Peru- if it’s not on your bucket list, it should be.

With a population of around 9 million people, Lima is a bustling capital city on the coast of Peru. The seafood is to die for as Lima lies on the Pacific Ocean, but the fruit and vegetables are just as good if not better with over 3,800 varieties of potato.

Sacred Valley of the Incas

A valley in the Andes close to the Inca capital of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu. A great place to start from Lima as it’s at a lower altitude than Cusco, plus you can get to the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo easier from here.

Machu Picchu (see main photo)

Yes it really is one of ‘those’ moments when you finally see it in real life. Altitude 2430m but still very doable for those with lower fitness levels.

Train from Poroy (Cusco) or Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) to Aguas Calientes then walk 10 minutes to the top! Remember to book train tickets + MP well in advance.

Uros Floating Islands

Over 80 islands that are literally floating on Lake Titicaca. The Peruvians live off the lake and handicrafts plus tourism.

Around 8km from Puno by boat…a little touristy but definitely a must-do…the natives speak Aymara and a un poquito Spanish.

Cusco

3400m above sea level…loads of amazing hotels – Belmond, Relais & Chateau, JW Marriott etc. very friendly, historical, small but intimate town.

Puno

Almost an hour from Puno is Sillustani…pre-Incan burial grounds located on Lake Umayo on the road to Juliaca…skip Puno altogether! 3932m above altitude is this chullpa.

Taquile Island

45km from Puno and this island is walkable in a couple of hours (stops included)…there is a primary and high school here, the locals live off the land, tourism and handicrafts.

The Peruvian Amazon

Fly from Lima – Iquitos and then catch a boat to one of the lodges along the river…different options, I stayed at Ceiba Tops which was fantastic…solar panels in nature.

These are just some of the highlights.

To book your Peruvian adventure, please contact me on 1800 047 047.

Penny Gordon