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Hiking to the summit of El Misti, Peru
Hiking in Colca Canyon |
Hiking all over the country
The Central Andes might have the tallest mountains, and the province of Cusco might have spectacular hiking like the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, but it would be a mistake to think that there is no good hiking in Peru outside of these two centres. We are continually investigating new routes and locations for those of you who like an active holiday and we're turning up new hikes all the time!
For example, how about some hiking in the deepest canyon in the world? Or a climb to the top of an active volcano? Or, if you'd prefer something without the altitude, a real jungle adventure in the Pacaya-Samiria reserve, deep in the Amazon rainforest. We can offer all these hikes and many more as part of your holiday in Peru.
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Colca Canyon offers the best hiking in Peru's south and this trek not only fits in easily to any trip to the south of Peru but also can work as a great acclimatisation trek for those thinking of moving on to bigger and better things. Your base is the beautiful town of Arequipa, right in the south of Peru and this two-day trek takes you right down into the stunning Colca Canyon.
Leaving Arequipa by private bus, we pass through the Aguada Blanca Wildlife Preserve where we see vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and a variety of Andean birds. We stop at the Mirador de los Andes, 15,360ft, to view the surrounding mountains - Misti, Chanchani, Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca Hualca, etc. Reaching Chivay, deep in the canyon, we spend the night in our hotel. The next morning we hike for about three hours to the Oasis of Sangalle, in a tropical ecosystem. After enjoying the thermal waters and our dinner, we camp. The next day we ascend the canyon walls (4 or 5 hours) and continue to Chivay, where we catch our bus back to Arequipa.
Climbing El Misti
Staying in the Arequipa area, one of our favourite examples of hiking in Peru is the climb of El Misti, the beautiful, snow-capped volcano that towers over the White City. Everybody looks at it and photographs it but not many tourists realise that you can climb the mountain in just two days. As long as you're acclimatised, the ascent to the summit, 5,822m above sea level is achievable even by those with little hiking experience and standing at the crater lip gives you one of the most spectacular 360-degree views that Peru has to offer! Even better, this hike is easily included in any programme since your base is the beautiful city of Arequipa - a great destination in itself!
Indiana Jones time - Hiking in the jungle
For something completely different, why not try some hiking in yet another of Peru's climatic zones: the Amazon rainforest? Our Deepest, darkest... Peru holiday involves a combination of river travel and short hikes through the pristine primary rainforest of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve which gives you a unique opportunity to experience the real jungle at first-hand. The nature of the hiking is something different to anything else you can experience in Peru and is far more authentic than equivalent trips in some other countries we could mention - it's a real chance to get right away from it all and spend some quality time in one of our planet's very special places.
Our holidays hiking in Peru
If hiking in Peru has taken your fancy then you can be confident that we can work these treks into any of our holidays in Peru - you just have to ask! All our holidays and all the hiking in Peru that we organise is tailormade to your specifications, so if you'd like to do one of these treks or any combination of them that's what you'll do! And, of course, while you're in the country it makes sense to visit some of Peru's amazing historical and cultural sites as part of your trip! Have a look at some of our sample Peru holidays for some ideas:
Tour of Southern Peru, More hiking in Peru around Huaraz, Trekking the pre-Inca trail to Kuelap
Our Services on holiday in Peru
When you book a holiday hiking in Peru with Real Peru, you're not just guaranteeing yourself fantastic treks with the best guides and equipment, or great hotels in perfect locations to relax in afterwards! You're also going to benefit from our specialist experience and expert advice. Because we know Peru so well, we can help all our customers before they even get to Peru with advice on food, drink, money, where to eat, where NOT to eat - all the other hints and tips that make sure that your holiday hiking in Peru is a fantastic experience.
Remember, we want you to see The Real Peru and we go that extra mile to make sure you get the very best out of our favourite country!
To download this information about hiking in Peru in PDF format click here |