Few countries enchant and humble like Peru. There are many sides to this Latin American country, most popularly known for cosmopolitan-chic Lima, a world-class city with a high-spirited nightlife and dining scene.
Its other side is just as enthralling. There are its magical, mystical, even medicinal ancient hiking trails. Once used by the Inca, these trails wind through forests and past glistening lakes fed by the runoff from snowcapped mountains. Here, locals dressed in colorful Andean attire of bright reds and vibrant oranges dot the trail—their vibrant textiles in contrast to the beiges and browns of the landscape. Alpaca, sheep, and wild dogs are spotted as eagles and falcons soar above.
There’s also the architectural brilliance of Machu Picchu, which, when seen in person, is a watershed moment, not soon forgotten. This UNESCO World Heritage site is easily the most famous relic of the Incan Empire. Another not-to-miss site is the former Incan capital of Cusco, where stone temples meld seamlessly with Spanish cathedrals.
A kaleidoscope of color enthralls at Rainbow Mountain. Layered hues of gold, lavender, red and turquoise await, reaching into the sky.
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To ensure your clients don’t miss any of the highlights of multi-faceted Peru, a tour operator is recommended, and there is no better trail blazer than Tika Trekking Peru, which customizes each trip.
Owner Rony Camasa’s passion for Peru is palpable, and whether your interests tend toward history, culture, or trends, he shares it all. Plus, his vast resources will attend to your every need.
Gourmet meals, comfortable tents, extra horses to hop on when hikers need a break are de rigueur. On a recent excursion, in the midst of the wilderness, a massage therapist joined the group on day four on the trail and spent an hour with each hiker kneading out tired muscles. How is that for catering to clients’ needs? A shaman and his wife also joined the hike, stopping at sacred sites to pay respect and leave us city slickers captivated and awestruck.
Tika Trekking also features tours that combine Peru with Ecuador and the Galapagos.
For more information on Tika Trekking, go to tikatrekkingperu.com or e-mail Rony at [email protected]
