Towns to Visit When Trekking in Peru

Most adventurers know the thrill is in the journey, not the destination. But you cannot discount the rush some destinations can offer, especially when you can rest your feet in some fantastic towns as you explore. Peru is a delight for those who enjoy travelling under the steam of their own feet. Here are some of the towns you can stop off and spend time in.

Cusco

Cusco sits overlooking the navel of the world. Simultaneously wild and serene, most people who go trekking in Peru will touch ground on the cobbled streets of this historic haven. The capital of an Inca empire that absorbed tribal nations from Colombia to Argentina, and was later conquered by the imposing Spanish Conquistadores, it is rare for a city of such pedigree and so magnetic to tourists to retain its small town charm. The city is growing, but you can still rest before and after your next trek surrounded by mysterious Incan stones, looming Spanish cathedrals and the buzz of an international atmosphere.

Pisaq

If you really want to indulge in a small town Incan fantasy, Pisaq is the walker's safest bet. A visit here will take you deep in to the Sacred Valley. If you go trekking in Peru to Machu Picchu, your feet will tread on some part of this valley and you will feel its sacred essence in your bones. Pisaq is dominated by tourists but it still clings on to its tiny village feel. It is famous for its textiles and artefacts market, sleepy cafes and health communes nestled against the high green Andean slopes.

Arequipa

The brilliant white stone of Arequipa is the starting place for a walk into the wild Colca Canyon. Your time spent trekking in Peru will no doubt have you focusing on Colca’s condors, natural baths and dormant volcanoes, but Arequipa may surprise you. It is perhaps the prettiest and most petite "big" town in Peru. From its shiny white churches to its deep fried pork and steamed corn delicacies, it often enchants the visitor with its strangely urban yet authentic friendliness.

Puno

The road from Cusco to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, is a backpackers dream. More and more people are taking tours along the route, and this means more and more people are trekking in Peru’s high-altitude paradise. Straddling the immense calm of Lake Titicaca, Puno is a ramshackle town with many hotels, which open you up to the world of man-made islands and serene boat rides over chilly waters.

Lima

Lima is no namesake capital. It is truly the only big city, and it dwarfs the nation in its shadow politically, economically, and even culturally. A melting pot that pulls all the diverse threads of culture, cuisine, music and colour from all parts of the country, there is one overriding reason people should rest their feet here, and it is not simply that most flights will land you here. Lima is the culinary capital of South America. No other city on the continent can match it for the quality and breathtaking variety of flavours on offer at seemingly every street corner.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday trekking in Peru to see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.