The 5 Best Multi-Day Hikes To Do From Cusco

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 … Read more

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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.