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peru.travel
Friday, September 4, 2020
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Can you imagine walking along trails in the middle of nature surrounded by amazing landscapes and archaeological remains? Well, in Peru you can live these experiences if you are a lover of trekking and adventure. And it is because of its wide territory and varied geography that Peru offers you a world of routes that impress for all that they mean.
Due to the above, Peru is an excellent option for ecotourism, from discovering its mountains on expeditions until becoming familiar with its culture in indigenous towns. Therefore, we invite you to know some of the most important Peruvian destinations to practice trekking.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
For most explorers, this route is one of the most challenging and requested. It is a path of 43 km of Inca trails that have as destination the citadel of Machu Picchu and that is part of the Qhapaq Ñan: a road system that linked the important cities of Tahuantinsuyo. The route lasts 4 days and 3 nights, although there is a shorter option of only 2 days and 1 night.
It is considered one of the most impressive hiking trails in South America for its beautiful landscapes that combine the majesty of the mountains and the greenery of nature, as well as archaeological complexes like Patallacta and Wiñaywayna. It is recommended to book in advance of at least 3 months, because in high season it tends to fill up very quickly.
Choquequirao
Located in Cusco between mountains that are difficult to access and covered by vast vegetation, this complex is one of the Inca destinys with the greatest tourist potential in Peru. Known as "la hermana sagrada" ("the sacred sister") of Machu Picchu, it is one of the most important political and religious centers of the Inca empire.
Usually, the duration of the walk to Choquequirao is 4 days and 3 nights, although several tourism agencies offer alternative routes that can be up to 10 days and 9 nights. The circuit is done through a winding and rugged road, but captivates for its scenic beauty and cozy jungle climate. The route begins in Cachora, a small town in Abancay. At the end of the first day, you sleep in a camp near the Apurímac River. The tour also includes a visit to the hamlet of Santa Rosa, where you can try a pleasant brandy in an artisanal distillery.
Vinicunca, the mountain of the 7 colors
Located three hours from the city of Cusco, the Vinicunca mountain has become a tourist phenomenon in Peru. Thanks to its spectacular color variety, thousands of travelers and hiking enthusiasts go to this place to admire its incomparable beauty.
To get to the mountain from the city of Cusco, you must take a bus to the town of Checacupe. Then, go to Pitumarca. Try to eat something in this town to resist the two-hour trip to Pampachiri. Here, you can buy the entrance ticket to Vinicunca for 10 soles for foreigners and 5 soles for peruvians.
In Pampachiri begins the trekking route to the top of the mountain of the 7 colors, which will take you between two or three hours depending on your physical condition and photographic interest. Keep in mind that the route begins at an altitude of 3399 meters above sea level and ends at the mountain viewpoint at 5100 m meters above sea level, so it is important to condition your body so that you enjoy the walk more and do not go through any type of complication or altitude sickness.
Cordillera Huayhuash
It is considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Peru. Its route includes a large part of the Cordillera Huayhuash in Ancash, and is designed to camp near to the most beautiful lagoons surrounded by wonderful landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca.
There are many alternatives with different difficulties and durations to travel this mountain range. Most begin in the town of Chiquián, in Huaraz. From Lima to Huaraz the bus price is 40 soles on average. Once in Huaraz, you can take a taxi or bus to Chiquián for about 15 soles (the tour lasts 3 hours). From there, buses also depart to the Pacllón district, the starting point for Huayhuash. The routes can vary between 4 to 12 days in duration. In addition to the walks, practicing mountaineering in this place is one of the most demanded activities by travelers, with various peaks that represent a great challenge to conquer.
Salkantay Trek
Another alternative to get to Machu Picchu is by doing this tour. It is about 5 days and 4 nights through different climates and paths between rocks, vegetation and, even, snow. The itinerary begins at the Salkantay mountain (6271 meters above sea level) () which is located in the Cordillera of Vilcanota in the Peruvian Andes. You can walk with a guide’s help or independently.
Places included in the tour are: Mollepata, Soraypampa, ‘Abra Salkantay’, Chaullay, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. One of the main advantages of this route is that it has remained unknown until a few years ago so there is little agglomeration of travelers.
Sources: Nada inlcuido / Blog Redbus / RPP / Choquequirao Travel / Trekking Cordillera Blanca
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