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    Looking for the best backpacking in Peru? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Peru. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

    Top Backpacking Spots in and near Peru

    • Anta, Peru

      Backpack the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

      4.8
      44.5 mi
      Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa to Wayracpunku (9 miles)The trail starts at 12477 ft and proceeds towards Salkantay Pass at 15090 ft. It's a gradual climb and incredibly beautiful. From the pass, it's a short downhill to the campground in Huayracmachay at 12477 ft. Even if the weather is sunny and cle...
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    • Caylloma, Peru

      Trek Colca Canyon

      5.0
      14 mi / 3675 ft gain
      Colca Canyon is an amazing hike and truly an awe-inspiring place to explore... it's just a little tricky to get to.Notes Before Hand: 1) In the Peruvian city of Arequipa, you will need to take a 5-6 hour bus to Cabanaconde to reach the Canyon. Tickets for the bus can purchased at main bus statio...
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    • Urubamba, Peru

      Backpack the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

      26.5 mi / 6279 ft gain
      Day 1: Cusco to Ayapata (10 miles) The trail starts at 8,923 ft at the main gate operating the permit and passport check-ins at KM 82, Piscachucho. You'll cross the Urubamba River on a suspension bridge and proceed towards Ayapata at 10,829 ft. It's an easy day on the first day and should take ab...
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    • Abancay, Peru

      Backpack to Choquequirao

      5.0
      28 mi / 9523 ft gain
      Choquequirao, located in Apurimac Canyon, is a remote historical site of the ancient Incas also known as “the Lost Machu Picchu.” Most treks to Choquequirao take 4 to 5 days as you must cover 28 miles (45 km) and hike up and down the Apurimac Canyon.Day 1: When you arrive at the trail you can see...
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    • Yungay, Peru

      Backpack the Santa Cruz Valley: Vaqueria to Cashapampa

      28 mi / 3445 ft gain
      Permits and Logistics:You can do this hike in fewer days if interested as there are many National Park approved campsites to choose from. According to the "Casa de Guias" the Huascaran National Park may start cracking down on independent trekkers who are choosing to camp outside of the designate...
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    • Bolognesi, Peru

      Trek the Huayhuash Trail in Peru

      81 mi
      I wanted to share my most recent adventure in hopes to inspire some of you to do it as well!  Everyone thinks of the Inka Trail when they think of Peru, but Peru has sooo much more to offer, and at much more reasonable prices too!  I did the Huayhuash trail self guided and I spent about a total o...
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    • Carhuaz, Peru

      Backpack the Laguna 69 - Pisco Base Camp Loop

      5.0
      Most people opt for a day trip to Laguna 69. You'll get picked up by your tour in Huaraz early in the morning, drive 3 hours to the trailhead, hike to the laguna (which is spectacular), take pictures with dozens of other people, and then head back down to return to Huaraz. Here's a more adventuro...
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    • Mollepata District, Anta, Peru

      Backpack the Ancascocha Trail to Machu Picchu

      35 mi / 30000 ft gain
      Spanning just 4 days, but featuring 7 summits over 15,000 feet (and topping out at nearly 17,000'), this trail is not for the faint of heart.  Since the trail is extremely remote, permission must be attained from the locals. This is most easily done through a local guide company (I went with Kill...
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    • Distrito de San Pedro de Casta, Peru

      Hike to Marcahuasi and the Ancient Figures

      3 mi / 3280.8 ft gain
      The trekking starts in San Pedro de Casta at 3,000 meters from sea level and is a route of 4.9 km and up to 4,000 meters above sea level. The path has a viewpoints where you can take many photos of the valley and some farms.After 5 hrs of walking we got to The Anfiteatro, a concourse surrounded b...
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    • San Salvador de Pampas, Peru

      Bacpack to Rupac, City of Fire

      4.6 mi / 1312.3 ft gain
      The route starts in San Salvador de Pampas in Huaral. It is 4 hours from Lima. San Salvador de Pampas is known as the phantom village because people went down to La Florida in order to get access to better ground for farming.We started the walk at 12:00 pm after having a very good lunch in Pampas...
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    • Arequipa, Peru

      Backpack El Misti

      15.5 mi / 3600 ft gain
      If you ever find yourself in Peru, I highly suggest taking the time to check out El Misti. You'll see this monstrous beast, long before you get anywhere near it. Even while you're resting in your hostel in Arequipa, days before the trek itself.  Standing at 19,101 feet, to summiting El Misti is a...
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