Wired for Adventure, the expanded online presence of Adventure Travel Magazine, has recently published an article highlighting Peru's alternative attractions that will take travelers off the beaten track.
Below is a description of some of these impressive attractions one can find while in the Inca nation in addition to the always enigmatic site of Machu Picchu.
Sacred Valley
The article suggests discovering the Sacred Valley of the Incas on two wheels in order to experience the beautiful landscape along the way.
Choquequirao
"If you want to follow in the footsteps of the first explorers […] then we can recommend our nine-day trek through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, which includes a full day to unearth the secrets of the lost city of Choquequirao," suggests the magazine.
It must be noted the said Inca Fortress remained untouched by archaeologists until the 1970s.
Alpamayo
Regarded as "the most beautiful mountain in the world," Alpamayo (5,947m) is one of the most conspicuous peaks in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range of the Peruvian Andes.
Its high peaks, eternal snow, and stepped walls make it the favorite destination for climbers around the world.
Huayhuash Mountain Range
The Cordillera Huayhuash is a compact but spectacular 28 km long cluster of summits in the Peruvian Andes.
"These mountains might appear impenetrable, but a stunning high-level trail will take visitors on an improbable circuit of this mountain group," details the article.
Ausangate
Situated south of Cusco, the snow-capped Ausangate (6,384m) is the highest mountain in southern Peru.
Ausangate was worshipped by the Incas and local offerings are still common nowadays to ensure good harvests, prosperity, and health.
Uros Islands
"Not every day one can come across a community living on floating islands," reads the introductory line to this destination.
The islets are made of totora reeds, which grow at Titicaca Lake.
New reeds are added constantly, about every two months —a millenary tradition involving patience and dexterity.
Additionally, local residents stick to ancient traditions like fishing. They use reed boats to do so.
Pacaya-Samiria
Located in the heart of the Amazon River, this national reserve has the largest area of flooded forest in the Peruvian Amazon.
Its rich biological diversity is another of its highlights.
Also, it is home to some of the largest wildlife populations in the Amazon: three-toed sloths, spider monkeys, giant South American turtles, piranhas, ocelot, macaws, and pink river dolphins.
(END) LZD/MAO/GRM/FGM/RMB
Published: 2/8/2018