

12.4 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Multi day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $930

You hike the classic four-day Inca Trail from Km 82 to Machu Picchu, camping three nights and visiting ancient sites along the way. A guide leads the group, porters carry your duffel and camp supplies, and a chef prepares trail meals. Guides named on past trips include Nico Raul, César and Plinio, but your guide may differ.

“Amazing trip. We had the best guide Nico. The food along the trip was fantastic despite the fact we were camping. The porters, chef, guide and company that ran this tour were second to none. No question went unanswered.”

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Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu by Glamping Sky Lodge Dome - Day one: the long ride to Soraypampa
4-Day Experiences, Cusco Multi-Day Tours, Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Machu Picchu Tours, Salkantay Treks, Tour Reviews

Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu by Glamping Sky Lodge Dome

13.Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu by Glamping Sky Lodge Dome

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $761

Trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu over four days, crossing the 4,650-meter Salkantay Pass and changing from high mountain country to cloud forest. Quechuas Expeditions provides guides, meals, two nights in Sky Lodge domes, a hotel night in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu entry and return transport. Guides named on past trips include Fernando, Nildo and Jose, but assignments can vary.

“Without Fernando I may never have been able to walk all of the Salkantay pass . It was hard , exhausting , exhilarating , the group , my daughter guiding me up Waynapicchu. So emotional seeing MP rise out of the clouds in early morning su”

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2 Day Hiking Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes gives you a night between the hikes
2-Day Experiences, Cusco Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Inca Trail Treks, Machu Picchu Tours, Tour Reviews

2 Day Hiking Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

14.2 Day Hiking Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $761

Start from Cusco at 5:00 am, ride the train to kilometer 104, then hike past waterfalls and the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate. Spend the night in Aguas Calientes and return to Machu Picchu with a guide the next morning. José and Carlos are among the guides named by past participants, but your guide is not guaranteed.

“We did the 2 day trek to Machu Picchu and had a great time!”

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Full-Day Trek to Humantay Lake from Cusco with Guide - Is $29 good value?
Cusco Tours, Full-Day, Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Humantay Lake Tours, Tour Reviews

Full-Day Trek to Humantay Lake from Cusco with Guide

15.Full-Day Trek to Humantay Lake from Cusco with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 66 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $29

Leave Cusco at 4:00am for Mollepata and Soraypampa, then hike about 90 minutes to Humantay Lake. A bilingual guide explains the lake’s importance to the Incas. Breakfast, lunch, round-trip transport, and first aid supplies are included; the 20-sol entrance fee is extra.

“Tough but AMAZING hike and experience! I struggled as I was not quite adjusted to the altitude yet but the tour guide was patient and helpful during the climb. It’s a long ride up and down and the hike is a little intense but the views and the lagoon were totally worth it!! Would recommend for a day trip in Cusco!!”

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New in Hiking & Trekking

★ 3.9Waqrapukara 1 day trekking + mealsFrom $503 reviews
★ 4.9Trek to Humantay Lake from CuscoFrom $388 reviews
★ 3.8Trek to Choquequirao 4 daysFrom $3664 reviews
★ 4.55 Day – Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu – Group ServiceFrom $65027 reviews
★ 5.06 day Rainbow Mountain x Ausangate Trek – FlashpackerConnectFrom $1,05030 reviews
★ 5.0Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu – 2 Days (Small Group or Private)From $61031 reviews
★ 5.0Humantay Lake Day Hike (Small Group or Private)From $17530 reviews
★ 5.04-Day Lares Trek to Machu PicchuFrom $65630 reviews
★ 5.0Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days with Sky Lodge DomesFrom $6805 reviews
★ 3.3Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu – 5D/4N – PremiumFrom $5103 reviews
★ 4.75-Night Trip with Salkantay Trek & Machu PicchuFrom $6506 reviews
★ 5.05-Day Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu return by TrainFrom $6993 reviews
★ 4.1Palcoyo mountain hiking + stone forestsFrom $5310 reviews
★ 4.6Palcoyo colored mountain hike + stone forestsFrom $423 reviews
★ 4.2Tour Pallay Punchu Trek Full DayFrom $1503 reviews

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