Llamas and Alpacas are among the earliest animals ever domesticated by man. They have served Andean people in many ways for thousands of years.

Llamas were originally kept for their meat, then later for their wool, and as pack animals. Today they still serve to carry cargo through the Andean mountain trails. Lamas are not big enough for us to ride, but they can carry 25 per cent of their body weight, about 50 kilograms on their backs. A big Llama can weigh up to 200 kilos and stand 6 feet tall. They live about 25 years. Their thick wool ranges in color from black, through shades of grey and brown to white.

Related to camels, the llama (a camelid) migrated to South American from North America millions of years ago. These herd animals were domesticated over 10,000 years ago as a handy source of protean.

I have eaten Llama and Alpaca meat and find both can be just as tender or as gristly, depending on the cuts and preparations. In the highlands Alpaca kebobs are common on menus. Ground Llama burgers taste similar to beef. Alpaca meat is low in fat and rich in protean with a mild flavor. Traditional Peruvian Alpaca (la viande) meals include: Alpaca Sirloin with Quinoa and Chimichurri (herbal sauce), Alpaca Aguaymanto (in sauce), Caraplulca (stew), and Carpaccio of Alpaca.

In their mountainous environment, ancient Peruvians never needed to invent the wheel, so Llamas were never put to harness. Instead they carried loads on their backs. The Inca roads, like the well preserved and tourist trafficked footpaths to Machu Picchu are ideal for Llamas.

Llamas are ruminants, and like cows have several stomach compartments, and chew their cud. As a result they are able to live on a diet of hardy alpine grasses. They are sure-footed, high altitude animals and can function in the thin Andean atmosphere, and grow fleecy pelts that are well suited for making weather resistant garments.

Alpacas are the smaller cousin to the Llama and are valued for their wool which is superior in softness and insulating properties to lama wool.

Alpaca fleece is softer, warmer and hypoallergenic, and more water resistant than Llama. The wool is spun and woven into fine clothing: sweaters, hats, socks, gloves, scarves, skirts, etc. Alpaca wool is the number one souvenir from Peru, and many travelers return with the characteristic Alpaca Chullo hats with side-flaps.

Llama wool is coarser; their stout outer fleece is used for weaving rugs, ropes and mats. Their hides are also tanned as leather for belts, handbags, wallets, etc.

There are four related Camelids: Llamas (Lama glama), Alpaca (Vicugna pacos), Guanacos (Lama guanicoe), and the smallest, the Vicuna (Vicugna vicugna). Only Llamas and Alpacas remain truly domesticated. Guanacos are the largest, and Llamas are their domesticated evolution. Vicunas were also semi-domesticated, and are the pre-cursers of Alpacas. Vicuna wool is the finest and costliest of the Camelids, with a single annual round-up and shearing of the small wild creatures. Vicuna ranching is centered in the highlands south of Arequipa.

Pure Vicuna wool and Alpaca wool should feel silky to the touch. Many bargain sweaters, scarves, hats, etc. are blended with Llama wool, or sheep’s wool, and even with acrylic.

You can find a good assortment of Alpaca garments in Miraflores, Lima: Mercado Indio is at Avendida Petit Thouars 5245, Indian Market at Petit Thouars 2822, and Manos Peruanas, Petit Thouars 5411. In Cusco check the stalls at Centro Artesanal Cusco at Huanchac and Tullumayu, also the shops Cusco Alpaca 111 on Plaza Regocijo, and Alpaca Mon Repos at Portal de Panes 139 are recommended for Alpaca wool. In Arequipa you can buy genuine Vicuna wool products at Incalpaca on Juan Bustamente.

Lima, Cusco and Arequipa are full of restaurants and artisanal boutiques specializing in fine Alpaca and Llama products – both food and clothing. Finding the right store can be difficult, so if you’re on the lookout for something special, contact a Peru travel agent such as this specialist in Machu Picchu luxury tours.

Cusco, the pinnacle for many peoples' luxury Peru travel experiences

Most Cusco hotels are concentrated in the city’s central districts so if arriving by air, take a taxi (5 soles) from the airport. Begin your stay with a visit to the city’s Plaza de Armas, the central legacy of the city’s colonial history.

Arriving in the city in 1533, the Spanish were determined to stamp their mark on the rebellious Incas by constructing impressive monuments to European civilization on important spiritual sites. The Plaza de Armas with its dominating cathedral and plethora of other religious buildings is a prime example.

You can visit the cathedral (entrance $5) which was constructed atop the remains of a grand Inca palace. Inside the cathedral you will be treated to a fine display of art from the Cusco school, another remnant of the Spanish conquest which blends indigenous and European traditions, intended as a way to assimilate European dominance over indigenous civilizations.

Most of the other attractions within Cusco can only be accessed by purchasing a tourist ticket boleto touristico ($40) which seems expensive, but guarantees access to all of the major sites and which is valid for ten days. To get the most value from your ticket, take a Sacred Valley tour after your stay in Cusco and visit as many additional sites as possible.

Purchase your ticket from the main tourist office just one block east of the Plaze de Armas. Your ticket will be accompanied by a handy map to Cusco, with a walking tour of the main sites around the old town. Look carefully and you’ll notice that the original city layout was designed in the shape of a puma by the great Inca ruler, Pachacutec.

Your walking tour begins nearby at the museum of Qorikancha, located in the basement of a former temple with a wide selection of exhibits documenting Inca life. Look out for the ancient mummies that were retrieved from the cemetery.

Just a short walk along from the museum is the Cosqo Center of Native Art, with a vast collection of indigenous costumes and musical instruments. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a short performance of local music and dance. Check for performance times at the front desk.

From here, follow the busy Avenida El Sol (Sun Avenue) which was named in honor of the Inca’s worship of the sun god, Inti. You’ll eventually reach a busy junction dominated by a colossal statue of the Inca leader Pachakuteq. You can climb this tower although the views of the busy streets below are not stunning – the real attraction is inside, with an illustrated history of the Inca leaders and a brief history of their vast empire.

Head back to town in the same direction and stop in at the enormous handicraft market for some great bargains on souvenirs. This is probably the cheapest place to get your hands on those famous Peruvian holiday gifts; panpipes, woolly hats, ponchos and bags made from colorful textiles and llama wool.

The market is also home to a couple of great value restaurants where you can replenish your energy with a large plate of the local specialties which include guinea pig and alpaca steaks.

Walk back to the colonial center choosing your own route through Cusco’s trademark winding, cobbled streets and take in the atmosphere of this ancient city.

If you have the energy, spend the afternoon making a short walk up to the San Blas neighborhood, perched on the hillsides above the Plaza de Armas. It is in San Blas that you’ll get a feel for Cusco’s famous vibe, where bars and cafes, restaurants and bakeries, and tiny art galleries and handicraft stalls all compete for your attention.

This is also a place to catch some great views over the city, especially towards dusk and sunset. Spend the evening in one of the many cafes and bars in San Blas, the best of which are dotted across the top of the quaint Plaza San Blas.

Rise early and enjoy breakfast in your Cusco hotel before setting off for the city’s biggest and most important archaeological site, Saqsaywaman. This Inca fortress which lies across a mountain top above Cusco has a long, and sometimes bloody, history.

What remains is just a fraction of the original site but the unbelievably huge stone blocks that were perfectly carved to create the vast structure gives a clear impression of the might of the Inca empire.

Despite this, it was hear that the Inca’s last stand against the Spanish failed after a long and dramatic siege came to an end, marking the conquistador’s final domination over this    great civilization.

Only the very fit will attempt the steep walk up to the site, everyone else will want to hail a taxi (around 10 soles from the Plaza de Armas). Information is very limited so you may want to hire a guide for around 30-40 soles. Prices are negotiable and guides in Spanish will be a bit cheaper.

You can easily spend a full morning at Saqsaywaman before taking a return taxi to central Cusco for lunch in one of the cafes and restaurants on the Plaza de Armas.

Museum fans can fill up on more local history and culture at the excellent Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Regional History, both to the south of the Plaza. Otherwise spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the city’s back streets where glimpses of a  former age are to be found everywhere – not least in the traditionally dressed women and girls posing for photos with their pet llamas (you’ll be expected to pay 1 sole for the privilege though!)

Enjoy a final evening in Cusco’s historical center, where all the most important and impressive buildings are well illuminated for extra effect. Treat yourself with dinner at Sumaq Misky on the main Plaza which serves up some of the finest food in town before heading out to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, or catching an early night’s sleep before leaving for the next stage of your Peru vacation package.

The beautiful Sacred Valley is a definite must-see during your trip

Sacred Valley tours will also be offered by all international Peru vacation package providers but the adventurous can easily set out alone and see the best of the Sacred Valley on a two day loop.

All of the following attractions can be visited with the universal tourist ticket boleto touristico ($40) which offers entrance to most of Cusco and the Sacred Valley’s sites.

Start from Cusco with a bus from the terminal at Puente Grau. Buses here leave for the main transport hub at Urubamba but don’t continue all the way, ask to be let off at Tiobamba where you’ll be able to catch a taxi to the fascinating Inca site at Moray.

Resembling a series of large amphitheaters, the circular agricultural terraces at Moray were actually an elaborate laboratory which created a series of micro-climates with which the ingenious Incas could determine the optimal growing conditions for all their most important crops, thus ensuring a steady supply of food for the entire empire.

A walk around Moray lasts around an hour, but on-site services are extremely limited – bring water and snacks with you.

Take the return taxi back to the main road at Tiobamba and wait for a passing bus heading on to Urubamba. There’s little reason to stay in town, you can easily switch buses and head straight on for the nearby Ollantaytambo.

This small village is one of the most picturesque settlements in the Sacred Valley, where cobbled streets and traditionally-built homes give a picture of life which has gone largely unchanged for hundreds of years.

Ollantaytambo is home to an impressive set of Inca ruins but you might want to save these for the following morning. Content yourself with a relaxing walk along the wide, fast flowing River Urubamba. Follow the trails leading up the surrounding hillsides for wonderful views over the town and the ruins.

Spend the evening enjoying the town’s small but bustling nightlife, with a great selection of restaurants and bars to choose from.

The town’s ruins open to the public at 7am which is a good time to catch the pre-tour crowd. Bilingual guides are available for around 30 soles, which are strongly recommended due to the lack of alternative information around the site.

After a couple of hours walking up and down the steep ruins and enjoying the breathtaking views, head back into town for a bite to eat at Heart’s Cafe, the profits of which go to support local community projects in the surrounding area.

After brunch, catch a bus back to the main terminal at Urubamba and switch buses for another gem, the bustling town of Pisac.

If you can time your trip, arriving in Pisac for midday Sunday will give you a memorable insight into rural Peruvian life with a massive, frenetic market where all the region’s produce goes on sale.

Stalls offering produce as diverse as coca leaves, live guinea pigs, fruits, vegetables and all kinds of meat compete with more tourist friendly stalls laden with souvenirs and holiday gifts.

Spend an hour or so exploring the enormous market before catching a taxi to the top of Pisac’s ruins, an enormous complex comprised of Incan and pre-Incan constructions, vast agricultural terraces, mountainside tunnels and temples.

Once again a guide is recommended and give yourself at least three hours to explore the entire site.

Heading back into town, those with a strong constitution can try a glass of the local tipple, chicha, which is created by chewing and spitting corn kernels into vats for fermentation. Chicha is available from rustic outlets, usually someone’s kitchen, look out for a red flag at the front door and be prepared for lots of inquisitive attention from the locals!

If you can’t wait, have a late lunch in Pisac or else catch a direct bus back to Cusco, which  should take around one hour. Settle back in to your Cusco hotel and relax after your two day adventure in the Sacred Valley!

Visiting the Sacred Valley is a popular addition to most Peru trips. Contact this Peru travel agency for more ideas and details.

The city of 200,000 people is often dismissed as nothing more than a convenient staging post before heading out onto the lake itself, but this reputation is unfair: Puno offers many attractions which will all add to your Peru travel memories.

A note of caution to any visitors, especially those arriving from low altitudes: Puno is one of Peru’s highest cities and mild altitude sickness is common. Take it easy when you first arrive and don’t attempt anything too strenuous.

Festivities on the streets of Puno

Begin your visit to Puno taking a short walk along the city’s pedestrianized central boulevard, Calle Lima. This central thoroughfare offers the best of the city’s restaurants, shops and bars, and has two small but handsome plazas at either end.

On the central Plaza de Armas you’ll find the city’s Spartan Cathedral which is open to tourists (entrance free) during non Mass times. At the other end of Calle Lima you’ll find Parque Pino where many a local sits to enjoy the high altitude air and bright sun (from which you’ll need plenty of sunscreen protection.)

Stop for lunch at one of the many local menú restaurants which line the side streets. These are great places to fill up on cheap, authentic Peruvian cuisine from a set menu which includes a starter, a main course and a drink.

Alternatively, the nearby central market is a fine place to explore and witness every day Peruvian life, while the top floor is home to a countless number of small food counters offering cheap, delicious food for next to nothing.

After lunch hail one of the city’s ubiquitous mototaxis (motorbikes that have been converted to take two passengers) for a 4 sole ride to one of the best Puno hotels, El Posada del Inca. But you’re not here to check into one of the finest luxury Peru hotels, for just outside on the lakeside you’ll find a piece of Peru’s fascinating history.

The iron Yavari steamship was originally purchased by the Peruvian Navy in the 19^th century, from a British shipbuilders in Birmingham. The ship was sailed across the Atlantic to a Peruvian port before being disassembled into thousands of pieces and hauled by mule across the Andes to Lake Titicaca at almost 4000 meters above sea level.

Having been retired and fallen into disrepair, the ship was subsequently bought and restored by a British enthusiast and is now open to visitors who can visit the ship’s decks, engine room and bridge.

After your tour of the Yavari, head back into town for dinner at one of Puno’s fine restaurants, where the Lake’s trout and kingfish are both highly recommended, being served up in no end of dishes.

Before heading to bed, take a look around Puno’s vast number of tour operators for a trip out onto the lake the following day. International Peru vacation package providers will also offer these excursions.

The options are almost limitless, from a short three hour trip to the floating island communities on Uros, to a full day island tour, to a multiple day cruise around the lake.

If, on the following morning, you choose not to take a tour onto Lake Titicaca, go for a walk up to one of Puno’s many miradors, viewing points. The viewing point at Huajsapata Park is probably the easiest and most accessible which also offers great views of the city and lake under the shadow of an enormous Manco Capac, the legendary Inca said to have been born from the lake.

Stop off at a bakery for a delicious empanada pastry and a coffee before continuing on to your next Peru vacation destination.

Visit Lake Titicaca and Puno with this luxury Peru travel specialist and leading tailor made Peru tour operator.

The islands, constructed entirely from reeds are home to a community of several hundred indigenous Peruvians who have lived in this high altitude world for many centuries.

The floating islands of Uros

Conquests by other Aymara tribes, competing for the highly fertile lakeside land, caused the local people to take to the lake in reed-constructed boats in a bid to escape their aggressive enemies.

A natural fishers and boatmen, the people of Uros found lake life to be entirely satisfactory, and they gradually expanded their boats until they became islands in their own right. It is on these islands that they remained, trading their abundant fish for other products with their land-based neighbours.

The people of Uros have become one many unique communities which can be easily visited during a Peru travel adventure.

Nearby Puno boasts many tour operators who can arrange short visits to the islands, while excursions will also be offered by all international Peru vacation package providers.

A visit to the islands is highly recommended and is guaranteed to offer the visitor a new insight into indigenous Peruvian life. The communities are virtually self sufficient; they harvest the abundant lake for fish and also produce a variety of meals from the reeds themselves.

They have become expert hunters, using homemade rifles to hunt the birds that live within the reed forests and taking eggs from bird nests, but only taking 5 out of 10 eggs, keen to emphasize their connection and sense of protection of the natural world that they depend upon.

The islands themselves are a sight to behold. Constructed atop the harvested roots of reeds, they consist of a thick layer of freshly cut reeds which create a bizarre, spongy feel underfoot and mean that no child can ever injure themselves by falling over!

Each island has around a dozen homes, also made from reeds plus perhaps a small chapel and a communal area.

Recent additions have included improved sanitary facilities and solar panels which have cut the risk of fires from candles and ovens. These improvements have been possible thanks to proceeds from a well-managed and sensitive approach to tourism which ensures that incomes are evenly distributed and community life does not become unsettled.

At the center of this floating community is a central, communal island, where the local councils meet and organize the life of the community, and also where a small restaurant, shop and even a hostel caters for the needs of community members and visitors alike.

Most trips to the islands last around three hours, including a tour by a bilingual guide and a chance to meet the islanders themselves. Also available for purchase is the impressive range of handicrafts that the islanders have to offer, including elaborately and colorfully decorated materials and textiles, and small models expertly made from the reeds.

If you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to ride one of the impressive reed boats that are hand built on the islands according to ancient skills and traditions. Without doubt, a highlight to any Peru vacation.

Lake Titicaca is also home to one of the most spectacular luxury Peru hotels. Contact this luxury travel consultant for more details.

Given the vast number of must-see destinations to fit in to a single Peru vacation, it’s hardly surprising that Peru’s capital city of Lima is often overlooked by visitors who are keen to get started on their Machu Pichhu tours, Sacred Valley excursions and Amazonian adventures.

Colonial Lima

Yet as home to around one third of the country’s entire population, persistent visitors will find that Lima offers a taste of all the popular Peru vacation destinations in one, vast city.

Start the weekend in the bustling neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco, two thriving sea-side districts to the south of Lima’s city center. It is in Miraflores that you’ll find the highest concentration of quality Lima hotels and Barranco is a focal point for much of the city’s cultural life.

Begin with a walk along the cliff-top malecon in Miraflores and head to the romantic ‘Park of Love’ which offers views over the Pacific Ocean and picturesque Goudi-style mosaics. Stopping off at one of the numerous small art galleries, head towards the Amano Museum for an insight into Peru’s indigenous civilizations or the galleries at Trapecio for some modern art.

you’ll find no end of restaurants to suit any taste in Miraflores, but for a typically Peruvian meal try Señorío de Sulco, on Malecón Cisneros, which offers dishes from the country’s coast, mountain and jungle regions.

Travelers looking for an authentic experience during their Peru vacation should hop onto one of the countless combi buses for the short journey to Barranco, otherwise hail a cab for around 5 Peruvian soles.

Spend the afternoon exploring the neighborhood’s quiet, leafy streets and quaint architecture, left over from the days when Barranco was a beach-side holiday resort for the wealthy citizens of Lima. Head past the central plaza and take a walk over the Bridge of Sighs which leads you to a pleasant viewing point which is a perfect place to catch the sun setting over the ocean.

Take your pick from the surrounding restaurants before heading back to Miraflores to enjoy a performance of Peruvian folk music and dance at Brisas del Titicaca or one of the many bars which stay open well into the early hours.

Get an early start and hail a cab (approx. 10-12 soles) into Lima’s historical center for a vision of Lima’s importance to the Spanish Empire. To the sea-faring Spaniards, this coastal city was a vital link to the vast continent and much of the city’s Imperial grandeur is still visible today. Focus your explorations on the Plaza de Armas, home to the Presidential Palace, Cathedral and various other important buildings. Just around the corner you’ll find the San Fransisco monastery with its fascinating artifacts and spooky catacombs.

Have lunch on one of the restaurants on or nearby the square before walking to Plazas Bolivar and Colon for more colonial architecture. Catch a cab back to Miraflores in time for dinner on Parque Kennedy, named in honor of the former American President.

Spend your last day exploring the ancient civilizations that inhabited this area long before the Spanish arrived. The wealthy neighborhood of San Isidro, bordering Miraflores to the north, is home to an ancient pyramid complex called Huaca Huallamarca, which reveals the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Peru’s indigenous peoples.

Treat yourself to lunch at Bodega de la Trattoria, in the shadow of the pyramids, before heading to one of Lima’s many fine museums such as the Javier Prado museum, which is one of the best in the city with an impressive display of natural history exhibits.

For a taste of Lima’s undeniably excellent cuisine, get a table at Astrid y Gaston, owned by a local celebrity-chef who prides himself on creating a memorable twist on many of Peru’s most popular dishes including ceviche and lomo saltado.

If you have the energy, enjoy a pisco sour in any of Miraflores’ lively bars before heading back to the hotel for a final night’s sleep before continuing your Peru travel experience.

Lima is a common stop during most South America travel packages. For the best in style and comfort, check out this range of luxury South America vacations.

Argentina may be known as the Paris of South America, but architecture buffs may discover a little more Paris in Peru.

Gustave Eiffel, the man who so famously built the Eiffel Tower in France’s capital, actually received praise and admiration in Peru long before he achieved success in his home country.  Examples of the Frenchman’s finest work can be found in the Amazon and Arequipa, two of Peru’s most popular destinations.

This means even if the rest of your family has no interest in admiring geometric beauty, you can easily find the time to check out his metal creations while on a family-friendly Peru vacation.

Eiffel in Peru

In the north of Peru’s Amazon River sits the bustling economic capital of the Amazon, Iquitos. This isolated river city, only accessible by boat or plane, was once the rubber capital of the world – back when rubber was a highly coveted commodity. On a busy street in Iquitos you will find La Casa de Fierro, or the Iron House.

A rubber baron of international tastes bought this per-fabricated metal house, designed by Eiffel for the 1889 Paris Exhibition, dismantled it, and had it shipped to Iquitos to use as his personal home.  Although it has been partially dismantled, used as a grocery store, factory, consulate, and social club, today it houses a 2^nd floor restaurant called Amazon Café where you can sip a fruit juice and beat the heat before venturing out to a jungle lodge or taking an Amazon river cruise.

Arequipa’s historic center is built from white volcanic sillar stone and is famously one of the most beautiful cities in Peru as well as the gateway to the Colca Canyon. The Colca Canyon, or the Grand Canyon of Peru, is known for its soaring Andean Condors, natural hot springs, and picturesque pastoral beauty.  This beautiful region of the world is also home to two of Eiffel’s creations: Bolivar Bridge and San Camilo Market.

Originally designed for railroad traffic, the Bolivar Bridge was shipped from Europe and assembled in Arequipa . The bridge is now a famous landmark in Arequipa and is used solely by cars , buses and trucks.  The San Camilo Market, designed by Eiffel, is the main market in Arequipa to this day. Just a few blocks from Plaza de Armas, the Camilo Market is a must-see for any traveler to Arequipa.  In addition to admiring the architecture, you can enjoy some traditional and locally-made Peruvian cuisine sold under its famous roof.

If you’re interested in learning more about Peru’s rich and diverse architectural heritage during your trip, contact this Peru travel agent and luxury travel consultant and ask about architecture and other cultural tours.

Even Machu Picchu veterans remember their first time. Mine was arriving after completing the classic Inca Trail, an undeniably magical experience. But when I was finally able to go the Salkantay route, that was the trail that stole my heart.

Nevado Salkantay

It all started when I was in the break room at my job in Los Angeles. I had already been to Peru twice that year and knew it was only a matter of time before I moved here for good. A couple of friends were tossing around the idea of going on a trek to Machu Picchu but were concerned that neither one of them spoke Spanish. I decided to do the honorable thing and force myself to go back earlier than planned.

Looking for more people to increase the fun and decrease the costs, I immediately put an announcement up on Facebook, thinking some of our other L.A. friends might join in. Much to my delight, a college friend that I hadn’t seen in 20 years took the bait. Although she was coming from the East Coast, we had the same connecting flight to Peru and ended up being reunited in the airport at San Salvador after two decades.

After a couple of days acclimatizing in Cusco and in the Sacred Valley, we were ready to start our trek. We started out early from the city, taking a van to the trailhead where we met up with our mules and wranglers. It is always at this point that I feel a twinge of guilt as our porters load up the mules with luggage and provisions to last us the entire trek, although I knew that before long I would be glad to have them.

What a difference this trail makes from the Inca Trail! While the Inca Trail follows an ancient stone road, this is a true dirt trail. Rather than encountering Inca sites along the way, Salkantay is known as the nature trail. National Geographic actually named it one of the top 25 treks in the world.

But by far the greatest difference is the number of other trekkers plying the route. As anyone who has completed the Inca Trail knows, it’s rare to not see other groups either ahead or behind. But on the Salkantay route, you can go for miles and even days without encountering another group. It is this isolation that gives you a genuine sense of trekking the wilderness.

Early on the second day, after a challenging climb we reached the highest point of the trek. From there, my guide lied, it was all downhill.

As we continued going (relatively) downhill, the climate began getting warmer and there was more and more vegetation. We also begin to see more running water and the occasional small waterfall. In the late afternoon, we were lucky enough to make it to a campsite where there was a small store and so enjoyed some well deserved cerveza at the end of our day. But after two days on the trail, it wasn’t long until everyone was ready to turn in for an early night.

The third day was one of the highlights of the trek. After hiking for a few hours, our transport picked us up and took us to the hot springs just outside of Santa Teresa. These were not only an extremely welcome luxury after 3 days of trekking, they were quite gorgeous as well, being beautifully landscaped with stone so that they blended in perfectly with the surrounding terrain.

The final day brought another complete change of scenery, as we hiked into Aguas Calientes through a thick, lush jungle. Everywhere around us there were orchids upon orchids, birds (especially hummingbirds), coffee beans and bananas. Although it was now hot and humid, the scenery made the stickiness well worthwhile.

The Salkantay trek does not end directly at Machu Picchu, which is a deal breaker for some trekkers – especially those that haven’t visited the ruins before. Yet for us, having the luxury of a soft bed and warm showers in Aguas Calientes meant we were rested and able to make the most of our final day, touring the ruins. Having spent four days hiking through the Peruvian countryside, I felt like the energy of the ancient citadel was even more palpable.

Ready to set off and experience Salkantay for yourself? Contact this specialist in tours to South America and South America travel packages and begin planning your trip.