Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Andes Mountains
The Inca Trail - the name alone says it all. On your way, there are routes that pass ruins like Runkuracay and Sayacmarca scattered along the way before reaching Machu Picchu. The Quarry Trail offers different Andean paths with fewer crowds. These Peruvian treks wind through cloud forests and over high mountain passes throughout the Cusco region's dramatic mountain landscapes.
10 best hiking & trekking Andes Mountains tours
Compiled by
MelissaAndes Mountains travel expert at TourRadar
- 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Small Group + Vistadome
- Full Patagonia Adventure Trip - GROUP TOUR
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days/3 Nights
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days / 5 Nights
- 8-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Cusco & Sacred Valley
- Sacred Valley + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 Days
- 04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
- 8-Day Premium Discovery Ushuaia & El Calafate from Buenos Aires
- Fixed Guided Group Tour: Patagonia Essentials
- Full day: Trek to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco
4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Small Group + Vistadome
“Everything was clear and well organized. The food throughout the whole trek was just out of this world.”
Marek, traveled in April
The demanding Andean trek reaches 4215m at Dead Woman's Pass. Cloud forests envelope ancient Inca sites including Runcuraccay and Phuyupatamarca. Expert mountain guides lead to scenic camping at Chaquicocha (3600m).
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Pacaymayo Valley, Sayacmarca, Runkuraqay Mountain, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Spanish Distance 95 mi Operator Ultimate Trekking From
- US$890
The Andes' remarkable trails lead to Laguna de los Tres beneath Fitz Roy's peaks, through French Valley in Torres del Paine, and along Grey Glacier valley. Strategic camping at Poincenot and Paine Grande ensures optimal trail access.
Duration 15 days Destinations El Calafate, El Chalten, Mount Fitz Roy, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine, Lake Pehoé, Puerto Natales, Tierra del Fuego Island, Ushuaia, Lago FagnanoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 928 mi Operator People Travel and Experience From
- US$4,865
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days/3 Nights
“The Andes are so beautiful - stunning view after stunning view.”
Maranda, traveled in July
High paths reach 4,680m at Condor Pass on this mountain trek. Thermal springs and alpine lakes dot the route with views of 5,700m Pitusiray peak. Emergency horses and mountain guides support high-altitude sections.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Lares, Cancha Cancha, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 5-65 Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 124 mi Operator Alpaca Expeditions From
- US$650
Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days / 5 Nights
“The food was fantastic. This was the hardest hike I've ever done but it was well worth it.”
Rachel, traveled in June
The vast Choquequirao ruins span mountainsides beyond Apurimac Canyon. Professional guides lead groups with personal porters and full camping support throughout the adventure.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cusco, Capuliyoc, Chiquisca, La Playa, Cerro Marampata, Choquequirao, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu Age Range Ages 5-65 Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 3265 mi Operator Alpaca Expeditions From
- US$850
8-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Cusco & Sacred Valley
“The food was great, the small details of the trek was looked after.”
Maria, traveled in May
The path rises from Soraypampa (3,600m) to Salkantay Pass (4,630m) through diverse Andean landscapes. Challenging 9-hour hikes pass snow-capped peaks and tropical valleys. The route includes Humantay Lake at 4,200m and ancient Inca trails to Llactapata archaeological site.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Moray, Salkantay Mountain, Lucmabamba, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Distance 276 mi Operator TreXperience From $1,536
35% Off- US$998
Sacred Valley + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 Days
“The chef and porter staff were also amazing and made our trip smooth and memorable.”
Jalen, traveled in July
Duration 3 days Destinations Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, Machu Picchu, Winay Wayna, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 201 mi Operator TreXperience From $950
25% Off- US$713
04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
“Amazing trip, I can guarantee you'll have a great time on the five day trip! We had varying levels of fitness in our group and he guided us with patience and good humour.”
Carry, traveled in January
Ancient stone paths wind through Wayllabamba Valley and Runkurakay ruins to Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m. Three high mountain passes precede a cloud forest descent to Phuyupatamarca's viewpoints.
Duration 4 days Destinations Piscacucho, Patallacta, Huayllabamba, Llulluchapampa, Pacaymayo Valley, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca, Cerro Chaquicocha, Winay Wayna, Machu PicchuSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Distance 182 mi Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From $895
10% Off- US$806
8-Day Premium Discovery Ushuaia & El Calafate from Buenos Aires
“Now we can say that we knew the southernmost city in the world, and it is beautiful and magnificent.”
AgustnCaldwell, traveled in June
Ice formations and turquoise lagoons mark the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Tierra del Fuego National Park reveals sub-antarctic woods with Lenga and Coihue trees. The route crosses Garibaldi Pass in the Fuegian Andes to Lake Fagnano's pristine shores.
Duration 8 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, El Calafate Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 3117 mi Operator Signature DMC From
10% Off- US$2,290
Fixed Guided Group Tour: Patagonia Essentials
“Organized to make the most of every day. Friendly, knowledgeable, always available to answer questions.”
Carla, traveled in March
Duration 10 days Destinations El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine Age Range Ages 25+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 350 mi Operator Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys From
10% Off- US$3,770
Full day: Trek to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco
“Spectacular views of Rainbow Mountain plus the valley and vistas of the glacier clad high Andes.”
James, traveled in April
Duration 1 day Destinations Cusco, Rainbow Mountain Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 102 mi Operator PVTravels From
10% Off- US$46
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Andes Mountains
- 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Small Group + Vistadome
Spectacular! From start to finish everything was clear and well organized. Pick up went as planned and the ride was comfortable, the company also stored the rest of our stuff. We were given duffle bags for things that we didn't want or need in our day backs and those were carried by amazing porters, more on them later. We also rented sleeping bags, inflatable pads and tracking poles -everything was in very good condition and served us well. The food throughout the whole trek was just out of this world. I don't know how they managed to cook such an wholesome dishes in conditions that one finds on a hike, but it was incredible, from traditional Peruvian soups, ceviche to cakes (yes, that's right). The guides were always helpful, cheerful and ready to say something interesting. Porters were supporting and the service they provide is unbelievable, we didn't worry about anything (and there is a lot of things to worry about/they provide: food, camps, water, tents and other facilities), because we knew that we can rely on them. We got to see sooo many lovely views, animals, plants and history, while hiking safely and supporting the local people. Inca trail is hard but so worth it. Thank you Trexperience for a chance to be a part of this.
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days/3 Nights
We did the 5 day classic inka trail and it was incredible. We took our family of 6 and the entire trip was amazing. The tour guides (Americo and Yadira) were incredible. We learned a lot about the history of the Andean people while experiencing the incredible landscape. The porters and the chef were unbelievable. It’s amazing how they operate! Every meal was incredible. Great job - highly recommended!
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days / 5 Nights
Alpaca tours provided a first rate experience! We did the five day Choquequirao trek combined with Machu Picchu and Huyana Piccchu. Santiago, Marcos, Celestina, and Frank were all experts in their respective crafts. Santiago did an outstanding job tailoring the trip to meet our needs. The food Marcos and Celestina made was amazing! They should write a cookbook. I’m already looking at the other treks so I can come back!!!
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Andes Mountains
When is the best time of year to go hiking in the Andes Mountains?
The Andes Mountains' hiking seasons offer distinct advantages across different regions. In Patagonia including Torres del Paine the prime hiking window runs from October to March with temperatures between 30-50°F and minimal rainfall. The Peruvian Andes near Cusco and Machu Picchu see their best conditions from April to October during the dry season. A TourRadar traveler shared about their October Patagonia trek: "The weather was perfect 30s to 50s with only a few hours of rain. Wind can be extreme though so consider interior rain cover for your pack as ours got blown off." Base accommodations like Hotel Las Torres and Mountain Lodge in Cusco provide comfortable stays during peak seasons.
What are the most popular hiking routes in the Andes Mountains and how challenging are they?
The Andes present several well-traveled routes each with its own level of difficulty. The Torres del Paine W Trek extends 40 miles across 5 days reaching 2870 feet while the Ausangate Trek takes hikers to elevations of 16388 feet over 3 days. A TourRadar traveler described Torres del Paine: "The views were astonishingly beautiful and the hiking was well-paced. Even though it was physically challenging our guide made sure we could enjoy the spectacular landscapes." Hikers can rest at established points like Refugio Grey or Camping Paine Grande throughout these journeys.
What level of fitness is required for Andes Mountains treks?
Hiking the Andes demands strong physical preparation especially considering the high altitudes and varied terrain. The Torres del Paine W Trek requires 5-10 hours of daily walking covering 7-13 miles with elevation changes up to 2000 feet. Peru's Lares Trek reaches heights of 15580 feet. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Although labeled as moderate it really depends on your physical condition and how your body reacts to altitude. If you've never been in altitude before take it slow and rest as much as you need. Drink lots of water and coca tea." Companies like OneSeed Expeditions provide guides who help set appropriate hiking rhythms.
What type of accommodation can I expect during multi-day Andes hikes?
Sleeping arrangements in the Andes range from basic camping to established mountain shelters. Torres del Paine offers refugios like Refugio Grey while more remote routes like the Lares Trek use wilderness camping sites such as Huampococha Camp. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The camping equipment was basically new and in great condition. At refugios like Hotel Las Torres you have access to heated common spaces for meals and relaxing." Tour operators typically supply all necessary camping equipment except personal items.
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in the Andes Mountains?
The Andes ecosystem supports rich wildlife populations visible during treks. Torres del Paine houses guanacos Andean condors and pumas particularly near Grey Glacier. In the Ausangate area trekkers often spot vicuñas and Andean geese. One TourRadar traveler recounted: "Our guide spotted numerous condors near Cerro Paine Grande and we were lucky to see four pumas - only 15% of the 250000 yearly visitors see them!" Early morning or dusk provides the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
How much does an Andes Mountains trekking tour typically cost?
Andes trek prices reflect the range of experiences available. A 5-day Torres del Paine W Trek averages USD 1399 per person while 3-day Ausangate Trek packages start at USD 449. These rates usually cover guides meals camping gear and local transfers. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Remember to bring extra cash (USD 200-300) for tips park entrance fees and emergency expenses. The experience at places like Refugio Grey and the professional guides make it worth every penny." Factor in additional costs for domestic flights and pre/post trek lodging.