Running in Cusco: Guided Trail Adventures
Explore Cusco’s trails like a local — whether you’ve got two hours, two days or two weeks.
At Run the Andes, we create unique trail running experiences tailored to your ability, schedule, and sense of adventure. With over 13 years of experience and deep roots in the local running community, we know the best hidden routes, favorite local trails, and epic high-mountain adventures — all led by expert guides and supported by Peruvian runners.
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Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or simply want a light scenic jog past Incan ruins, we’ve got you covered. Every route is flexible — run it, hike it, or mix both. Our philosophy is simple: it’s about the experience, not the pace.
Below is a sample of our favorite runs — contact us for the complete list and let us help you discover Cusco’s trails in a way few visitors ever do.
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If you are interested in more running options such as altitude training camps or running holidays then please visit our partner site Run the Andes.
Guide to Difficulty Levels
Level 1 – Suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. If you jog, hike casually, or stay generally active, you’ll be able to enjoy and complete these routes comfortably.
Level 2 – Ideal for those who run or hike regularly. These routes don’t require speed, but do call for endurance and some experience with covering longer distances on varied terrain.
Level 3 – Designed for participants with strong fitness and stamina. You’ll need to keep moving steadily throughout the day to complete the distance and elevation.
Level 4 – For experienced endurance athletes. These routes often cover 40km+ in a day and require both speed and stamina. Prior acclimatization is essential, and we recommend a few practice outings beforehand to ensure you’re ready to complete the distance within the required time.
Level 1
Trail Run & Huatia: Running Through Inca Roots - Discover Cusco’s ancient countryside on foot while sharing in a living Andean tradition.​
Your journey begins just above the Incan ceremonial site of Tambomachay, following gentle downhill trails through chacras (traditional Andean farmlands), rolling hills, and fragrant eucalyptus groves. After about 5 km, you’ll reach the small farming community of Pucará, where you’ll take part in the
ancestral ritual of preparing a huatia — an earthen oven dating back to pre-Inca times, still used by Andean families today. Together, you’ll build and fire the huatia, learn about traditional farming practices, and enjoy freshly cooked potatoes straight from the earth. Recharged, you’ll continue running along Incan trail down to San Blas, the historic artisan quarter of Cusco.
Distance: ~ 8 or 11 km (mostly downhill, perfect for acclimatization)
Duration: ~ 3–4 hours including the huatia experience
Price in USD per person: 1 Runner - $100, 2 Runners - $80, 3+ Runners $60
The Incan Ruins Of Cusco – 9KM Inca Trail Adventure
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.
Distance: ~ 9km (mostly downhill, perfect for acclimatization)
Duration: ~ 1-2 hours
Includes: Guide, Taxi transport, Juice
Price in USD per person: 1 Runner - $40, 2 Runners - $30, 3+ Runners $25
Tambomachay to San Blas: 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 (mostly downhill, perfect for acclimatization)
Duration: ~ 1.5-2.5 hours
Includes: Guide, Taxi transport, Juice
Price in USD per person: 1 Runner - $45, 2 Runners - $40, 3+ Runners $35​
Level 2
Huchuy Qosqo Day Run – 20KM Inca Trail Adventure
One of our favorite long runs from Cusco takes you deep into history and high into the Andes. Traverse ancient Incan trails with sweeping views over the Sacred Valley, running along historic paths once used by messengers of the empire. The route finishes at the majestic ruins of Huchuy
Qosqo, where you can explore this remarkable archaeological site before descending into the Sacred Valley below.
Distance: ~ 20km
Duration: ~ 4-7 hours
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 - $110, 2 Runners - $90, 3+ Runners $85
Private Transport: 1 Runner - $150, 2 Runners - $110, 3+ Runners $95
Lares Run + Hot Springs Finish
We think this is one of the best routes in the region. Your day begins with an early morning pickup from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, followed by a scenic drive to the Lares trailhead. From here, you’ll set off on a trail run or fast-paced hike to a breathtaking high pass at 4,300 meters, passing crystal-clear lakes, grazing llamas, and remote Andean communities along the way. After taking in the sweeping views, descend to the natural hot springs for a well-deserved, rejuvenating soak before returning to Cusco in the late afternoon or evening.
Distance: ~ 20km
Duration: ~ 4-7 hours
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 - $150, 3+ Runners $135
Lares Combo - Llamas, Lakes & Hot Springs
The ultimate mix of mountain solitude and community encounters. On Day 1, you’ll be picked up and driven to the Lares trailhead, where your adventure begins with a run or fast-paced hike up to a 4,300-meter mountain pass, pausing at sparkling lakes and breathtaking highland viewpoints. After descending to the Lares hot springs, enjoy a well-earned
lunch and a relaxing afternoon soak before settling in for an overnight stay at the hot springs or a cozy local guesthouse.
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Day 2 starts with a morning transfer to your next trailhead, where you’ll cross another scenic high pass through llama and alpaca country, surrounded by stunning Andean vistas. You’ll descend to a remote community before transferring to Ollantaytambo for lunch, with the option to continue on to
Cusco or head straight toward Machu Picchu for the next leg of your journey.
Distance: ~ 35km
Duration: ~ 2 days
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 - $300, 3+ Runners $270
Level 3
Sacred Valley to Lares Hot Springs – 38km Epic 1-Day Andean Trail Run
Push your limits on one of Peru’s most breathtaking running routes — a full-day journey through dramatic Andean landscapes, remote villages, and glacier-fed valleys, ending with a well-deserved soak in the natural hot springs of Lares. Starting with an early morning pickup from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you’ll take on a trail run or fast-paced hike over a 4,300-meter high mountain pass, weaving past turquoise lakes, roaming alpacas, and centuries-old footpaths. Along the way, you’ll pass through Andean communities where traditional dress and customs still thrive, before finishing your adventure by easing tired muscles in the soothing thermal pools of Lares.
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Distance: ~ 35km
Duration: ~ 7-10 hours
Includes: 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 - $325, 2 Runners - $250, 3+ Runners $190
Choquequirao Express – 2 Day Fast Hike or Trail Run
Embark on an unforgettable highland adventure to one of Peru’s most spectacular and least visited Incan cities. This two-day challenge combines fast hiking or light running with immersive cultural encounters and jaw-dropping scenery. Unlike many Andean routes, the Choquequirao trail stays at
lower altitudes, making it more comfortable for those still acclimatising — however, don’t be fooled by the gentler elevation. The steep climbs and descents on both days are brutal, making this an extremely demanding route even for experienced adventurers. Covering around 20 km each day
at a steady pace, you’ll descend into the dramatic Apurímac Canyon, passing scenic lookouts and remote farming settlements before spending the night in a simple but welcoming mountain homestay. On the second morning, arrive at Choquequirao early to explore its expansive ruins in
peace before making the return journey, with plenty of time to rest, refuel, and soak in the breathtaking views along the way.
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Distance: ~ 40km (The elevation loss and gain is brutal)
Duration: ~ 2 Days (20km each day)
Includes: Includes: Transport, running guide, entry to ruins, dinner, accommodation and a complimentary session in one of our hyperbaric chambers pre run.
Price in USD per person: 1 Runner - $450, 2 Runners - $330, 3+ Runners - $270
Level 4
Ausangate Ultra Run – 50KM High-Altitude Challenge
This is a serious high-altitude ultrarun designed for advanced runners seeking a truly epic challenge.
The route stays above 4,000m for its entirety, crossing three major mountain passes at nearly
5,000m while winding past glacier-fed lakes beneath the sacred Ausangate massif. Fully supported
from start to finish, this run takes you through remote Quechua villages, herds of alpacas, and
vibrant turquoise lakes before finishing at the natural hot springs of Pacchanta — the perfect reward
after an unforgettable effort.
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Distance: ~ 50km
Duration: ~ 1 Days (10-14 hours)
Includes: Includes: Transport, running guide, entry to national park, 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