Effective March 1, 2021, Machu Picchu reopened (again!) and so did Perurail and Inca Rail train service. But what about the hikes? Which hikes in Peru are open? Which hikes in Peru are closed? And for how long? This might be the only year you can get Inca Trail permits kind of last minute. Even at reduced capacity, permits are not selling like hotcakes. All we ask is that you give us at least 1 week advance notice

List of "closed" hikes in Peru. Each community has the autonomy to determine if they want to reopen their regions to hikers. So it's their call when and if they choose to reopen.

  • Choquequirao Trek 5 days - is on the verge of opening. Or so we're told. Trip to Machu Picchu not included but can be added after you return to Cusco.
  • Wayna Picchu - as of October 5, 2021, Peru governement announced a plan to reopen with small groups of 50 with a maximum of 200 people per day without any access to the citadel after the hike. When? No one knows.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain - as of October 5, 2021, Peru government announced a plan to reopen for up to 400 people combined with access to circuit 3 tour of the citadel (the short, low circuit) When? No one knows.
  • Huchuy Picchu - small mountain just before Wayna Picchu. Nine groups of 22, maximum of 200 people per day without any access to the citadel after the hike. When? No one knows.

List of reopen hikes in Peru:

  • all partial and full day hikes near Cusco and the Sacred Valley corridor (may, or may not include a visit to Machu Picchu)
  • 4 or 5-Day Classic Inca Trail trek June 14 Reservation system reopens / June 24, 2021. Reservations for 2022 begin October 11, 2021. multi-day trek that requires permits from the national government.) 
  • NEW! 4-Day Inca Trail hike Route 4 which is along the river and does not go over Dead Woman's Pass. This is a little easier than the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail hike. (Requires permits from the national government)
  • 1-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu (permits are available beginning July 15, at reduced capacity through December 31, 2021 and subject to availability)
  • 4-Day Lares Valley Trek includes visit to Machu Picchu.Can be combined with 1-day Inca Trail hike for people who want to enter Machu Picchu through the Sungate.
  • 4-Day Cachiccata Trek (also called the "Quarry Hike") includes visit to Machu Picchu Can be combined with 1-day Inca Trail hike for people who want to enter Machu Picchu through the Sungate.
  • 2-3 Days Huchuy Qosqo Hike (includes visit to Machu Picchu.) Can be combined with 1-Day Inca Trail
  • 1-4 Day Ausangate 7 Lagoons Trek (does not include trip to Machu Picchu, which can be added separately)
  • 1-2 Day Waqrapukara Trek (does not include trip to Machu Picchu which can be added separately)
  • 1-Day Rainbow Mountain with Bosquie de Piedras (stone forest) Palccoyo route with light hiking. (does not include trip to Machu Picchu, which can be added separately)
  • Salkantay Trek 4-5 Days includes visit to Machu Picchu
  • NEW! 1-Day Perolniyoc with hidden waterfalls in the Sacred Valley  (can be combined with a trip to Machu Picchu)

Are Hikers Wearing Face Masks While Hiking in Peru?

Our guides report that there is no policy or enforcement for wearing face masks while hiking. Masks are only required in public in urban settings, on planes, trains, buses and when passing through checkpoints. 

At this time, foreigners can enter Peru without quarantine and visit Machu Picchu. No matter where you travel in the world, arrival protocols for foreigners are subject to potential change. Other regions in Peru including Lake Titicaca and Ica/Paracas are reopening more slowly as the Cusco to Machu Picchu corridor. This is mainly due to supply and demand. Bus service is the main means of transportation and running half empty buses is not profitable. 

What you need to know about hiking in Peru after covid-19:

  • all our hikes are private. We will customize each hike to meet your needs and interests. For instance if you are traveling with a mixed group some people can hike the 1-day Inca Trail and others can take the train. All will meet up in the village of Aguas Calientes. We recommend a minimum of 2 people but we have set up hikes for solo travelers on request. 
  • joining a group hike in Peru is limited by some companies due to the situation with covid
  • we provide all camping equipment, meals and dining gear except personal backpacks and reuseable water bottles or bladders.
  • no extra cost to use our trekking poles. Available first come basis. 
  • Hikers are not required to wear masks while hiking unless you choose to.
  • Masks and face shields are required on planes, trains and buses
  • In case you need a covid test to fly home, it's recommended that you allow an extra day and night in Cusco. We have listed the details about clinics at this link HERE

Hiking is even more popular now that nature-lovers are looking to escape the confinement of the past year of covid restrictions. I'm happy to report that Peru has many hikes to choose from for all ages and abilities.These lists can change based on demand or covid restrictions. I'm able to get accurate and up to date information pretty quickly. Feel free to contact me in the US if you need information.

If you have specific questions about hiking in Peru, just ask. I went to Peru in January 2021 and hiked the 1-day Inca Trail, the 2-day Wakrapukara trek, the 1-day Rainbow Mountain hike and the Ausangate 7 Lagoons trek.