The Inca Empire made its home in the Andes and it’s often said that Peru has a unique fusion between history and the natural environment, in what they call “Pachamama”, “mother earth”. For mountain lovers embarking on walking holidays in Peru, you’ll find the scenery comparable with the Himalaya. But it also has an unrivalled history that sets it apart from any other mountainous area in the world.
Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of the most famous places to visit in Peru. This mist-shrouded Inca citadel is a magnificent archaeological site that stands at almost 8,000ft in the Andes and dates back approximately 500 years. There are several walking routes to the summit including the Salcantay Trek, the Moonstone Trek and the world-renowned Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail is a ‘must’ for any walker and is the most famous trek in South America. It was constructed as a highway connecting Cusco with the lost city of Machu Picchu. The original trail has been carefully and comprehensively restored and, although it can be quite busy at times, it is unquestionably the most rewarding way to arrive at Machu Picchu. When you join one of our Peru trekking holidays, you’ll pass through the impressive mountain landscapes of the Amazonian cloud forest and the snow-capped Andean peaks.
Although our walks in Peru are more than just a simple stroll, they should be within the capability of anyone who is in good health and fitness, and the rewards will certainly justify the physical effort.
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.
Title: A fantastic week walking the beautiful Amalfi Coast!
Walking the Amalfi Coast was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The scenery was absolutely spectacular, with breathtaking coastal views, beautiful villages, wonderful walking trails and so many memorable moments along the way.
What really made the trip extra special was the group. We had such a lovely bunch of people, with a great atmosphere, plenty of laughs and wonderful company throughout the week.
A special mention must go to our leader, Veriano, who was absolutely brilliant. His knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for the area really brought the trip to life. He made sure everything ran smoothly and created such a wonderful experience for everyone. His warmth and personality made a real difference.
It was a perfect combination of fantastic walking, incredible scenery, delicious Italian food and great company. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking to experience the magic of the Amalfi Coast.
A great trip. Very busy and on the go most of the time but very enjoyable. A good mix of walking and fantastic opportunities to see wildlife. Our guide, Cloud, was very knowledgeable, calm and organised and a very good cook. The weather was much hotter than expected with drought in some areas. This made walking slower than expected and so we didn’t manage any optional additions to the walks. Accommodation was varied with electricity intermittent at times and water at a premium but very welcoming staff and great catering. We have both loved our trip.
Nepal is such an awe-inspiring country, and seeing the Himalayas up close really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp was an unforgettable moment, and the sense of achievement that my group and I felt when we finally made it was incredible.
Expect plenty of steps along the way, but the fantastic team on the ground made sure our enjoyment and safety were always the priority. The pacing of the trek was spot on, and each evening we looked forward to relaxing in the local teahouses and hearing our leader’s stories and jokes.
An amazing experience from start to finish, and one I’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a truly memorable adventure in Nepal!
