Stone pathway winding through green Andean slopes on Peru’s Inca TrailColegota · CC BY-SA · Wikimedia Commons
Experiences · Trekking & Walking

Trek Through the Heart of the Andes

From legendary Inca pathways to spectacular high-altitude landscapes, discover Peru on foot through journeys tailored to every level of adventure.

Customizable trekking and walking programs designed by our Cusco-based team for travel agencies and tour operators.

Why Peru

Ancient pathways. Remarkable mountain worlds.

Around Cusco, walking routes connect Inca archaeology with high passes, cultivated valleys and cloud forest. The Classic Inca Trail brings these landscapes together on a distinctive approach to Machu Picchu.

Lares offers mountain routes shaped by contemporary Andean life, while Ausangate and Choquequirao reward experienced hikers with more demanding terrain. Farther north, Huaraz opens the door to the glacial valleys and lakes of the Cordillera Blanca.

Build each program around your clients’ experience, pace and comfort expectations. The experiences below are customizable concepts, with route selection, acclimatization time and community visits planned individually.

Signature experiences

Seven ways to explore Peru on foot

Inca stone steps crossing a green mountain landscapeSteve FUNG · CC BY-SA · Wikimedia Commons
Cusco

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Follow ancient stone pathways through archaeological sites and changing Andean scenery toward Machu Picchu on a demanding, camping-based trek, crossing Dead Woman’s Pass at approximately 4,215 m. Plan well ahead for permits and confirm guide, porter and load arrangements, subject to current official regulations.

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Approximately 4 days
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Fit walkers interested in Inca archaeology and a classic supported camping trek
Snow-covered Salkantay rising above rugged trekking terrainRtype909 · CC BY-SA · Wikimedia Commons
Cusco

Salkantay Trek

Travel from high mountain scenery into warmer valleys before continuing toward Machu Picchu, with route variations affecting walking days, overnight arrangements and transfers. The classic crossing reaches approximately 4,600 m at Salkantay Pass, requiring strong fitness, acclimatization planning and equipment for cold heights, rain and warmer lower elevations.

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4–5 days
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Fit adventure travelers seeking varied landscapes and sustained mountain walking
Mountain trail beside cultivated land in the Lares ValleyMcKay Savage from London, UK · CC BY · Wikimedia Commons
Sacred Valley

Lares Valley Cultural Trek

Walk mountain routes linking open Andean landscapes with communities in the Lares area, with visits arranged around local participation and consent. Route choice determines altitude and difficulty; cultural exchanges complement the trek rather than replace preparation for high-elevation walking.

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2–4 days, depending on itinerary
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Active travelers interested in Andean culture and thoughtfully arranged community encounters
Colorful mountain ridges in the Ausangate region of PeruStefanos Nikologianis · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Cusco Region

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trekking

Explore glacial scenery, colorful mountain formations and remote Andean terrain on carefully selected day hikes or multi-day routes. Significant altitude, exposed conditions and physical demands call for experienced route planning, suitable fitness and acclimatization time; a day hike is not necessarily an easy option.

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From day hikes to multi-day expeditions
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Well-prepared hikers seeking remote landscapes and demanding high-altitude walking
Choquequirao terraces above steep green Andean valleysGedankenstuecke · CC BY-SA · Wikimedia Commons
Apurímac/Cusco

Choquequirao Trekking Expedition

Reach Choquequirao’s remarkable Inca terraces and archaeological remains through dramatic canyon terrain. Long descents, sustained climbs, heat on lower sections and remote camping logistics make this a demanding expedition best suited to experienced hikers.

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4–5 days or longer, depending on route
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Experienced hikers and archaeology-focused adventure groups
Turquoise lake beneath peaks on the Santa Cruz trekking routeApollo · CC BY · Wikimedia Commons
Huaraz

Cordillera Blanca & Santa Cruz Trek

Walk through the Cordillera Blanca’s glacial valleys, turquoise lakes and dramatic mountain scenery on the classic Santa Cruz route. Allow acclimatization time around Huaraz before this high-altitude camping trek, with appropriate guiding, weather-ready equipment and flexibility for mountain conditions.

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Approximately 4 days for the classic Santa Cruz route
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Fit mountain walkers comfortable with camping and consecutive trekking days
Green mountain slopes and a winding road near Santa TeresaV1cnando · CC BY-SA · Wikimedia Commons
Cusco

Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

Combine mountain biking, walking and trekking through mountain and tropical foothill landscapes before reaching Machu Picchu; this is a multi-activity route, not the traditional Inca Trail. Private groups can adjust the activity mix, with rafting or ziplining considered only where offered and suitable, following checks on equipment, briefings, participant requirements, weather and operating conditions. Plan for changing climates and altitude, and explore complementary Outdoor Adventure concepts.

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3–4 days
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Young adults and active adventure groups with fitness and cycling skills suited to the selected route

Trade planning essentials

Difficulty & technical requirements
From selected gentle valley walks to demanding multi-day treks. Listed classic routes are generally non-technical walking, but steep steps, uneven ground and long climbs require route-specific assessment.
Fitness & traveler screening
Match daily distances, elevation gain, terrain and consecutive walking days to the group. Assess cycling ability separately for Inca Jungle programs.
Altitude & acclimatization
Cusco is approximately 3,400 m; Dead Woman’s Pass approximately 4,215 m; Salkantay Pass approximately 4,600 m. Typical overnight and maximum elevations vary by route; build acclimatization time into the full itinerary.
Permits & entrance tickets
Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu admissions require advance planning. Circuits, entry times, access rules and protected-area requirements are subject to current official regulations; verify at booking.
Best trekking seasons
May–September generally offers drier Andean trekking conditions. Rain, cold nights and mountain weather remain possible; seasonal suitability varies by route.
Booking lead time
Begin several months ahead, especially for the Classic Inca Trail and peak-season groups. Check live permit and ticket inventory before confirming arrangements; no availability is guaranteed.
Camping & accommodation
Camping is central to the Classic Inca Trail, Santa Cruz and many remote routes. Other itineraries may combine camps with lodges or hotels where suitable options exist; comfort and facilities vary.
Guides & porter welfare
Specify appropriate guiding, support teams, equipment and emergency procedures. Review fair working conditions and responsible porter loads, subject to current official regulations.
Private FIT & groups
Adapt pace, walking stages and support to the party. Private departures remain subject to permit rules, route conditions and service confirmation.
Weather & contingency planning
Allow flexibility for road disruption, trail conditions and access changes. Discuss alternative walks and the implications of changes before confirming remote programs.
Practical information

Plan the whole journey, not just the trail

Arrival & altitude
Include time in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before demanding Cusco-region treks, and preparation days around Huaraz before Santa Cruz. Avoid scheduling a major high-altitude hike immediately after arrival.
Machu Picchu logistics
Coordinate entrance tickets, assigned circuits, timed admissions, guiding and onward transport as one plan. Train and road connections vary by route; access arrangements are subject to current official regulations and must be verified at booking.
Transport & remote access
Cusco programs usually need trailhead transfers and may require domestic flights and train connections. Huaraz requires a separate access plan from Lima; Choquequirao and remote camps need additional ground and support logistics.
Seasonality
The Andean wet season generally runs from November to March. The Classic Inca Trail normally closes in February for maintenance, subject to current official regulations; verify closure periods and other route restrictions at booking.
Responsible trekking
Arrange community visits with local participation, ask before photographing people and respect spiritual practices and culturally significant places. Plan waste management, fair treatment of support teams and low-impact use of trails and camps.
Who it's for

Match the trail to the traveler

Luxury FIT travelers

Private guiding and carefully paced walking can complement higher-comfort stays before and after the trek; remote trail accommodation remains route-dependent.

Couples & honeymooners

Combine private valley walks or a shared trekking challenge with time to enjoy the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Families & multigenerational groups

Selected shorter walks suit mixed interests when distance, altitude and terrain are assessed individually; demanding treks are not a default family option.

Active & experienced hikers

Salkantay, Ausangate, Choquequirao and Santa Cruz offer sustained walking and rewarding mountain terrain.

Young adults & adventure groups

Inca Jungle programs bring together cycling and walking, with optional activities matched to skills, conditions and participant requirements.

Special-interest & private groups

Archaeology, photography and cultural themes can shape route selection, interpretation and daily pacing.

Where

Peru’s standout trekking destinations

Complete journeys

Build the trek into a richer Peru journey

These are customizable journey concepts, not fixed departures. Final pacing depends on arrival arrangements, acclimatization needs, permits and route conditions. Choquequirao and the Cordillera Blanca can also anchor separate specialist trekking programs.

Why partner with Be Peru DMC?

Local knowledge behind every walking day

Cusco-based destination expertise

Build routes with a local team that considers trail access, connecting transport and the wider Peru itinerary.

Tailor-made travel design

Adapt walking stages, cultural content and comfort expectations to your clients rather than forcing a standard route.

Private FIT & group operations

Coordinate different party sizes with appropriate guiding, support arrangements and realistic daily pacing.

White-label services

Support your agency’s client relationship with proposals and program communication aligned with your brand.

Carefully selected local suppliers

Select services for route suitability, with clear discussion of accommodation standards, equipment and support-team arrangements.

Professional guides & Experience Leaders

Match guiding and coordination roles to the itinerary, confirming languages and specialist requirements during proposal development.

On-the-ground coordination

Bring transfers, trekking services, ticketing and onward connections into a coordinated operational plan.

Responsible, market-ready proposals

Consider community participation, porter welfare and environmental care while tailoring operational detail and support to your agency’s market.

Trade resources

Request what your team needs

FAQs for travel professionals

Can these experiences operate privately or for groups?

Yes, programs can be designed for private FIT travelers and agency groups. Group size, support teams and daily stages must suit the route; permits, access and services are subject to confirmation and current official regulations.

How much can we customize, and which clients are suitable?

We can adjust preparation days, selected routes, walking pace, cultural visits and pre- or post-trek stays. Suitability depends on fitness, hiking experience, altitude exposure and comfort expectations—not age alone. Inca Trail changes are constrained by the permitted route and current official regulations.

How far ahead should we request permits and Machu Picchu tickets?

Start several months ahead, particularly for the Classic Inca Trail and peak-season travel. Check current inventory before committing clients, and coordinate Machu Picchu circuits, entry times and transport together. Permit and ticket conditions are subject to current official regulations; verify at booking.

What guiding, languages and trekking support can be arranged?

Specify the required guiding language when requesting a proposal; language availability must be confirmed. Guiding, camping equipment and porter or pack-animal support depend on the route. Review team welfare, equipment standards and emergency procedures before confirmation, with regulated requirements verified at booking.

When is the best season, and how should we plan for altitude?

May–September is generally the drier Andean trekking period, but mountain weather remains variable. Build acclimatization and manageable walking days into the itinerary rather than beginning a demanding trek on arrival. The Classic Inca Trail normally closes in February, subject to current official regulations; verify at booking.

Is the Inca Jungle Trek the same as the Classic Inca Trail?

No. Inca Jungle is a multi-activity journey involving mountain biking, walking and transfers toward Machu Picchu, not the traditional permitted Inca Trail. Optional rafting or ziplining requires separate assessment of participant suitability, equipment, operating conditions and applicable rules. Machu Picchu admission must still be planned in advance, subject to current official regulations.

Let's Create an Extraordinary Journey for Your Clients

Tell us what your clients are looking for, and our local team will help design a customized Peru experience.

sales@beperudmc.com · +1 (315) 819-8183

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