Peru offers an unparalleled journey into history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. One of its crown jewels, Machu Picchu, stands as a testament to the ancient Incan civilization, inviting travelers to explore mysterious ruins nestled high in the Andes. Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, enchants visitors with its vibrant blend of colonial and indigenous traditions, cobblestone streets, and lively markets that showcase exquisite crafts and local cuisine.
Beyond these iconic sites, Peru boasts a diverse range of attractions that cater to every traveler’s interests. The Sacred Valley, with its fertile terraces and stunning mountain vistas, provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Lima, the bustling capital, offers a dynamic culinary scene where world-class chefs reinvent traditional recipes, blending local ingredients with modern techniques.
Further south, the desert landscapes of Paracas and the unique formations of the Nazca Lines invite mystery and exploration, while the high-altitude beauty of Lake Titicaca offers serene views and the chance to experience life on floating islands. Each destination in Peru presents its own unique charm, making the country a versatile destination for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in a rich cultural tapestry.
The advantages of visiting Peru are numerous: from the opportunity to experience ancient history firsthand and indulge in exquisite culinary delights, to enjoying some of the most stunning natural landscapes on the planet. Whether wandering through the ruins of Machu Picchu, exploring the cobbled streets of Cusco, or discovering the hidden treasures scattered throughout the country, every moment in Peru is an invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate the beauty of a nation steeped in heritage and natural wonder.
Historical Marvels:
Explore ancient ruins like Machu Picchu, a breathtaking testament to the Incan civilization.
Cultural Richness:
Visit Cusco to experience a unique blend of colonial history and indigenous traditions through vibrant markets and local crafts.
Diverse Landscapes:
Enjoy the varied scenery of Peru, from the lush Sacred Valley and high Andean peaks to the mysterious Nazca Lines and desert landscapes.
Culinary Delights:
Discover Lima’s dynamic food scene where traditional recipes meet innovative culinary techniques.
Unique Destinations:
Experience tranquil moments at Lake Titicaca and explore other hidden treasures across the country, each offering its own distinct charm.
These highlights illustrate why Peru is an exceptional destination for travelers seeking history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty.
We leave Cusco early morning by bus and travel through the Sacred Valley for approximately 11/2 hours to Sayhuapata (2800m.) Our hike begins here in a fertile valley and follows a small river up through the mountain corridor. After walking roughly 41/2 hours, we begin to see the thatched-roof stone houses of the Cancha Cancha community (3350). Just passing the village, we set up camp for the night. L,D
Shortly after beginning our trek in the morning, we reach two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here we can see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese. From the lakes, the trail climbs steeply for about 21/2 hours to the first pass, named Pachacuti (4500m.). Nearing the top, we enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750m.) and Chicon (5500). An original Inca stone path will lead us along the ridge down into the opposite corridor. We follow a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quisuarani, where we camp for the night. B,L,D
Our morning is a short downhill walk through greener vegetation with many species of flowers and hummingbirds. We reach the colonial town of Lares and spend the rest of the morning soaking in the medicinal hot springs. After lunch, we continue on a gentle path above a picturesque valley for roughly 2 hours to the campsite. B,L,D
After continuing up through the valley, we arrive to the community of Huacawasi. The people here produce some of the finest weavings in Peru. Here, we can observe their great skills and brilliant techniques in the fabrication of ponchos and other garments. Passing the village we begin climbing up to Condor Pass, the second of the trip at 4100m.. From here, we catch a stunning view of the renowned Mount Veronica (5750m.) Descending gently for about one hour, we come to the beautiful Epsaycocha Lake, our last campsite. B,L,D
Today our trail leads downhill to an overlook facing a wide valley. Descending into the valley, we eventually arrive to the community of Huilloc from where a bus will take us to Ollantaytambo. Situated in a fertile river valley and sheltered by mammoth mountains, this ancient Inca village is considered one of the most important living museums in the world. This is a perfect place to appreciate the vast archeological remains and a wide variety of flower and bird species. After visiting the complex, we return to Cusco in the afternoon by bus. B,L
Note: This trip can be extended to include a night in Ollantaytambo and a one day visit to Machu Picchu. See prices below.