The week was full of many different experiences. Despite a smaller group than usual, the walking was excellent, even though it was very hot. The wine-tastings were very different, and all informative, some with some nice nibbles included. The hotel is lovely with an excellent (ask for a room with a view) with a swimming pool and home made pizzas to die for. City-wise, we visited St Gimignano, Siena (brilliant guided tour included) and Florence. Our guide, Jordan, did a great job keeping us under control.
Walking Holidays in Peru
Peru Walking Adventure Tours
Top 5 Places to Visit on Peru Trekking Holidays
Machu Picchu: Placing Peru firmly on the map, Machu Picchu is an ancient archaeological site that can’t be ignored by anyone wanting to explore the country. The ancient citadel was built by the Incas around 500 years ago and is set among the most incredible Andean backdrop of mountains and cloud forests. You can take various routes up to Machu Picchu, but the Inca Trail is arguably the most stunning. Arriving at the Sun Gate on the slopes of Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy staggering views across the Lost City and the Andes.
Cuzco: Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco is a spellbinding city in the Peruvian Andes and is most famous for its Spanish colonial architecture and archaeological remains. At its centre ornate cathedrals, ancient ruins and agricultural terraces surround the Plaza de Armas in the old city. This is a fascinating place for history lovers wanting to learn more about Peru’s Incan heritage and you could easily spend a day here admiring the architecture. Cusco is also the starting point for the Inca Trail and Salcantay routes.
Amazon Rainforest: The lush canopy of the sprawling Amazon Rainforest is home to some of Peru’s most wonderful wildlife and is a must for nature lovers on walking holidays in Peru. Meandering rivers, lakes and forest trails steer you through the natural habitats of animals such as monkeys, reptiles, giant otters and a whole host of birdlife. As well as exploring on foot, you can also paddle along the waterways in a canoe. This is a unique experience that will jostle your senses as you listen to the sounds of the wild on an extraordinary adventure.
Lima: The city of Lima is the vibrant capital of Peru and is a heady concoction of culture and history, providing a stark contrast against the natural landscapes. There’s no doubt Lima will charm you with its colonial-influenced architecture, coastal backdrop and tropical beats. Dubbed ‘the gastronomic capital of South America’, the city is also home to some of the most sensational food in the world with Peruvian delicacies such as Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Picarones and Aji de Gallini. Food lovers will be in their element with the wealth of tasty treats on offer.
Lake Titicaca: Lying nearly 4,000 metres up in the Andes on the border of Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is the largest and highest navigable freshwater lake in South America. But this isn’t the only reason it’s caused a stir with both locals and visitors to Peru – it’s believed by the Incans to be the birthplace of the sun, and that’s one impressive claim to fame! The highland lake is overlooked by imposing Andean peaks and strewn across the plateau you’ll find ancient ruins that tell of its past. The locals make a living from selling handmade crafts and even to this day they harvest their crops by hand. If you enjoy delving into the history of the destinations you visit, this is a great place to find out more about the real Peru.
Valerie Thompson Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines
Melinda Dankenbring Highlights of the DolomitesWe had a wonderful week hiking in the Dolomites. The level 3 hikes were challenging with excellent guidance by our leaders. Excellent service and food at the hotel. Fun group of hikers. Overall a very enjoyable experience.
John Boam Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel TrekWhat a trip, what an adventure, it was fabulous in every way, if you love walking, if you love the mountains, I’d highly recommend it. Firstly the scenery is epic, I don’t think I’ve ever said wow so many times!
The hotels like the food is a bit varied from the superb to the basic, but it all does the job and at the end of the day your often so tired as long as you’ve got something hearty to eat and some where warm and comfy to sleep that’s all you need. Yes, it would be nice if all the rooms had ensuite showers and toilets but on the few occasions they didn’t it was no big deal.
One thing that is a big deal is the weather in the Alps, which I can imagine can make or break a trip. I went near the end of the season (the last week in August first week of September) and fortunately it worked out great – The trails were quieter and we were so lucky with the weather – it was in the 20s virtually the whole time we were there and we only had one day of rain.
So in summary, if you’re thinking about it, if you’re on the fence go for it you won’t regret it.
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