Road trip in Peru, 15 April - 1 May 2025
Ollantaytambo
This beautiful small town is built on ancient Incan walls, preserving their urban features. It's divided into blocks, each with a single entrance leading to...
This ancient Incan fortress, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is a marvel of engineering and architecture. It is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Incan civilization, with its massive terraces and intricate stone work. The site is dominated by the Sun Temple, a massive structure made of six monoliths, each weighing more than 50 tons. The precision with which these stones were cut and fitted together is a testament to the advanced technology of the Incas.
The history of this site is steeped in legend and lore. It is said to have been built by the Incan emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century, and was a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. The fortress was the site of one of the last major battles of the Incan resistance against the Spanish conquistadors. Despite being outnumbered, the Incas managed to hold off the Spanish for a time, using the fortress's strategic location and design to their advantage.
The site is also known for its impressive agricultural terraces, which are still in use today. These terraces were built into the steep hillside, and were used to grow a variety of crops. They also served a dual purpose, helping to prevent erosion and landslides. The irrigation system, which channels water from a nearby river, is still functional and is a testament to the advanced hydraulic engineering skills of the Incas.
The town at the base of the fortress is a charming place, with narrow cobblestone streets and buildings that date back to the Incan era. Many of the buildings are built on Incan foundations, and the town layout follows the original Incan plan. The town is also known for its vibrant market, where locals sell a variety of goods, from traditional textiles to fresh produce.
Visitors to this site can explore the fortress, hike the terraces, and learn about the history and culture of the Incas. The views from the top of the fortress are breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains. The site is a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply appreciating the beauty and ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
The history of this site is steeped in legend and lore. It is said to have been built by the Incan emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century, and was a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. The fortress was the site of one of the last major battles of the Incan resistance against the Spanish conquistadors. Despite being outnumbered, the Incas managed to hold off the Spanish for a time, using the fortress's strategic location and design to their advantage.
The site is also known for its impressive agricultural terraces, which are still in use today. These terraces were built into the steep hillside, and were used to grow a variety of crops. They also served a dual purpose, helping to prevent erosion and landslides. The irrigation system, which channels water from a nearby river, is still functional and is a testament to the advanced hydraulic engineering skills of the Incas.
The town at the base of the fortress is a charming place, with narrow cobblestone streets and buildings that date back to the Incan era. Many of the buildings are built on Incan foundations, and the town layout follows the original Incan plan. The town is also known for its vibrant market, where locals sell a variety of goods, from traditional textiles to fresh produce.
Visitors to this site can explore the fortress, hike the terraces, and learn about the history and culture of the Incas. The views from the top of the fortress are breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains. The site is a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply appreciating the beauty and ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
Lima
This bustling metropolis is the capital of a country known for its rich Incan heritage, diverse landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine.
Miraflores
This vibrant district is renowned for its lush parks, world-class restaurants, and bustling nightlife.
Huaca Pucllana
The pre-Columbian site is a main attraction in the colonial centre of Lima, offering insight into the region's ancient history.
Paracas
A small seaside town filled with restaurants serving fresh seafood, it offers a unique coastal experience.
Ballestas Islands
Known as the 'poor man's Galapagos', this destination offers a rich biodiversity that rivals its more famous counterpart.
Nazca
This enigmatic location, steeped in ancient history, is home to a series of massive geoglyphs etched into the earth's surface.
Arequipa
A blend of history, architecture, nature, and culinary excellence.
Chivay
A small town nestled at an altitude of 3,650 meters in the Peruvian Andes, it offers a unique high-altitude experience.
Colca Canyon
A stunning canyon combining natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Puno
A town of 145,000 inhabitants, it's situated at the western end of Lake Titicaca, at an altitude of 3,860 m..
Lake Titicaca
Situated at an altitude of 3,860 m, Puno is a town of 145,000 inhabitants at the western end of the renowned body of water.
Sillustani
Visit the archaeological site next to Lake Umayo, a pre-Inca cemetery featuring about 90 chullpas, above-ground tombs with unique inverted cone architecture.
Cusipata
A quaint village nestled in the vast Andean Altiplanos, it offers a unique experience with stays at the River Lodge, located next to the Urubamba River.
Andean Altiplanos
This high-altitude plateau, stretching across several nations, is a breathtaking spectacle of nature's grandeur. Its vast expanses are dotted with shimmering...
Titicaca Plateau
This high-altitude region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history, is a must-visit for any traveler.
Urubamba River
This majestic waterway, often referred to as the Sacred River, is a significant part of the ancient Incan Empire.
Cuzco
Departing early from the hotel, the journey leads to the Rainbow Mountains before the crowds arrive. The serene environment allows for undisturbed photograph...
Sacred Valley
Explore the colonial town of Chinchero and the Moray Agricultural Laboratory, a structure of circular terraces. Visit the Maras salt mine and walk to the Uru...
Chinchero
This colonial town is known for its peculiar structure of circular terraces that sink into a 150-meter deep crater, each maintaining unique climatic conditio...
Moray Agricultural Laboratory
This unique structure consists of circular terraces that descend into a 150-meter deep crater. Each terrace maintains its own climate, suitable for different...
Ollantaytambo
This beautiful small town is built on ancient Incan walls, preserving their urban features. It's divided into blocks, each with a single entrance leading to...
Inca Trail
This ancient path, carved by a civilization long past, is a testament to the ingenuity and endurance of its creators.
Machu Picchu
High above the Sacred Valley, an ancient citadel rests on a mountain ridge, a testament to the architectural prowess of a long-gone civilization.
Inca Bridge
It's an impressive trail along vertical cliffs of a canyon, offering an opportunity for a hike up to a historical site.
Huayna Picchu
Early in the morning, a climb to a steep peak offers panoramic views of an archaeological site. The path is built, and the tour concludes with this ascent.
Puerto Maldonado
This vibrant city, located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, is a gateway to some of the most pristine rainforests in the world.
Madre De Dios
It's an Amazonian tributary where one can observe turtles, osprey, and capybara on its banks.
Sandoval Lake
This Amazonian gem is accessible via a 5 km jungle trail. It hosts a rich variety of wildlife including giant otters, black caiman, and diverse tropical bird...