With an almost infinite number of thrilling destinations and activities, Peru is a world-leading travel destination drawing millions of visitors each year. Fortunately the country now has the infrastructure and quality of services to provide high standards of comfort and accessibility for all visitors, making the country a perfect vacation destination for all travelers.
Peru is a traveler’s paradise. In every region of the country, there are a number of hiking options. Also, you wil be able to enjoy some ruins on this trip. Considered one of the essential places to visit in Peru for the wide range of treks that Cusco can provide to the visitor. The best known of these is the Classic Inca Trail, a 4 day/3 night trek that has you arriving on the final day directly into the citadel of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate above. There are alternatives however, which are worth considering for their own merits as well as because the permits to the Inca Trail are limited.
One of the best alternates is the Salkantay Trek. The last night is spent in Aguas Calientes, following a normal journey of 5 days and 4 nights, going the next morning to Machu Pichu. The trek takes you through a varied landscape as you pass by snow-capped mountains and end up in cloud jungle. A bonus is that it is not a widely traveled trail.
If you don’t have your heart set on trekking to Machu Picchu, you might want to consider trekking to Choquequirao. The landscape, though beautiful, is not quite as varied as that on Salkantay but you end up in an archaeological site almost as impressive as Machu Picchu. Perhaps more so, as it is only accessible by hiking there so that it does not see nearly as much traffic. You might even find yourself alone in the ruins, something that probably hasn’t happened in Machu Picchu practically since it was first opened to tourism. This trek is one of the more challenging so you do need to be physically prepared.
Huascará is considered an essential option if your route is the Peruvian north.;Near to Huaraz is located the National Park. You can also find the highest of the Peruvian Andes, the Cordillera Blanca. There are waterfalls, rivers, lakes and peaks that can be hiked among. The scenery is truly spectacular and different than any other in Peru. In addition to trekking, you can also mountain bike, raft, ski and snowboard.
A trip to the National Park Manu provides a new meaning to the word adventure. Considered around the world as one of the last virgin jungle areas.. You will need at least 5 days but the longer you can take, the farther in to the jungle you will be able to travel and, therefore, be able to see the most flora and fauna. There are thousands of plant, insect and bird species as well as more than 200 species of mammals including jaguars, giant otters, tapirs and many different types of monkeys. Also, archeological sites from before the Inca times will be there for you to enjoy.
