One of the vital numerous cities you’ll be able to go to in all of Peru, Cusco is understood each for its unimaginable structure and close by Sacred Valley area.
Nonetheless it’s the encompassing Andean landscapes that basically convey this metropolis and area to life, the place we are able to discover multi-colored mountains, deep blue glacial lagoons, snow-capped peaks and untamed wildlife in all corners. Because of this there are numerous unforgettable mountain climbing circuits to move on from Cusco, which all provide one thing barely totally different.
On this article we’ll discover 5 of the easiest multi-day hikes that you are able to do from Cusco, and why every one is well worth the go to. We’ll additionally cowl every little thing else it’s worthwhile to know for a visit, together with the very best time to hike, preparation and how one can ebook a tour.
Why Head On A Multi-Day Hike From Cusco?
One of many absolute best nations to go trekking inside South America, Peru has many unimaginable mountain climbing circuits which embody these present in Huaraz in addition to these throughout the Amazon Jungle. Nonetheless the multi-day circuits that may be taken from Cusco are one thing particular in their very own proper.

Simply over 500 years in the past this area was as soon as the beating coronary heart of the legendary Inca civilization, who have been each formidable and manner earlier than their time. They have been maybe greatest identified for his or her developments in stonemasonry and structure, which allowed them to create many unimaginable constructions which we are able to nonetheless see at this time (such because the perfectly-fitted big stones of Sacsayhuamán Ruins).
Throughout a multi-day hike from Cusco we are able to see much more of those spectacular creations, and particularly on the Inca Path which incorporates the strongholds of Wiñay Wayna and Sayaqmarca. On different treks we are able to additionally work together with totally different distant Andean communities, who nonetheless dwell and apply the traditional methods of their ancestors at this time.
In fact the surroundings of those areas are particular in their very own proper, which incorporates multi-coloured Rainbow Mountains, towering snow-capped peaks and excessive Amazon Jungle. Given the number of biomes right here, this implies we are able to see a wide range of unique animals alongside treks reminiscent of Vicuñas, Spectacled Bears, Viscachas in addition to the emblematic orange Cock-of-the-rock (which is the nationwide fowl of Peru).
How To Get To Cusco
Regardless of Cusco’s distant location deep throughout the Peruvian Andes, getting right here is kind of easy given the way it has now develop into some of the common locations to go to inside this iconic South American nation. No matter which you select, you’ll first must arrive into the capital of Lima, which is the primary gateway into Peru.


Flying from Lima to Cusco is the most well-liked possibility, which is a one hour flight over the scenic Andes Mountains. Airways reminiscent of LATAM and Sky Airways function dozens of flights each day, with a one-way costing roughly $35-50 (with out baggage). That is the most suitable choice for many who are both quick on time in Peru and wish to arrive into Cusco directly, or for many who need a extra snug journey possibility.
Our subsequent technique of getting from Lima to Cusco is by bus, which regardless of being the cheaper possibility (round $20-30), will take a sobering 20-22 hours to reach from the capital. Throughout the district of La Victoria in Lima we are able to discover quite a few bus operators which all range in consolation and extras, with the most well-liked being Palomino and Paredes Estrella. In fact the lengthy journey places many off, nevertheless it’s a strong possibility for many who wish to reduce journey prices, those that have an extended time in Peru or for many who merely need a new journey.
The 5 Greatest Multi-Day Hikes To Do From Cusco
Alright let’s go! Listed below are the very best multi-day hikes you are able to do from Cusco. In fact everybody is aware of primary, however there are different must-see hikes as nicely.
The 4 Day Inca Path To Machu Picchu Hike


Out of all of the totally different Cusco treks you’ll be able to head on, the 4 Day Inca Path To Machu Picchu is the very best all-rounder for nature, historical past and tradition. Right here we’ll hike alongside the identical stone steps that the traditional Inca as soon as took to get to Machu Picchu, the place we’ll additionally go to misplaced ruins reminiscent of these of Sayaqmarca, Wiñay Wayna and Intipata.
In addition to tenting in some extraordinary places throughout the Andes, we’ll additionally get to take pleasure in many numerous landscapes alongside the hike. This contains epic mountain views reminiscent of these from Lifeless Lady’s Go, trekking by way of distant cloud forest in addition to exploring the excessive Amazon Jungle. There’s additionally an opportunity of recognizing animals like Vicuñas, Spectacled Bears and the elusive Cock-of-the-rock Chicken.
The 5 Day Salkantay Trek
When you love epic mountain surroundings, then the Salkantay trek is by far your greatest guess. Set a lot increased up into the distant Andes than the Inca Path, right here we’ll see a number of snowy passes, icy lagoons in addition to big glaciers alongside the hike.
Right here we will even get to go to many well-known websites, such because the deep-blue lagoon of Humantay, Machu Picchu in addition to getting up and shut with Apu Salkantay – one of many tallest mountains in all the Cusco area. It’s essential to say that the altitudes might be fairly troublesome alongside this trek, so that you’ll wish to observe our key excessive altitude mountain climbing ideas which we’ve listed later on this article.
The 4 Day Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain


Peaking at a towering 6384m above sea-level, the Ausangate Mountain is the best of all within the Cusco area (and the fourth highest in Peru). Alongside the hike this implies we’ll expertise unimaginable excessive mountain passes reminiscent of these of Surini and Arapa, in addition to many multicoloured lakes dotted all through the area.
Through the 4 Day Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain we’ll additionally get to expertise genuine native tradition, as we meet indigenous cultures within the mountains and now have a homestay throughout the Upis settlement on the primary day. The opposite particular factor about this specific trek is how the encompassing mountains slowly develop into extra purple as we proceed mountain climbing – till we ultimately culminate the hike on the unforgettable Rainbow Mountain.
The 5 Day Lares Trek And Brief Inca Path To Machu Picchu


One of many greatest pulls of mountain climbing open air across the Cusco area is getting out into untamed nature, and likewise experiencing a wide range of stunning surroundings. That is the place the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is arguably among the best well-stocked, the place we’ll see crashing waterfalls, turquoise lagoons, big glaciers in addition to indigenous Quechua villages alongside the hike.
Over the last two days we’ll then be a part of on to the Brief Inca Path, which takes a barely totally different route from the traditional 4 day hike. Right here we’ll move by way of the traditional Chachabamba Ruins, and likewise others reminiscent of Wiñay Wayna earlier than lastly having fun with the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the very finish of the hike.
The Three Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek To Machu Picchu
If getting off the crushed path and experiencing lesser-explored routes is a should for you, then the three day Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu is a superb contender. Situated throughout the distant sacred valleys above Lamay, Huchuy Qosqo is one other Inca stronghold that can also be linked up by a lesser-known a part of the unique Inca Path. It’s believed that this web site as soon as served as a retreat and ceremonial web site for the Inca Elite.
Through the multi-day mountain climbing expertise we will even get to go to the traditional ruins of Patabamba and Moray, and likewise get to go to the legendary Maras Salt Mines – that are some of the common websites to see throughout the whole Sacred Valley area of Peru. On the final day we will even take pleasure in a guided tour round Machu Picchu, and be taught why this web site was so formidable and remained utterly undetected through the Spanish Conquest.
The Greatest Time To Mountaineering Round Cusco
The dry season is the general greatest time to go mountain climbing as a result of frequent clear blue skies, which begins in Could and lasts till October. That is the place we often have clear blue skies and just about no rainfall most days, which is ideal for views alongside the totally different routes. It does additionally fall throughout the winter season, and because of this temperatures can get a lot colder throughout these months (so that you’ll must convey additional layers, gloves and a hat).


The moist season isn’t as common, however nonetheless gives a lot of its personal advantages for hikers right here. Lasting from November till April, these months see far more rainfall than the dry season, which may generally trigger flooding on roads and tougher mountain climbing circumstances (with sure routes closing such because the Inca Path through the month of February). The advantages nevertheless embody extra snug temperatures, much less crowds in addition to a greater likelihood of seeing wildlife and greener pastures.
How To Put together For A Multi-Day Cusco Trek
A giant a part of your mountain climbing expertise and success right here in Cusco comes all the way down to strong preparation, which regularly begins lengthy earlier than you come to Peru. Beneath we’ll discover the primary components which you’ll wish to plan correctly for prematurely.
Pre-Reserving Your Mountaineering Tour
Probably the greatest issues you are able to do is to ebook your hike early, which ensures each your spot and most popular tenting places. Hikes just like the traditional 4 day Inca Path trek can run out of areas rapidly, so we extremely advocate reserving a minimum of 6 months prematurely to ensure your spot (solely 500 permits can be found every day). It’s essential to notice that treks aren’t as common within the moist season so you’ll be able to generally get away with a late reserving – nevertheless it may be dangerous leaving all of it as much as a final minute likelihood.
Stopping Altitude Illness
The most important challenge for travellers heading to Cusco is altitude illness – given town is positioned up at 3399m above sea-level (while a lot of the remainder of Peru is located decrease down).


It’s frequent for signs reminiscent of complications and illness can happen, and particularly so when heading on these higher-altitude treks which regularly surpass 4000m in altitude. We propose spending a minimum of two days in Cusco previous to your trek on your physique to start out acclimating, and likewise to drink Coca Leaf Tea which helps forestall signs. You may also purchase Soroche Drugs in Cusco that are the simplest technique of stopping altitude illness.
Packing Correctly For Your Trek
Packing correctly can actually make or break your mountain climbing journey, so that you’ll wish to be sure that have every little thing you want earlier than arriving into Cusco.
As a place to begin you’re going to want each mild layers, because the solar might be intense through the day. Through the evenings the temperatures will dip rapidly, so that you’ll additionally must convey some thick layers too.


We extremely counsel bringing strolling poles if you’re inexperienced or have had accidents from mountain climbing earlier than. Different essential issues to convey embody a hat, thick socks and heat gloves (particularly when heading on the upper altitude treks reminiscent of these round Ausangate and Salkantay).
Necessary Suggestions Earlier than Heading On A Multi-Day Cusco Trek
Tip #1: E book Your Mountaineering Tour With A Native Operator – Cusco is a highly regarded place to go mountain climbing inside Peru, and this implies we are able to discover all types of various companies who provide all types of various excursions. I extremely advocate reserving with native mountain climbing firm AB Expeditions, who’re extremely respected and function all the treks talked about on this article. Not solely will you may have prime quality gear and native experience, you’ll even be serving to them to enhance wages and requirements for native communities throughout the Cusco area.


Tip #2: Head To Cusco Throughout The Shoulder Seasons – As we talked about earlier on this article, the dry season stays the most well-liked time to hike round Cusco for its nice climate. Nonetheless you are able to do one higher and plan your hike through the shoulder months (April, Could, September and October), the place you’ll nonetheless have excellent climate for these memorable mountain images while having much less vacationer crowds round.
Tip #3: Embark On Light Day Hikes Round Cusco Earlier than Your Multi-Day Hike – When you’re nonetheless fearful about getting altitude illness, then one other manner of getting ready on your trek is to move on light day journeys from Cusco as a manner of getting acclimated each faster and smoother. This contains mountain climbing round Pisac Ruins, Ollantaytambo and as much as the Cristo Blanco Statue in Cusco – all of that are positioned at not-so-demanding altitudes – while nonetheless serving to your physique to acclimate.
Overview Of The Greatest Multi-Day Hikes To Do From Cusco
And that’s all for this information on the very best multi-day hikes that you are able to do from Cusco.
Identified for its gorgeous mountains, historical historical past and high-altitude lagoons, Cusco and the encompassing Sacred Valley area are residence to many spectacular multi-day treks. With correct planning you’ll be able to simply take pleasure in one (or many) hikes throughout your journey, which can find yourself being your greatest spotlight throughout your journey to Peru.
As at all times, remember to take the altitude significantly and to go slowly, and likewise to be sure to pack every little thing you want earlier than heading in your trek. Relying on the season you can be visiting, you’ll additionally wish to ebook your hike a minimum of 3-6 months prematurely to ensure your spot in your dream Cusco multi-day trek.