Amazing Andean Encounters: Inexpensive Adventure Travels in Peru

Bound by the Andes, guarded by clouds, and made all the more charming and mystical by thousands of years of an ancient, though not dead culture, Peru is a country that seems to have every topographical feature available on its mountains and plains. Once home to the mighty Incas, Peru became a Spanish stronghold, and is a mixture of old mysticism and Catholicism today.

With its varying landscapes and rich history and culture, you are bound to experience adventure at every turn in Peru. Because it is relatively isolated, and because many of Peru’s foods are produced on its rich and fertile soil, you can also save money and have an inexpensive vacation.

Before traveling to Peru, read as much as you can on the various tourist spots and adventure treks available in the country. Plan your vacation beforehand so that you can see as much of the country as possible. Because much of Peru is thousands of kilometers above sea level, you may need to take special clothing to keep yourself warm, and you may need to pack special water or liquids that will not only restore important ions to your blood, but allow your body to survive at high altitudes as well. Peru is divided into several regions, all of which have their own locations of note.

- The capital, Lima, is both the economic and commercial center of Peru. Though not a site for adventure travelers, Lima, located in Peru’s central coast, is a haven for photographers and people seeking to steep themselves in Peru’s rich culture. Before heading to the mountains or Incan temples, check out Peru’s museums, as well as the Plaza de Armas de Lima, where you can catch a glimpse of a mix of colonial rule and Peruvian traditions.

- Peru’s Southern Coast is home to many mystery-hunters. You can view the Nazca lines, or visit quaint villages in Ica, Tacna, or Pisco. Once surmised to be landing strips for alien craft, the Nazca lines are best viewed from the air, where you can make out Incan patterns, and the famous Nazca hummingbird.

- The Northern Coast teems with farms and commercial centers alike. You can trek through Trujillo or Chiclayo, or have a taste of Peruvian cuisine as you stop by villages.

- Haul your backpack and pack your walking shoes, because you will need all the strength and energy you have to trek through Peru’s Southern Sierra, a series of mountains and hills that snake through the fertile country. Here, you can view the canyons and lands of Colca and Cuzco, and visit the ancient temples of Machu Picchu. Built onto a mountainside, and filled with both bricks and echo chambers, Machu Picchu is definitely a haven for adventure travelers who want to catch themselves in between heaven and earth. Visit Machu Picchu on overcast days, so that you can catch villagers leading llamas up the precarious mountain slopes, and clouds settling onto the tips of the Incan ruins.

- There are many other adventure sites in Peru. The Cordillera Blanca area will contain many mountains and hiking routes. You can bike or hike through the Northern Sierra. View majestic Lake Titicaca when you head to Peru’s Altiplano. Have a taste of Peruvian liquor in the San Martin area. View the rainforest and breathe the air of ancient ancestry as you head to Peru’s Amazon. Lastly, head to Madre de Dios, and see Peru’s wildlife at the Manu Biosphere reserve.

Entering Peru is relatively easy. Tourists from Japan, Australia, the European Union, and North America can receive a visa upon landing in Peru. This visa can last about ninety days, which can give you ample time to experience everything that Peru has to offer. You can reach Peru by plane, and through the Jorge Chavez International Airport at Lima. Other cities have their own airstrips, and you can head to these cities if you want to save time. These include Iquitos and Cuzco. If you are in the mood for more adventure, you can also head into Peru by boat, and through the mighty Amazon.

You can also trek through cities by bus or train, the latter of which will lead you to the major tourist attractions, which include Cuzco and Machu Picchu. If you want to look for places off the beaten path, then you might also want to rent a car. For more adventure, take the Inca trail, which will lead you to Machu Picchu. If you are bent on hiking, make inquiries at Huaraz, where you can visit various agencies that offer guided tour packages, as well as hiking equipment. Maps, however, are difficult to find or purchase in Peru, so you will need to bring your own maps before you enter the country.

Pack a lot of protective clothing, including thick jackets or raincoats. Nights in the mountains can be extremely cold, as temperatures fall below zero. Thunderstorms and harsh rains are also common in Peru’s Sierra. You might also need to pack up flashlights, as Peru’s night often lasts for a dreary twelve hours.

With the right water, clothing, and sense of adventure, you can turn your Peru vacation into an inexpensive trek through history and culture.