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Why Peru?

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Peru offers the most superb blend of culture and adventure, with its picturesque scenery, wonderful wildlife, colonial cities, deserts and waterfalls. Though it may be a challenging trek, Machu Picchu seems to inspire an “I can” attitude onto those that visit the steep trails that climb up to 4,200m in fantastic and diverse mountainous country. And be rest assured, that once you get a glimpse of the legendary Lost City, you’ll all be lost for words.

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The Inca Trail trek is the world’s most famous shortest trek. It is located in the Andes and during the trek there will be a variety of Andean environments such as cloud forest and alpine tundra. The famous ancient paved pathway, made from the Incan ruins, has caused worry overtime due to overuse, leading to erosion, therefore there is a cap on the amount of people allowed to make the trek everyday. A maximum of 200 trekkers can trek at any one time, adding to the experience, as it is typically a once in a lifetime opportunity. It averages at 10km walking a day, for 4 consecutive days.

During the trip, you will have time at the start to relax and acclimatize in Cusco, before setting off to the Sacred Valley to explore the Artisian Market at Pisca and the ruins at Ollantaytambo. From Day 4 onwards the trek of the Inca Trail will begin, with the first camp being set up when you reach Llactapata. On the last day of the Inca Trail you will travel through the Inti Punku (Sun gate) to Machu Picchu. The day after you will have the opportunity to explore the lost city, including a guided tour. The next day will be spent with a tour of Lima.

But Peru has so much more to offer than just Machu Picchu. Below are just a few ways in which I believe will help you get the most out of your trip to Peru!

Get to know the locals and their culture – Peruvians are people that we could take a lot of inspiration from. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a great way to experience Peruvian culture. Many of them still have a proud link with their Inca ancestors and work extremely hard to preserve the Quechua Culture that is so important to the country’s past. They work incredibly hard throughout the year and are always curious to hear stories from your own past. You will often find that these conversations lead you into hearing about their own stories, offering you a great chance to learn more about the country from a local’s perspective, which is truly an experience in itself.

These wonderfully charming and peaceful people also offer an insight in to the history and culture through their art and skill of homemade souvenirs, in particular through the weaving of the most delicate textiles. As well as offering you precious travel memories, through buying these fabulous pieces of work you are helping to support traditions and the families.

The Country also has one of the most diverse ecosystems and natural variety. Often, you will be able to see snow in the Andes AND at the same time you can see a desert. Peru also offers you the opportunity to go down to some of the deepest canyons in the world – and forget the Grand Canyon, Cañón del Colca (pictured below) is definitely over-looked when it comes to World Land-marks.

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But the diversity doesn’t just stop within the environment. Because of what the country has to offer naturally, this also makes for a huge diversity within the Cuisine. From the freshest Ceviche (fresh raw fish stewed in citrus fruits and peppers) to the deliciously hearty Lomo Saltado (a stir-fry dish of steak, red onion, tomato and vinegar) and to accompany, a Pisco Sour (move over Pina Colada!) or an Ice Cold Beer, there’s always something for everyone on the menu. And then there’s the fruit. Don’t even get me started on the fruit. So. Much. Choice. The cherimoya fruit can often taste like banana, strawberry, pineapple, or all 3! Something that Willy Wonka has produced don’t you think? Also, a fun fact, Peru has over 4000 different varieties of potatoes! Who knew?!

And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a Llama! And if you don’t, you better get used to them, because you will be seeing a lot of them, and Llamas and Alpacas were once used by the ancient Incas, so they’re pretty important when it comes to the country’s history and culture, in fact, they make up a lot of it!

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Just like the Canyons, much of Peru is over-looked and it’s such a shame, because once you’ve experienced it you just won’t want to leave. Like a boat trip on Lake Titicaca, or visiting the Nazca Desert, or the red beach at Paracas National reserve, they’re like dreams you hope you never wake from. But the greatest part of Peru definitely has to be the people and their contagious smiles. And the trip comes with a great saying, “Once you’ve visited Peru, a part of you will never leave.” ¡Que Viva Peru!

If you would like to find out more about our adventure trips to Peru, contact us today on 0176 930 9007.

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