In short: the most searched treks in Cusco are Humantay Lake (1 day, 4,200 m), Rainbow Mountain (1 day, 5,020 m), the Inca Trail in 2, 4 and 5-day versions, and the Salkantay Trek (5 days, 4,650 m). If it is your first hike at altitude, start with Humantay; if you want to reach Machu Picchu on foot, choose between the Inca Trail (permit required) and Salkantay (no route permit).
The 6 routes compared
| Route | Days | Highest point | Difficulty* | Ends at Machu Picchu | From (group) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humantay Lake | 1 | 4,200 m | Moderate | No | USD 70 |
| Rainbow Mountain | 1 | 5,020 m | Challenging due to altitude | No | USD 70 |
| Short Inca Trail | 2 | 2,720 m | Moderate | Yes | USD 510 |
| Classic Inca Trail | 4 | 4,215 m | Moderate to challenging | Yes | USD 790 |
| 5-day Inca Trail | 5 | 4,215 m | Moderate to challenging | Yes | USD 948 |
| Salkantay Trek | 5 | 4,650 m | Moderate to challenging | Yes | USD 637 |
*Difficulty based on our experience guiding these routes; it depends a lot on your acclimatization. Prices per person in a group service: for Humantay and Rainbow Mountain the USD 70 price applies to groups of 6 or more and is higher for smaller groups.
1. Humantay Lake (1 day)
A turquoise lake at 4,200 m at the foot of the Humantay and Salkantay peaks. Departure from Cusco to Soraypampa, uphill hike to the lake and lunch with a panoramic view. It is the best first hike at altitude. It includes breakfast, lunch, transport, a bilingual guide, entrance fees and oxygen, in groups of up to 8 people. More details in the Humantay Lake guide.
2. Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca (1 day)
The highest day hike: the summit of Vinicunca is at 5,020 m, with views of the Ausangate peak, alpacas and Andean communities, and the Red Valley as a bonus. The route leaves Cusco for Cusipata and Llacto. If you get tired, you can rent a horse (S/ 100 round trip). Do it after a few days in Cusco. Read the Rainbow Mountain guide.
3. Short Inca Trail (2 days)
One day of hiking from Km 104 through Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu the next day. The most accessible way to experience the Inca Trail. Permit required.
4. Classic Inca Trail (4 days)
The legendary route from Km 82: Warmiwañusca (4,215 m), Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna and arrival through the Sun Gate. Three nights of camping with a personal porter included. Permit with a daily quota and closure in February. Everything in the 4-day Inca Trail guide.
5. 5-day Inca Trail
The same route with shorter stages, camps at Llulluchapampa and Phuyupatamarca, a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and a visit to Machu Picchu at sunrise on the fifth day. Compare versions in Inca Trail in 2, 4 or 5 days.
6. Salkantay Trek (5 days)
High mountains and jungle in one route: Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), Cocalmayo hot springs, coffee in Lucmabamba and a view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata. Nights in Sky Domes with private bathroom and hot shower. No route permit needed. Full itinerary in the Salkantay Trek guide.
How to choose your trek
- You have 1 day: Humantay if it is your first time at altitude; Rainbow Mountain if you have already spent a few days in Cusco.
- You have 2 days and want Machu Picchu: Short Inca Trail.
- You have 4 to 5 days: the Inca Trail if you can get a permit; Salkantay if you want high-mountain scenery or are booking at short notice.
- You travel in February: the Inca Trail is closed; Salkantay and the day hikes keep running.
Before you hike: altitude and season
Cusco sits at about 3,400 m. Rest 1 to 2 days before any trek and start with the lowest (how to acclimatize). The dry season, from April to October, is the most comfortable for hiking; from November to March it rains more (best time to hike). Choose a formal agency, with bilingual guides, a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen. Want us to recommend a route based on your days and fitness? Write to us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest trek in Cusco?
Of the routes in this article, the 2-day Short Inca Trail reaches the lowest altitude (2,720 m at the Sun Gate). Of the day hikes, Humantay Lake (4,200 m) is shorter than Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m).
What is the highest trek?
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), at 5,020 m, in a single day. Among the multi-day routes, the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m).
Which treks reach Machu Picchu?
The Inca Trail (2, 4 or 5 days) and the 5-day Salkantay Trek end at Machu Picchu with a guided tour included.
Do I need experience to trek in Cusco?
None of these routes requires technical experience, but you do need good fitness and, above all, to acclimatize for 1 to 2 days in Cusco before hiking.