Mountain Trekking in Peru

Dive into expedition life, meet the ground team, get to grips with the currency (Peruvian Sol) and buy a SIM card for the team phone. Next, you’re flying inland to the historic heartland of Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire. Take a deep breath when you land at the dizzy height of 3,450m. You’ll feel the effects of the altitude as you wander through the cobblestone streets. Enjoy the buzz of daily life and head to San Pedro Market to buy some Peruvian chocolate and an alpaca poncho. You could seek out the Inca Roca Palace, the temple of Qoricancha, and the colonial arcades of Plaza de Armas square. You’ve also got the option of a paddleboarding trip on Piuray Lake, with jaw-dropping views of the Andes. Or you could head off on a cycling trip around more of the Sacred Valley’s mindblowing ruins.

Cusco is a perfect place to get used to trekking at altitude, with lots of trekking options leading out from the city and into the legendary Sacred Valley. Step forward as team leader and trek to the Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman, the birds-eye-view of Cusco’s UNESCO streets is awesome. Or, you could take the bus to Pisac and hike past ancient ruins and colourful markets. The choice is yours but, to acclimatise properly, you’ll need to reach an altitude of at least 3,700m.

Now for the big one, it’s time to head off the beaten track and tackle the challenging Lares trek. You’ll need to carry your daypacks, but the rest of your gear will be transported by mules or 4x4 vehicles, this trek is too tough to carry full packs! Set off with your local guides, who know every ridge and river crossing by heart, and take every chance to learn from these mountain masters. Follow ancient Incan paths winding past glacial lakes and high-altitude ridges, with snow-capped peaks towering above. As you walk, you’ll pass herds of alpacas grazing on the hillsides and cross paths with locals wrapped in bright woven blankets, heading between villages. Stop for lunch beside a rushing mountain stream and breathe in that crisp, thin air, it’s as pure as it gets. By late afternoon, you’ll reach your campsite in the wilderness, surrounded by silence except for the wind and the distant sound of waterfalls. Help your guides cook a hearty meal before collapsing into your tent beneath a sky filled with a million stars.

The next morning, wake to frost-tipped grass and a hearty breakfast. Today’s route leads you even higher, following narrow trails past turquoise lagoons and steep valleys that drop away below. As you climb towards the pass at 4,600 metres, the air gets thinner, but the views get even bigger with glaciers, jagged peaks, and endless sky. Pause to take it all in before descending through open meadows and scattered stone huts, where you might meet Quechua families going about their daily routines. The path eventually leads into warmer valleys filled with fields of quinoa and potato terraces. After four incredible days of trekking, you’ll finally reach Lares, tired but buzzing with pride. From there, it’s a well-earned ride back towards civilisation. Crash out on the transfer to Ollantaytambo and let it all sink in,what you’ve just done is something you’ll remember for life.

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for, it's Machu Picchu time! This jaw-dropping Inca city was built without using any mortar or wheels. Just how they transported those 50-tonne rocks up the mountain is mind-boggling. Take an early morning train and shuttle bus to the gates of ‘The Lost City’. Listen as your guide uncovers its secrets and stand in awe at this incredible feat. Wander around the ruins and let it all sink in, you’re standing on Machu Picchu! Drag yourself away for the scenic bus and train ride back to Cusco.

Travel to a pioneering farm initiative that focuses on sustainable living. First up is an introductory talk about the farm’s ethos before getting started with some farm work. Next, you’ll learn about the legends of the Uros Ruins and visit a local youth association that specialises in silver jewellery, watch closely, then make a ring of your own. Meet a family of weavers and join them for a workshop, learn how to shear, spin, dye and weave using local, sustainable materials. This is a side of Peru that most tourists never see. Connect with the communities by sharing stories, going fishing and playing football. After your final morning, it’s back to Cusco for the evening.

Fly back to Lima for your final fill of Peruvian culture. Today, you’ve got options. You could book onto a cookery class or explore the historic centre on a guided tour. There’s also the amazing Huaca Pucllana Pyramid, the ancient artefacts in the Larco museum, or the trendy Miraflores district which has great shops and ocean views. The clifftop Parque de la Reserva is another top attraction, it’s best in the evening when there’s a fantastic light show.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. You’ve just experienced something incredible. Peru has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with the locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen, so prepare to return home forever changed.