Hola from Peru

Emma a consultant from our Sydney office has returned from an awesome ‘Inca Adventure’.  Lake Titicaca is a place with such personality, each island has it’s own unique charm; the floating reed islands made by the Uros people, the welcoming wave of the islanders of Amantani and the ancient customs of beautiful Taquile Island, loved it!

To be honest I was a tad nervous about the Inca Trail, I’m of reasonable fitness but do not usually opt for active challenges spanning several days … I knew with the excitement of lining up getting my permit stamped that there was no turning back and it was Inca Trail here I come! With each turn, rise and fall I was dumbfounded by the intelligence of the Inca Empire and adored their respect for the sacred mother earth and the mountains. You see the porters blessing the earth with water before they take a hard earned sip. My tour leader, Klever is an ex-porter who said that he has been known to carry 50kg plus up those mountains (I was struggling with my few shirts and bits & pieces!) It is great to see weight restrictions in place and now being actively enforced by the Peruvian authorities, meaning these fantastic porters can work with a reasonable load! In 2005 the number of people permitted to start the Inca trail has been strictly limited to 500 persons per day, including all tour guides, porters & tourists alike. This not only makes the trail less crowded & more enjoyable but also protects the Inca Trail for future generations to enjoy – Excellent! There is nothing like literally walking into the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu, an experience I will savour forever.

It was trekking boots in the bag & off to explore the jungle! What a brilliant contrast to La Costa (the coast) of Lima & La Sierra (the mountains) and the stunning sacred valley. The wildlife guides here were exceptional. Any bird sound or tree passed, they knew the names & facts in incredible detail.  The jungle lodge was cute & comfortable, the trips by canoe, riverboat & on foot were enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Stunning sunsets make for plenty of great photo opportunities!

If time permits, definitely consider the longer trip to include the famous Ballestas Islands, Colca Canyon, Arequipa & the remarkable Nazca Lines – others in the group raved about them!

Muchas gracias to the colourful Peru, I hope to see you again very soon.