A Brief Guide to Trekking in Peru

Peru is a fascinating country that combines an interesting history with stunning natural scenery. It is no surprise that so many people decide to go trekking in Peru. But what do you need to know about the country in order to plan your trip? Here is a brief guide to the country to get you started.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit at any time of year to go hiking really, but there are definitely certain times that are better than others. If you visit the coast, any time of the year is fine as there is hardly any rain. Lima gets quite cold in the winter, but January is hot, so this is a good time to visit. Around the Andes, the weather is markedly seasonal, with the rainy season lasting from December to March. Avoid this time if you can, but remember, conversely, that the dry season will see more visitors.

Delicious Food

The country is famous for its food and there is a huge variety of delicious cuisine to choose from. Try Anticuchos, a marinated meat dish that is cooked on skewers and served with garlic sauce. Ceviche is one of the main dishes in the country, consisting of raw fish in citrus juice, and it's a perfect finish to the day when you're trekking in Peru.

Other dishes to try are Pollo a la Brasa, a tasty roast chicken meal that is found everywhere; Aji de Gallina, a chicken stew made with aji pepper; and Papa Rellena, which is mashed potato filled with ground beef – a tasty and hearty dish that is ideal following a long day hiking.

Highlights of the Country

There is so much to see on an adventure trekking in Peru. Machu Picchu is the highlight for many, but there is far more than just this. For example, you could visit the floating islands on Lake Titicaca, which are home to the Uros tribe. These people have been here longer than the Incas, living on islands made from totora reeds.

The Colca Canyon is another fascinating place and is one of the deepest canyons on Earth. This is located in the Arequipa region, which is in the south of the country, and is a fantastic place for hiking.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a world-famous destination. You will find many excellent Inca ruins here, and you can visit Pisac, Aguas Calientes, Tipon and other places in order to see them.

Lima is the capital city and it is well worth a couple of days' stopover. Check out the cathedral, Parque de la Muralla and the Museo de la Nación while you are there. You may also want to visit Cuzco, which is very popular with visitors. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and highlights include San Pedro Market and the Plaza de Armas.

Trekking in Peru is the ideal way to discover the true, innate beauty of this country. Whether you walk the Inca Trail or visit another area entirely, there is plenty to see and do to keep you busy for a week or a month.

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.