The Best Treks Around Cusco To Escape The Crowds

One of the most popular destinations to visit in all of South America, Cusco has really made a name for itself in the past few decades.

Full of striking Andean peaks, a charming colonial centre and almost unlimited day trips to head on, Cusco is a great all-rounder to add to your itinerary around Peru. Between visiting ancient ruins and trying local foods, we can also experience breathtaking treks in this region – which both have less tourists around and are great for really connecting with the local nature. 

In this article we’ll explore some of the very best treks around Cusco, which are perfect for escaping the crowds. We’ll also list our top tips for how you can best prepare for these hikes too.

The Best Treks Around Cusco To Escape The Crowds

Starting in no particular order, let’s take a look at some of the best multi-day hiking circuits that you can enjoy when in the Peruvian region of Cusco.

The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

One of the more famous treks on this list, the Inca Trail is a very special hike to head on. Paved by the ancient Inca civilization, this route was once the only way to get to Machu Picchu which was safely hidden within the Andean highlands (and which was why the Spanish never discovered this site). During the full Four Day Inca Trail Hike, we will visit lesser-visited ruins such as those of Wiñay Wayna, Sayacmarca and Intipata, whilst also camping in some breathtaking mountainous settings. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for nature too, as the more remote parts of the trail can attract endemic wildlife such as Spectacled Bears and the Giant Hummingbird.

The Ausangate Trek

If you love snow-capped mountains and otherworldly terrains, then the Four Day Ausangate Trek will be an incredible choice for you. Located south of Cusco in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, here we will see various multi-coloured lakes and mountains on the route, before culminating the trek at the picturesque Rainbow Mountain. This one is much less popular than the Inca Trail, so even the peak tourist months (between June and September) will have few crowds. As well as camping under starlit skies, we can also see wild Viscachas hop between rocks on the mountain passes, and enjoy a swim in the various stone-laden jacuzzis at the campsite.

The Salkantay Trek

Winding around the giant 6271m Salkantay Mountain, this trek is definitely one of the more difficult ones in Cusco – and is perfect for those who want a challenging yet rewarding experience. On the Four Day Salkantay Trek we will hike at high altitudes around giant glaciers and snow-capped mountains, where we will also make a stop-off at the legendary bright-blue Humantay Lake before ending the trek at Machu Picchu. It’s important to prepare properly for this trek given the altitude and cooler weather conditions, so be sure to acclimate properly in Cusco beforehand, and also to pack everything that you will need for this incredible hike.

The Lares Trek

Out of all of the different multi-day hikes mentioned in this article, the Lares Trek is more of an all-rounder and is ideal for those who want a bit of everything. Here we will meet local indigenous communities in the mountains, see beautiful waterfalls as well as various remote lakes along the route. During the Four Day Lares Trek we will also get to visit Machu Picchu on our final day to round-off what will be an unforgettable experience. Given its unique location in the Peruvian Andes, the weather here is great year-round – making it an ideal trek choice even if you are heading to Cusco during the wet season.

Tips To Prepare For Your Treks Around Cusco

Pack Properly For Your Hike

The mountains around Cusco can have wildly varying weather patterns, often with hot days and freezing nights. This means you’ll need to pack a range of clothes for both occasions ready during your trek, as well as a high SPF sunscreen given the sun is much more intense up at these higher altitudes in the Peruvian Andes. You’ll also want to bring hiking poles and high quality hiking boots for a more comfortable hiking experience.

Take The Altitudes Seriously

Many of the hikes mentioned in this post often pass above 4000m in altitude, with some even going over the dizzying 5000m mark. It’s common for these altitudes to bring unwanted side effects, such as headaches, nausea and difficulty breathing. The best way to prevent symptoms is to acclimate properly in Cusco beforehand, by spending 2-3 days in the city to allow your body to automatically adjust before your trek. Local remedies such as Coca Leaves and Soroche Pills are also great ways to prevent you from getting altitude sickness, and alternatively you can also take Diamox pills if your doctor agrees that it’s safe for you to do so.

Hike During The Dry Season

The great thing about these treks is that even during the busy season, they will still be much quieter and remote compared to Cusco and its nearby attractions. The dry season is by far the most popular time to head to this region, where clear blue skies and perfect trekking conditions will allow us to enjoy the trails more. As a bonus, you can head in April, May, September or October (shoulder season months) for even less hikers on these routes.

Book Your Treks Well In Advance

Although these treks remain off the beaten path and aren’t tightly congested, some are still popular and can have limits on capacity (such as the Inca Trail with only 500 entries allowed per day). We highly suggest booking your treks at least 4 months in advance if possible to guarantee your space, and closer to 6 months if heading during the peak dry season months. This will also allow you to confirm your ideal camping locations too, which can make your experience even more memorable along the routes.