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Trip Report

My Peru Itinerary.

1 month of exploring Peru and the Inca culture in Cusco

  • Humantay Lake+ 9
  • Humantay Lake
  • Humantay Lake
  • My Peru Itinerary.
abbie
About Me:I am a student from the UK and I have recently completed my year abroad where I spent my first semester studying in Granada, Spain, and my second semester in Lima, Peru. I love to travel whenever I can and particularly love hiking in the m... read more

South AmericaPeru2 days / June - July 2022

Highs & Lows

Llamas everywhere

The altitude can be difficult

Itinerary Overview

We spent one month visiting different places, with our base in Cusco, Peru. On our first weekend we toured the Sacred Valley on electric scooters, which was very fun (and little bit scary because of the speed). The sacred Valley really is mesmerizing. We also went to Rainbow Mountain, Laguna Humantay, Lake Titicaca, and experienced Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco! Inti Raymi was on the 24th June and I would definitely recommend being there for that week so you can experience all the wonderful dances and festivities that help you to know the culture better.  We also did the 4 day Jungle Inca trail to Machu Picchu, I would highly recommend this route if you don’t want to do tooo much hiking but wanna know magical and peaceful places where you can connect with nature, also if you would like to do other stuff in between like cycling, rafting and ziplining.

  • 1 Night: Humantay Lake
    Good hiking and scenery
  • 1 Night: Puno - Islas de los Uros
    To experience a completely different way of life
Humantay Lake - Good hiking and scenery
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Humantay Lake Good hiking and scenery

Humantay Lake - Good hiking and scenery - null
Humantay Lake - Good hiking and scenery - null
Humantay Lake - Good hiking and scenery - null2+

This location was quite interesting, being surrounded by nature prompted us to make different plans than we were not used to, the curiosity of wanting to see the flora of the area more closely guided us towards a walk full of magic. Although the walk was quite amazing it was also difficult, due to the altitude making it difficult to breathe properly, but it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. We went with a tour guide, who took us on a bus to the start of the walk. From there we started walking uphill, through trees and dusty paths. There was the option of riding a horse if it was very difficult for you to do all the hours of the walk, we were an incredible group so we all decided to walk because the experience would be much more beneficial. When you get to the top there is an amazing blue lake next to a glacier, the most impressive sight. There are a few different lookouts that you can climb to get the perfect picture.

Puno - Islas de los Uros - To experience a completely different way of life
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Puno - Islas de los Uros To experience a completely different way of life

Puno - Islas de los Uros - To experience a completely different way of life - null
Puno - Islas de los Uros - To experience a completely different way of life - null
Puno - Islas de los Uros - To experience a completely different way of life - null4+

We visit the floating islands of the Uros made of reeds, where families live and show you their handmade gifts. They are handicrafts full of history, colors and textures where through them you can understand the aesthetics of their entire culture. This was truly unique and something I had never seen before, it is certainly etched in my memory due to its unparalleled beauty. There we took a ride in one of their yellow boats, also made of rushes. We spend the night in Amantani, where a charming Peruvian lady waited on us overnight and prepared us a traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner. They were meals full of flavor where the sea food stands out with a delicious spicy. One night she dressed us in traditional highland clothing and we went to a dance event which was great fun. I loved staying here because I felt like you could really get an insight into the lives of the people who live there.

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    Puno is quite touristy and I've heard that the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca is less so, maybe something to look into!
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    My friend did hurt herself on the electric scooters so just be careful if you plan on doing the Sacred Valley on them, only do it if you feel confident.
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    We went to La Bo'M sooo many times, would really recommend if you like crepes (both savoury and sweet. There's also a hostel attached to the restaurant.
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Prepare for altitude, give yourself time to rest and acclimatise when you first get there. Chewing coca leaves are a big help for hikes!
  • Packing tips?

    Pack a coat! Cusco is sunny during the day but gets cold at night
  • Transportation Tips?

    In Cusco itself you can walk most places

Lodging

  • hospedaje eco bar, shared lounge, garden, and free WiFi throughout the property, near to everything you need to know in the zone

  • It was a family house of someone who lived there, organised through the travel agency we went through. (You can find any agency in Cusco and will probably get the same experience).