Based in Cusco, Peru, Heather is an expert on travel to Peru and South America. Heather writes on tourism, trekking, and social issues in Peru for publications including BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Matador Network, Thrifty Nomads, World Nomads, Frommer's, Flashpack, and more. Heather co-founded the Covid Relief Project with Henry Quintano Loaiza to assist vulnerable families in the Cusco region.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 16km
- Duration: Two days
- Max elevation: 5,664 metres
- Start/end point: Arequipa
Picchu Picchu, pronounced peek-chu, is a crescent shaped crater of a much larger volcano that erupted long ago. There are seven peaks, the highest of which is 5,664 metres. Picchu Picchu was sacred for Inca and pre-Inca civilisations, which often made offerings and sacrifices on the volcano. In 1986 the mummy of a child was found here with gold and silver artefacts.
The road from Arequipa to the trailhead takes you past Laguna de las Salinas at 4,300 metres. You’ll see pink flamingos as well as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. On the hike you’ll go by a platform that the Inca used to make sacrifices. The first day is a short walk from the trailhead. You’ll get up around 3:00 am to start hiking early and be at the summit for sunrise. The hike takes about six hours roundtrip.
This is the easiest of the Arequipa volcanoes, though not the most popular. Most agencies take trekkers up the Coronado Cumbre peak that is 5,664 metres high.
Base camp is at 4,400 metres, so be prepared for a very cold night.
On the second day, on the way back to Arequipa most agencies stop at the town of Chinguata so you can see a traditional Andean village.
At a glance
Destinations
Arequipa
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, WalkingPhysical Level
ModerateDuration
2 daysRelated Guides
Trekking in Peru
There’s nothing quite like traversing a remote trail on foot, arriving at a new place by muscle power just like the travellers of old. Trekking in Peru satisfies the human itch to travel by foot for days, to earn a destination after a hearty physical challenge.
Arequipa treks
The Arequipa region in southern Peru is famous for its volcanoes and the harsh beauty of its desert landscapes.
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Picchu Picchu trek
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