In October, I was honoured with opportunity to travel to Peru and take part in an incredible journey called the Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu with Mountain Lodges Peru. The five day, four night itinerary explored the astounding natural scenery of the Sacred Valley on the lesser known Lares Trail, following in the footsteps of the Incas, and giving us an intimate look at Andean culture. We stayed in specially designed eco-lodges that combine traditional Inca building techniques with all the comforts of home and locally sourced foods.
The most unique part was travelling to hidden communities, unchanged for centuries, for an up-close visit with the local Peruvian people. From the cobblestone streets and bustling markets of the ancient capital of Cusco, through the serenity of the Lares Valley, our amazing journey finished in the awe-inspiring “Lost City of the Incas” - Machu Picchu.
Following this, we wound our way through the Andes on one of the world's great rail journeys - the Hiram Bingham train, before heading to highest lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. We visited the UNESCO listed Taquile Island and the floating reed islands of the Uros people, an ancient indigenous people who have been keeping alive their unique culture for hundreds of years.
It was the diversity of the scenery and the humbling hospitality of the local communities that truly made this trip memorable. I highly recommend this once in a lifetime experience for anyone who is looking for a little adventure and to immerse themselves in one of the world's most fascinating cultures.
