Before booking your trek, it’s essential to understand the difficulty level of your chosen route.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions that apply to our most popular routes — including the legendary Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — to help you find the perfect challenge for your fitness and experience level.
Each of our trips comes with an attached physical rating. These are not complete breakdowns, just handy little guides so you can tell at a glance whether a trip is right for you. The more stars, the more challenging. Simple.
The physical rating gives you an idea of how much physical effort is required for a particular trip. Most of our itineraries are designed for people with an average fitness level, but there are some specialized tours (such as trekking in the Himalayas or cycling through Vietnam) that require some prior training.
Before choosing your route, it’s important to understand the difficulty level of your trek.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each level to help you select the adventure that best matches your fitness and experience.
Perfect for beginners and families looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. These hikes follow well-marked trails with gentle ascents and descents, minimal altitude gain, and plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Altitude Range: Up to 3,500 m (11,483 ft)
Terrain: Well-maintained paths with few obstacles
Distance: 3–6 km per day
Technical Difficulty: None – suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Designed for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Expect longer days on the trail, some steep sections, and uneven ground. No prior high-altitude experience is required, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day.
Altitude Range: 3,500 – 4,200 m (11,483 – 13,780 ft)
Terrain: Dirt and rocky trails, occasional stream crossings
Distance: 8–12 km per day
Technical Difficulty: Moderate slopes, variable weather conditions
For experienced hikers seeking adventure. These treks include demanding days with significant altitude gains, steep climbs, and rugged terrain. You’ll traverse high mountain passes and face unpredictable weather. Good physical conditioning is essential.
Altitude Range: 4,200 – 5,000 m (13,780 – 16,404 ft)
Terrain: Rocky paths, loose scree, and possible snow crossings
Distance: 12–18 km per day
Technical Difficulty: Requires endurance; potential altitude effects and cold temperatures
Reserved for seasoned trekkers ready for a true expedition. Expect multi-day journeys through high-altitude environments, extreme ascents and descents, and exposure to unpredictable mountain weather. Proper acclimatization and previous experience at altitude are mandatory.
Altitude Range: Above 5,000 m (16,404 ft)
Terrain: Steep slopes, exposed ridges, glacier or snow crossings (in some cases)
Distance: 18+ km per day
Technical Difficulty: Extremely strenuous; high risk of altitude sickness and harsh weather conditions
