The most beautiful natural sites to discover Peru

Stay at least four days in the surrounding area to take full advantage of it.

Located 4 km from the city on the road to Yurimaguas (direction Las de Ahuashiyacu), it can be the occasion of a pleasant stroll just a few hours away. Restaurant on site. This is the end of weekends for families.

One of the most beautiful seaside sites in the north of Lima, set back from the Panamericana (500 m on foot). The water here is clear, the roadstead protected from the winds and, although it is the favorite beach of the inhabitants of Chimbote, even of Huaraz, it is not too "polluted" by tourism. It is really a beach with a postcard decor! El Farol has a^2nd hotel there. There is also the Ponciana Beach and the more humble hostal Gabriela. Some restaurants like the Cabo Blanco for excellent seafood dishes.

There are three pools here with a slide and diving board: enjoy the benefits of the hot springs against the backdrop of the mountains. Be careful, the water is between 18°C and 22°C. On your way out, don't miss the pretty square where the mamas wash their clothes. To go back down, take the staircase decorated with statues representing the characters celebrated in the city throughout the year. Other baths can be found in the Parque Ecológico Seccsachaca or Villa Cariño: caves, caverns and two open-air pools.

This beautiful lake with green waters is wedged between three impressive nevados: Huandoy, Huascarán and Yanapaqcha. To get there from Huaraz, take a combi to Yungay, 1h trip, S/ 5. Another combi (all parked behind the Municipio) can do the 24 km drive. At the lake, the drivers wait 1h, which is enough time to go around. Llanganuco is a photogenic beauty but also very popular as it is accessible by road. Boats and food stalls on site. You can also do this trek on foot from Huamacchuco

50 km southwest of the Cordillera Blanca, the Huayhuash mountain range stretches 30 km from north to south. Its 7 peaks above 5,500 m and 7 others above 6,000 m are all as angular as each other. Its highest peak, Yerupajá, reaches 6,634 m, second only to Huascarán among Peruvian peaks. The landscape on which this mountain range stands out is very different from that of the White Mountain Range, characterized by its deep and narrow canyons. Here, we are in wide open spaces with, to the east, small rocky ridges 600 m high and overlooking the valley visited by herds of vicuñas. At the foot of the Cordillera peaks, there are beautiful turquoise lakes where you can stock up on trout. Huayhuash represents an excellent example of the ecosystem of the high Andes. The fauna and flora are similar to those of the Cordillera Blanca, although less disturbed, and therefore wilder, and concentrated in smaller areas. The lakes are home to many birds, both sedentary and migratory, and the forests in the western part are home to rare and endangered species. With a guide and donkeys, you can trek for a minimum of 9 days and, if your time is not too limited, cover the 160 to 190 km of the magnificent circuit around the Cordillera, all of which naturally requires a very good physical condition. This trek is considered by some, after the Himalayas, as the^second most beautiful in the world.

One of the few green lungs of the capital! This zoo is divided into four regions: the coast, the forest, the jungle and the international area. You will see sea lions (show on Sunday at 3pm) that you can observe from a tunnel, llamas, condors, bears, jaguars, tigers and many varieties of birds! The feline area has been nicely improved. The monkey island is nice, the butterfly greenhouse is well thought out. Children love it... Be careful at the end of the week and on public holidays, it's really crowded.

From the Marina Club (on the port, next to the Fortaleza Real Felipe) a boat takes you to the Palomino Islands where the most important colony of sea lions in Peru is concentrated. The Palomino Islands are not as famous as the Ballestas Islands, further south, yet they have the same natural riches. It is possible to photograph the sea lions and even to swim with them (wetsuits are provided). On board between 25 and 35 people, the tour lasts about 3 hours. Sometimes, the swell requires to close the port. Make a reservation!

The inhabitants of Puerto Maldonado will bathe in this small lake, 11 km from the city. Full to break on weekends.

A beautiful lake, somewhat far from the city, 60 km from Puerto Maldonado, on the border with Bolivia. To reach it, count about 4 hours by motorboat. It is an ideal place for birdwatching and for families who fish around the lake or harvest the famous castañas (Brazil nuts). As it is quite far from the rest, it is only included in the longer stays (5 days minimum) in the lodges located along the Madre de Dios river. On the way, you will notice the gold diggers at work.

One hour from Puerto Maldonado by boat, this private reserve of 10,000 hectares is home to a multitude of wild animals, an intact flora, numerous aquatic species and the Reserva Amazónica lodge. By reservation, it is possible to organize a 2h30 tour on their Canopy Walkway or suspension bridges. However you will not have priority. To be arranged directly with the Puerto Maldonado office at least 24 hours before. Departure 1.45pm and return 5pm.

Small island on the Madre de Dios river, just north of the Sandoval lake in the Tambopata reserve. The only inhabitant of the island takes care of the monkeys that have taken up residence there and that it is possible to see up close. It is very interesting to make this stop before going to a lodge, because once in the selva itself, it is sometimes difficult to see them and even more to recognize them. Many agencies offer it and, as you go by boat, you have to take a tour anyway. A short excursion, but not without interest!

These pampas are large green areas along the Heath River and are almost the last Amazonian savannahs to be so well preserved. Indeed, the other spaces of this kind were altered by agriculture or breeding. However, this biotope is home to rare species such as the maned wolf or the spectacled bear! It is in the Pampas del Heath that the most intensive research has been carried out in order to list the vascular plants of the savannahs (plants with vessels through which water is drawn by the roots).

Located about twenty kilometers northwest of Chivay, Mount Mismi (5,597 m) is none other than the source of the largest river in the world, the Amazon! The Apacheta torrent that flows from Nevado Mismi will become great! It is considered to be the furthest source of the Amazon network from the mouth of the river, which flows into the Atlantic almost 6,800 km downstream, in Brazil. The small torrent soon joins the Apurímac river, which in turn joins the Ucayali and then the Marañón further north, to form the Amazon river.

The ascent of the Misti volcano (5,825 m) is the most practiced in the region. We reach the skirts of this volcano in 1h30 by car from Arequipa. The ascent (6h of ascent the^1st day and 4h the^2nd day) is rewarded by the fabulous panorama that the volcano reserves you..

The good agencies include transportation, food, tent, mattress and sleeping bag, jackets and pants, guide. Good boots, 6 liters of water per person, 1 large and 1 small bag are required.

The Misti by public transport, it is possible! You don't necessarily need to use a tour operator, but how do you go about it? You have to take a combi to Chiguata, to be dropped off at the foot of the volcano, at the crossroads. There, there is a large private property that closes the access to the volcano. Either we ask to open the door, or we prefer to go around by the downstream. We go up first the track frequented by 4X4 (count 2h to 2h30) then we follow the unique path. We walk 4 to 5 hours more to go to put the camp to 4600 m.

The following day, we put approximately 4h to reach the main summit. Count 1h more for the detour by the crater and its fumaroles. If there are still some snow on the track, the sticks or an ice axe can be very useful. Stay on the ridges on the way up, and for the descent, prefer the combes full of sand.

This itinerary is the ascent by the south ridge; interesting because from the camp, you can see a superb sunset. In the morning, it is simply magic to see the shadow of the volcano on the city!

You can try to climb Nevado Chachani (6,075 m). Considered as the easiest mountain to climb in Peru, this volcano of more than 6 000 m is still active. At 2 hours by 4X4 from Arequipa, we arrive at the base camp from where we start a walk of about 6 hours to the summit. Its ascent requires 2 days and 1 night in bivouac. Think of crampons which are necessary in case of snow.

Many agencies also offer downhill mountain biking from 4,800 meters to 2,500 meters, in 4 hours.

From this balcony, perched at an altitude of 4,000 m, one enjoys an exceptional view of the equatorial forest and it is said that the sunrise, which suddenly emerges from its vegetal bed, is the most beautiful on the continent. It is necessary to find a taxi which agrees to make the journey at 3 am - it is relatively easy. The mirador is more than an hour away. During the months of May to July, the sky is painted with fuchsia, purple and bluish colors before the sun rises. On the winter solstice, if the sky is clear, the phenomenon is even more spectacular

Family atmosphere and totally local! We bathe in a beautiful place, under the trees, and next to a small river with raging rapids. To get there: the paradero is located Jr. Amazonas 833 (in Chachapoyas); jump in a car and head for Mendoza, 2.5 hours away (S/ 20). Then hail a taxi (S/ 7 per person) to Tocuya. From the tiny village square, retrace your steps a bit to take the wide dirt road on the right: 15 minutes walk.

One hour from the village of Aguas Calientes in the direction of Hydroelectrica (or about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Hydroelectrica for those who come on foot) you will find Erwin's ecotourism project. This little piece of jungle with a waterfall at the end of the road is a nice place for those who don't have time to explore the selva peruana further. He has also set up a restaurant, a site to pitch a tent (with bathroom), a private bungalow and two rooms. Count on 1 to 2 hours of walking on the site. Many birds and hummingbirds.

It is better to contact the guides' association or an agency to reserve, the places are isolated and the cost in transport, if you are alone, can be high. The visit itself lasts about 3 hours on foot, but it starts at 40 minutes drive from Santa Catalina de Chongoyape. 214 species of birds, 21 species of mammals and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded. To get to Santa Catalina de Chongoyape, combine at the Epsel terminal or take a direct taxi.

The collpas are clay cliffs where the parrots and multicolored macaws come to feed themselves with the mineral salts necessary for their nutrition. This ritual takes place every morning from 6:30 am until 10 am. Posada Amazonas has its own small parrot collpa. The most famous are those of Chuncho and even further away, of Colorado (near the Tambopata Research Center). The further away it is, the more grandiose the show is. A festival of colors and sounds that delights.

Besides the numerous natural thermal waters, this modern complex offers private whirlpools and swimming pools but the concrete side takes away a lot of charm from the whole and everything is not impeccable. We advise you to take advantage of the open-air springs in the different villages or hotels that have them.

Its 186 hectares are distributed around a lake in the center of which there is an island of monkeys and wide alleys that lead to the different spaces of the animals. In this zoo, many captured animals are now boarders. There is an otorongo, deer, wild boars, crocodiles, otters, turtles and many birds.

The Museo Antropológico y de Historia Natural is in the same place. There are ethnographic pieces, ceramics and animal fossils.

Embark from the port of Boca del río Huascayacu (about 40 minutes by cab from Moyobamba) for the adventure: 1 hour of navigation then you turn right and enter a much narrower arm, the río Avisado. A few minutes more and you will see appear in the distance, a spectacular tree house: it is the entrance to the universe of Tingana. Here, Juan Isuiza and his troops watch over their reserve with care. They have built two rustic family bungalows (each with 5 beds on 2 floors) and also offer a family kitchen. It's worth spending some time there to enjoy the place more and share a real experience at the hands of the community. As this is a flooded jungle, everything depends on the water, but most of the time the excursions are done by dugout between the roots. We see more fauna during the rainy months (from January to May). Some walks are also possible in dry season. As it is a preserved case, here took refuge many animals and to be able to observe them in silence is a true privilege. The experience is great, we leave with a lot of memories and we support this 100% ecotourism project. An alternative for those who are in a hurry, the neighboring community of Santa Elena is more accessible. It is from now on privileged by the agencies, but we do not hide you that the charm of places is not completely the same. This option remains however nice, for those who miss time.

It is a birdwatcher's paradise in the early morning. Here lives the perlita of Iquitos(Polioptila clementsi), a bird of the passerine family discovered recently, but also herons. 4 circuits have been designed, dedicated to medicinal plants, fruits, areas along the river and aguajales (small lagoons), count between 30 min and 3 hours on foot. Every morning at 8am, guided tours in Spanish. This reserve is the richest of the sites near Iquitos. Unfortunately, you have to look for information yourself, the management is public, consult the Sernanp.

These two localities, located on the road leading to the airport (respectively 12 km and 16 km from the center) are two centers of production of traditional crafts. They are worth a visit during the dry season (between May and November), when beautiful white sand beaches are formed all along the Rio Nanay. Uni Suni or Santa Rita, from Santa Clara, are the most quiet. A road connects the two villages. You can get there by taxi.

The Cueva de Palestina is a new attraction. At 30 minutes from Rioja, in the outskirts of the village of Nueva Cajamarca, a small community revives a cave of millions of years. It has been plundered for years, and the fossil zone is visiting today with local guides. It is not Lascaux but it has 11 rooms with stalactites, stalagmites, gorges, hoses and legends. French speleologists are involved in this area, and a more developed adventure road should emerge. For the time being, the tower includes the tour of the cave and the natural pools of the torrent that borders (approx. 1 hour 30) and a small butterfly farm. We advise you to stay for lunch with local families. A dive under the land combined with a moment of sharing a very different day.

This ecological project next to Pachacamac offers walking tours of 3 or 5 hours to see the green in Lima. Be careful, you can only go there on weekends and only until 11 am. On the spot there are paths of interpretation that you have to follow with a local guide (departures early in the morning). The price is for the whole group and is low. We advise you to take a guide just for you. The site is difficult to access without a car and it is necessary to reserve your visit. It is also possible to camp on site.

Huanano, located at km 67 of the Carretera Central, is a 30 meter waterfall that can be rappelled down. Don't forget a change of clothes and a second pair of shoes. Songos are natural slides that you can descend on the rock. They are a little below at the height of the km 64 of the Carretera Central. There also agencies organize day tours on weekends. Guaranteed sun in this zone when Lima is under the gray, one is with approximately 2 100 meters of altitude what does not require an important adaptation.

At 3 hours drive from Lima, in the province of Huarochiri, we find the spectacular landscape of the Cañón de Autisha: a 200 meters descent where we thread our way between two huge walls and then begin a path in the darkness towards the Sheke waterfall and its underground lagoon in which we can bathe. We go there equipped with helmets and ropes, the last 50 meters are done by abseiling. It is a day trip organized from Lima on weekends. The Puente de Autisha is also a place known to make the big jump with Puenting Peru.

Those who stay longer and like physical challenges will enjoy this 8 to 10 hour round trip hike. When the weather is good, a quite incredible show is offered to you: the 360° view on the mountains, the Veronica peak and this impeccable Inca door at the top. So there is not only the Door of the Sun of Machu Picchu, but also this one just as amazing. This confidential excursion is to be organized through an agency or a trusted driver.

Here, people come to take mud baths. This black mud is composed of 32 different mineral elements and is known for its benefits for the skin. So, you put on your bathing suit and spread it from top to bottom before rinsing off and getting a soft skin. On site, there are also small pebble pools and a pretty little lagoon bordered by green jungle: a place to enjoy a real moment of relaxation.

One of the natural wonders of the region, this 771 meter waterfall that rises from the vegetation. It shares the spotlight with Yumbilla, which is even more impressive, but more difficult to access. Here is how to get there easily:

From Cocachimba: from the village you can see Gocta clearly on the mountain in front of you, but the objective is to reach the foot of the waterfall. Count 2 hours of walking downhill (5 km) rather easy. The hardest part is then to go back up. The locals offer horses for rent and they are welcome (count about S/40). The owners pull the horses with a light step, so you don't need to be an expert in horse riding.

If you are doing it alone, take the opportunity to leave early before the many agency groups that start at 9am.

From San Pablo, wemakes a loop. You walk from San Pablo to the birth of the first waterfall (flat path, about 2 hours), you follow the waterfall downhill (about 2 hours and a half downhill), then you arrive at the foot of the waterfall like everyone else and you go back up to Cocachimba. In the village of San Pablo, there are also local guides available to accompany you. This loop will take you all day. You can also do the last part on horseback since you will be following the same path as those who left Cocachimba.

Agencies sell "full day "packages with transportation to and from Chachapoyas and Cocachimba, a "self-paced" ride and lunch.

These petroglyphs are located about 30 minutes from Tacna and are quite scattered, but the landscape is nice. Located in the San Francisco desert, to get there, you cross a 65 meter long suspension bridge. The organized tours from Tacna, usually include: a visit to the city center, the petroglyphs, a pisco tasting and finally a stop at the hot baths (shared pool S/ 8 and private bath S/ 10). This is the easiest and cheapest way to see everything in half a day.

We detail here the program of the trek day by day if you organize it through an agency.

Day 1: Cusco - Calca - Lares.Transportation usually leaves early, around 5:30 am. You have breakfast in Calca (2,940 meters), still in the Sacred Valley, and then the road starts to climb. You will then pass by Totora and Maucaupata. After about 4 hours of travel, you will arrive at Lares (3,200 meters) where you can enjoy the thermal baths (entrance fee S/ 15). After lunch, you will start your walk and after about 4 hours of walking, you will reach the camp of Wacahuasi at 3 600 meters.

Day 2: Wacahuasi - Ipsaycocha - Patacancha.After breakfast you will start the trek towards the second camp. You will climb to the highest point of this trek, 4,450 meters, and will be able to observe the peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray or Chicon. You will arrive at the lagoon of Ipsaycocha where you will have lunch at 4,100 meters. From this point on, the rest of the trek is a long descent. Then, in the afternoon, you will reach Patacancha. Here you will meet communities that will show you their hand woven costumes. Patacancha is a community open to rural tourism. They also have homestays and weaving workshops. The agencies sleep in tents, a little away from the village.

Day 3. Patacancha - Willoq - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes.You will pass by the archaeological remains of Qochapata and Punamarca. You will walk on a rocky road with little traffic and will also take some remains of the Inca Trail. At the end of the morning you will reach Ollantaytambo and join the flow of tourists taking the train to Aguas Calientes. The trek is really 2 days/2 nights, the last day you will do very little walking. Lunch included and train ride.

Day 4. Machu Picchu. Visit the site and return by train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

Mountain Lodges of Peru has also set up its luxurious lodges here, which allow for a very comfortable trek. The 5 days-4 nights formula costs between 1990 and 2 650 US$, it includes the visit to the archeological site of Pisaq, the night in their lodge of Lamay, the trek of Lares with night in their lodge of Wacahuasi and finally 2 nights in very comfortable hotels of Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, full board, visit to Machu Picchu and train of return A 7 days version allows to explore more the Sacred Valley and the villages and landscapes. Infos : mountainlodgesofperu.com

It is the highest dune on the continent! Its white mass, culminating at 2,080 m above ocean level, can be seen from all points of the plain. You can make there, just like in Huacachina, of the sandboard. Organized excursion with buggy and sandboard for about 70 US$ the day. Be careful : count 3 hours to reach the top. Today it is possible to undertake a buggy excursion to the Duna la Marcha or the Desierto de Usaka - contact Alegria Tours (45 US$ for a 4 hour tour ✆ +51 956 640 619 - alegriatoursperu.com).

One of the most famous treks in the world.

Following the two narrow and deep valleys that split the Cordillera Blanca, this great classic is 50 km long and can be done in 3 or 4 days, with a guide (from S/ 600 per person with an agency including the bus trip at the departure and arrival, food and tent, be careful with the choice of the agency : low prices often hide something). The road (by car) passes the Laguna de Llanganuco, to go down by el Valle Morococha, to the hamlet of Colcabamba (3 300 m). It is from here that the walk begins: by the Huaripacapa valley, under the Taulliraju nevado (5,830 m). We then camp in the Quebrada de Paria, at 3 800 m, where it is not impossible to see, at dawn, vicuñas, deer or a spectacled bear. Once rested, we climb to the Punta Unión pass, at 4,750 m, from where we can observe the division of waters between the Pacific and the Atlantic and appreciate the immaculate whiteness of the nevados engulfed in clouds: Artesonraju (6,025 m), Quitaraju (6,035 m), Rinrijirca (5,800 m). A prehispanic path leads from here to the Santa Cruz valley; on the right stretches the Laguna Taullicocha, in the distance the Alpamayo, further down, at the confluence of the Santa Cruz and Arhuaycocha valleys, the campsite. The next day, after having passed by the Lagunas Hatuncocha and Ichipcocha, we arrive at the end of the journey at the village of Cashapampa, 18 km from Caraz and one of the only villages of the Callejón de Huaylas to have escaped the 1970 earthquake.

Located in the top of the village, the thermal baths seem very tempting after the four days spent on the "Camino del Inca" and the tepid shower of your hotel, but beware of the mosquitoes... One can find more rustic thermal baths with charm in Colca or in Santa Teresa for example for those who do the Inca Jungle Trek. These are rather modern, but once in the sulphurous waters between 38 and 46 °C, you can get used to the panorama, the vegetation very close. Very busy in the evening. Less during the day.

Day 1 : departure from Cabanaconde, 4 to 5 hours of descent to Llahuar. Small camping Llahuar (Robert +51 956 271 333). And, next to it, the Balcones del Colca.

Day 2 : from Llahuar, 2h climb to Apacheta then 2h to Fure. Here, not many inhabitants, better to have a tent.
Day 3 : return trip to the Huaruro waterfall : 2h climb, 1h descent. Then from Fure, 2h of descent to the oasis.
Day 4 : return to Cabanaconde from the oasis of Sangalle. Very nice, but much more touristic (5 to 6h walk, leave early in the morning, it's hot and it goes up).

Located at an altitude of 945 m, these baths are appreciated for their medicinal properties. The colourless, odourless water, at a temperature of between 32 and 40°C, is said to be ideal for the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, muscular pains and stress. There are also two swimming pools, a restaurant and a children's playground. Quieter during the week. From here continue to Waqanki Orchid Garden or Fundo Alegria for lunch.

Located in the Protección del Alto Mayo forest, at the foot of Cerro Oromina, these sulphur baths (cold, naturally sulphurous water) are known for the many therapeutic properties of their waters. Nearby, you can visit the Cueva del amor (Cave of Love) and the Asnacyacu waterfall, which is characterized by its natural pool of cool, crystalline water. The complex has been renovated and is a great half-day excursion.

The first day: departure from the pampa of San Miguel, count 3 hours of descent until San Juan de Chuccho, then 30 minutes of climbing until Tapay.
The second day: leave in the morning, you will start with one hour of descent from Tapay to Malata by way of Cosñihua, then another 2 to 3 hours until the oasis. Note that you can also get to Malata by road, there are one or two combis that pass by each day. If you want to continue to Cabanaconde, don't leave after 2pm from the oasis to avoid walking in the night.

Waqrapukara with its two towers that form like two peaks that dominate the valley impresses. The agencies leave Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 am to reach the community of Pitumarka. On the way, we stop for breakfast in Cusipata. We continue for a few more unpaved kilometers and then we start the hike (2.5 km, about 1.5 hours) with ascents and descents, lagoons, and finally a viewpoint with a view of the Waqrapukara. Visit of the site. These landscapes blown by the wind are part of the reward. Return to Cusco around 6pm.

This tour that leaves from Cusco also stops at the archaeological areas of Killarumiyoc and Tarawasi. Once in Chonta, if the weather is clear, we can see the Salkantay and Huamantay glaciers. After walking for about 1 hour, we reach a privileged observation site that overlooks the canyon from 1,500 meters. The walk is on flat ground, on the side of the mountain (be careful with vertigo). Departure from Cusco around 8:30 am, lunch included, return around 8 pm. Take or rent binoculars.

There is an access to Machu Picchu Pueblo through the jungle, an alternative route that many travelers take backpack to avoid taking the train, but beyond that this road that plunges from the peaks to the hilly jungle is an experience that combines climates and landscapes. Here are the steps to follow:

Take a colectivo from the Quillabamba terminal in Cusco in direction of Santa María (4h drive and S/ 30), the best is to book your seats the day before. Then, take another colectivo to Santa Teresa (2h of track and S/ 10) for a splendid but dangerous road. The road has become more popular and there are also direct minivans to S/40. You can sleep in Santa Teresa in a basic hotel or in the Ecoquechua Lodge (www.ecoquechua.com) and enjoy the splendid thermal baths of Colcamayo (more beautiful than those of Aguas Calientes). Note that you can also do this part on foot: Inca trail, sublime hike along the river and coffee plantations. Those who want to try it also have the possibility of facing the course of zipline of Cola de Mono (www.canopyperu.com).

The idea is then to walk 2 hours to the Hydro Electrica water station (truck or colectivo go there for S/ 5 extra, but you might as well walk, the path is nice). In order not to take the wrong path, take the stairs down to the river, then cross it with the elevator. Just in case, a wooden bridge allows you to cross the riverbut much further on the right.

Finally, remain 10 km along the rail road (in fact, one walks even on it, there is no path, then be vigilant to the possible passages of trains and attention to the fragile ankles) until Aguas Calientes. It is necessary to walk in the power station by borrowing the metallic bridge to join the railroad. Be careful: you should not follow the track below, but, when you approach the exit of the power station, take a small path which leaves on the right between the trees: you join another track, which is the good one. After approximately 2 hours of road, you will reach the Ruinas bridge which marks the entrance to Aguas Calientes .

This route is also sold by the agencies under the name of Jungle Trail in formula 4 days-3 nights. Descent by mountain bike and rafting. Night in Santa María. Hiking. Night in Santa Teresa. Zipline and walking. Night in Aguas Calientes. Visit to Machu Picchu. Return train to Ollantaytambo.

If there is a sport that you don't think about when you go to Peru, it is this one. But the sandy desert around the oasis lends itself well to it! The expedition is done in a buggy: the descents and the ascents in these uneven expanses of innumerable dunes already provoke strong emotions. Then, at the top of a "wall" of sand, we put on a wooden board. If the fear is less than the one experienced at the top of a snow wall, the technique is not simple. After a few runs, you will look like a sandman, you just have to master the speed.

Gocta had barely achieved fame and recognition when another name was whispered: Yumbilla. At 896 metres, it is one of the top five highest waterfalls in the world according to the World Waterfall Database. And it is located further north, near the village of Cuispes, about 30 minutes by motorcycle taxi from Pedro Ruiz. Which one to see? Both would be ideal. Even though Gocta is not as high and only consists of two waterfalls, the panoramic view from the Cocachimba viewpoint makes for a beautiful and unique picture. But Yumbilla does not lack assets, less known, wilder and more impressive. A muddy but flat path of 4 km (1h30-2h) leads to the bottom of the^first jump and to the beginning of the^second one, not without having seen two smaller waterfalls on the way. Another trek leads to the foot of the beautiful one where a natural cave has formed, amazing. And a^third one at the top of the mountain where it originates, at the bottom of a cave and a stream lined with white sand. And this is without mentioning Pavilion and Chinata, the twin sisters of Yumbilla, other waterfalls that can be seen from the road and that can also be approached... In short, Yumbilla is a series of adventures and explorations, in the heart of the cloud forest, also pleasing for the flora (orchids, bromeliads, trees covered with moss, ferns) and the large number of birds seen on the way. It is not one but several waterfalls, in the heart of what is now known as El valle de las cataratas.

At 20 km from Moquegua, a surprising mountain, with a flat top like the mesas of Arizona. The Cochunas had installed a fortress there in which they resisted 55 days to the siege of the Incas of Mayta Capác, before giving in, starving. Climbing the 600 m difference in altitude (2,600 m), by a steep path, is a very feasible exercise and will take you about 1 hour. At the top, there is a panoramic view of the plain and the foothills of the Cordillera. The summits of Cerro Baúl and Cerro Mejia are adjacent. Terraces on the side of the mountains and channels of the Huari period.