You could take several trips to Peru without ever discovering all mountains and trekking opportunities that Peru has to offer. Although Peru is now mainly an urban jungle where a good 60% to 70% of the people live in towns and cities, the rural areas have a diverse culture uniquely theirs alone. When trekking Peru, you will get the chance to see its other side which the fast-paced life of its cities doesn’t normally present.
But don’t go a-trotting just yet. There are several considerations before setting yourself for a climb or a trek in its mountains. Here are five things to consider before such a trip.
Check Peru’s Climate & Weather Conditions First
Lake Titicaca
Like its people, the Peru climate will prove to be very diverse. The Peru climate is mainly determined by the mountains that surround it. There is a steady ice glacier covering its mountains almost all year long, especially in the Andes. Its surrounding valleys and lakes, such as Lake Titicaca, are also cold all year long. If you plan on trekking Peru, research carefully as to where you’ll be going to exactly. This will help you pack proper equipment and acclimatize yourself before going.
Get To Know The Culture & Customs
Ollantaytambo
Whilst trekking Peru, you don’t want to disrespect the different groups you may encounter unknowingly. The Andes and their mountainous areas are where most of the indigenous groups live. Many of those who live in rural areas still practice many Inca and other traditions, from land ownership to marriage. Study these well so that you can respect the local people while you’re there.
Also keep in mind that the people in the Andes speak a different language than the ones in the urban areax. Many ethnic groups speak Quechua, while others speak Aymara. This will come in handy when you want to interact with the locals.
Know Your Package Options
Unless you’re a completely experienced outdoorsman, trekking Peru won’t be as easy as you think. Give yourself time to get acclimatized with the Peru climate. As with any place you may find yourself while backpacking South America, it’s a good idea to connect with local guides to help you conquer mountains and trails or try to go with a tour group that offers mini-trips to the area you want to explore. For instance, there are plenty of tour guides that offer four-day treks to the Huayhush area as well as full circuit 10 to 14-day tours. Gauge your skills well so that you won’t be pushing yourself too far while trekking Peru.
Discover The Most Famous Trekking Routes
Machu Picchu
Trips to Peru won’t be complete without seeing the historic areas. For those trekking Peru, a great choice would be the 23,000 kilometer trek that follows the roads built by the Incas. Of course, you may only choose to see part of the way. The stone-paved road is a beautiful 43-kilometer area which starts from Qorihuayrachina going to the beautiful ruins of Machu Picchu. On this trip, you will be able to discover how the ancient Peruvians lived in their homes built of granite rocks. The beautiful trek will give you the chance to see all types of plant life and experience many of the varied Peru climate temperatures as well.
Research Flora & Fauna
Unless you have a very experienced guide tagging along with you, you may miss out on a lot of beautiful flora and fauna if you don’t know what they are. Research prior to the trip what plants and wildlife you may see during the trip. Peru is home to a lot of flowers that only grow in the countryside, such as the Puya Raimondi, a type of plant which has the largest number of flowers in the world, and the ancient yaretas. There also herds of vicuñas that make a splendid sight as well as the powerful Andean condors that are found near the Colca Canyon.
Flickr attributions: 1) abmiller99 2)Pet_r 3) whertha
