Spanning 1,285,216 km², Peru stands as the third-largest country in South America. The Andean mountain range traverses the nation from the north down to the southeast, sloping eastward into the Amazon basin, which encompasses roughly 60% of the land.
Our Peru adventure trips mirror this geography, offering mountain trekking alongside rich Andean traditions, as well as lowland rainforest and river expeditions.
Treks to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Winding from Cusco (the ancient Inca capital sitting at roughly 3,400 m) through traditional farming hamlets and high mountain passes, our tours in Peru culminate at Machu Picchu (2,430 m), the renowned 15th-century citadel designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
Through our Machu Picchu tours, travelers can journey to the ruins via the classic Inca Trail (where capped permits are fully included), the dramatic Salkantay route, or the serene Ancascocha trek, which links up with the final section of the Inca Trail.
Along every trail, rich Inca heritage unfolds through agricultural terraces, ancient stone storehouses, and preserved sections of the Qhapaq Ñan, an expansive road network covering nearly 40,000 km.
The Salkantay trek
When it comes to iconic high-altitude trekking in Peru, the Salkantay route stands out as the ultimate trail. Dominated by Salkantay Peak, the highest summit in the Vilcabamba range at 6,271 m, the path leads travelers over its high pass at 4,636 m, passing right beside glacial slopes and the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.
Beyond the pass, the trail descends over 2,000 m into lush cloud forests and coffee plantations before reaching Llactapata Pass (2,736 m), where you get your very first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Sacred Valley and Lares: villages and Inca culture
For travelers seeking deep cultural connections alongside stunning mountain vistas, our Sacred Valley tours and the Lares trek provide an authentic immersion into traditional Andean life.
Every itinerary lets you mix hiking with local culture: browse the bustling artisan stalls at Pisac market, view the circular Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, walk past the ancient salt pans of Maras, join a traditional Pachamama blessing, or meet local weaving communities in rural villages.
Ending in the stone fortress town of Ollantaytambo, the Lares route leads hikers past high alpine tarns over passes crossing 4,200 m.
Lodge to lodge or camping
Travelers can tailor their adventure between full mountain immersion and added comfort. Walking lodge to lodge in Peru offers cozy retreats featuring hot showers, jacuzzi tubs, and full board. Meanwhile, budget-friendly options rely on simple mountain huts or camping tents, which are often the only choice on secluded routes.
Southeast of Cusco, the 5-day Ausangate Trek (52 km) showcases both styles, taking hikers over passes above 5,000 m past Rainbow Mountain while staying in either exclusive Andean lodges or campsites.
Huaraz: Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash
Heading north, the mountain town of Huaraz (3,052 m) acts as the main base for venturing into the alpine peaks of the Cordillera Blanca—dominated by Mount Huascarán at 6,768 m—and the remote Huayhuash range.
Every Peru adventure trip in this region focuses on multi-day backcountry camping, starting with two acclimatization day hikes from town.
Amazon river cruises and jungle lodges
Spanning nearly 60% of the nation, the Amazon basin opens up extraordinary wilderness adventures through two major gateways: Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado.
Up in the north, Iquitos (reached exclusively by flight or boat) acts as the starting port for our Peru Amazon tours. Here, boutique cruise ships sail on 4-day river journeys toward Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, searching out pink dolphins, sloths, and vibrant canopy wildlife.
Further south, Puerto Maldonado provides access to jungle lodges around the Tambopata National Reserve. Guests can choose a 3-day retreat hosted by the local Ese Eja native community, a 4-day rainforest research stay near a famous macaw clay lick, or a 7-day overland trek linking the jungle to Machu Picchu.
Altitude and the dry season
Across the mountains of Peru, two key details shape every route: altitude (starting near 3,400 m in Cusco and pushing much higher) and the dry season, running from April to October. In contrast, Amazon trips run all year, marked by high-water months from November to June and low-water months from July to October.
Want to add more rainforest or wetlands to your Peru vacation? Many guests combine it with our adventure trips in Brazil!