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.