Discovering the Captivating Landscape of Peru | Travel Documentary and Guide

[Music] thank you thank you [Music] [Music] Peru is the country situated in the Pacific side of South America it's a convergence of varying environments climate geography culture and culinary Excellence this diversity and landscape and Rich cultural heritage dating back to the ancient Inca civilization is defined by the Andes these Mountains run north south dividing the country into four broad climactic regions they're the coast the Andean Highlands the Eastern lowlands and the Amazon rainforest Peru in my opinion is one of the only few countries with an extraordinary geography for its size this country accounts for 13 of the 32 climactic zones which puts Peru in fourth for the most climatically diverse country in the world only sitting behind countries much larger in size such as the US China and India this making Peru a hot spot for exploration and Adventure Seekers as many of the different regions can be accessed within one country in a relatively short distance is bordered in the north by Ecuador and Colombia Brazil in the East Bolivia and the southeast Chile in the South and the Pacific Ocean along its West the country's vast mineral Agriculture and Marine Resources have long served as economic foundations of the country and by the late 20th century Peru had become a major tourist destination it's home to 12 UNESCO world heritage sites and 84 of the planet's 117 life zones Spanish is the official language of Peru however 47 indigenous language are spoken in the country including quechua and aymara while the Inca is the most well known Peru is home to a plethora of civilization dating back earlier than the Inca Empire the Spanish is the official language Communication in English isn't quite difficult especially in tourist areas such as Lima Cusco Aguas Calientes and the Desert Oasis of huacina but one should familiarize themselves with basic Spanish and phrases this goes not only for Peru but any country you visit important phrases to know in Spanish are hola gracias no gracias Banos menu comida cuanto no hablo espanol por favor and many more it's also helpful to know the numerals 1-10 I would also recommend downloading the Google Translate app as stated climates and weather are vast and they vary someone should research what the weather is like the month they're going for each region they're visiting with that said essentials to bring regardless of the location and weather are shorts all-weather pants all-weather jacket rain poncho hat chapstick sunglasses gloves a wind resistant mask nail clippers and comfortable shoes that can double as casual and for trekking Kuru uses type A B and C power plugs and operates at 220 volts and 60 hertz while much of the Northern parts of Peru operate in types A and B parts of the region in the southern parts of Peru operate on type c power plugs however sometimes you'll find other countries power plugs when staying at hotels and hostels the official currency of Peru is the soul or Solas however the US dollars is sometimes accepted but there may be a disadvantage of using US dollars as exchange rates fluctuate banknotes come in denominations of 10 20 50 100 and 200 Solas while the coins come in denominations of 1 2 5 and 10 Solas as well as 5 10 20 and 15 centamos tipping isn't wildly common in Peru however high-end restaurants do expect a tip out of all the things to tip I do recommend tipping your tour guide prices for foreigners tend to be inflated at local markets and Street vendors so make sure to barter as it's common practice modes of transportation will depend where you're at but common transportations are taxis Ubers tuk-toks buses Vans and shuttles called colectivos you can also rent a car or a motorbike for long distance travel from Lima to Cusco you'll have to take a one-hour flight on this journey I didn't rent a car or a motorbike though after coming home I realized the best way to travel Peru is by road trip there's just too many destinations and different sceneries in Peru road tripping would greatly help with that as well as bring a more authentic experience the next time I'm in Peru this will be the way I travel by car or by motorbike tourism in Peru is quite popular so beware the destinations you're heading to may not be pleasant as they most likely will become tourist traps plan accordingly and always try to go early when doors open to any sites ruins tours and any excursions and trekking you're thinking of doing is it cheap to visit Peru yes or no while many things here are cheap compared to the prices in the states there are also many things that are not when it comes to travel cost it can be as cheap as you want or expensive as you want so budget accordingly budget for flights lodging Transportation food activities and souvenirs Peru has many things to offer whether you are Solo Traveler couple group over the family this country is as vast as it is distinct thank you [Music] this Capital by the bay is a convergence of culture and trends of its people in geography here visitors can find every corner of Peru represented in some form or another located in the country's area Pacific Coast it's made up of 43 districts and is a bustling City that's home to more than 10 million people it was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 but indigenous population has settled in the area around it for thousands of years even with the recent protests in the 21st century Lima has relatively enjoyed a prolonged period of political and economic stability this Metropolis is filled with both colonial era architecture and modern day skyscrapers numerous museums Galleries and historical landmarks are scattered throughout the city Lima is the gateway to Peru and most likely will be your first destination before heading anywhere else in the country upon Landing in Lima one thing that's surprising is how reddish brown the entire landscape is while researching and seeing many photos of Lima it's another thing to experience it firsthand being an international City visitors won't find Communication in English difficult there are a plethora of things to do in Lima from relaxing at the beach to visiting historic sites museums galleries restaurants and the buzzing nightlife this Metropolis is not only an international City but a Melting Pot with a long history of migration from all parts of the world including Asia Europe and Africa not to mention the internal migration of the many indigenous people within Peru when it comes to food this translates to a diverse and Rich culinary culture Peru is in the midst of a gastronomic boom and Lima is the epicenter filled with a variety of delectable Cuisine what the city is known for is its delicious Seafood so make sure to try their Seafood option in the menu but whatever you're in the mood for Lima has got your taste buds covered one of the first places I recommend visiting is Costa Verde the stretch of road is both the highway and a Scenic walkway that stretches from Kayo to churilios located on top of the Cliffside overlooking the Pacific are the districts of Miraflores in barranco Miraflores is a residential and upscale shopping district here visitors will find the luxuries of a modern city this location is Lively and more centralized to the action but does have areas where it's quiet and mellow wandering through Miraflores one can encounter families hanging out at the park and along the coastline it's quite a safe place both day and night there's also a shopping center located right on the edge of the cliff this Coastline neighborhood reminds me a lot of San Francisco and the Bay Area with its mellow Vibe rolling fog miss the atmosphere and overall comfortable weather though it is much cleaner than San Francisco if you only have a limited time in Lima this is the place I recommend visiting the neighborhoods of Mira Flores barranco and San Miguel have access to the coastline walkway some of the things to do in Miraflores are walk along Costa Verde go to the beach surf go fishing bike ride paragliding shopping visit local markets and taste the countless cafes and restaurants available next door to Miraflores is the District of barango this place has an artistic Vibe with murals scattered throughout the district and is home to many of Peru's leading artists musicians designers and photographers it's also known to have many cafes and bakeries throughout the district while at neighbors Mir Flores barranco is a lot quieter and more relaxed overall barranco is quite safe specially towards the coast but does have certain areas that warrants more caution when wandering though I never felt unsafe wherever I walked this region has two distinct Seasons which are summer and winter with transitional periods in between winter runs from June to October and Summer from January to March the best time to visit is between December and April with temperatures that go as high as 80 degrees though it does get humid with a city located in High Desert it never gets proper rain but rather experiences drizzle when it comes to Transportation you'll find many available including taxi collectivos Uber Airport Shuttle bike rental car rentals and tukdukes you can also rent a motorbike if you're planning to motorbike through the country colectivos cost as little as one US dollars but make frequent stops Uber is also a very convenient way to get from one place to another and is also quite cheap but an important thing to know when using Uber especially at the airport is they don't vet their drivers as well as they do in the states so you might get a sketchy ride once the car arrives double check the license the vehicle and the driver if you don't feel comfortable you can always cancel the pickup while I didn't have any bad experiences drivers usually don't follow the route on the app but rather take back roads and longer routes overall they're fairly safe but just use caution my recommendation is to take a taxi to and from the airport they have a good reputation and they're licensed once you've landed you can take one of the several taxis outside the airport taxi drivers will be lined up in front of the gates just look for a badge or go to the air Port concierge and request a taxi taxis to Miraflores is about 21 US Dollars it's about a 45 minute to an hour drive Uber is about 10 US Dollars which is half the cost of a taxi but isn't as reputable as taxi drivers once you're situated and have all your luggage at your accommodation I recommend taking Uber thereafter Lima being an international City one can find accommodation for most budgets if it's your first time in Lima places to look for lodging Almira Flores Bronco or San Miguel lodging when confined range from Couchsurfing work stays hostels that range from 10 US dollars a night entire airbnbs from 30 to 70 US dollars a night as well as hotels and luxurious resources that start around 400 US Dollars and up on this journey I stayed at the neighborhoods of mere Flores and barranco this was Giovanni's Place located in Miraflores that cost 40 a night this entire place was clean furnished and its communication was excellent this two-story condo is located in a quiet neighborhood the building is gated with security at the main entrance the best thing about this condo is the windowed wall though there isn't much to see outside across it is another condo if you're staying in Mira Flores I recommend checking this place out links to lodging in the description below [Music] exploring the streets of Lima specifically Mira Flores and barranco I really like the vibe here I would go as far as consider living in Miraflores but that's coming from someone who loves overcast weather rainfall and Misty mornings from its stunning Coastline in Rich cultural heritage to the vibrant nightlife a delicious Cuisine there's so much to discover in Lima if you want to ease into your adventure in Peru wandering around Lima is a great place to start before venturing off in other regions of the country [Music] barakas is a small coastal town located about 152 miles away from Lima in the Ika province of Peru the small fishing town is a jumping off point to Islas baistas and home to the parakas National Reserve this National Reserve is the oldest Marine reserve in Peru and consists of 2 355 hectares of area the main village of el Chaco is quite small filled with hotels hostels restaurants and storefronts since this is a fishing Community I would suggest trying a seafood dish such as ceviche activities you'll find here are Dune bugging sandboarding sledding and visiting the Inka Tambo Colorado ruins but the main attraction of this town is the access to the islands getting to the island you'll need to purchase a ticket and have a tour boat take you there it costs around 15 US dollars for the tour you'll then hop on a speedboat and make your way to the Batista's Islands a bit of caution if you're easily seasick I recommend sitting on the outside of the boat or ask for a bag from one of the boat operators islands are about 30 to 45 minutes away as you make your way to the islands you'll encounter several birds flying by [Music] as the boat approaches the peninsula on your left is one of the many Nazca Lines etched into the Earth these lines are a group of geoglyphs made in the soil of the Nazca desert throughout the southern parts of Peru this particular glyph is called the paracas candelebra and is measured to about 590 feet in length this one is about 2500 years old and its meaning remains a mystery they were created by the Nazca culture one of the many pre-columbian civilization of Peru these lines were designated in a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. they are best viewed by plane as the boat cruises further into the ocean the closer to the island you get Islas bayistas is known as the Peruvian Galapagos or the poor man's Galapagos because of its fractional cause to get here compared to the Galapagos Island located in Ecuador and unlike the Galapagos Island you can't dock on Shore and walk around bayistas is made up of three major islands where visitors can witness several marine life in their habitat these include Penguins sea lions pelicans and many other bird species [Music] will also encounter some of Peru's iguana mines guano is an accumulation of seabird and bat excrement and before human intervention many of these bird droppings have accumulated for many years leading to formations of islands and mounds at Sea which ultimately became a high source of commodity they are mine for manure as guano is a highly effective fertilizer due to the high content of nitrogen phosphate and potassium which are all key nutrients that are essential to plant growth they are also to a lesser extent sought out for production of gunpowder and other explosives in the 19th century the Harvest and sale of Gano became a lucrative industry worldwide shipping to the United States Britain France and many other European countries from 1840 to 1870 Peru exported 12 million tons of guano worth 500 million US Dollars hence its nickname of white gold and paracas as the birthplace of This Global industry but like any mining activity it's labor intensive with this came a resource curse that exploited and undermined the lives of locals animals and the ecosystem from loosening and shoveling guano to purifying loading and filling up ships with this commodity it took an average of eight months as the price of Peruvian iguana increased countries began seeking lower cost alternative which led to the end of the guanaboo while the peak of iguana trade has come and gone these mines are still in operation and the white gold are still being dug the history of guano is quite fascinating and dark there are several documentaries about this subject if interested in learning more about this topic check the description below depending what time of the year you go you might experience the powerful stench long before reaching the islands this is the smell of guano with Colder Weather suppressing the odor [Music] thank you [Music] makachina is a village built around a small Oasis surrounded by sand dunes that can reach Heights of up to 1600 feet located in the southwestern parts of Peru within the province of Ika it's 10 minutes outside of the city of Ika one and a half hour drive from paracas in a four and a half hour drive from Lima this Oasis has been a long tourist attraction for locals but has seen a spike in foreigners visiting this area in recent years though this site sees many tourists daily it only has a permanent population of 100. the name comes from in quechua possibly shortened from wakachina gechua a literal translation of Hidden Lagoon it's also referred to as the Oasis of America foreign to locals the water and mud are therapeutic with healing powers where both locals and tourists can be seen bathing in an attempt to cure their ailments the lake itself was created by natural seepage from underground aquifers however an increase of well drilling started to threaten the supply in the early 2000s to preserve the Oasis local business groups began pumping water into the lake in 2015. a year later the government announced a Peruvian scientist would lead the project to restore the wakachina Lagoon but since 2020 no further news of the proposal has come to fruition the village is quite small one can walk through it in a matter of minutes but I would recommend staying here for two nights to soak up a scenery like many places in Peru it's mellow so take your time as the locals do if you're coming from a fast-paced society you'll notice how slow the service is compared to your own even when ordering a simple coffee just remember this is the pace for most of the country you're on vacation so slow down and appreciate the change in scenery [Music] The Village has many restaurants cafes and shops to choose from which are all family owned each one offering authentic and local dishes I don't have any food recommendations my only advice is to walk around the village see what each restaurant has on the menu and give it a try by large the lodging you'll find are hostels if you're not keen on staying at a hostel one may find hotels and airbnbs right outside of the village in the nearby town of Ika lodging ranges from 20 to 50 US dollars a night for private rooms and a hostel and 10 to 25 for dorms hotels and airbnbs range from 50 US dollars and up with cheaper accommodation in the nearby City that range from 20 to 80 US dollars a night if you're like myself where you value your peace time at the end of the day they do offer private rooms however if you've ever stayed at a hostel it's a revolving door of partying and can get pretty loud each night with that said I still do recommend staying at a hostel within the Oasis because it offers the convenience and access to the many activities you're here for be sure to book your lodging ahead of time as all the accommodations within the Oasis do fill up by midday with Nightfall one can party and mingle with locals and Newfound friends at the several bars and hostels around the Oasis waiting for it [Applause] [Music] once the bar closes you can find yourself in an underground three-story Rave I would have never guessed this place existed as a former DJ in raver this really made my trip an underground Rave at an oasis in the middle of the desert in Peru but that's just one of the many great things about traveling abroad and why I personally love traveling one never really knows where they'll end up each day and you're constantly living in the present [Applause] getting here one can either rent a car or motorbike from Lima take a public bus or Shuttle by tour with the latter being the easiest and most comfortable way to get here the tour I recommend is through peruha the staff is friendly and knowledgeable paired with like-minded Travelers I usually don't book too many tours and when I do I usually book private and not large groups as I can go my own pace however the store was well worth it the staff was genuinely enthusiastic about what they do and really love their country and want to show it off it puts the extra um in the experience because it makes it more personable and tailored this video is not sponsored by them I just genuinely had a great time you can find more information in the description below foreign [Music] is located in the ike region which is known for warm and dry climates essential things to bring are sunglasses hat a mask sunscreen ChapStick and nail clippers since the environment is high arid desert one may be prone to drier skin getting chapped lips and hangnails a windbreaker is also a good idea to have as it can get pretty windy [Music] the best time to visit the Oasis is during the dry season which runs from May to September during this time the weather is typically sunny and dry making it a perfect time to enjoy the many outdoor activities it offers one of these activities is riding a dune buggy if you've never ridden a dune buggy before it can feel pretty intense I would compare it to a roller coaster ride but with a feeling of Less in control since you're not on Rails time of making this video it was my third time Dune bugging it was well worth the experience I wish there was an option to rent out a buggy and drive it yourself I personally would have stayed longer if renting a buggy was an option [Music] other activities are sledding and sandboarding visitors can run a sandboard and boots at the village and take it up with them while Dune bugging if you've snowboarded before sandboarding is a completely different Beast sandboarding is a lot more cumbersome you constantly have to wax your board after every Sand Dune you hit otherwise you won't have control of the board and it won't slide is it worth sandboarding I personally don't think so at least on this trip but if you decide to try it I recommend bringing your normal shoes with you so you can switch off them and slide down the dunes instead [Music] I chose this destination because it looked unique and I wanted to experience what it would be like in a desert voices first hand not to mention the many opportunities of street photography what I got was much more than that this journey in this location in particular ignited my newfound fascination of sand dunes and desert this place sparked my curiosity of the amazing formation of sand dunes so much so that since wakachina I visited five other sand dunes and Counting you can see more of that in one of my other videos called our Long Walk links in the description below if you're planning a trip to Peru guacachino should be on top of your bucket list and if you're a seasoned Adventurer I would rent a motorbike and ride from north to south of the country [Applause] [Music] now [Music] Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire it has existed for over 3000 years and is the longest continuously inhabited City in the Americas today this city is Rich with culture and is a gateway to many outdoor adventurers the city is located in the southern part of Peru situated in the Andes mountains and altitude of around 11 000 feet above sea level with a subtropical Highland Climate that brings mild to warm days and cool windy nights getting here is about an hour and a half flight from Lima a one-way ticket can range from 35 to 75 US dollars visitors can see the many Spanish Colonial and Inca architecture scattered throughout the city as well as visit several museums galleries day markets restaurants and cafes as you walk through the cobblestone streets you'll encounter Street vendors artists performers as well as hagglers Cusco is a hot spot for tourism and with that comes many people trying to sell you merchandise if you aren't looking to buy politely Decline and simply say no gracias Plaza de armas this city square is Lively throughout the day and into the night it should be the first place to go to as one can work their way around to the many points of interests nearby visitors will encounter both locals and tourists sitting down relaxing and enjoying the scenery this place is a great location for people watching and street photography visitors will also notice local Patrol constantly blow their whistle [Music] from my understanding no one is allowed to walk on the grassy areas if they see anyone walking on the grass they aren't shy about it and we'll let you know by using their whistle the plaza is engulfed by both Spanish and Inca architecture a large Cathedral where an Inca Palace used to stand overlooks the plaza adjacent to the cathedral is the La Campania Church which replaced another Inca Palace by the Spanish inside the church are local vendors selling souvenirs and local Goods at the center of the plaza sits a 19th century Fountain the fountain was donated by New York City in 1870. there are two fountains with the same design one being here in Cusco and the other in New York City the original Fountain had a Native American statue on top until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1950. the fountains stood with no statue until 2011 where a gold painted in Inca was put on top visitors will also notice these rainbow flags flying high around the city while the symbol has a more recognizable meaning of lgbtq this flag is not of that origin and meaning it's both the official flag of the city of Cusco and the department of Cusco in 2021 a Golden Disc was added to the center of the flag to distinguish it from the lgbtq resemblance the Golden Disc has been an official emblem of the department and the City of Cusco since 1986. because of the High Altitude you'll have to acclimate for at least two days before doing any extraneous activities this includes hiking Machu Picchu vinikunka also known as Rainbow Mountain and any other hikes in the Andes before doing any strenuous activities it's important to face yourself for a couple of days so you don't get altitude sickness it doesn't matter if you're a world-class athlete or a couch potato altitude sickness will get you if you don't give yourself enough time to adjust with that said it affects everyone differently someone that's not normally Physically Active could acclimate quicker within a day or two while someone who's athletic might not acclimate for a week or at all during their visit whatever the case may be the important thing is to pace yourself and acclimate the first couple of days this will also give you a chance to explore and get familiar with the city if you find yourself having difficulty adjusting after two days you can either chew coca leaves drink Coca tea or get altitude sickness pills at the local pharmacy oxygen canisters are also available proactively you can seek advice from your doctor before your departure it's also not advisable to drink alcohol while you adjust to the thin air your body may not be able to process alcohol effectively compared to being at sea level and may prolong adjusting to the altitude many of the hotels and hostels do carry oxygen canisters in case of an emergency slow your pace and adopt to the thin air as well as the Peruvian way of life while visitors wander around Cusco keep in mind the city is situated on an incline so don't over exert yourself while still acclimating to the altitude since most of the activities are Outdoors it's important to bring the proper gear and clothing on your journey while the time of the year you visit will play a role on what to bring it does tend to get cold and windy at night a windbreaker or jacket pants a wind mask a rain poncho and gloves are some of the important things to bring other Essentials to have is a hat sunglasses sunblock to protect you from the UV rays at the higher elevations you'll be prone to have drier skin chapped lips and hangnails due to the elements so chapstick nail clippers and a bottle of water are also a must these things can become an annoyance and dampen your experience if not dealt with properly I can't stress this enough but stay hydrated visitors should also bring a good pair of hiking boots and may want to double layer their socks if one forgets to bring an item all Essentials can be found within the city but expect to pay a higher price as it's a tourist destination if you're not prepared for the elements it will wear you down quicker in a light 5 minute walk might not be so appealing therefore missing out on an adventure you'll want to research what the weather is like during your visit the beat of this country is relaxed and mellow so services at restaurants and cafes may take a bit more time especially if you're coming from a fast-paced society there are a variety of lodging options in Cusco from luxury to shoestring budgets they range from Luxury Resorts hotels hostels airbnbs Couchsurfing and work stays as for my personal recommendation I would choose Airbnb they tend to be much nicer while kept more spacious and cheaper than hotels you also get the entire place to yourself compared to hostels though some hostels do offer private rooms you do still share common spaces with others the cost for an entire Airbnb range from 20 to 100 US dollars a night and the costs tend to be higher the closer you are to the plaza I would recommend booking at least three months in advance hostels start at 10 US dollars a night for dorms while private rooms start 20 US dollars the modes of transportation available in Cusco are taxis Uber buses and vans called colectivos train rental car motorcycle or on foot the easiest and direct way of getting around the city is by taxi or Uber taxis that operate in Cusco must have a license issued by the Local District it must be displayed in the front window and the rear door out the vehicle taxis are quite cheap costing about three to five Solas within the historic core during the day but may fluctuate to as high as 8 Solas in the evening and night they are a convenient way to get around and are fairly safe especially towards the city center I recommend using them when going further distances around the city such as the airport or train station collectivos which are mini buses and vans aren't something you'll be riding often or at all within the city they're used more for longer transport such as going to oyant and dambo the sacred Valley or nearby towns for reference it costs about ten dollars to get to oyant and Tambo from Cusco which is about 38 miles away train is the most popular means to visit Machu Picchu in the sacred Valley there are two trains that operate they are the Inca Rail and the Peru rail you can find more information in the respective website links in the description below more information on how to get to Machu Picchu later in the video one can also rent a motorbike if you have the time and are more adventurous I would recommend motorbiking through the country or at least parts of it I didn't motorbike on this trip but next time I'm in Peru this will be how I see the country the best way to get around the city is on foot Cusco is filled with many interesting and unique things at practically every corner including local indigenous people in alpacas a great way to get to know the city is just by walking [Music] while petty crime does happen Cusco is a relatively safe place to walk around during the day and night especially towards the city center I felt safe wherever I went even with camera gear but like many populated cities and urban areas around the world use common sense and always know your surroundings A good rule of thumb is safety and numbers there are many things to see and do within the city of Cusco the following is a short list of places to check out while you're in the city [Music] there are a plethora of tour agencies and guide located in the city especially in the city square a lot of them only take cash and are only available as a group if you're a Solo Traveler you'll be bunched in with other travelers to meet the minimum requirement I recommend asking if the tour group is large or small before deciding to book it I try to avoid large tour groups because it hinders the experience one of those stores I recommend is the ATV tour to opokunaktianen which means Abode of the Gods it's a museum and Sculpture Park located 45 minutes away in the puroi district from the plaza visitors will be shuttled to the district before taking ATVs up and down the mountainous Terrain the tour will stop at several Vista points where visitors can witness the breathtaking views of the Andes it's a half day tour that is fully worth the admission just riding the ATV's off-road is worth taking has sculptures that depict the gods of the Andes and the Incan deities at a high altitude it offers an incredible view of the urubamba valley these highly detailed sculptures are carved directly into the mountain and range between 49 to 56 feet the sculptures are by local artists Michael De Titan and his team which aim to celebrate the Andean culture the park opened in 2021 to coincide with peruse by Centennial year of its independence during my visit the museum was only 60 complete and the construction had been delayed several times due to the pandemic there are many destinations outside of Cusco to Trek and explore they include humante Lake which is a turquoise Lake engulfed by the Andes it's the most beautiful and sacred Lake in Cusco and something you'd expect in the Caribbean Sea but instead is hidden between the mountains it's about a full day's worth of trekking another place to have on your list is the sacred Valley these fertile lands form the heart of the Inca Empire and stretches to about 40 miles and are home to many small villages towns ruins and other sites each one worth a visit which is more of a reason why I recommend motorbiking Peru it was not until after I arrived home that I realized this country should be experienced by motorbike other places to see are the ruins of Mirai the salt mines amaras which predate the Inca Dynasty by about A Thousand Years the hundreds of terrorist ponds are part of a complex evaporation system designed by the chanapata one of the earliest civilization of Peru in a staircase Terraces of oyentandambo which is also the start of the four day Trek of the Inca Trail depending on the length of your itinerary my advice is don't be greedy if you have a limited amount of time you don't have to see every sites in your journey one can always come back it's better to enjoy the places you can at a comfortable Pace than to rush through as many destinations and not fully appreciate them whether you're interested in exploring ancient ruins exploring local culture seeing the many parks with your family or enjoying the outdoors by yourself Cusco has something for everyone [Music] [Music] the small Clinton Town situated in the Misty Mountains is the gateway to Machu Picchu it has a population of about 4 500 but hosts an average of 10 000 tourists weekly it was founded in 1901 by local farmers and was used as a campground for railroad workers but in the 1970s with the completion of the railroad hydroelectric power plant and tourism to Machu Picchu transformed this Village into a thriving town Aguas can only be reached by train or trekking the Inca Trail there are no paved roads that lead to this town this place is a Hidden Gem and is overshadowed by the ruins if the ruins didn't exist but only this town I would still recommend going here it offers a unique experience from the rest of the country [Music] walking through town felt Serene with a sense of purpose I don't know what it was but I felt energized at this place compared to anywhere else in the country before arriving in Peru I was already seasoned by trekking for other countries with Peru being the last leg of my journey I was practically running on empty but throughout my stay in Aguas I felt refreshed and rejuvenated maybe it was a change in scenery and climate from arid desert to Lush Misty Mountains if you're approaching your rest day during your trip or still planning your journey this might be something to take into account and have Aguas be a place to relax Aguas is beautiful clean and peaceful here you'll find a sense of Tranquility from the soothing sounds of the river flow a rejuvenating atmosphere that creeps through steep Mountainside and a sense of clarity from the surrounding ambience the town has a very unique character that I can't explain but should be experienced firsthand if you love visiting small towns and Villages especially up high in the mountains this should be on your bucket list here you'll encounter friendly locals and travelers alike as well as children playing a pickup game of soccer this place can become a tourist trap especially during the peak season which runs from June to September so be aware I would highly recommend going off season so you can better enjoy yourself the views and of course Machu Picchu not queued up in long lines [Music] visitors will see several dogs roaming the streets including the Peruvian Inca Orchid the country's national dog it's also known as the colado which means naked for its hairless body though it does have a small patch of fur on top of its head [Music] the town is filled with restaurants cafes bakeries bars and storefronts there are many to choose from when indulging in local cuisine one of these dishes is the alpaca the other being the guinea pig besides food other activities visitors can do is taking a dip at one of the natural Hot Springs located towards the top of town you can also get a traditional Inca massage which after a long Trek feels godsend right outside of the train station one can indulge in shopping at the local market full of good souvenirs textiles and many other handcrafted material besides exploring the narrow Pathways one can hike the outer boundaries of the village where you'll find yourself in isolation with nature with nothing but the flow of water and the sounds of birds to calm your nerves just a few steps outside of town it'll feel like you're far away encompassed by dense vegetation before going make sure to know what the weather will be like during your visit this is the weather in late September to early October it's wet cool but still had plenty of dry periods an important thing to have is a rain poncho or an umbrella which can be bought at any convenience store in Aguas bug repellent is also essential to have as one might get bitten by insects including while trekking through Machu Picchu this place is quite safe to roam around solo both day and night I never felt unsafe at any parts of Aguas there are also police presidents to keep the peace as this is the Tourist hub for lodging there are several options to choose from from hostels hotels airbnbs and resorts the price for lodging ranged from 15 to 50 US dollars to over 500 for Suites at Luxury Resorts I would recommend staying at least two nights here to better soak up the atmosphere if you're limited on time it can easily be explored in one day the simplest way to get here is by rail from Cusco either riding the Inca rail or the Peru rail the newer one being the latter if deciding to ride by rail you must purchase a ticket ahead of time there are two types of train cards Expedition or Vista dome both are comfortable and have large seats and windows but the difference is the Vista dome has a more of a panoramic view a cable as well as entertainment [Music] you can find more information in their respective website links in the description below [Music] [Applause] one can also catch a Colectivo or taxi from Cusco head to oyant and Tambo from there hop on the rail to Aguas Aguas Calientes is a Charming Village that deserves more recognition as a standalone destination rather than just a hub for Machu Picchu even during rain the aura of this town felt different from other parts visited in this journey if I can encapsulate this town it would be an integration of urban within nature when visiting this goes without saying but keep this place pristine be respectful and leave no Trace behind foreign [Music] [Music] the city in the clouds is the 15th century Citadel of the Inca Empire it stands in an altitude of nearly 8 000 feet approximately 200 structures make up the city center overlooking the ruins one can only imagine what the city looked like during the height of the Inca civilization a skeletal remains of this great city is a Testament of the Ingenuity of the Inca and was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983. located northwest of Cusco these ruins are isolated by sheer Mountain Cliffs it sits in the middle between the slopes of the Andes in the upper Basin of the Amazon like Aguascalientes the sanctuary Blends well with its beautiful natural environment it's still one of the world's greatest Mysteries what became of the Incas who inhabited the city amongst the clouds it's thought that it was abandoned after the Spaniards conquered the Inca Empire in the 16th century it was not until 1911 when it was rediscovered and shed light of its presence to the entire world today the sanctuary draws about 1.5 million visitors annually while tourism provides economic benefits it also results in major cultural and ecological impacts the strongly increasing number of visitors the historic Sanctuary must be matched by an adequate management that regulates access diversifying the offer and efforts to fully understand and minimize the impacts this site is highly protected with many guards patrolling the area if visitors become unruly Or Break The Rules they'll be given a warning with a whistle if repeated attempts to not follow the rules visitors will be kicked out fined and banned from the heritage site it may also carry some jail time depending on the severity there are several restricted items you can't bring such as drones tripods and gimbals you'll be given a list what you can't bring once you've purchase the ticket on the contrary essential things to bring are bug repellent sunscreen Ram Poncho breathable tricking gear and hiking boots and of course the camera while wandering a sanctuary I was constantly being bitten by bugs fortunately I met another traveler that was carrying bug spray which helped a lot otherwise I probably would have cut my trip short because it kept getting worse the longer I stayed in Machu Picchu before planning your trip in the ruins one must purchase a ticket ahead of time I recommend purchasing a ticket a couple of weeks to a month in advance as they tend to sell out if one is planning to visit during peak season the earlier the better so you guaranteed a spot they do have Reserve tickets when can purchase the day of in person but it's a bit of a gamble on the availability for foreigners it costs 40 to 70 US dollars a ticket you can find more information in the description below when getting a ticket you'll have a window of an hour to enter the site once you've entered you can explore on your own pace I highly recommend getting tickets for the 6 a.m entrance you'll have the ruins to yourself for about two to three hours before swarm of crowd starts to congest the sanctuary I recommend doing this with all popular destinations around the world so you aren't stuck in a tourist trap it adversely affects your experience when your shoulder to shoulder stuck in a crowd or queued up in long lines go early in the morning before the gates open or later in the evening when gates are about to close I've learned this many years ago when I was in Japan and I've stuck by this rule since this is another reason why one should stay at least one night in Aguas pack and get ready the night before wake up at 4 or 5 AM and either catch a bus or hike to Machu Picchu so you can make it when gates open at 6am I also recommend getting a tour guide either in Aguas or at the entrance of Machu Picchu so you could learn and understand more about this mysterious City Center and not just wander clueless looking at rocks [Music] [Music] you'll have to take an hour and a half flight from Lima to Cusco flights range from 40 to 100 US dollars one way once in Cusco there are a few ways to get to Machu the route I took is by taxi from Cusco to oyan tantambo it costs about 100 Solas or 26 US Dollars and the ride took about an hour and 15 minutes alternatively you can catch a Colectivo which only costs about three to five US Dollars and the ride usually takes about two hours you can catch a collectivo at the corner of Kai pavitos and Avenida growl near the historic area of Cusco is a small town if you have time I recommend staying for one night to explore this place though the town can be explored in less than a day from there you'll board a train to Aguas Calientes there are two trains to choose from the Inca and the Peru rail I recommend choosing the Peru rail as it's the more modern rail out of the two with the Peru rail there are two different types of cards Expedition and Vista dome the one I recommend is the Vista dome it costs more but it's more spacious there's a table entertainment and an overhead view though both carts are comfortable you'll need to purchase a train ticket ahead of time tickets usually sell out weeks sometimes months in advance Expedition costs around 60 to 7 US Dollars while the Visa Dome range from 90 to 110 US Dollars it's about an hour long ride from oyan to Aguas once you're in Aguas I highly recommend staying at least one night if not two if you can't decide whether to stay in oyon or Aguas choose Aguas this town is beautiful and logistically a better decision to stay the night when going to Machu Picchu from Aguas you can either hike to Machu Picchu or catch a bus ride the next morning regardless of what you choose I recommend getting an entrance ticket for 6 a.m the next day to get to the ruins visitors will need to purchase a ticket ahead of time weeks or months in advance as they tend to sell out links to the tickets in the description below if hiking give yourself about two hours to Trek to the ruins if taking a bus you'll need to purchase a ticket once you're in Aguas you aren't able to book in advance so you'll have to get the ticket there this mountain town is small and the ticket office is located right across the river from the train station you can't miss it [Music] look for this sign it's about a 15 minute bus ride don't lose your ticket if you're booking a round trip you'll need it to catch a bus back to Aguas otherwise you can hike back down which some Travelers do they hike to Machu Picchu then take a bus back down or vice versa [Music] [Music] the most direct route is taking a taxi from Cusco to puroi train station right outside of Cusco it's about an hour away from the city from the station you can take a train all the way to Aguas either through the Inca Peru or the more expensive Haram Bingham rail the longest route is trekking the Inga Trail which ranged from four to seven days depending on where you start you can find more information in the description below [Music] [Music] all right [Music] [Music] the mountain of seven colors is a stunning natural destination located in the Andes Mountains of Peru the mountain gets its name from the vibrant colors that Adorn its slopes ranging from shades of red and pink to green yellow and blue Rainbow Mountain is relatively easy to access making it a popular destination for tourists and hikers it's about a four hour drive from Cusco to reach the mountain range visitors have to take a four-hour bus ride from Cusco you'll wake up around 3 A.M and catch a bus at Ave heading for sequani you'll then get off at kusipada where I recommend getting breakfast or buy food to take with you on your hike from there you'll take another transport to the small settlement of fuliwasipada an hour away the settlement is the trailhead to vinikunka and where your Trek Begins the entrance fee to hike the mountain trail for foreigners is 10 soles make sure to bring your passport alternatively one can book a tour from Cusco which transport and a guide will be taken care of if you're looking for a tour links in the description below the mountain is part of the asangadi mountain range these parts are sacred to the indigenous quechuan people it is believed to have spiritual powers despite its ancient history these colorful mountains were just recently discovered back in 2013. it was entirely covered in snow but with effects of climate change the true colors of the mountain was revealed the colors are due to different mineral compositions the pinks are from red clay mud and sand the whitish color is from cortos sandstone and Miles rich with calcium carbonate the red is claystone the green is phylite and Clay is Rich with Pharaoh magnesium the brownish earthy colors is from conglomerate composed of The Rock and magnesium and the yellows from calcareous sandstone rich with sulfurous minerals before making the Trek it's important to acclimate to the altitude since you're ascending to about 17 000 feet above sea level the journey to the peak is not for the faint of heart even after acclimating once you've reached the foot of the asangari mountain expect to notice the DraStic change of air density where breathing becomes more pronounced the weather changes rapidly in these parts Essentials to have are sunscreen sun hat sunglasses all weather pants and coat rain poncho snow gloves for the cold and a face mask for the wind and a couple of bottled water I also recommend packing light I can't say this enough but dress in layers it's cold dry with intermittent gusts of wind you should also have cash with you in small denominations if you forget an essential there are local stores but they only take cash it's advised to avoid checking these parts in December January and February as it follows heavy rain and snowfall if you have a guide he'll explain things before your hike and even give you something to help breathe in this thin air we help around the city of 35 minutes will you take a pictures or for you and during the last cabs out there maybe your question is Alejandro why the short time because we'll arrived the 5050 meters up there and the problem in the same person is the headache okay it takes about an hour to reach the peak you can also opt to ride a mini horse depending on the time of the year the color of the landscape will either be dressed in lush green or golden patches the Trek from the settlement to vinikunka is straightforward and moderate this is 90 of the hike the last 10 percent is the most difficult and Steep and has to be done on foot [Music] along your Trek you'll encounter the locals and animals that roam the area when visiting it's important to be respectful of the natural environment and the local communities follow the guidelines of your tour operator and remember to leave no Trace behind reaching the summit you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape visitors can also get their passport stamp take photos with alpacas and be able to say they stood 17 000 feet up high [Music] whether you're a nature lover a photographer or simply looking for an adventure vinikunka is a must-see destination that should be on your bucket list [Music] oh [Music] what's up guys this is Eddie of House of intent again thanks for watching Purdue is an amazing Place filled with many Adventures this video is just a glimpse of that the best way to know a country is to experience it firsthand hopefully you got something out of this video whether you're planning a visit or just curious about the country this video mainly focuses on the highlands of Peru but there are countless other amazing places such as the Amazon that have yet to cover but that will be for another video these types of videos do take a lot of time effort planning and editing if you found it helpful and informative and want to help out the channel don't forget to like share subscribe and hit that notification Bell and if you're feeling generous you can buy me coffee in the link below that should help me out through long nights of editing for more information of the things talked about in the video make sure to check out the description below and if you have any questions feel free to comment down below I do read the comment section and I appreciate all the feedback and support I've gotten again thanks for watching this is Eddie and I'll see you on the next adventure thank you

Channel: House of Intent

Views: 310,426

Keywords: House of Intent, Travel, Review, Travel Guide, Documentary, Around the World, Explore, Peru, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Lima, Huacachina, Amazon Jungle, Latin America, South America, Andres Mountain, Vinicunca, Inka, Inca, Peru Travel, Peru Tourism, Peru Things to Know, travel documentary, Tourism, backpacking, Digital Nomad, outdoors, destination, walking tour, globetrotting, sightseeing, wanderlust, trip, expedition, Bucket List, hiking, trekking, adventure, mountaineering, solo traveler

Id: tB7gKWRwHWk

Length: 59min 35sec (3575 seconds)

Published: Mon May 01 2023