Bucket list for beginners: The easier alternative to hiking the Inca Trail

When you think hiking in Peru, chances are that your mind immediately goes to the Inca Trail.

The stunning hike winds through the Andes, bringing travellers to the Sun Gate, which sits above the iconic Machu Picchu.

It's one of those bucket-list experiences - but honestly? A four-day hike isn't really for everyone.

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Thankfully, there are a ton of other great hiking and trekking experiences on offer in Peru, no matter what kind of traveller you are.

The Inca Trail

Best for: First-time visitors, bucket-list travellers

This one's a classic for a reason. The iconic four-day Inca Trail remains one of the world's most sought-after hikes, which ends at Machu Picchu at sunrise.

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The trail takes you through cloud forests and centuries-old Inca ruins, offering stunning views the whole way. Permits are limited to protect the trail, so you'll need to book well in advance and travel with a guide.

If four days sounds like a lot, shorter one- or two-day Inca Trail options are also available.

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Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley

Best for: Soft adventure, time-poor travellers

Not all of Peru's hiking experiences require multi-day commitment. The Sacred Valley offers a range of shorter walks that combine scenic landscapes with cultural highlights.

Routes around Ollantaytambo, Moray and the Maras salt mines provide accessible options for travellers who want a bit of light trekking without the overnight camping.

You still get out there in the stunning Andes ranges and get a taste of local culture, but with less of a commitment.

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Madre de Dios

Best for: Wildlife, soft adventure and immersive nature experience

If you've done Machu Pichu, or want to see a completely different side of Peru, the Amazon should be high on your list.

In regions like Madre de Dios, guided walks and river journeys get you up close to a huge diversity of wildlife. From spotting monkeys and macaws to navigating oxbow lakes like Lake Sandoval, its not physically demanding but still immersive.

Lares Trek

Best for: Cultural immersion and slower travel

The Lares Trek places less emphasis on reaching Machu Picchu quickly, and more on connecting with local Andean communities.

Hikers pass through remote villages where traditional ways of life have remained largely unchanged.

You'll get time to meet with local families, learn about and take part in customs and traditions, and enjoy scenic mountain landscapes and natural hot springs, for a more culturally rich experience.

Salkantay Trek

Best for: Active travellers seeking dramatic landscapes

If you left it too late to secure an Inca Trail permit but still want a multi-day Machu Picchu hike, this one's for you. It's a more rugged and less crowded alternative, traversing high mountain passes before descending into lush jungle terrain.

A highlight is the striking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Choquequirao Trek

Best for: Experienced hikers, repeat visitors

Often described as being just as impressive as Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is an ancient Incan site that sees only a fraction of the visitors.

The trek is more demanding, with steep climbs and descents through the Apurímac Canyon, but rewards hikers with a sense of true remoteness.

For those who have already experienced Machu Picchu, it offers the next step in their Peruvian adventure.

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