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Hikers Info

Adventure Hiking and Trekking In The Andes and Hikers Q & A

Day Hikes and Multi-Day Treks

Where did the ancient Inca people live? They lived all over the Andean Mountains and their legacy is the numerous trails still intact after hundreds of years. There are many opportunities to stretch your legs and blow your mind. The famous mountain metropolis of Cusco is our base of operations. You will sleep in the comfort of hotels while we are in Cusco and from here you can explore some of the local trails including: Salkantay, Ausangate, Inca Trail, Lares, Choquequirao, Huchuy Qosqo or special hikes at your request.

Explore the Incan culture by following the footsteps of ancient Incan travelers through archaeological ruins, picturesque flora and fauna and magical cloud forests.

In order to protect and preserve the national treasure, access to the famous Inca Trail (2, 4 and 7 days) is limited to 500 people per day including guides and porters.  We will do our best to book your reservation promptly, once your flights have been confirmed and your deposit has been received.  It is recommended that hikers make travel reservations for the Inca Trail at least 6 months in advance, depending on the season.  The trail is closed in February for maintenance.

Peru and Ecuador -Land Of the Incas

While we specialize in organizing hikes on the world famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, let us introduce you to the many other hikes in southern Peru and Ecuador. There are unlimited opportunities in the Quito, Cusco and Sacred Valley region, from spontaneous day hikes to multi-day treks on lesser known, but equally breathtaking trails and paths designed by our ancient ancestors, the Incas.

Let us know how challenging you would like your trek to be and how long you would like to stay in the mountains and we can craft an itinerary to fit your needs and abilities. It is best to allow a few days to acclimate to the altitude before you start your hike. You can use this time to explore the city of your choice.

As an example: One of the most well known hikes after the traditional Inca trail is the Salkantay Trek. We take you to Mollepata by bus, and from here we ascend little by little towards Soray pampa. Along the way you can gaze at the magnificent snow-capped Umantay. You will eventually arrive at the base of the year around snow-capped Salakantay mountain, one of the guardian gods of the Andean people. We call this mountain Apu Salkantay, and tradition says that this mountain is one of our protectors, the male god. (the most well known female god is
Pachamama, mother earth) The hike tops out at 5000 meters above sea level. The view from this pass is spectacular with many snow-capped mountains, including the Pumasilla range. We descend to Collpapampa, where we will camp. We continue descending, and as the path follows close to the river, we arrive at the village called La Playa. The trail then rises into the cloud forest, passing by coffee, banana and passion fruit plantations. From there we go to Santa Teresa, where we will enjoy the hot springs in Cocalmayu. After a nice relaxing bath, we go to Aguas Calientes and finally to Machupicchu. Plan to hike at least 4 days, with one extra day to visit the ruins.

If you would like to try a less strenuous hike, then ease your way along the Lares Trail to observe and photograph nature, view unadulterated Peruvian landscapes, small lakes, native villages, and have a jump into a hot spring. Trail tops out at 5500 meters. Allow 3 days for the hike and a fourth day to travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu.

One of our favorite hikes in the Sacred Valley is Huchuy Qosqo. You start either in Chinchero or Tambomachay, both of which are home to Inca sites. Pass by many lakes to a maximum altitude of 4500 meters. While this may sound high, the total elevation gain is minimal given the high starting altitude. Visit native villages including Pucamarca and cross graceful bridges to arrive at the Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo. From here you can view all of the Sacred Valley. Choose either 2 or 3 days for this hike, plus 1 or 2 additional days to explore Machupicchu.

With views that are no less magnificent than the more well-known trails, we recommend another stunning trek through the Sacred Valley called the Cachiccata Hike. This trip requires 3 days to explore less visited ancient Inca sites and paths, plus a visit to an Inca Quarry and more.

If snowcapped mountains and highlands are your passion, then Ausangate is the place for you. This trip takes a minimum of 4 days and here you'll see the Apu Ausangate, one of the highest mountains in Peru at 6300 meters above sea level. View beautiful lakes and meet true Andean people on the way. You can expect to climb to 4000 meters with a maximum of 5000 meters in certain passes. This hike is south of Cusco, so if you want to visit Machupicchu you can return to Cusco, then head north to the ruins by train from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

Hikers Q & A

Can I hike the Inca Trail alone or make my own reservations? 

No, all hikers must be accompanied by a licensed guide.  Adventure Holidays Peru (or other licensed tour operator) will make your reservations.  Minimum group size is 2.  Valid passport is needed before booking.

Who provides the camping gear?

Adventure Holidays Peru (Adios Adventure Travel) provides tents, sleeping pads, cookwear, water filter, food while on the trail, trekking poles and porters to carry and manage the camping equipment, including meal preparation and clean-up.  Hikers should provide their own day pack to carry cameras, water bottle, personal first aid, sunscreen, hat for sun protection, raingear, warm layers and trail snacks.  Hikers can bring their own sleeping bags or a bag liner to use with our bags.

Where is my luggage stored while I hike?

Adventure Holidays Peru (Adios Adventure Travel) will issue a small duffle bag to each hiker the day before you leave for the hike.  You will pack sleeping bag (or bag liner), warm clothing in which to sleep, extra clothing and minimal toiletries.  (there are no showers on the trail)  The total weight of the bag cannot exceed 5 kg.  This bag will be carried by the porters during the day while you are hiking.  You will have access to this bag only at night and early a.m.  The remainder of your luggage will be secured in a locked closet in your hotel in Cusco. You cannot enter the Inca Trail without a valid passport, which should remain with you at all times.

Why is the weight of the duffle bags  limited?

Porters are now protected from carrying excess baggage on the Inca Trail.  We wholeheartedly support this rule, which is strictly enforced, although some operators have been known to circumvent these protections. Porters will equally divide the load for your group.  Your duffle bag is part of the equipment that is carried by porters.

How do we replenish our drinking water supply while hiking?

Bottled water is easily available all over Peru and Ecuador, except in the backcountry.  Even the smallest villages may sell bottled drinking water for travelers.  While hiking, we collect water from streams, boil it and then filter it through a Katadyn brand water filter.  Food is handled and prepared with the same precautions. 

What kinds of food are served while hiking?  I have a food allergy.

Peruvian and Ecuadorian food is as eclectic as its people.  Andean people love potatoes, corn, fava beans, rice, quinoa, chicken, llama and many other foods.  With advance notice, we can adapt our trail menu to accommodate just about any food preferences.  We can prepare wheat-free, vegetarian, low-salt to name a few.  Just let us know before you arrive.