Peru Hiking
Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking
Join Backroads on this fully supported lodge-to-lodge trek to one of the ancient world's most extraordinary sanctuaries: Machu Picchu. From Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire, follow a little-known route through the Vilcabamba range, a spellbinding region of misty foothills blanketed in lush greenery and high Andes peaks cloaked in white. Cross a mountain pass at nearly 15,000 feet, marvel at hidden ruins and visit isolated communities where traditions of pre-Columbian cultures still thrive. Experience the acclaimed Hotel Monasterio and the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, as well as four stylish trekking lodges, each offering a full bar, hot tub and views of ice-mantled peaks or subtropical hillsides. Spend evenings unwinding by the fireplace, stargazing and enjoying a wealth of creature comforts. It's a high-altitude adventure you won't want to miss!
Trip Planning Links
- Hiking lodge to lodge, with porters and mules carrying our luggage
- Trek an Inca route to 15,000 feet for superb views of the snow-covered Andes
- Gaze upon Machu Picchu from the seldom-traveled Llactapata trail
- Relax at high-altitude lodges - many with hot tubs!
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco
Meet in Cusco 
After a gourmet Backroads picnic, hike to the Inca sites of Q'enko, the Temple of the Moon and the fortress-temple Sacsayhuamán.
Days 2-3 Soraypampa
Shuttle to the Soraypampa Valley and enjoy the spectacular scenery at our first mountain lodge Getting acclimated doesn't mean getting bored: enjoy a short hike or relax in the lodge's outdoor hot tub with views of Salkantay Savor aperitifs by the fireside.
Day 4 Huayraccmachay
Begin the trek by hiking along a rediscovered Inca route up the Río Blanco Valley, circling Humantay Peak Stop at a 15,000-foot pass (the trek's highest point) for superb views of the snow-covered Vilcabamba Range Keep an eye out for Andean condors, often visible in the area.
Day 5 Collpapampa
Hike downhill above the Salkantay River amid a lush subtropical landscape At day's end, treat yourself to a well-deserved soak in the lodge's hot tub.
Day 6 Lucmabamba
Trek down the Santa Teresa River Valley through a patchwork of orchards and coffee plantations Visit a traditional village and meet members of the community.
Days 7-9 Aguas Calientes
Descend through bamboo forests to the Vilcanota River before taking a train to Aguas Calientes Arrive at magical Machu Picchu, where you have an entire day to explore - hike to the Gate of the Sun or climb the stairs of Huayna Picchu for an impressive view of the citadel Our local guide reveals secrets of the Lost City's astrological designs A morning train and bus ride returns you to Cusco.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
My best vacation ever. And I travel a lot! This was my third Backroads trip. It was a fantastic experience, just like my previous trips. Our guides were fantastic, as always. Can't wait for our next trip.- Holladay, UT More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Peru tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in Latin America, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Latin America walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Latin America biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Latin America multisport tours click here.
Peru Hiking
Classic Hotels and Enchanting Refugios: Premiere Inns
Hotel Monasterio
Cusco (1 night) The Colonial-style San Antonio Abad seminary, built in 1592, is now an elegant hotel featured on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List.
Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort
Soraypampa (2 nights) Located at 11,800 feet, this luxury lodge welcomes you with a hot tub, reading room, trout fishing, horseback riding and incomparable views of Salkantay, the region's highest peak.
Wayra Lodge
Huayraccmachay (1 night) Overnight at "the place where the wind lives" and enjoy a hot tub soak at 12,000 feet.
Colpa Lodge
Collpapampa (1 night) This lodge rests in a cloud forest at 10,300 feet in the Collpapampa Valley, near hot springs and the confluence of three rivers.
Lucma Lodge
Lucmabamba (1 night) Savor spectacular views from this lodge, built right into the mountainside and flanked by an avocado orchard.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes (2 nights) With a pool, stunning gardens and beautifully decorated adobe cabanas, this 100-percent carbon-neutral hotel is both environmentally friendly and the perfect base for our Machu Picchu visit.
Peru Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Walking 2.5, 4.3, 5 miles (2-3 hours)
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.2, 7.4 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 3.7 miles
- 1500 feet elevation gain/loss
- Optional Activities
Day 4
- Level 4 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 7.4 miles (4-6 hours)
- 2500 feet elevation gain/loss
Day 5
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 5.5 miles (4-5 hours)
- 3500 feet elevation loss
Day 6
- Level 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 8, 10.9 miles (6+ hours)
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain, 2500 - 3000 feet elevation loss
Day 7
- Level 3 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 6.8 miles (4-6 hours)
- 2100 feet elevation gain, 3300 feet elevation loss
Day 8
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2.2, 3.7, 5 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Day 9
- Conclusion of trip
Overnight trekking lodges are located at elevations of 6,600 feet to 11,800 feet. Trekking routes reach 15,000 feet at highest point. Due to the high elevations and rugged terrain, the routes often feel more challenging than the mileage suggests.