Peru is a unique, multicultural and colorful destination, a country full of contrasts that come to light after discovering its diverse culture, history, geography, biodiversity and gastronomy. Peru is home to the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world
Cusco, a city in the Peruvian Andes, was once capital of the Inca Empire, and is now known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. Plaza de Armas is the central square in the old city, with arcades, carved wooden balconies and Incan wall ruins.
Lima, the capital and largest city of Peru. In Lima everything is in endless movement, and even the past is constantly being rediscovered. Lima offers an extraordinary range of emotions, sensations, colors and flavors.
Lima is a place of converging trends, created by its people and their living culture, where you will find every corner of Peru represented. Lima, filled with colonial-era riches, is the only capital in South America that faces the sea, and it is hailed as the gastronomic capital of Latin America.
Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.
In addition, you get to hike the iconic mountain that sits behind the archaeological site and that you see in all the ‘postcard’ shots – Huayna Picchu. Its name means ‘young mountain’ and is one of the most raved about short hikes in the world. At the top there’s a small archaeological site called the Temple of the Moon. Hiking Huayna Picchu is the only chance you’ll get to see this.
Rainbow Mountain is becoming the main attraction to see after Machu Picchu. The mountain is famed for its natural, multi-colored beauty. This rainbow-like appearance is created by the sediment of minerals throughout the area giving the mountain the turquoise, lavender, gold and other colors. The first thing that caught everyone’s attention was the colors seen nowhere else.
But that wasn’t the only thing. It’s one of those places where the whole journey is as amazing as the destination. Llamas, horses, and alpacas are dispersed all over the range, with local communities still living almost the same life as before but now also helping visitors discover the colored mountain. The scenery along the trek is just like the pictures and even they don’t do it justice sometimes.
Lake Humantay is an glacier lake surrounded by Andes giants like Mount Salkantay and Mount Humantay. These mountains are towering, sheer, icy peaks that provide a breathtaking backdrop to our destination, the turquoise- colored waters of Lake Humantay! Lake Humantay day hike is a wonderful way to explore the peruvian andes. This trip is well worth the time and effort!
The Maras Salt Mines are more than 6,000 salts ponds carved by the Incas. These have been in operation for over 500 years in the middle of Sacred Valley of the Incas, and they are mined by local families for their special, beloved Peruvian pink salt. Peruvian pink salt is hand-harvested from the magnificent salt ponds of Maras.
Local families mine and sell the salt to local markets and at the site to the many visitors who pass through each day. From a distance, the salt mines resemble a snow layer, featuring an array of different shades of white and earthy brown. Without a doubt, this is one of the most instagrammable spots in all of Peru.
The Pisac ruins are among Peru’s most extensive archeological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As was customary in Inca architecture, cities were built in the shape of animals. Pisac is shaped like a partridge, thus its name. The views from the countryside are mesmerizing as the ruins, and their markers are remarkably satisfying.
The Pisac Market is one of the most famous markets in the Cusco region. It offers the visitors the opportunity to buy or just watch a lot of Indian handmade products by local craftsmen or neighboring communities. A large section of the market is dedicated to tourist-oriented souvenir stalls where you can find weavings, jewellery, ponchos, hats, Andean instruments, ceramics, alpaca products and a whole range of other gifts and souvenirs to take home with you.
Ollantaytambo is one of the most important towns of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco. It is the only place that preserves its old Inca urban design. Ollantaytambo has its own charms. The main one of all are its Inca archaeological remains. Ollantaytambo is the only Inca town that is still inhabited. Its stone streets preserve the Inca architecture combined with temples and colonial squares.
Lake Humantay is an glacier lake surrounded by Andes giants like Mount Salkantay and Mount Humantay. These mountains are towering, sheer, icy peaks that provide a breathtaking backdrop to our destination, the turquoise- colored waters of Lake Humantay! Lake Humantay day hike is a wonderful way to explore the peruvian andes. This trip is well worth the time and effort!