Peru is a magical concoction of heady surprises for the traveller. Ever since Hiram Bingham parted the Amazonian fronds to peer into the hidden majesty of a lost Incan city, thousands of people have walked in his footsteps. In fact, well before Bingham’s discovery, well before the Conquistadores, and even well before the Inca, this land was filled with paths forged by numerous tribes and cultures.
So, the question is not will you go, but what can’t you miss seeing once your feet hit the soil?
Machu Picchu
There are so many ancient sites that litter the sublime landscapes of the Andes, but Machu Picchu stands out among them all. For fame, mystique and history, there are few ancient edifices in the world that can rival it, and when trekking in Peru no doubt most people will mark this place down as their number one sight to see. The lost city of the Inca’s will not disappoint. Crumbling but still proud on the Andean slopes, standing by the doorway to the southern Amazon, Machu Picchu’s buildings, farming structures and temples will place you as close as you possibly can go to the heartland of a world famous ancient empire.
Lake Titicaca
One of the great benefits of trekking in Peru (as opposed to walking the trails in other South American nations) is the sheer natural diversity you will encounter. From Mancora’s beaches and Andean Cusco to Iquitos’ Amazon, all climates and environments seem to invite with stunning displays. One of the natural wonders that you simply must walk around, over and across, is Lake Titicaca. This imperiously high-altitude lake sits as patient as glass in the Andean air. Your walk will take you to the man-made islands of Uros and the serene peace that pervades the islands of Taquile and Amantani.
Colca Canyon
Some places are designed for two feet, or perhaps four. By the white-walled town of Arequipa sits the vast and highly underrated Colca Canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States and teeming with life. Its dry rocks belie the wealth of things to see and do here. When trekking in Peru, you simply cannot miss strolling past active volcanoes such as Misti, dipping your feet into natural steam ponds, or stopping to stand in awe at the circling groups of giant condors. The only time your feet may let you down is in those challenging yet picturesque places where a mule’s four feet are better suited.
Madre de Dios
Of all the paths, trails and walkways that tempt you when trekking in Peru, the ones in Madre de Dios hold a unique lure. The Amazon jungle is one of the many reasons people visit this nation, and there are few places which teem with more accessible jungle wildlife than Madre de Dios. Starting out by boat from Puerto Maldonado, you will never forget your time spent challenging the lush green jungle trails and spotting anaconda, giant Capybara rodents, or even the elusive jaguar.
