Andes in Motion: Challenging Treks for the Fit Traveler

1. The Hills of Cusco – 9KM Fast Hike

An ideal introduction to highland hiking at pace. This 9 km trek winds through peaceful countryside just above Cusco, following ancient footpaths and scenic ridgelines. With mostly gentle descents and rolling terrain, it’s perfect for those looking to acclimatize, stretch their legs, or experience a snapshot of the Andes without the crowds.

 

You’ll pass by little-visited Incan ruins, move through eucalyptus forests and open puna grasslands, and enjoy stunning views of the valley below — finishing your hike in the artisan heart of Cusco: San Blas. A fresh local juice at the market is your reward.

 

🟡 Perfect for active travelers easing into the altitude or short on time.

 

• Meet in San Blas and take a short taxi to a rural village above the city

• Hike through peaceful highland terrain, forest, and ancient Inca paths

• Pass archaeological sites and scenic overlooks

• Finish in San Blas with a well-earned fresh juice

 

📍 Distance: 9 km

⏱️ Duration: 3-4 hours

🥾 Difficulty: Easy

🌿 Includes: Guide, Transport, Fresh Juice

💵 Price per person (USD):

1 Hiker – $40 | 2 Hikers – $30 | 3+ Hikers – $25

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🏔️ 2. Huchuy Qosqo Day Trek – 21KM Inca Trail Adventure​​

 

One of the best one-day treks in the region for those who want to move fast, stay light, and experience a quieter side of the Sacred Valley. This 21 km high-altitude hike follows little-traveled Incan trails past lakes, high passes, and dramatic ridge lines before arriving at the spectacular ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, perched high above the Sacred Valley.

 

This is a challenging route for fit hikers ready for altitude, open landscapes, and steady movement. After exploring the ruins, descend into the Sacred Valley via ancient stone staircases with sweeping valley views. A true one-day adventure.

 

🟡 Ideal for strong hikers looking to push themselves off the beaten track.

 

• Begin high in the Andes near Tauca and hike ancient Incan paths

• Cross a mountain pass (~4,200m) and descend into lush Sacred Valley terrain

• Explore the Huchuy Qosqo ruins (entry included)

• Finish with a steep descent to Lamay in the Sacred Valley

• Includes a complimentary hyperbaric chamber session the day before your hike to help with altitude adaptation

 

 

📍 Distance: ~21 km

⏱️ Duration: 5-8 hours

🥾 Difficulty: Moderate

🌿 Includes: Guide, Transport, Snack, Entry to Ruins, Pre-hike Hyperbaric Session

 

💵 Price per person (USD):

Public Transport:

1 Hiker – $130 | 2 Hikers – $110 | 3+ Hikers – $95

Private Transport:

1 Hiker – $160 | 2 Hikers – $130 | 3+ Hikers – $110

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🏔️ 3. Lares Combo – Fast Paced Trekking Through the Andes

 

Experience one of Peru’s most breathtaking trekking adventures — blending high-mountain trails, quiet local communities, and a rewarding soak in the Lares hot springs. Choose a 1-day challenge or a 2-day immersive journey, both designed for strong hikers who want to move fast and pack light.

 

Option 1: 1-Day Lares Trek + Hot Springs Finish (~12–18km)

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Perfect for fit travelers short on time but eager for a big day in the mountains.

Start with an early pickup and a scenic drive to the trailhead. You’ll trek up to a high pass at 4,300m, surrounded by alpine lakes, herds of llamas, and vast silence. From there, descend through rugged terrain straight into the Lares hot springs — the perfect end to an epic day.

 

🟡 Ideal for acclimated hikers seeking a full-value one-day adventure.

 

📍 Distance: ~12–18 km

⏱️ Duration: 6–10 hours

🥾 Difficulty: Intermediate

🌿 Includes: Transport, Guide, Snack, Entry to Hot Springs, Pre-Hike Hyperbaric Session

 

💵 Price per person (USD):

1 Hiker – $260 | 2 Hikers – $195 | 3+ Hikers – $145

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Option 2: 2-Day Lares Combo – Llamas, Lakes & Hot Springs (~25–30km)

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A full Andean experience for trekkers who want more time to absorb the altitude, culture, and stunning scenery.

 

Day 1:

Start at the trailhead and ascend gradually to a high pass (4,300m) with panoramic views and highland lagoons. Descend into Lares for lunch and recovery time at the hot springs, followed by a night in a local guesthouse or comfortable lodge.

 

Day 2:

Begin early with a transfer to Huacahuasi, then trek over another mountain pass surrounded by llama country and pristine vistas. Finish your journey in the village of Patacancha and return to Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

 

🟡 Ideal for strong hikers looking for a balanced mix of effort, culture, and comfort.

 

📍 Distance: ~25–30 km

⏱️ Duration: 2 days

🥾 Difficulty: Intermediate

🌿 Includes: Guide, All Transport, Accommodation, Hot Springs Entry, 4 Meals, Snack, Pre-Hike Hyperbaric Session

 

💵 Price per person (USD):

1 Hiker – $475 | 2 Hikers – $395 | 3+ Hikers – $325​

💬 Why We Love It:

The ultimate mix of high-altitude solitude, cultural connection, and hot spring recovery — all at a pace that keeps you moving and engaged. Built for hikers who want more than just to follow the crowd.

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🏔️ 4: Choquequirao Express – 2–3 Day Fast Hike (~42KM)

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A raw and unforgettable Andean adventure to one of Peru’s most spectacular Incan cities — with a lot fewer tourists and a lot more physical challenge. Designed for fit and experienced hikers, this fast-paced 2-day trek covers ~42 km of rugged terrain, from deep canyon descents to remote highland ridgelines. You’ll move light, stay in a local homestay, and arrive at the incredible ruins of Choquequirao, often called Machu Picchu’s sister city — but without the crowds.

 

Unlike many high-altitude routes, Choquequirao stays slightly lower in elevation, making it ideal for travelers still acclimatizing — but don’t be fooled: the steep descents and ascents are intense. You’ll need strong legs and mountain stamina to complete this one.

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🟡 Best for strong hikers looking for a physical and mental test in remote, scenic terrain.

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Itinerary Highlights:

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Day 1

• Early departure from Cusco and transfer to the trailhead

• Fast-paced descent into the dramatic Apurímac Canyon (from ~2,900m to 1,460m)

• Long ascent through farmland, forests, and switchbacks to Marampata (~2,970m)

• Overnight in a cozy local homestay with hot food and incredible views

 

Day 2

• Early start to reach the expansive ruins of Choquequirao before the sun hits

• Time to explore the site on foot — often with only a handful of other visitors

• Return via the same trail with time to soak in views, rest, and refuel

• Evening return to Cusco

 

📍 Distance: ~42 km total (Day 1: ~18 km | Day 2: ~24 km)

⏱️ Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night (optional third day if preferred)

🥾 Difficulty: Difficult – over 3,000m of climbing and descending

🌄 Altitude: Moderate – mostly between 1,400m and 3,000m

🏡 Includes: Transport, Experienced Guide, Homestay Accommodation, All Meals, Entry to Choquequirao, and a Complimentary Pre-Hike Hyperbaric Chamber Session

 

💵 Price per person (USD):

1 Hiker – $450 | 2 Hikers – $400 | 3 Hikers – $350 | 4+ Hikers – $300​​​​​​​

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🔁 Custom Routes & Private hikes

Looking for a personalized trekking experience in the Andes? Whether you’re after a challenging one-day ascent, a multi-day high-altitude journey, or a tailored route for a private group, we create fast-paced trekking itineraries to match your fitness level, time frame, and sense of adventure.

 

All experiences include expert local guides, full logistics, and overnight stays in handpicked homestays, lodges, or boutique accommodations — so you can move light and cover more ground without the burden of camping gear.

 

Not sure which trek is right for you? Just tell us your hiking background, fitness level, and how far you want to go — we’ll build a route that pushes your limits and rewards you with unforgettable views.