These remote mountains reveal an authentic side of Peru, where visitors can look forward to exploring this off the beaten track area and venture into traditional Peru. Highlights include Chonta, located only three hours from Cusco with a panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountainrange on one side and the Apurimac Canyon on the other. Ayacucho with its captivating colonial churches and fascinating museums, local specialities, incredible views, adventurous local bus rides, the Wari ruins, the Río Mantaro valley, the fantastic high-quality handicrafts, and more.
The highest peak in the Peruvian Andes’ Vilcabamba mountain range, Salkantay is famous for its proximity to Machu Picchu and its incredible alternative trekking route to the ancient site. To take the route known as the Salkantay Trek, hikers begin at Cusco and make their way through a snowy mountain pass before descending into lush jungle, and then arriving at the most sought after destination in South America. This alternative has many advantages, such as its significantly lower number of hikers, a quick and easy booking process (it is even possible to book on the day), and even arguably better scenery. The trail includes an option to pass the exquisite bright blue Humantay Lagoon, and the wonderful rock-sculpted thermal pools known by many as the best on the continent, with spectacular views of the mountains.
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On the edge of the jungle of Cusco, in the high mountains of the Southern Sierra, Santa Teresa is superbly situated on the bank of the Urubamba or Vilcanota River, northwest of the world-renowned Machu Picchu. The quaint small town in the province of La Convención offers various tourist services, such as lodgings, restaurants, bars, and camping sites, and an alternative route to the iconic archaeological ruin, the Inca trails, Choquequirao, and other tours in Cusco. Additionally, the natural terrain of Santa Teresa is perfect for outdoor adventures such as hiking, rafting, kayaking, and zip-lining. After hours of such rigorous activity, end the day with a soothing soak at the Santa Teresa hot springs, an inviting thermal complex perched at an altitude of 1600 metres above sea level. Immerse yourself in the pools surrounded by plunging green valleys while you contemplate the magnificent natural scenery.
Located more than 6000 feet above sea level in Peru's mountain peaks, Machu Picchu is one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. This legendary lofty city was abandoned by the Inca Empire, reclaimed by the jungle and lost to humanity until its rediscovery in 1911. Built by the Incas on the summit of "Machu Picchu" (Old Peak), in the middle of a tropical montane forest overlooking the canyon of the Urubamba, the 'Lost City of Machu Picchu' is a site of extraordinary beauty and enormous archaeological significance. The complex reflects the Inca Empire at its height, with giant walls, terraces and ramps that appear to have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The phenomenal technological skills of the Incan engineers can be seen in multiple facets of the site: the exacting precision of the massive stone buildings, the water channels that reveal a deep understanding of hydraulics, and Intihuatana, a carved ritual stone known as the "hitching post of the Sun", which served as a solar calendar that regulated planting and harvesting.
