Guide to Peru ‘s Five Mountainous Highlights

So here comes my guide to the Mountainous Highlights of Peru – and this pun is totally intended!

While Peru does invite its visitors to experience the sierra, selva, and costa – hence, the mountains, the jungle, and the coast – the first-mentioned is definitely the most unique and alluring of those regions.

Whether the highlands and canyons around Arequipa in the West or the Northern part of the Altiplano, the Andean Plateau, that originates Northwest of Lake Titicaca and spreads about 1,000 kilometers into Bolivia – the mountainous region is indisputably a geographically and spiritually one-of-a-lifetime experience.

Presuming that nobody will go to Peru and skip Cusco or Lake Titicaca – after all, these places are legendary – I put together a guide for those who do not have enough time to meander the Ruta del Gringo, hence, the route from Lima all the way down into Bolivia, but just come to see the most iconic Andean region.

Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

Arequipa

Let’s start our Anden circuit in Arequipa, the colonial so-called White City with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

The city is 2,335 meters above sea level. 

Already this altitude caused me minor problems. I felt a little dizzy and nauseated. Also, the fact that I came by night bus from Ica did not help to make me feel better.

Nevertheless, Arequipa does have an airport so that you can comfortably fly in from Lima. However, domestic flights are not exactly cheap. In general, buses are very comfortable in Peru. So getting to Arequipa by bus is a valid option. Especially if you are not coming straight from Lima but add some stops on the way.

The city itself is very elegant and beautiful, surrounded by volcanoes like the Misti and the even higher Chachani further south.

Noticeably, there is money here. As a matter of fact, in the mid-2000s, Arequipa was the city with the highest economic growth in all of South America.

Nevertheless, this is mainly due to the mines. There used to be silver and gold, today they have only copper. But this industry, of course, causes ecological and also social problems.

The main attractions are found in the city center and can be visited in one day – or two, if you want to take it really slow and more relaxed.

Once in Arequipa, you need to

✔  pay mummy Juanita at the Museo Santuarios Andinos a visit
✔  explore at the Convento Santa Catalina how those nuns used to live
✔  get blinded by the white of the baroque buildings made up from sillar
✔  awe at the surrounding Volcanos in the city’s backdrop
✔  taking the 4M Express tour bus to Lake Titicaca including stops in many amazing places

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Colca Canyon

Besides being a beautiful town, Arequipa is the hub for tours to the Colca Canyon, and that’s something you definitely shouldn’t miss.

At the first designated stop which is the town of Chivay, you’ll find yourself at 3,500 meters altitude.

However, since the tour takes you all the way up to the Pampa Cañahuas, the highest spot you visit will probably be at 4,800 meters above sea level!

You can book tours at many agents around town. This being said, you should refrain from booking online since that’s much more expensive.
However, there are day trips, but also different hiking tours that can take several days.

On your tour of the Colca Canyon, you’ll get to

✔  take a culinary and cultural break in the town of Chivay
✔  do some souvenir shopping in the town of Yanque
✔  see condors flying at the Cruze del Condor
✔  pay Alpacas and Llamas a visit at the Pampa Cañahuas
✔  finish the day with a relaxing dip at the Calera Thermal hot spring waters

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Puno and Lake Titicaca

The city of Puno is the main gateway for exploring Lago Titicaca from the lake’s Peruvian side.

Beware that you’ll find yourself at a height of an imposing 3,830 meters.

Hence, you’ll definitely feel the effect of the altitude. Even at the hotel, they had oxygen bottles; just in case. 

As a matter of fact, I was not able to withstand the day without some medication. As a side effect, however, they made my mucous membranes paper dry which resulted in a nosebleed.

Since, consequently, I had to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea, I unhesitatingly chose the latter.

Puno as a city is not the most alluring place, hence, mainly the starting point for trips to Lake Titicaca with its fascinating, handmade Uros Islands and the magical Isla Taquile.

Most importantly it has the Jarron de Lima with restaurants and shops and agents where you can book a tour on the lake to the Uros Islands – isles made of straw.

Once in Puno, you need to

✔  float on the Uros Islands and shop for unique straw souvenirs
✔  buy a handknitted hat on the Taquila Island
✔  enjoy the panoramic view from the Mirador El Condor
✔  have Alpaca for dinner at the Tradiciones del Lago
✔  take the bus along the Ruta del Sol to Cusco

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Cusco

After the heights of Puno, what a relief it was to arrive in Cusco! Not only is it located at ‘only’ 3,400 meters above sea level. Also, my body slowly got used to these altitudes.

Anyway, I loved and enjoyed Cusco not only due to my better being but mainly because of its incredibly beautiful and well-maintained colonial structures and outlay. If Disney should build a South American Themepark, they could use Cusco as a blueprint. It is such a classic; there is even a gothic-like style of painting called after this gem Escuela de Cusco – school of Cusco.

However, while most of the museums and exhibitions housed in churches focus on colonial art, one should not forget that this was the art of the Spanish invaders; the real local art – beautiful, original, and refined – comes from the Incas and can be found in Cusco at the Museo Inca.

Once in Cusco, you need to

✔  enjoy history in a nutshell on the Plaza de Armas
✔  travel back in time at the Museo Inca
✔  admire the Escuela de Cusco baroque at the Museo de Arte Religioso
✔  sample local delicacies and atmosphere at the Mercado San Pedro
✔  take the bus along the Ruta del Sol to Puno

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Valle Sagrado de los Incas and Ollantaytambo

Valle Sagrado de los Incas

Although already Cusco is a highlight, its surroundings, the archeological sites in the nearby valleys, are not to be missed.

Rippling creeks descend through gorges and small valleys and in the backdrop the sweep of the horizon. The views of the Sacred Valley are just breathtaking.

Hence, it’s not only the altitude that takes your breath away.

As a matter of fact, here, you’ll be moving between 3,000 meters at Pisac and 2,000 meters at the Urubamba River.

Since the Incas appreciated the region for its particular geographical and climatic qualities, there are still numerous archaeological landmarks from that era.

You can book tours to the valley at many agents around town. However, you definitely should refrain from booking online since that’s much more expensive.
Usually, all the must-dos I’m listing below are included in any organized tour.

Also, before you go, make sure to inquire about the Boleto Turistico, the Cusco Tourist Ticket that is also valid at my sites in the Sacred Valley.

Once in the Sacred Valley, you need to

✔  enjoying the panoramic view from the Sacsayhuamán citadel
✔  awe at the circular terraces of Moray
✔  get greedy at the jewelry stores of Pisaq
✔  feast on a lunch buffet at a restaurant in Urubamba
✔  stock up on local souvenirs at the market of Chincheros

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Ollantaytambo

Undisputably, the highlight of the Sacred Valley tour is the town of Ollantaytambo.

At a relatively modest height of 2,792 meters above sea level, it is arranged around the Plaza, the main square.

Ollantaytambo is the only remaining example of urban planning from the Inca period. The buildings and Inca terraces as well as the narrow streets of the city are still in their original layout.

The Incas built administrative, agricultural, military, and religious institutions in Ollantaytambo. Some distinguished houses are made of perfectly worked Inca walls of dark pink stone.

Cozy Ollantaytambo was actually one of my favorite places in Peru. I believe it is totally underrated in its prominent position between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Nevertheless, if I had more time, I would actually spend a couple of days there – just to relax and indulge in the gorgeous surroundings.

Once in Ollantaytambo, you need to

✔  climb the Fortaleza citadel
✔  haggle for some cute souvenirs at the market below the citadel
✔  stroll up and down the cute cobbled alleys
✔  enjoy a snack and a drink at one of the restaurants around the Plaza de Armas after the day-trippers have left
✔  spend the night at a cute little guesthouse before continuing to Machu Picchu

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Machu Picchu

Going to mystic Machu Picchu, you are actually descending.

The gateway to the site, the small town of Aguas Calientes, is located at only a bit over 2,000 meters.

Machu Picchu is a well-preserved remnant of an ancient Inca settlement. The Incas built the city in the 15th century at an altitude of 2430 meters on a ridge between the peaks of Huayna Picchu and the mountain of the same name, Machu Picchu.

Today Machu Picchu is one of the top tourist attractions not only in Peru, but worldwide. To protect the site, there are very strict rules to obey when visiting.

Therefore, you should definitely read my comprehensive post on How to visit MACHU PICCHU. A Once in a Lifetime Experience.

Although it’s such an iconic tourist place, it still didn’t lose its magic. Actually, it overwhelmed me to tears.

Once in Machu Picchu, you need to

✔  enjoy the spectacular views during the train ride to Aguas Calientes
✔  walk on the terraces and the central plaza to soak in the views of Machu Picchu from many different angles
✔  explore the remnants of the different temples
✔  climb way up high to the Sun Gate and Huayna Picchu mountain
✔  finally, take a soak in the hot waters, hence, Aguas Calientes of Aguas Calientes

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Wanna know more about fascinating Peru? I’ve published a post on my entire trip which includes also Lima, the Paracas region, and Pucallpa on the outskirts of the Amazonas territory.

Planning, Organizing, Booking

I’m an avid solo-travelling woman. Since solo travel doesn’t equal solitude, I love to join organized tours here and there. They allow me to meet fellow travellers – for just a short moment or a lifelong friendship.

Therefore, here are some great ideas of what to do during your trip to the Valle Sagrado. Especially if you have only a short time to stay, they’ll enable you to make the best of it*:

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Note: This post is being regularly completed, edited, and updated – last in November 2022.

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