From wildlife spotting in the Amazon, to scrambling over the Inca Ruins, to the awe inspiring sights of Machu Pichu, there’s much to discover in Peru. Our tour host Diane gives us her top five!
Wildlife spotting in the Amazon
The Amazon spans nine countries, one of which is Peru. Our guide proudly tells us that the Amazon River actually starts in Peru, so while the majority (60%) of the jungle may be in Brazil, the river starts in Peru, making this it’s true home.
We were just impressed with the dense forest, the wildlife spotting and the culture of the place. I mean, where else can you go fishing for piranhas and spot rhinocerous beetles as big as your head (disclaimer, I do have a very small head, but still…!)
We spotted monkeys, macuas, piranhas, river otters… As with all wildlife spotting you have to keep your eyes open and really look deep into the environment, but the diversity is fascinating.
Floating villages on Lake Titicaca
When I told my friend I was going to Lake Titicaca he laughed, until he realised it is actually a real place and not just something from a Disney movie.
The floating villages here may seem like a tourist construct but people actually still live on these manmade islands. The islands are diverse, the cultures intriguing and the people so friendly.
At 3812 metres above sea level, Lake Titicaca is said to be the highest navigable lake in the world and your lungs will most likely feel the high altitude, take it easy, but don’t miss this experience.
Scramble over the Inca Ruins
You’ll want to head straight to Machu Picchu, but there are so many other amazing sites throughout Peru that show the mite and strength of the Inca people. Check out the size of the rocks used to build Saqsuayhuaman and you’ll be scratching your head for days wondering just how they moved those into position, and questioning the number of lives that must surely have been lost in the process.
There are Incan ruins dotted throughout this beautiful country, and remains have been incorporated into the footings of some of the old Spanish buildings – marrying the two cultures and the history of the place.
You could spend days scrambling over the ruins surrounding Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
Explore Spanish-inspired villages.
You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve woken up in Europe in some of the villages in Peru. Not surprising considering the heritage of the country and indeed, the continent. Spend some time wandering the cobble stone streets and people watching in the many bars and cafes.
If you’re lucky you may just arrive in the middle of a market – there always seems to be a market! Or better still a festival celebrating the vibrant and colourful history of the nation.
Cusco and Pisac in the Sacred Valley are two beautiful towns worth whiling away the hours.
History and llamas at Machu Picchu
Really, you can’t go to Peru without going to Machu Picchu. If only because everyone will ask you what it was like and well, isn’t it just on everyone’s bucketlist?
Machu Picchu is mysterious, beautiful, awe-inspiring and, aside from the ruins themselves, the location is simply breathtaking – not to mention the llamas that amble over the site.
You don’t have to do the five-day trek to get there, you can go by train to Aguas Calientes – it’s a beautiful train journey. Just one and a half hours through massive snow-capped mountain peaks and alongside gushing streams.
Once in Aguas Calientes it’s a 20-minute bus ride up to the famous Inca ruins.
Diane is a tour with Two’s A Crowd.
This post first appeared on Allabroad.com.au
