Run Cusco: High-Altitude Adventures & Guided Trail Running

1. The Hills of Cusco – 9KM Trail Run

A perfect introduction to trail running in the Andes. This gentle 9km route takes you through quiet countryside above the city, along smooth, predominantly flat or downhill trails. You’ll pass ancient Incan ruins, run through open landscapes with panoramic views, and descend gently into Cusco—finishing in the vibrant San Blas Market for a refreshing juice.

 

Ideal for beginners or those looking to acclimatize with light, scenic running.

• Meet in San Blas and taxi 10 minutes to a rural community above the city

• Run through the highland countryside, eucalyptus forests, and ancient footpaths

• Pass by impressive Incan ruins before descending into the heart of Cusco

• Finish at San Blas Market with a fresh local juice

 

📍 Distance: 9 km

⏱️ Duration: 1–2 hours

🥾 Difficulty: Easy

​🌿 Includes: Guide, Taxi transport, Juice​​​​​

Price in USD per person:

1 Runner -  $40, 2 Runners - $30, 3+ Runners $25.

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🏔️ 2. The Incan Ruins Of Cusco – 9.5KM Inca Trail Adventure

Discover the magic of Cusco’s highland trails on this scenic and cultural run—perfect for runners short on time but looking for an unforgettable experience.

 

We’ll start with a short 5 minute taxi ride from San Blas up to the quiet outskirts of the city. From there, we’ll hit the trails, weaving through ancient Incan temples and breathtaking lookout points over Cusco. The route winds its way down to a quiet river valley, through aromatic eucalyptus forests, and past lesser-known Incan ruins.

 

We finish with a descent back into the heart of Cusco, ending at San Blas Market—where we’ll celebrate with a fresh local juice.

 

📍 Distance: ~9.5 km

⏱️ Duration: 1–2 hours

🥾 Difficulty: Easy

🌿 Includes: Guide, Taxi transport, Juice​​​

Price in USD per person:

1 Runner -  $40, 2 Runners - $30, 3+ Runners - $25.​​

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🏔️ 3. Tambomachay to San Blas: 11KM Sacred Springs & Hidden Valleys

Begin just above the ancient Incan ceremonial site of Tambomachay and descend into the peaceful Cusco countryside. Wind your way past chacras (traditional Andean farmlands), tracing ancient footpaths through rolling hills and eucalyptus groves. You’ll reach the striking rock formations of the Devil’s Balcony, a dramatic natural cave with sweeping valley views. From here, follow the river trail through a beautiful forest before arriving in the heart of San Blas—the city’s vibrant bohemian neighborhood. End your run with a refreshing juice at the San Blas Market.

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📍 Distance: ~11km

⏱️ Duration: ~1.5–2 hours

🏞️ Difficulty: Easy 

🌿 Includes: Guide, Taxi transport, Juice

Price in USD per person:

1 Runner -  $40, 2 Runners - $30, 3+ Runners - $25.​​

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🏔️ 4. Inca Forest Traverse: 15KM Ruins, Ridges & the Devil’s Balcony

Start your run right on the edge of Cusco, where city meets mountains. This route winds through peaceful forest trails past lesser-known Incan ruins, offering sweeping views of the city below. Instead of looping back to Cusco, you’ll climb gradually into the highlands—where the air is crisp and the landscapes open up.

Your reward: a visit to the striking Devil’s Balcony, a dramatic rock formation tucked into the hillside. From there, the trail descends through a beautiful forest, past more ancient ruins, before leading you back into the bohemian charm of San Blas. It’s the perfect mix of history, nature, and endurance.

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📍 Distance: ~15 km

⏱️ Duration: 1.5–3.5 hours

🏞️ Difficulty: Moderate

🌿 Includes: Guide, Taxi transport, Juice

Price in USD per person:

1 Runner -  $55, 2 Runners - $45, 3+ Runners - $40.​​

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🏔️ 5. Huchuy Qosqo Day Run – 21KM Inca Trail Adventure​​

One of our favourite long runs from Cusco.

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• Traverse ancient Incan trails with sweeping views over the Sacred Valley

• Run along Incan trails

• Finish your run at the majestic ruins of Huchuy Qosqo before descending into the Sacred Valley.

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📍 Distance: ~21 km

⏱️ Duration: 4–7 hours

🥾 Difficulty: Intermediate

🌿 Includes: Transport, running guide, snack, entry to ruins, complimentary session in one of our hyperbaric chambers pre run. ​​

Price in USD per person:

Public transport

1 Runner -  $130, 2 Runners - $110, 3+ Runners - $95

Private transport

1 Runner -  $160, 2 Runners - $130, 3+ Runners - $110​​​​​​​​​​

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🏔️ 6. Lares Combo – Andean Running Adventure​​

Experience one of Peru’s most breathtaking trail runs — combining remote mountain landscapes, authentic Andean culture, and a rejuvenating finish at the Lares hot springs. Choose from a 1-day fast adventure or a 2-day immersive journey through high-altitude trails.

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Option 1: 18km

1-Day Lares Run + Hot Springs Finish

Perfect for runners short on time but looking for an epic day in the Andes.

 

• Early morning pickup from Cusco or Sacred Valley

• Scenic drive to the Lares trailhead

• Trail run or fast-paced hike to a stunning high pass (4,300m), passing lakes, llamas, and remote communities

• Descend to the natural hot springs for a relaxing soak 

• Return to Cusco in the late afternoon/evening

 

📍 Distance: ~12-18 km

⏱️ Duration: 5–8 hours

🥾 Difficulty: Intermediate

🌿 Includes: Transport, running guide, snack, entry to hot springs, complimentary session in one of our hyperbaric chambers pre run. 

Price in USD per person:

1 Runner -  $260, 2 Runners - $195, 3+ Runners - $145.

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Option 2: 25km

2-Day Lares Combo - Llamas, Lakes & Hot Springs

 

A full Andean running experience with culture, altitude, and comfort.

 

Day 1:

• Pickup and drive to the Lares trailhead

• Run/hike to the mountain pass (4,300m) with stops at lakes and highland viewpoints

• Descend to Lares hot springs for lunch and afternoon soak

• Overnight stay at the hot springs or a local guesthouse

Day 2:

• Morning transfer to Huacahuasi

• Begin second run/hike over another scenic high pass

• Llama and alpaca country + stunning vistas

• Descend to Patacancha, then transfer back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco

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📍 Distance: ~25-30km

⏱️ Duration: 2 days

🥾 Difficulty: Intermediate

🌿 Includes: Transport, running guide, snack, entry to hot springs, lunch, dinner, accommodation, breakfast, lunch & complimentary session in one of our hyperbaric chambers pre run. 

Price in USD per person:

1 Runner -  $475, 2 Runners - $395, 3+ Runners - $325.

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💬 Why we love it: The ultimate mix of mountain solitude, community encounters, and hot water recovery. Built by runners, for runners.​

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🏔️ 7. Sacred Valley to Lares Hot Springs – 35km Epic 1-Day Andean Trail Run

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Push your limits with one of Peru’s most breathtaking running routes — a journey through dramatic Andean landscapes, remote villages, and glacier-fed valleys, finishing with a rewarding soak in the natural hot springs of Lares.

 

Perfect for trail runners short on time but hungry for challenge and culture, this testing one-day experience blends adventure, scenery, and recovery in one unforgettable route.

 

• Early morning pickup from Cusco or the Sacred Valley

• Trail run or fast-paced hike over a 4,300m high mountain pass, past turquoise lakes, roaming alpacas, and ancient footpaths

• Past by Andean communities — where traditional dress and customs endure

• Finish at the Lares Hot Springs to relax your muscles in natural thermal pools

 

📍 Distance: ~35 km

⏱️ Duration: 7-10 hours

🥾 Difficulty: Difficult

🌿 Includes: Transport, running guide, snack, entry to hot springs, dinner and a complimentary session in one of our hyperbaric chambers pre run. 

Price in USD per person:

1 Runner -  $385, 2 Runners - $250, 3+ Runners - $230.

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This route offers ever-changing scenery, from misty valleys and glacial lakes to stone homes and vibrant Quechua culture. A true Andean adventure in just one day.

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🏃‍♀️ 8. Choquequirao Express – 42KM 2-Day Run or Fast Hike​

An unforgettable highland adventure to one of Peru’s most spectacular (and least visited) Incan cities. This 2-day highly challenge blends fast hiking or light running with immersive cultural moments and jaw-dropping scenery. Unlike many other Andean routes, the Choquequirao trail stays at lower altitudes, making it more comfortable for those still acclimatizing. It is essential for all those that take on this route to have legs that are used to ascending/ descending.

 

You’ll cover ~20km each day—without rushing—passing through lush valleys, cloud forests, and dramatic canyon landscapes. Stay in a cozy mountain homestay, connect with local communities, and reach Choquequirao: a stunning “sister city” to Machu Picchu with far fewer crowds.

 

• Depart early from Cusco and transfer to the trailhead

• Descend into the dramatic Apurímac Canyon, passing scenic lookouts and farming settlements

• Spend the night in a simple but welcoming homestay in Marampata 

• Reach Choquequirao early on Day 2 to explore its expansive ruins at your own pace

• Return via the same route with time to rest, refuel, and take in the views

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📍 Distance: ~42 km total (~18 km one day and 24km the other)

⏱️ Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

🥾 Difficulty: Difficult (Low elevation but over 3000m ascending and 3000m descending,(

🌄 Altitude: Lower than most treks – ideal for acclimatizing

🏡 Includes: Guide, Transport, Homestay Accommodation, All Meals, Entry to Choquequirao and a complimentary session in one of our hyperbaric chambers pre run.

Price in USD per person:

1 Runner -  $450, 2 Runners - $400, 3 Runners - $350, 4+ Runners - $300.​

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🏃‍♀️ 9. Ausangate Ultra Run – 50KM High-Altitude Challenge

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Not for the faint of heart — or lungs.

This is a serious, high-altitude ultrarun for advanced runners looking for something truly epic. You’ll run above 4,000m the entire way, crossing three major mountain passes (5000m) and skirting glacier lakes beneath the sacred Ausangate massif.

 

• Fully supported

• Run through Quechua villages, turquoise lakes, and herds of alpacas

• Finish at the hot springs of Pacchanta for a much-needed soak

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📍 Distance: 50 km

⏱️ Duration: 10-14 hours 

🥾 Difficulty: Advanced / Ultra

🌿 Includes: Transport, guide, logistics, hot springs access, dinner and a complimentary session in one of our hyperbaric chambers pre run

Price in USD per person:

1 Runner -  $540, 2 Runners - $340, 3+ Runners - $270.

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🔁 Custom Routes & Private Runs

Looking for a personalized running experience in Cusco? Whether you’re after a short morning trail run, a multi-day mountain adventure, or support for a running retreat, we create tailored trail running itineraries to match your pace, fitness level, and goals.

 

All experiences include full logistics, expert running guides, optional support runners, and the chance to connect with the local culture. Not sure which route is right for you? Just send us your experience level, current fitness, and preferred distance — we’ll recommend the perfect trail for your time in Cusco.

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