Best Places to Spend Christmas and New Year in South America

Christmas and New Year’s Eve can have you counting down the days to being able to cozy up on the sofa in your thick knitted sweatshirt with a cup of eggnog or wrapping up warm to watch the city fireworks but…why settle for the norm when you can do something unforgettable…something spectacular? After all wouldn’t you prefer to be lightly dusting the golden sands of Rio de Janeiro’s beaches off your feet or, feeling the heat of summer instead of having to plan for another rainy day or snowed in weekend? Enjoy the festive warmth of South America with these incredible destinations that make up just some of the best places in South America to spend this Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Check out our Local Travel Guides across Latin America, to Rio de Janeiro or Brazil, where you can find endless insider travel tips on places like Salvador de Bahia, Iguazu Falls, the Amazon, Buzios, Paraty, & Ilha Grande.

Christmas & New Year's Eve in South America

This year have a Christmas & New Year’s Eve like no other in South America / Source

Rio de Janeiro: The World’s Largest New Year’s Eve Party

If you’re searching for somewhere to spend New Year’s Eve in South America, there’s only one place to do so…Rio de Janeiro! Rio’s ‘Reveillon’ (New Year’s Eve) is regarded as the largest New Year’s Eve party in the world and at the stroke of midnight the eyes of the world are fixated on the beaches of Copacabana to listen to world famous musicians, samba music and to watch one of the biggest firework displays on the planet. Read more about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro…

Be part of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Rio de Janeiro / Source

Christmas in Peru: Gourmet food & Inca wonders

With the first recorded Christmas celebrations in Peru taking place in 1535, the country has a long and illustrious history of celebrating Christmas. Spend Christmas in the capital city of Lima known as, the City of Kings, where at about 10PM on Christmas Eve, the churches around Lima hold a mass called ‘Misa de Gallo’ before the night sky is filled with a shower of fireworks. Read more about the best places to spend Christmas in Peru…

Check out our Local Travel Guides across Latin America, where you can find endless insider travel tips on places like Machu Picchu, or elsewhere in Peru through Cusco & Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, Amazon Rainforest, Lima, the Nazca Lines, Ica & Paracas, or the White City of Arequipa & Condors of Colca Canyon.

Soak up the beauty of Lima this Christmas / Source

Buenos Aires: Summertime Christmas Experience

With average temperatures reaching 80.6°F during the Holiday Season in Buenos Aires you’ll be sure to see Santa Claus in more casual attire such as red sandals, shorts and t-shirt. Spending Christmas with the warm sun beating down on you while having a refreshing ice-cream at one of the many ice-cream parlors will soon seem like second-nature. Read more about spending Christmas in Buenos Aires…

Check out our Local Travel Guides across Latin America, to Buenos Aires or elsewhere in Argentina, find endless insider travel tips on places like Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego, Iguazu Falls, El Calafate, Peninsula Valdez, Wine Valleys of Mendoza, Bariloche & Victoria Island, & Salta & Cafayate.

Admire Buenos Aires’ night sky as it gets lit up with fireworks on Christmas Eve / Source

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Best way to visit Machu Picchu Peru

Machu Picchu is the holy grail for many travelers and is sure to top the list of anyone making their way to Peru. However, what is the best way to visit Machu Picchu? Well, traditionally that depended on your stamina, travel goals and level of fitness. However, recent changes to the entry times and duration of stay within the park have tipped the scales in favor of some routes into the park. Here we check out the best way to visit Machu Picchu, the sacred site of the Inca in Peru.

Availability on the Inca Trail

The Inca trail is one of the most popular tourist destinations and activities on earth. New regulations allow only 500 people on the Inca trail daily, many of which are guides that carry cargo. In reality, there are around 300-400 permits per day, and spaces on the trail are snapped up in advance, so plan to hike the famous Inca trail in advance. You’ll want to plan at least six months in advance. If you you’re late to the game planning, the 2 day trek is usually available 1 month before arrival.

Travel by train or make the trek?

Of course you can reach Machu Picchu by train, exploring for the day and returning on the same. There’s also an option to spend the night in Aguas Calientes seeing the ruins again the following day. In addition, there are two Inca trail options – a short option, and a more extended option. The short option, in our opinion, is the best way to visit Machu Picchu. Why? Well, several reasons make it preferable. First off, the hike takes only two days – one day hiking there, the next exploring the ruins. Which might be preferable for many people as opposed to the extended four-day hike. Fewer people visit the site during the afternoon slot, which is when people on the shorter trail will be arriving. Whether by train or trek, Machu Picchu is simply breathtaking, we can customize any trip to make it just perfect.

Keep in mind, new regulations were introduced in 2017, after 2016 saw the most significant number of visitors ever recorded enter the park. A whopping 1.4 million people in one year! In an attempt to limit the number of people, and to conserve the natural state of the park, the government set new entrance times. Visitors can enter between 5.30am and noon, as they flock to the park to watch the sun lift off the ruins over the verdant, misty peaks of the mountain. However, this is also the busiest time in the park, so if you would like to have a little more peace and quiet, go during the second entrance time, which is between noon and 5.30pm.

How to prepare and pack for Machu Picchu

Preparation and what to bring for Machu Picchu

Tackling the ancient site of Machu Picchu in Peru’s Sacred Valley requires some serious mental and physical preparation…and that depends on how you plan the experience. One option is to take it easy and relaxed, soaking in the spectacular atmosphere of the verdant Sacred Valley prior to making the train or trek. Taking the train to the Inca settlement is easily the best and most efficient way to visit Machu Picchu. However, many travelers want to experience the challenge of making the 4-day classic trek along the Inca trail, an ancient trade route used by this historical civilization, and to do this; you need to prepare. If you’re somewhere in between, not to worry, there’s a 2 day Inca Trail hike, in case you find yourself in between the two. Here’s what you need to know before traveling to Machu Picchu.

Plan ahead

If you are planning on hiking the full 4 day Inca trail, it is important that you plan ahead, as the trail only allows only 500 trekkers each day, at any given time of the year, and so sells out months in advance. If you have your heart set on doing this hike, make sure to book way ahead of time to secure your place on the trail. It is wise to check around six months before you plan on traveling whether there are spots available and keep in mind that the trail is closed in February. If for any reason your travel dates aren’t meshing with availability, there’s usually space available on the 2 day trek, and almost always visiting the Inca citadel by train. Also, make sure to explore other areas to extend your visit, Peru is perfect for every type of traveler!

Get acclimatized

Hiking can be exhausting at the best of times, but when you are trekking at a high altitude, the job becomes even tougher. The best thing to do is to to review our Cusco Travel Guide, and plan to arrive in Cusco a few days before your trek begins, so that you can acclimatize to the altitude. The altitude in Cusco is approximately 3400m / 11000ft above sea level and can leave even the fittest person out of breath, so it is advised to take your time getting used to being active at this height. If the altitude concerns you even the least bit, check out Coping with Altitude in Cusco, as your best bet would be to arrive to Cusco and leave that same day into the Sacred Valley, which has a lower altitude than Cusco (9500ft / 2900m).

There are preventative medications such as Diamox (suffer-based) that can be prescribed by your physician. Diamox is also used for motion sickness but found to be extremely useful when it comes to acclimatization as well. There are a few other tricks to hanging in there with the altitude. Contact our local travel experts or check out our Peru Travel Guide, we can help plan an unforgettable journey that will make sure that everything runs like clockwork during your trip to Peru.

Layers, boots and rain gear

One of the most important things to think about before you get on the plane is what you’re going to bring. Depending on the time of year, the weather can be more extreme in terms of rain than at other times, but expect there to be at least a shower at some point on your Inca trail hike. The best tactic is to bring breathable layers of dryfit, fleece and a sturdy rain and windproof outer layer, that you can peel away as you get hotter during the hike. A pair of comfortable hiking boots are also a must-have, and if you buy a new pair especially for this trip, make sure you break them in at home first, or else you run the risk of getting nasty blisters while you hike, not something you want.

Travel light

Seeing as you’ll be on the trail for a couple of days, you won’t want to be laden down with lots of weight in your backpack. Luckily, there are guides, with donkeys, on hand to carry the majority of your packs up the mountain, but most travelers will still keep a day pack with them that will have water, snacks, sun cream, lip balm and tissue paper in it, as well as anything else you might need. There are various kiosks stationed along the trail where you can stock up on supplies, don’t bring too much with you at the start.

What to pack if hiking the 4 day Inca Trail?

Temperatures vary greatly on the trail and rain and wind are possible. Days can be very warm in the lower areas, whereas nights at high altitude get very chilly. You may also want to have a look at our Ultimate Inca Trail Guide, which can help give some perspective in case you’re planning to make the 4 day hike. The best course of action is layering. You will also need good boots, something relatively light weight with ankle support is ideal. Be sure to take your boots for a walk before hitting the trail as blisters will spoil your enjoyment. Below is a list of packing essentials:

Current Passport, if renewed at time of booking a copy of old passport.
Small daypack with sunglasses, sun hat, sun and insect lotion, camera, and bandana.
One set of base clothes per day (t-shirt, socks, trousers).
Microfiber fleece, long underwear, winter hat and gloves for colder days/nights.
Waterproof pants, water and windproof jacket.
Good walking boots, light sport shoes and flip-flops.
Water canteen, as plastic bottles are prohibited on trek.
Sleeping bag (good quality bags and liners are available for hire).
Flashlight, spare batteries, and portable power bank.
Personal medication, toiletries and towel.
Peruvian currency in small denominations for tips and small purchases.

Why Peru is perfect for every type of traveler

The South American country of Peru tops many traveler’s top destination lists, and is often lauded as a backpacker’s Mecca, hosting some of the best Peru tours South America has to offer. However, it is not just thrifty backpackers who come to Peru seeking some of the best travel experiences that the world has to offer, but also digital nomads, boutique and luxury tourists and adventurers of all stripes flock to this mythic nation in their droves. Peru has some of the most exciting bucket list destinations all within the confines of its borders, from sacred, ancient sites to cosmopolitan metropolises and stunning beaches. Peru has something to suit everyone, so we take a look at just some of the highlights that attract a wide variety of travelers all year round.

The hiker’s holy grail in the Peruvian Andes

Even the most seasoned hiker will be wowed by the surreal landscapes and otherworldly terrains of the Rainbow Mountain in the Peruvian Andes. At 16,000ft above sea level, scaling the heights up to Rainbow Mountain is not for the faint hearted, but the achievement of having conquered the altitude, and the reward of getting up close and personal with the coloured bands of this undulating landform is a personal triumph in itself. The mountain was hidden from tourists and locals alike for years because of a cap of ice and snow that melted to reveal this rainbow-like formation, known locally as Winnikunka.

Adventure and intrigue in the Peruvian Amazon

The Amazon is one of the most mysterious places on earth. Home to wild tribes that still have had relatively little contact with modern man, and the natural habitat for some of the most exotic animal species on the planet, the Amazon embodies the call of the wild for many people. There are numerous adventure lodges located in the heart of the jungle, from where you can set off to spot jaguar, cruise up the muddy waters of the world’s largest river and catch the infamous piranha, or stay and explore amongst the treetops in an elevated canopy tower.

Foodie heaven in Lima

Peruvian cuisine is fast becoming one of the most talked about in the world, and there is nowhere better to experience the unique flavours and ingredients of Peruvian food than in the capital, Lima. Lima is a dusty desert city that drops off a cliff into the sea at one side, but this bustling city is known for its gourmet selection of delicious dishes, whether they be traditional Andean offerings or more contemporary fusions of Peruvian and Japanese fare, Nikkei. Foodies from all corners of the world are spending more and more time in Lima, a destination that is most certainly up there on the global culinary map.

The sights and sounds of the Sacred Valley

Ancient trade routes, sacred sites and breathtaking landscapes – what more could you want from the Peruvian highlands? The inimitable Sacred Valley is home to all of these things and much more. Travelers of every description land in the regional hub of Cusco looking to experience the once in a lifetime journey to Machu Picchu, whether it’s by hiking the Inca Trail or breezing through the valley on the train to the summit. Stay overnight and see the sun rise over the verdant green peaks of this iconic mountain site.

Bolivia: More than just a pit-stop between Peru and Chile

Bolivia is not a place that always tops travelers’ lists, but those who discount this lesser-known South American country would be wise to reconsider their options. Far from being merely a country to pass through on the way from Peru to Chile, Bolivia is a wonderland of stunning sights, ancient culture, unique experiences and singular landscapes. It is much more than just a pit stop, so we take a look at some of the best things to take some time to see, do and explore in Bolivia. If you make it to the end of this article, we’ve shared additional links to diver and and learn more about this incredible country.

Islands of Lake Titicaca

Coming from Peru, one of the easiest ways to experience Bolivia is by spending a few days in and around Lake Titicaca. On the Peruvian side, one of the biggest highlights is the Floating Islands. These islands are formed by laying layers of locally-growing reeds on top of each other to create a floating bed. The islands currently number 120, and just a short trip away is the Bolivian side of the lake. Plan a visit the lively town of Copacabana, before setting sail on the still waters of this altiplano lake before reaching the Island of the Sun. “La Isla del Sol,” in Spanish, has a rustic charm filled with ancient secrets and mysteries of cultures long ago.

Get lost in La Paz

La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. A heady mix of indigenous culture, ancient histories and modern living. Those with strong stomachs can sample some of the local street food at one of the many night markets. Our daily excursions is one of the best ways to discover all of the untold tales of La Paz and the highlights of the city. Here you learn of the merging of pagan and Christian religious beliefs, the Pachamama earth goddess, ritualistic ceremonies and lots more. This sprawling mass of ramshackle constructions is also home to some of the weirdest and most wonderful architecture in all of South America. La Paz has started to attract architects and architectural historians to marvel at its idiosyncratic glory.

Uyuni and the salt flats

Most people who plan a trip to Bolivia do so to visit the otherworldly expanse of the salt flats. Located near the crumbling settlement of Uyuni, you will pile into a 4×4 driven by a local expert guide on a 3 or 4-day adventure into the salt flats. Our specialized guides will take you through the bandit country where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid out when they were on the run. There’s also the opportunity to stay in a lodge made entirely out of salt bricks, visit the fish island, covered in countless species of cacti. Of course, you find yourself on the never-ending plain of salt, which stretches as far as the eye can see. Make sure you stop and have some fun taking optical illusion photos, and pay a visit to the train graveyard when you arrive back at Uyuni.

Made it this far…want more?

Explore more adventures and destinations in/around Bolivia, check out our Bolivia Travel Guide here. Still want more, read up on another article featuring the our Highlight Destinations of Bolivia article. Check out our Bolivia Tours, all have daily departures and customizable…Contact Us!

A Foodie’s Bucket List: Exploring Peruvian Food

How big of a foodie are you? Does your Netflix queue contain Salt Fat Acid Heat, The Great British Bake Off, Chef’s Table, and Samurai Gourmet? Do you have a separate Instagram account dedicated to your entrees? Then it would only make sense for you to visit the gastronomical pearl of the world, Peru. Winning “Best Culinary Destination in the World,” Peru’s cultural diversity leads to a mix of flavors sure to win you over.

”Peruvian is the single most important cuisine in Latin America, with a repertoire of dishes maybe bigger than France,” said Douglas Rodriguez, the chef and owner of Patria, the pioneering nuevo Latino restaurant in New York. ”But it’s an undiscovered cuisine, there’s no doubt about it.”

In between Machu Picchu, Incan trails, and discovering the Amazon rainforest, those anxiously awaiting to indulge will fall in love with Lima, Peru’s capital. Sitting on the Pacific coastal plain, Lima is most known for its Ceviche dish, a marinated raw seafood dish. The dishes origins are from all over Peru. The fish is from West Peru in the Pacific Ocean, and the sweet potatoes and yuca are from the Andes, two completely different environments coming together. The limes used to season the dish is from Spain, and the raw fish technique is said to originate from Japan. With Class Adventure Travel’s Culinary Tour of Peru, you’ll visit the local markets in Lima and Cusco, with a touch of adventure and time to explore in between.

On the Lima leg of the trip, you will fully embrace the Peruvian culinary culture with a home-cooked culinary experience. Starting off at the local markets of Lima, you will pick out fresh fish, limes, chirimoya, and lucuma fruits but in no way are you limited. The street markets of Lima are lined with fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices waiting to ignite your senses. After a trip to the market, you will learn to prepare a classic ceviche in the home of a local Peruvian family.

Although ceviche is recognized as the most famous Peruvian dish, in no way is the country’s food options limited. Peru also enjoys notable culinary styles such as Nikkei, a combination of Japanese and Peruvian, Chifa, a local favorite that is a mix of Chinese and Peruvian, and Criollo, a fusion of indigenous, African, and European cuisines that make up some of Peru’s favorite comfort food.

For those still not convinced, Peru hosts the most significant annual food festival in Latin America. Mistura is a 10-day event held in Lima every year at the beginning of September. Peruvian classic dishes are featured such as cuy (guinea pig), lomo saltado, ají de gallina, and papa a la huancaína. Each plate presents a wide range of tastes each from a different geographical region of Peru.

“Mistura is the culinary stronghold for one of the greatest cuisines of the world,” says Victor Albisu, chef and owner of Del Campo, a South American grill in Washington, D.C. “It’s the place to be in September.”

Over a decade-long, the festival not only showcases Peru’s love and passion for food but also put them on the map as the No.1 food destination that they are today. Foodie’s looking to book their next trip to Peru won’t be disappointed in the country’s same passion for culinary arts.

“Peru is the only country in the whole world where food is the most important thing,” Gastón Acurio, one of Peru’s top chefs, says in a 2012 Facebook post. “You go to Brazil, it’s soccer. If you go to Colombia, it’s music. But in Peru, the most important source of pride is food.”

Source: Peruvian Cuisine Takes On the World – The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/26/dining/peruvian-cuisine-takes-on-the-world.html

Mistura Food Fest Gives Peruvian Cuisine A Chance To Shine. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/09/17/349038162/mistura-food-fest-gives-peruvian-cuisine-a-chance-to-shine

How to Choose an Adventure Lodge in the Peruvian Amazon

We recommend one of three adventure jungle lodges in the Tambopata National Reserve, offering expeditions of immersion in nature as well as a cultural adventure into the Peruvian Amazon, delivering a comprehensive encounter with the rainforest in Peru.

Ever dreamt of exploring deep into the Amazonian wilderness, well it isn’t so far fetched. Adventure-seekers everywhere have conquered mountains, explored the depths of the ocean, and maybe even backpacked across countries. But no bucket list is complete until the adventure traveler has trekked Peruvian Amazon jungle, watching scientists at work, combined with unexpected comfort and exciting discoveries. Having worked with these lodges for over 20 years, we offer the same rates as the lodges themselves…so if you like the following, let us know and we’ll make sure to get your nose pointed in the right direction.

After many explorations into the Amazon of Peru, we’ve narrowed our expert choices to the three of the top adventure lodges in the southern Amazon of Peru, each with its own unique character and benefits. If you’re tight on time, you don’t have to dive to ds deep in the Amazon jungle by staying at Posada Amazonas or Refugio Amazonas, or if you have 5 to 6 days to explore…definitely consider the Tambopata Research Center (“TRC”). Getting further into the Amazon isn’t just binoculars and birds (though you will witness the world’s most beautiful and rare birds), this is stepping foot in the Jaguar’s backyard. The latter two mentioned above, increase your chances of seeing this elusive animal in the wild. If you want to go all in, scroll down for our take on TRC.

Begin your expedition by flying into the Amazonian city of Puerto Maldonado in Southeastern Peru, where you will be met at the airport by one of our professional travel guides. The travel time for each lodge varies, an overnight at Posadas Amazonas or Refugio Amazonas is necessary to reach the Tambopata Research Center, as it’s a 7-hour boat ride to reach this specialty lodge. The minimum is a one-hour boat ride on the Tambopata river of the Amazon to reach the first of three…Posadas Amazonas.

Please know that we are recommending these lodges as local experts, you get the same prices booking through Class Adventure Travel as you would booking directly with the lodge…so please make sure to book your reservation with our team!

Posada Amazonas

After an hour road trip and an additional hour boat ride, you will arrive at our first recommended adventure Amazon lodge, Posada Amazonas. The warm tiki-like atmosphere of the lodge is constructed entirely of traditional materials, containing an authentic straw thatched roof covering the hut, and wooden carvings handcrafted by community members. Choose from three unique suites, each exposing the wilderness for a full Amazon experience.

This lodge, in particular, is owned by the Ese Eja tribe of the native community of Infierno, Peru, while Rainforest Expeditions runs marketing and management — a partnership since 1996. Providing meaningful profit and full-time employment for the people of Ese Eja, staying in this lodge supports the conservation of indigenous land and culture. Posada Amazonas even offers Ese Eja Day, allowing tourists to experience a day in the life with community members, including activities such as piranha fishing, boating, and farming. If you’ve never seen a piranha up close…you’re going to love this!

Posada Amazonas allows guests to discover ancient indigenous heritage in-between wildlife observation and jungle activities.

The full list of activities includes:

Jungle night walk
Jungle farm visit
Ethnobotanical walk
Nature trail hike
Canopy tower
OxBow lake visit
Parrot clay lick

Encounter wildlife you’ve never seen before, such as the vibrant macaw birds, red howler monkeys, and the oddest bird in the Amazon, the Hoatzin. And after a full day of exploring, relax in locally-made hammocks or indulge yourself by getting an Amazonian massage.

Refugio Amazonas

A bit of a longer expedition from Puerto Maldonado, you will arrive at Refugio Amazonas after a 40-minute drive followed by a relaxing three-hour boat ride upstream on the Tambopata river. Much like Posada Amazonas, you will be met by our specialist from the adventure Amazon lodge Refugio Amazonas, where each room contains welcoming hammocks, bed canopies, and mosquito nets opening up to the jungle.

This lodge serves as the headquarters to a Citizen Science program, Wired Amazon, an initiative that connects Refugio guests to the science and discovery of the Amazon Rainforest. Endless science discoveries make this lodge a perfect choice for families with its wide variety of kid-friendly science activities, including discovering new species you get to name yourself. The purpose of this lodge is recovering and bringing back to life the area surrounding the lodge.

Other included features you will find at Refugio Amazonas:

Macaw and Parakeet Clay Lick
100 ft Canopy Tower
Jungle Farm
Sunset Cruise
Oxbow Lake Visit
Children’s Rainforest Trail
Wellness Center
Aerobotony

Although deeper into the Amazon than Posadas Amazonas, you’ll be getting a different experience at Refugio, with mixed adventures with a bit more diversities. Enjoy some of their Amazon massages with jungle ingredients after your excursions to promote relaxation and restoration.

The Best Experience — Tambopata Research Center

As one of the most remote lodges in South America, the Tambopata Research Center lies within the Tambopata National Reserve surrounded by the best wildlife the jungle has to offer.

Tambopata Research Center is headquarters for the ongoing Macaw Project, a long-term multidisciplinary study where researchers monitor and observe macaw nests, increase survival rates of young macaw chicks, document patterns of clay lick use, and understanding the impact of tourism on the birds. The project began in 1989 under Eduardo Nycander’s field direction with the goal of learning and understanding the basic ecology of large macaws to help with conservation. Dr. Donald Brightsmith took over the project in 1998 and has since become one of the world’s foremost study of wild macaws.

After an unforgettable stay at Refugio Amazonas, you will spend the morning on a four-hour boat ride to the highly anticipated Tambopata Research Center. The lodge is unique in that you have access to enormous clay licks filled with Macaws, you’ll cross paths with scientists involved in the Macaw Project, and your chances of crossing paths with Jaguars is increased substantially due to the distance traveled into the Tambopata Reserve. Keep in mind that to visit this lodge you’ll need to plan a minimum of 5 days, but we recommend 6 or 7 to allow for ample time to explore the reserve fully. We recommend staying with the Refugio Amazonas lodge on the way out for one night, as an overnight prior at one of the lodges is required, but it makes for an adventure as you delve further into the Amazon for an unforgettable comprehensive exploration of the region. Below are some videos of what we encountered on our Amazon adventure…we saw two Jaguars!

Boldly Explore the Peruvian Andes and Rainbow Mountain

“Rainbow Mountain” sounds like a destination right out of a children’s book, and it looks like one too. Vibrant pops of turquoise, lavender, marigold, and maroon sediment paint the peaks of the Ausangate mountain region of the Peruvian Andes, just outside of Cusco. Known to the locals as Winnikunka, the breathtaking trek through Rainbow Mountain is every adventure-seekers dream come true.

The multi-colored mountain tops were once hidden by ice and snow and only recently discovered when the ice melted. Since its discovery, Rainbow Mountain became a must-see destination for seasoned hikers (and Instagram fanatics) for obvious reasons, attracting an average of 1,000 tourists per day.

Overcoming Rainbow Mountain’s Past

Rainbow Mountain received negative attention due to the lack of geographical knowledge for a proper trail in the early years of its appearance. Standing 16,000 feet above sea level, the high altitude makes any trek deep in the Peruvian Andes more challenging than your average hiking trail.

Fully aware of the mountain’s past reputation, we have designed this excursion with complete sustainability, so you can safely enjoy the majesty of the Andes with confidence in our staff. All of our certified mountain guides carry proper equipment and lead you through a route they have mastered. Come prepared for a hike that is safe but challenging, and completely worthwhile.

You will begin your day at 4 a.m. to avoid the possibility of rain, clouds, and snow that the afternoon can typically offer in the Andes. After a three hour drive from Cusco to the Ausangate mountain region, our guides will lead you up the first trail from the Cusipata parking lot to the overlook point of Rainbow Mountain.

Stand before the bold colors of the secret wonder as you try to think of ways you can describe this scenery to those waiting back home. You may even snap a few pictures for visual evidence, but nothing will compare to the naked eye.

Although you have the option to stop here, our trek has more to offer. We combine Rainbow Mountain with the Red Valley for a complete Peruvian Andes excursion most tourists will never experience.

Less Adventurous, but Still Breathtaking

If you want to keep it simple, take the tourist route which takes you by foot or horse to the Rainbow mountain and back down. However, if you are a bit more advanced trekking, or using local coca leaves to enhance your breathing at higher altitudes, take the path less traveled with us and visit the Red Valley for a pleasant and very unexpected surprise.

This isn’t just a route less traveled, this private route our team of professionals has mastered is paved just for you and your private guide. You will look down at the trail of people and bask in the sights of the Salkantay off in the distance for a hike truly unlike any other.

Trek across the vivid landscape of the Ausangate mountain region, witnessing the newly discovered candy-swirled mountains, with complete confidence in our travel guides for a hike, unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Luxury and Adventure in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh rain, the chatter of monkeys swinging from the treetops, and chirping of Scarlet Macaws, instead of the pinging of text messages from your phone. Tucked away in the thicket of the Peruvian jungle, this treetop bungalow is the perfect landing pad away from the everyday office hustle.

Take the much needed break from your nine to five (that somehow ends up 24 hours) to embark on an adventure unlike anything you’ve experienced before. The only treehouse in the North Amazon of Peru will leave you clearing your schedule every year, just to get another taste.

This excursion isn’t the study-abroad trip your buddies took in college. Containing 40,000 plant species, roughly 430 different mammals, and 1,300 bird species, the jungle offers an endless amount of sightseeing, adventure, and discovery. The Peruvian treehouse is not only located in the Amazon Rainforest but on the Amazon River, providing a wildlife experience only found on this side of the Amazon.

Although fully immersed in Amazonia, you won’t miss a beat of the resort treatment you’re accustomed to at sea level. Your treetop bungalow is equipped with showers, sinks, toilets, and clean white linens. And with all-inclusive food and beverages, luxury is at your fingertips.

Accompanied by your personal Treehouse Lodge guide, you will embark on a traditional boat transfer upon arrival to the treehouse deep within Peru. Never the same trip twice, the onsite guide will create a custom experience based on your desired excursions, choosing from:

After a couple days of exploring the depths of the North Amazon, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Celebrate artisan craftsmanship as locals welcome you to explore the vibrant markets and creation of iconic textiles.

By day six you’ll be more than ready for the highly anticipated event: Machu Picchu. You will arrive at the quietest hour of the day, witnessing the sunrise over the ancient city. After sunrise, a private tour guide will lead you through one of two limited mountain entrances for a secluded hiking experience. After a day of exploring one of the Seven Wonders of the World, you’ll embark on an overnight stay, a once in a lifetime event.

Machu Picchu is saturated with Incan history, secrets, and wonder. In native Quechua language, Machu Picchu translates to “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.” Experts declared the ancient city was constructed in 450 A.D. The indigenous wonder is also known as the Lost City of the Incas — built with stones weighing more than 50 tons during a time with no wheels to transfer up the mountain. The mystery and beauty of Machu Picchu is the No.1 main tourist attraction in Peru and one of the most visited in the world.

Wrap up your Peru adventure by a private tour through the Inca capital of Cusco. You won’t feel your trip is complete until after exploring the city’s historical museums, landscapes, shops, and overall atmosphere of the vibrant city. After a day of exploring, get a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine.

Combining luxury and adventure, this expedition checks off every box on your bucket list. From the very treetops of the North Amazon to the heart of the Inca capital, step outside of your corporate world and experience firsthand authentic Peru.

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