Enjoy this tour through the very best of southern Peru, from one of the world’s deepest canyons to the highest navigable lake in the world and into the Andes. Start in Lima and then onwards towards Arequipa, the “White City”, followed by a boat trip on Lake Titicaca home to floating islands of the Uros people. Finally, hike through the Andes along the less travelled Choquequirao Trek to discover the isolated ruins of Choqueruirao and the legendary Machu Picchu.
In Colca Canyon we have the best view down into the canyon in order to observe the majestic flight of the condors rising with the morning thermals. We have plenty of time to enjoy the valley before our journey to Puno and the amazing cobalt blue waters of Lake Titicaca. Take a boat ride to the traditional island of Amantani where you’ll stay with the locals, learning more about their ancestral traditions and daily life.
Choquequirao has not yet reached the levels of popularity of Machu Picchu, meaning, in terms of visitor numbers it is at the stage Machu Picchu was at perhaps 30 years ago. Choquequirao which means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua sits 3000m above the thunderous Apurimac River in the saddle of a high Andean ridge. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and flanked by dense cloud forest the city is an awe-inspiring example of Inca architecture. Choquequirao has been called the “Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu” because of similarities in design and ceremonial purpose. In the time of the Incas a complex network of trails connected it to Machu Picchu.
On this trek enjoy the ascent to Choquequirao as the route passes through breathtaking scenery, from dessert-like slopes to dense forest, to snow-capped mountains which seem to fill the sky. It seems fitting that this site was dedicated to the worship of mountain Gods, the river and nature. While this is quite a tough hike, you are rewarded with spectacular views the whole way. The ruins of Choquequirao, perched on a ledge high above the Apurimac are not as extensive as Machu Picchu, but probably more fascinating and much more remote.
To really enjoy this trek it helps if you are of a reasonable fitness level.
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