An Alternative Adventure on Tour in Peru

There is no shortage of activities to indulge the more adventurous traveler on a Peru tour. From beaches in the north, desert landscape to the south and wild Amazon jungle further inland, it’s as if all the world’s environmental extremes have descended on one country. But perhaps the biggest draw card is the elevated world of the Andes, and the best way to experience the physical beauty and the rich cultural history of this lost world is on your own two feet. Most people have heard of the Inca Trail which reaches the awe inspiring Machu Picchu, now one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, but there are also many other breath-taking treks to discover in Peru. Also with the Inca Trail getting booked up months in advance and closing during the month of February for conservation, it has never been a better time to discover different and breathtaking trails while on tour in Peru. Choquequirao Discover Machu Picchu’s sister site Choquequirao, of which only about 30% has currently been excavated and is hidden deep in the Salkantay Mountain Range. Located on a mountain spur, and separated from Machu Picchu by the peak of Nevado Salkantay (6,264 metres) the site overlooks the Apurímac River and offers unbeatable 360 degree views of the surrounding ranges. The journey takes a minimum of four days, through the spectacular Apurímac Canyon where the rare Peruvian Condor can often be seen. Colca Canyon Another popular location to view the magnificent Condor is the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons (3,400 metres) and twice the depth of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Two or three day treks can be arranged from Arequipa with local guides, staying at the base of the canyon with most treks ending in an energetic ascent, arriving at the rim to see sunrise turn the distant white peaks pink. Lares Trek The Weavers or Lares trek rivals the Inca Trail for scenery but trekkers will pass through living Andean communities rather than deserted Inca ruins. Visitors have an insight into the Andean way of life in these remote farming hamlets where ancient weaving customs are preserved, Quechua - the Inca language, is still spoken and llamas and alpacas are bred. High-altitude passes offer views of beautiful valleys, snow-draped peaks and crystal-clear lakes and at the end of a hard trek hot springs welcome the weary limbs. Lake Titicaca The world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca is also the biggest lake in South America. Its hauntingly blue waters set amongst some of the Andes’ highest peaks make it a top attraction to any tour of Peru. On some of the many islands on the lake the remains of Inca settlements are visible alongside present day dwellings. Perhaps the most intriguing part of Titicaca is the floating reed islands inhabited by the indigenous Uros people of Peru. These ‘villages’ are made of Totora reeds thatched together to make large barges, which the people live on. Truly a sight to behold, the Uros also make their boats from the same reeds. For a number of tour options to Peru see: www.tucantravel.com