Category: Peru

When it comes to natural beauty, Peru is, perhaps, the most beautiful country we’ve ever visited.

The precipitous walls of the Andes cut through the country, splitting the arid coast from the lush interior. And it’s this combination of mountains with desert or jungle that generates a most amazing array of landscapes.

I don’t believe there ought to be many places on Earth where you can climb up a sand dune in an oasis smack in the middle of the desert and watch the sunset flaring up a chain of snowy peaks in the distance.

Sights like these pop up frequently and unexpectedly, making the long bus rides that you’ll inevitably embark on significantly less dreadful.

However, Peru doesn’t simply hand its bounty over without a fight. You will need to prove yourself worthy of it.

Because places like Humantay Lake, the Rainbow Mountain, Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu and many others can only be reached by overcoming challenges. Like waking up several hours before dawn. Facing the elements in long uphill hikes against chilling drafts, under rain or sometimes snow. Suffering through blisters and muscle crams. Breathing deeply, heavily, unsatisfyingly.

And by harnessing motivation from the intermediate landscapes that pop up frequently and unexpectedly along the way.

Eventually, this will take its toll. We got back in terrible conditions. Some of the injuries we brought home include a sprained ankle, a severe friction burn, knee trauma, multiple back problems, and above all, exhaustion.

And a tremendous will to do it all over again.