Remote treks in Peru

The Cordillera Blanca in the heart of the Andes, about a 7 hour journey by road north from Lima, is one of South America’s most beautiful mountain ranges and a huge attraction to both climbers and hikers. Protected by the Huascarán National Park it encompasses many of the highest peaks of the Andes, some over 6,000m, with dramatic views of towering peaks, precipitous gorges, hundreds of colourful lakes and abundant wildlife. A range of different walks in the region, including the popular Olleros to Chavín hike, longer itineraries to Alpamayo and circuits in the even more remote and stunning Cordillera Huayhuash can all be organised.

The Llanganuco - Santa Cruz 5 day trek, from Huaraz, is a spectacular 62km ecologically diverse circuit hike in the northern part of the Cordillera Blanca. It passes through three valleys Santa Cruz, Huaripampa and Llanganuco, crosses two high passes above 4,700m and beneath dozens of ice-capped peaks. Hike past glacial lakes with striking colours, through areas of high tropical flora and fauna (particularly birds), archaeological remains and Andean villages.

Distance hiked: 62km (5-7 hours per day) | Accommodation: Camping | Maximum altitude: 4,780m | Maximum daily ascent: 860m | Maximum daily descent: 900m

Choquequirao, similar in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu, is an immpresive Inca site situated on a promontory set at 3,050m above the Apurimac river in the Vilcabamba range. Only accessible on foot the site covers 6 square km, receives a minimal number of visitors and has no time limit on how long one can stay inside the site, unlike Machu Picchu.

The last campsite, before returning by the same route, is just below the ruins which are buildings and terraces above and below Sunch'u Pata, a truncated hill top. The main structures are concentrated around two plazas along the crest of the ridge, they encompass about 2 square km and a whole day is allowed for exploring the site.

Distance hiked: 60km (ranging from 5-21km, 5-9 hours per day) | Accommodation: Camping; Maximum altitude: 3,050m | Maximum daily ascent: 1,500m | Maximum daily decsent: 1,600m.

Dominating the Cusco Valley snow capped Ausangate stands at almost 6,400m. The 5 day high altitude trek to the camp below Ausangate takes one through some stunning mountain landscapes, over high passes up to 5,200m, past sparkling turquoise lakes and glaciers, and through a remote region, home to friendly alpaca and llama herders.

Starting in Tinqui, a 3 hour journey by road from Cusco, the first day involves gradually climbing across open puna and through highland meadows to camp beside hot springs. The following days are challenging, but rewarding, as you hike through diverse landscapes, past moon-like rock formations, waterfalls and glacial lakes, and climb over four high mountain passes, including the Campa pass at 5,050m.

Distance hiked: 56km (10-15 km, 4-7 hours per day) | Accommodation: Camping | Maximum altitude: 5,050m | Maximum daily ascent: 600m | Maximum daily descent: 690m