Peru
A journey through history, nature and pure wonder

Reading time: 4 min

Peru: a journey through history, nature and pure wonder

Peru captures the imagination like few other places. When you think of this country, the world wonder Machu Picchu is often the very first image that comes to mind. And while it is undoubtedly one of the absolute highlights of any trip to Peru, the country has so much more to offer.

mountain_village.jpg

Our journey began in beautiful, sunny Arequipa, a charming colonial city where wandering through its picturesque streets towards the stunning Plaza de Armas is an experience. Alongside a visit to the Museo Santuarios Andinos, where you can learn more about Inca rituals and traditions, the Santa Catalina Monastery is an absolute must-see. This remarkable monastery feels like a small city of its own, where the nuns once lived completely separated from the outside world.

From Arequipa, we continued towards the Colca Canyon for a two-day adventure. Along the way, we crossed the majestic Andes and quickly learned the difference between llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos, all members of the same camelid family. On the second day, we travelled through breathtaking valleys and ancient agricultural terraces, built long before the time of the Incas and still used today by local farmers. We also stopped at Cruz del Cóndor, a spectacular viewpoint where condors glide gracefully on the thermal air currents. They come surprisingly close, but no need to worry, they are not hunters, but scavengers.

condor_soaring_andes.jpg
titicaca_local_life.jpg

After this unforgettable encounter with nature, we continued to Puno for a boat trip on Lake Titicaca, visiting the colourful floating islands of Uros and Taquile.

After a long drive, we arrived in Cusco, located in the heart of the Andes and the perfect base for many excursions. A visit to the salt terraces of Maras and the mysterious circular terraces of Moray revealed even more secrets of the Inca civilisation. These sites once served as agricultural laboratories where different crops were tested and cultivated.

machu_picchu_world_wonder.jpg
ollantaytambo_inca_ruins.jpg

The Andes continue to shape every part of the journey, including the next day when, before taking the train to Aguas Calientes, we visited the beautiful Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo.

And then, finally, the big day arrives: visiting the legendary Machu Picchu. Even if you have seen hundreds of photos, nothing prepares you for the moment you stand there yourself. Walking through this extraordinary piece of world history is simply overwhelming. Time and time again, you are amazed by the richness of Inca culture. Take your time here, because this is an experience that will stay with you forever.

els.jpg
colored_mountains.jpg

From Cusco, we made one final special trip to Palcoyo, the Rainbow Mountain. After a long and bumpy drive along gravel roads, thoroughly shaken but excited, we were ready. With temperatures feeling close to freezing and at an altitude of around 4,900 metres, we enjoyed a spectacular hike surrounded by mountains painted in different colours. One of them truly displayed every shade of the rainbow.

Our final stop in Peru was the Amazon. The temperature difference could not have been greater: after the cool and sometimes freezing Andes, we suddenly found ourselves in tropical humidity with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius.

By boat, we travelled to a lodge deep in the Amazon rainforest. During several walks and boat excursions, we spotted many monkeys, a rare sloth, and our guide introduced us to smaller rainforest inhabitants such as tarantulas and bullet ants, which still play a role in rituals among indigenous communities.

amazon_wildlife_monkey.jpg
peru_sunset_city_view.jpg

In short, Peru is a country you never stop talking about. A destination filled with the history of the Incas, but also of much older civilisations, combined with an incredible variety of breathtaking landscapes. Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited.

Recommended for you

A tailor-made quote?

Wish a detailed tailor-made quote? We gladly assist you with your travel plans, thus prepare your ideal tailor-made trip and calculate a detailed price proposal in no time. No hidden costs and entirely to your liking.

Visit our travel shops

Need more info, assistance to tailor your trip or the latest tips by our experienced Travel Designers? Pop in at one of our travel shops or make an appointment now. We will be delighted to set aside time for your travel plans.

Over 100 Travel Designers
all over Belgium are eager to assist you

Year after year Connections sends its Travel Designers to all corners of the world in order to be able to advise you even better when mapping out your trip.

No destination is too foreign or far. Find out who they are here and feel free to contact them!

Why choose Connections?

Because we are travellers, just like you. Always looking for exciting experiences, fascinating encounters and new horizons. Because we are 100% Belgian and can assist you in your own language. Because we make it our personal mission to lift your travels beyond your wildest imagination. Because life is more intense when you travel, really travel!

More about Connections

The twinkle in the eye

Do not expect conformity from us. We are always looking for those extra ingredients that make your trip truly special. We swear by intense experiences.

Over 100 Travel designers around the country

Meet the Connections crew in our Travel Shops located all over Belgium. All of our Travel Designers are looking forward to meeting you and welcome you with open arms.

40 years on the road

We've been paving our way for a while. Travelling with Connections means choosing 'peace of mind'. Everything perfectly arranged, excellent service, certainty and reliability.

Always by your side

We're here whenever you need us! Available via our website, our travel shops, our customer service center and via our mobile travel agents.

Mondays to Saturdays 10 am - 6 pm

Connections, Luchthavenlaan 10, 1800 Vilvoorde, BE 0428 666 853

Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and stay up-to-date about all thing connections related.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy