Uncover the Wonders of Peru: Hiking Paradise Arequipa, Cusco, and Machu Picchu

Peru has beautiful landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and amazing adventures. As you explore this South American gem, prepare to be amazed by the towering Andes, the vibrant colonial cities, and the legendary ruins. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through three of Peru's most beautiful places, Arequipa, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.

Arequipa: The White City and It's Volcanic Backdrop

The city of Arequipa is in the mountains and is called the "White City" because it has beautiful buildings made of white volcanic rock. This destination offers a lot of hiking opportunities that show the region's natural beauty.

One of the best hikes in Arequipa is the Colca Canyon trek. The Colca Canyon Hike is a challenging but rewarding experience that lets you see towering rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and the majestic flight of the Andean condor, the largest bird in the Western Hemisphere. You'll have the chance to visit traditional Andean villages and try the region's famous cuisine.

If you want to hike more slowly, the Chachani Volcano has a great view of Arequipa and its surrounding mountains. The volcano's summit, at 19,931 feet (6,075 meters), offers a unique view of the city's architectural gems and the volcanic landscape that defines this region.

Here are some travel tips for bars and food in Arequipa, Peru:

Bars:

- Gecko Tip: Dejavu, bar and nightclub a meeting point for backpackers. I worked there for a while at the bar. You
might find a picture of me behind the bar 🙂

- La Capitana - Rooftop bar with stunning views of the Misti volcano

- Norton Craft Beer Bar - Wide selection of local and craft Peruvian beers

- Montemar - Lively pisco sour bar with live music

Food:

- Zingaro - Upscale restaurant serving innovative Nuevo Andino cuisine

- La Nueva Palomino - Traditional Arequipeña dishes like rocoto relleno

- Zig Zag - Gourmet burgers and casual fare with a modern twist

- Chicha - Celebrity chef Gastón Acurio's outpost featuring Peruvian staples

The historic city center is the best area to find both bars and restaurants with local flair. Many offer outdoor seating to take in the beautiful colonial architecture. Reservations are recommended, especially at the top dining spots.

Cusco: The Inca Empire's Legendary Capital

Continue your Peruvian adventure by going by train from Arequipa to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. This destination is full of cultural diversity. Ancient ruins and colonial architecture mix well.

One of the best hikes in Cusco is the Inca Trail, which takes you through the Andes and ends at Machu Picchu. As you climb the steep mountain paths, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush cloud forests, and the remains of Inca settlements that once thrived in this remote area.

The Inca Trail is hard work, but it's worth it for the feeling of accomplishment and the amazing engineering and architecture of the Incans. You'll have the chance to visit the ancient Inca ruins of Winay Wayna.

The Cusco City Tour is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a chance to explore the historical center of the city. This guided walking tour takes you through cobblestone streets, past the Plaza de Armas, and into Sacsayhuamán, where you can marvel at the massive stone walls and learn about the history of the Inca Empire.

Machu Picchu: The Jewel in the Crown of the Andes

Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient citadel in the Andes is a testament to the engineering skills and spiritual connection of the Inca people.The Inca Trail hike is a great way to see Machu Picchu. It ends with a sunrise visit to the famous ruins. As you climb the last stretch of trail, the stone structures of Machu Picchu will slowly come into view.

Before you start your hiking adventure I recommend to stay 2 or 3 days in Cusco to adapt to the hight, as Cusco is above 3.000 meters. Also when you do your 4 days Inca Trail hike you might be above 4.000 meters, so the air gets pretty thin.

If you want a different way to go to Machu Picchu than the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is a great alternative. This hike takes you through the Salkantay mountain range, which is full of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and cloud forests. Along the way, you'll have the chance to see the flora and fauna that live in this high-altitude environment, including the elusive Andean bear and the vibrant Andean condor.

Gecko Tip: I highly recommend booking a 3 or 4 days hiking tour to Machu Picchu. You will sleep outside in tents and have food at the campfire. Everything is included in the price, food, equipment, sleeping back and more.

No matter where you hike, it's amazing to stand in the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Wander through the stone structures, climb to the Sun Gate for a great view of the citadel, and connect with the spirit of the Inca civilization that once lived here.

Extending Your Adventure: Exploring the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a region that lies between Cusco and Machu Picchu and offers a wealth of hiking opportunities and cultural experiences. The Pisac Ruins are an impressive Inca site high above the Urubamba River. As you climb the mountain paths, you will see beautiful valleys and have a chance to see stone structures, terraces, and stairs that show how the Incas made things.

Another hike in the Sacred Valley is the Ollantaytambo Ruins, a former Inca administrative center and fortress with stone fortifications. The hike to the top of the ruins gives you a great view of the surrounding mountains and the town of Ollantaytambo.

Arequipa, Cusco, and Machu Picchu will leave you with a deep appreciation for the country's natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and the legacy of the Inca Empire. Bring your hiking shoes, be adventurous, and discover the magic of South America.

Here's a comprehensive packing list for hiking in Arequipa, Cusco, and Machu Picchu:

Essential Clothing:

1. Base Layers

- 2-3 moisture-wicking t-shirts/long sleeve shirts

- 2 pairs of thermal underwear (temperatures can drop below freezing)

- 3-4 pairs of hiking socks (merino wool recommended)

- 2-3 pairs of moisture-wicking underwear

2. Mid Layers

- 1-2 fleece jackets or wool sweaters

- 1 lightweight down jacket

- 1 pair of hiking pants with zip-off legs (convertible to shorts)

- 1 additional pair of hiking pants

3. Outer Layer

- 1 waterproof/windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)

- 1 pair of waterproof pants

- 1 warm hat/beanie

- 1 sun hat/cap with brim

- 1 pair of gloves

4. Footwear

- Waterproof hiking boots (broken in before the trip)

- Sport sandals or light shoes for evenings

- Gaiters (optional, but useful in wet conditions)

Additional Essential Gear:

- Sunglasses (UV protection)

- Buff or neck gaiter (protection from sun/dust)

- Light rain poncho

- Small quick-dry towel

Gecko Tips:

- Layer your clothing (temperature varies greatly throughout the day)

- Avoid cotton (it retains moisture and takes long to dry)

- Pack clothes that can be mixed and matched

- Remember you'll be dealing with altitudes from 2,300m (Arequipa) to 4,200m (parts of Inca Trail)

- Consider bringing hiking poles for steep sections

- Many hostels/hotels offer laundry services

Remember: Quality over quantity - invest in good hiking gear as weather conditions can change rapidly in the Andes.