Two of the mainstays of Peruvian travel are also the cornerstones of the many trekking tours in Peru. Tourists from all over the world descend on Peru to explore Macchu Picchu and the Incan trail. From the high peaks of the Andes to the crystal lakes and Incan ruins in the foothills, trekking in Peru is one of the finest ways to get a taste for the geography, history and culture of the country, each facet of Peruvian society is spread bare along the jagged trails that lead through the wilderness.
The views are amazing, as colorful wildlife constantly passes in and out of one’s line of sight. Incan mysteries are everywhere along the most popular Peru trek – the classic Incan trail. Originating in the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, three (or four, depending) days later you’ll find yourself at the pinnacle of Peruvian archaeology – Macchu Picchu. In between, you’ll wander along the stone pathways and sturdy wooden bridges first laid thousands of years ago, when the Incans still ruled the land. Trekking in Peru often takes you past a large number of fabled ruins, and the classic Incan trail is no different. Some stretches of this Peru trek bypass native cultures based on traditions that date back centuries, and the remnants of Incan culture lie around every bend.
Although this particular Peru trekking tour is usually completed in less than a week, if you are hiking without a tour guide, you can stay as long as you like – there is great flexibility when planning. The classic Incan trail has hundreds of variations that take you all over between Cusco and Macchu Picchu, since the wild popularity that this Peru trek enjoys makes it necessary to spread out the tourists looking for glimpses into the country’s past. Merging in and out with the Incan trail, criss-crossing other trails along the Andes – lots of different guided trek operators will have their own version of this hike, so it’s important to check out the exact routes if you have no plans to go it alone.
There are plenty of other trekking tours in Peru, but none draw in the crowds like the Incan trail. The Cordillera Blanca region in the north has a number of different treks – the area is known as the most stable, weather-wise, for jaunts into the Andes. Mild temperatures combined with gradual ascents make the Peru treks located here perfect for novice climbers.
Treks are not limited to the mountainous sections, either – trekking in Peru can include the many jungle tours available. Questing into the Amazon rain forest is a quintessential aspect of South American travel, and though many choose to see the jungle in the more traditional locations found in Brazil, there are many scenic treks that begin in Peru. They differ greatly in difficulty, however, so be careful when venturing into the wilderness.
From the Andean peaks into the drizzling Amazon rain forests, trekking tours in Peru can take you all across the country – they each give you a chance to get an authentic glimpse of some of nature’s finest sights.
