Peru (and the Central Andes)
Region: South America/Andes
Logistical Difficulty: Moderately HIGH (for Peru; Bolivia/Ecuador is High)
Hiking Difficulty: HIGH
Degree of Risk: Moderately High
Estimated time required (including travel and logistics): Two weeks
Brian and Sylvia have already completed three major treks in Sylvia’s native Peru; we also tried our hand at the 19,000 foot volcano Misti. We have at least two more major treks planned here. Peru is relatively easy for us because of Sylvia’s local connections and our relative experience travelling in the Andes.
Why Hike Here?
- Outstanding high alpine hiking
- This is the closest you can get to really BIG (20,000 ft) mountains outside of Central Asia
- Unique cultural treasures of Peru
- Perhaps you have heard of this place?
- Sylvia’s connections in Peru, and her fluency in Spanish
- We already have some experience hiking in the Andes
- Peru is relatively inexpensive
- You can hire guides, cooks, mules, drivers at low cost
- Weather generally favorable during ‘Andean Summer’
- Hiking generally not difficult apart from the altitude
But First Consider…
- Altitude is a major factor here
- Most hikes hit fifteen thousand feet or more
- Treks located in very remote areas
- Some safety concerns here, though most Peruvian Treks are safe
- Travel in this area is long and laborious
- Bolivia (especially) and Ecuador have very poorly developed tourist infrastructure
- Not exactly wilderness; expect to see farmers, livestock, and lots of manure
- Tenting and pooping outdoors is mandatory on many hikes. You can have someone carry and set up a tent for you; we haven’t heard of any service that will poop for you
Hikes that we HAVE done:
We tried this one but didn’t finish:
Hikes we still want to do:
- Ausungate (Pronounced Ah-sun-gah-tay)
- Alpamayo
We’re still not sure if we want to try this one:
- Huayhuash (warning: This is an extreme challenge!)