Peru

Peru is the third largest country of South America, as well as one of the region’s most diverse countries with an extraordinary array of natural landscapes. Culturally, it is one of the most interesting countries in all of South America, if not the most… This is not only because of its exceptionally rich pre-colonial /colonial history and countless archaeological sites, but also because, unlike some other countries in South America, the traditional cultural and population is still very much alive in all its myriad colours, flavours, sounds and scents.

This 14-day trip inevitably features some of Peru’s most well-known sites (how could one possibly omit Machu Picchu!), but it also takes us to places that few visitors get to see and experience. Of course, given the vastness of the country, there is also a lot that we don’t see.

Our Peruvian adventure begins with us meeting at Cusco airport and driving directly to the lower altitude (approximately 2,800m/9,186ft) of the magnificent Sacred Valley, where we stay for 4 nights at a 5-star hotel located on the banks of the beautiful Urubamba River. We take the first two days relatively easy so that we can adjust to the altitude, but still venturing out to do some walking and to explore a couple of Inca sites, towns and markets. The next two days involve more challenging walks that take us to higher altitudes and include some extraordinary attractions such as the salt mines of Maras and the astonishing and enigmatic Moray, and, of course, some breath-taking scenery. 

After exploring the Sacred Valley, we take a train towards Machu Picchu, only to alight in what seems to be the middle of the nowhere, from where we walk along an Inca trail to Machu Picchu. This historic way provides us not only with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and jungle, but is also by far the best way to approach what is deservedly one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites! On this day we walk down past Machu Picchu and return the following day explore it properly.

After Machu Picchu we head to the beautiful colonial city of Cuzco at 3500m/11482ft, where we spend two nights and take time to delight in some of its nearby historical wonders and extremely vibrant and pleasant atmosphere.

From Cusco we fly to the colonial city of Arequipa (Peru’s second largest after Lima), also known as “The White City” due to the colour of the local sillar stone cut from white compounded volcanic ash used for its construction. One of the city’s most remarkable sights are three active volcanoes which frame its skyline, as well as the unique architecture of the historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which blends the characteristics of colonial, republican and indigenous styles.

After Arequipa, we drive up into the highland plains and enter the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and cross the Patapampa Pass at 4820m/15300ft before beginning a descent into the Colca Canyon, enjoying majestic views of agricultural terraces along the way. 

The Colca canyon is one of the world’s deepest canyons and is home to condors and a fascinating local culture, completely different from any other place we visit on this trip. We spend 2 nights here at wonderful lodge (3250m/10662ft above sea level), featuring some lovely grounds and excellent hot springs located right on the edge of the River Colca. We enjoy 2 fantastic walks in some of the lesser-known parts of the area.

Finally, we embark on a spectacular drive through the high Andes (possibly spotting free-roaming herds of llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos along the way!), passing beautiful lakes and expansive vistas as we travel to our hotel (one of Peru’s finest!) where we spend the last 3 nights of the trip. The hotel is located on the south-eastern shore of Lake Titicaca on a tranquil private peninsula shared only with the local indigenous Aymara community. The hotel acts as a perfect base from which to explore this unspoiled corner the world, which we do by boat and on foot. It also makes for a great place to relax and enjoy the outstanding views, which can be done from all of the rooms, or from the hotel’s over-water deck and boardwalks. It is very hard to imagine a better way to end a trip!

For a detailed itinerary and/or further information, please contact us at [email protected]

The fitness level for all trips is classified according to the average distance and elevation gain of the walks offered, with fitness levels ranging from 1-5, see here for more details.