Tag: Machu Picchu

Top Destinations for Vacationing in the Andes in 2021

Top Destinations for Vacationing in the Andes in 2021

As we slowly return to normalcy, 2021 offers the possibility of again exploring the world around us. One of the sites worth discovering is the longest continental mountain range in the world: The Andean highlands, which stretch the length of South America’s western coast. Amazingly long (4,300 miles in length), and surprisingly thin (between 120 to 430 miles wide), the Andes is also the world’s highest mountain range outside of Asia …high enough to leave you breathless in more ways than one.

The Andes extend from north to south through seven South American countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Within this region are of several high plateau, some of which host major cities that are ideal destinations for a 2021 summer vacation.

The following five Andean cities deserve special consideration for those seeking unforgettable Latin American travel experiences ahead.

Bogotá, Colombia

Today, as the Colombian Tourist Board’s slogan boasts, “The only risk in visiting Colombia is wanting to stay.” While this expression acknowledges the country’s turbulent past, it also highlights the new feeling of hope and optimism that defines travel experiences here.

This new spirit is no more apparent than in the nation’s vibrant and passionate capital city of Bogota. Home to 10 million people, Bogota’s energy as the metropolitan heart of Colombia is in part fueled by its hundreds of eclectic dining hot-spots, fantastic wines, and increasingly frequent “foodie” festivals. Whether you visit its historic Candelaria district or go on an indulgent shopping adventure on the city’s North Side, Bogota is well worth a visit.

Medellin, Colombia

This is another Colombian city deserving of serious consideration and a good look. Though infamous 30 years back for dangerous gangs and drug activity, Medellin has been transformed: It’s now a vibrant destination for travelers seeking a culturally rich vacation.

The city’s pleasant climate has earned it the nickname of the “City of Eternal Spring,” putting pep in the step of locals and visitors alike. Meanwhile, the city’s skyline seems to grasp for the heavens, as the clean lines of modern high-rise apartment contrast sharply against a backdrop of jagged mountain peaks. This bounce is especially apparent on weekends, when Medellin lets its hair down. This is when the city’s throngs of discos attract some of the most beautiful people in all of Latin America.

Quito, Ecuador

With a historic district considered the most beautiful city in all of South America, Quito is the jewel in Ecuador’s crown. Ensconced in a long and narrow Andean valley, while skirted by the peaks of the area’s “Avenue of the Volcanos,” most travelers sense of a wave of sheer awe the moment they touch down in the Ecuadorian capital city.

Because of its remarkable colonial architecture, the city was designated the planet’s first UNESCO World Heritage City in 1978 (ahead of cities like Bruges Belgium and Venice, Italy). Strolling through its narrow, cobblestone streets is like taking a journey back in time. Only a 20-minute walk from the history “old town” is Quito’s modern “new town.” A completely different world, here you will come upon trendy cafés, international restaurants, travel agencies, cybercafés, bars, and small hotels. For travelers, its heart is the colorful Mariscal Sucre district, which definitely lives up to its nickname of gringolandia (“gringo land”), though locals also flock here in droves on the weekend.

[As an aside, keep in mind that Quito also serves as a convenient jumping-off point for traveling to the nearby Amazon rainforest as well as for taking a short flight to the country’s legendary Galapagos Islands.]

Machu Picchu

Still the uncontested Mecca of Latin America, Machu Picchu reigns supreme. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent. This fabled “lost city of the Incas,” is South America’s greatest attraction, one that draws ever-increasing numbers of visitors from across the globe.

The attraction of Machu Picchu (which in the Quechua language means “old mountain”) is apparent: this 550-year old citadel was constructed by the most advanced pre-Columbian society. There is still no agreed-upon explanation as to how the Incas could have moved 20-ton stones to the top of the fortress … a mystery that adds to this uniquely spiritual and beautiful site.

Rising to 7,973 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is high; so high in the clouds that this awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards. Machu Picchu is also large. The ruins are the size of a small village, and —combined with the adjoining jungle and wilderness park — its area covers more than 116 square miles. Though the Incas carefully concealed Machu Picchu, it is no longer the “Lost City.” These days, you can reach it by high-speed train or a more labored two- to four-day trek. But no matter how you get there, though, Machu Picchu will remain unequaled in its mystery and magic.

Bolivia

“Nuestra Señora de La Paz,” commonly known as La Paz, is the Bolivian capital city that’s dizzying in every respect. Located in western Bolivia at an altitude of 3,650 meters (almost two miles above sea level), its height alone is enough to induce a touch of vertigo. At the same time, its striking beauty — with the city’s buildings clinging to the sides of a canyon and spilling spectacularly downwards — is likely to leave you woozy. Overlooking all of this is the towering triple-peaked Illimani Mountain, always snow-covered and visible from many parts of the city on clear days.

Bolivia’s harsh mountain landscapes and thick Amazonian jungles impeded Spanish conquest and large-scale European immigration, which has meant that La Paz has suffered few changes. You can see this in the way indigenous peoples of the city have managed to retain many of their traditions, while villages around the capital have remained virtually untouched for centuries. The result is that many people consider La Paz the most quintessentially South American capital city. You can absorb all of this by wander at your leisure through the alleyway and lively markets, marvel at the city’s fascinating museums, chat with the locals while having lunch in a comedor, or relax over some freshly brewed coffee in a neighborhood café.

(In addition to this colorful capital city, the jaw-dropping Uyuni salt flat is just a few short hours away)

In sum, on a summer vacation to this region, you’ll find snowcapped Andes Mountains towering above you as they seem to glow in the moonlight. The Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia or Peru are well suited for everything from active travel adventures to indulgent shopping and dining in its big cities. The Andes are also perfect for more relaxed activities like city exploring, hikes, and archeological digs. All of this earns this region definite consideration when planning your 2021 summer vacation.

10 Spectacular Tours of Peru (Part 2) | Surtrek S.A. Travel

10 Spectacular Tours of Peru (Part 2) | Surtrek S.A. Travel

In the Part 1 article of this article on Peru tours, we presented the first five of what we consider “must-see” travel destinations in Peru. Here, we continue with another five destinations that upscale travelers in particular will find well worth uncovering in this “Land of Hidden Treasures.”

In Part 2, we continue with the following five destinations:

1. Arequipa: The White City

The second biggest city in Peru, Arequipa is known as the “White City” thanks to its unique architecture, which is why the city’s historic district has been a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site for more than a decade. Its historic district embodies a rich mix of the indigenous and Spanish colonial cultures. Examples of Spanish colonial architecture can be found throughout the city center, characterized by charming streets, and colorful facades, and flower-filled parks. The entire city of Arequipa is surrounded by three picturesque volcanoes, the most imposing being the Misti Volcano, a snowcapped figure that will accompany you throughout the city. Meanwhile, the beautiful countryside is bathed in the picturesque Chilli River. Arequipa’s eternal spring means that any time of the year is perfect for visiting. All of this explains why Arequipa has long been a popular Peruvian tour destination; a charming destination and a well worthwhile destination, Arequipa is also a great jumping-off point for heading to Colca Canyon.

2. Colca Canyon: Scoot over Grand Canyon!

Much deeper than the Grand Canyon, reaching down 4,160 meters, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest in the world and therefore one of the most popular tourist attractions in Peru. From the canyon’s Cruz del Condor viewpoint, you can develop an equally deep appreciation for the immensity of this astounding place, as well as a have chance to witness majestic Andean Condors in flight. Possessing more than the amazing sightseeing, there’s something for everyone here, everything from vibrant culture to extreme sports.

3. Explore the Peruvian Amazon onboard a Floating Boutique Hotel

The Peruvian Amazon is not naturally inviting. Thoughts of impenetrable jungle, poisonous plants, flesh-eating fish, insufferable heat, and high humidity aren’t easy to contend with. In reality, though, this river and region are filled with attractions like its extraordinary biodiversity, fascinating indigenous cultures, and exotic jungle life untouched by civilization as we know it. To open this area up to the more demanding traveler, a tour on an Amazon riverboat allows you to visit these remote ecosystems while enjoying all the comforts, commodities, and services of a 5-star boutique hotel. On a luxury cruise in the Peruvian Amazon, you can enjoy an expansive observation deck, outdoor Jacuzzis, and an alfresco lounge after having trekked into the jungle to meet with remote indigenous communities, listen to howler monkeys, and view parrot clay licks. A Peruvian Amazon riverboat cruise is one of the most memorable times you could ever hope to experience.

4. Ballestas Islands: The “Other Galapagos”

A must-see for all wildlife lovers, the Ballestas Islands are a group of rocky islands located off the Pacific coast near the town of Paracas. Home to thousands of birds and mammals — including penguins, sea lions, Inca terns, and pelicans — this abundant wildlife has earned these islands the nickname of “The Poor Man´s Galapagos,” as they constitute a unique experience for those who unable to travel to the Galapagos. Don’t be put off though; the area possesses some of the most upscale and elegant accommodations you’ll find anywhere in Peru.

5. Nazca Lines

Sitting quietly on a high arid plateau of Peru’s northern Pacific coast is one of the earth’s greatest mysteries. Here you can discover the Nazca Desert, world-famous for its more than 70 ancient geoglyph drawings of animals and other shapes. So large that almost all of them can only be seen from the air, these drawings — called the “Nazca Lines” — are found between the towns of Nazca and Palpa. Created between 200 B.C. and 700 A.D., these range from simple lines to stylized figures of spiders, lizards, monkeys, and even people. Thanks to the dry, windless and stable climate of the Nazca Desert, these lines have remained uncovered up through today. For an incredible out-of-body Peru tour experience, travelers can witness these enigmatic patterns by taking an early morning flight in a light aircraft, or by viewing three of the figures from an observation tower along the Pan-American Highway.

10 Spectacular Tours of Peru (part 1) | Surtrek S.A. Travel

10 Spectacular Tours of Peru (part 1) | Surtrek S.A. Travel

Peru tours have long been a backpacker’s paradise, however this “Empire of Hidden Treasures” has now entered into the limelight as a must-see travel destination for upscale travelers as well. From riverboat expeditions deep in its exotic rainforest to journeys along its vast coastal desert – traveling via the breathtaking peaks of the Andes in between – Peru tours provide a staggering variety of places to visit. Indeed, Peru is a country that offers something for everyone. In this “Part 1” article, here are the first 5 of our 10 favorite spots.

1. Machu Picchu: The Mecca of South American Travel

The thought of a Peru tour typically evokes the image of this country’s emblematic Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Inca.” Peru’s most popular tourist attraction, and one of the planet’s most perplexing archaeological enigmas, Machu Picchu is located 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level in the Andes Mountains, which begs the existential question as to how many of its stone blocks, some weighing more than 50 tons, reached the site and were cut and fitted together in such a precise manner. A UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site and one of today’s Seven Wonders of the World.

For its breathtaking beauty situated in such rugged geography, amazed and entranced visitors make their once-in-a-lifetime Peru tour pilgrimage to this site to contemplate its houses, temples, fountains, and baths, in addition to agricultural terraces and evidence of an irrigation system. Most leave with only one word to describe the experience: “incomparable.”

2. Cusco: The historic capital of the Inca Empire

Typically a jumping-off point for exploring the nearby Machu Picchu citadel and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is a destination that should definitely not be shortchanged in haste during a Peru tour. The historic capital of the Inca Empire, the city possesses pre-Columbian buildings that earned it UNESCO’s “World Heritage Site” designation. Inca palaces of supreme beauty will be part of your daily walk through the streets, as will be the fine plazas, splendid churches, and denizens who are welcoming of visitors. The heart of the city is the main square, the “Plaza de Armas,” which is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and churches, while just outside the city limits is an important Inca site known as Sacsayhuaman, an enormous walled complex constructed of large limestone boulders. All of this makes Cusco one of the most important Peru tours.

3. “Sacred Valley of the Inca” (Urubamba Valley)

Together with Machu Picchu, Urubamba Valley (also known as the “Sacred Valley of the Inca”) is one of the must-experience Peru tours. Though the valley roughly lies between Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco, its altitude is more than 600 meters lower, thereby providing it with a warmer micro-climate and allowing travelers to better acclimatize to the region’s high altitudes. A visit here allows one to truly appreciate the grandeur and high level of development of the Inca civilization.

Once the heartland of the Inca Empire, today this area is the site of numerous archaeological remains and several typical indigenous villages, where you can get a sense of authentic day-to-day Andean life. These sites include the Inca towns of Písac and Ollantaytambo, with their stone-paved streets, stairways, arches, and atmospheric plazas; the Artisania and Chinchero markets, the Chincero Church… and so much more.

4. Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands of Uros

In ancient Andean cultures, Lake Titicaca is considered the birthplace of the Sun God, and today its shores and islands remain the home to peoples such as the Aymaras and Quechuas, who are amongst Peru’s oldest ethnic groups, who predate the Incas by a thousand years. This means that traveling to this lake will allow you to explore traditional villages where Spanish is a second language and where ancient myths and beliefs still hold true. In addition, you will see for yourself that this mystical and fascinating lake is South America’s largest (at 8,372 km2, or 3,232 miles2) and is the world’s highest navigable body of water (at 3,856 meters above sea level). Beyond the touristy, a good Peru tour operator can introduce you to an authentic cultural experience at this idyllic destination.

5. Lima: A World Center of Gourmet Fusion Cuisine

Hungry for Peru? Get a taste of both local life and local cuisine with any visit to Lima. Recognized worldwide, the capital city’s food scene is hot, but it’s not just a flash in the stove-top pan. In recent years it has been widely touted as one of the world’s culinary hotspots, offering an array of exotic tastes that appeal to demanding palates.

Lima’s laidback yet vibrant dining scene ranges from backstreet cevicherías to gourmet restaurants. And when you combine these restaurants with local peñas, great casinos, salsa discos, pubs, and great nightclubs, you have combinations that can’t be beaten. Lima itself is Peru’s largest city. Known as “The City of Kings,” this sprawling metropolis possesses an architectural blend of pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern infrastructure. Its historic district features fascinating attractions that consist of colonial-era churches, monasteries, Spanish palaces, and one of the oldest universities in the Americas. Perched on scenic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you will find upscale residential districts such as Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco (“the Cliff”), which each offering an abundance of plush hotels and trendy restaurants for your Peru tour.

To discover Peru tour travel experiences like these found from the heights of Machu Picchu to the depths of the Sacred Valley, we suggest that you select a knowledgeable tour operator such as Surtrek, who can work with you to custom design such adventures. Our expert travel coordinators will help you to plan and seamlessly carry out a tour that introduces you to the real – authentic – Peru and South America, and in a sustainable manner that leaves the most minimal impact on this nature-rich continent.