From the lost city of the Incas, to the shores of Lake Titicaca, walking Peru’s landscapes is truly the best way to see the wonders of the country. But if your weary feet need a day’s respite, why not get a bird’s eye view of Peru?

Hot Air Ballooning
A few miles south of the Incan capital, Cusco, and below the ancient city of Macchu Picchu, you will find the Sacred Valley. Bursting at the seams with things to do and places to explore, the Valley is an essential stop on any itinerary devoted to walking Peru’s best bits. Life in the valley today, is for many inhabitants not so very different from what it would have been all those years ago when it was the heart of Incan civilisation. Both Cusco and the Sacred Valley are filled with archaeological remains that will fascinate anyone with an interest in Incan traditions. But to really appreciate the Sacred Valley and its surrounding scenery, why not see it from above by taking a hot air balloon ride? Lasting about an hour, flights allow you to take in views of the peaks of Sacantay, Veronica, Pumahuanka and Ausangate setting a relaxing and laidback pace as you drift through the sky.

A Light Aircraft
A hot air balloon is certainly an extraordinary way to travel, but a flying basket may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer the idea of wings and an engine, then seeing the sights from the comfort of a light aircraft might be just the thing for you. Flights are about an hour long and allow you to enjoy many of the most incredible Incan sights. These include places like Tipon, Pikillagta, the Urubamba Valley and not to mention the lost city of the Inca’s – Machu Picchu. Let someone else do all the hard work as you’re taken to some of the best views you are likely to see whilst you’re in Peru. A great deal quieter than a helicopter ride, and minus the windchill factor of a hot air balloon, a light aircraft gives you the chance to see the sights more comfortably than you would do walking. Peru’s landmarks are just as impressive from above after all.

Paragliding
If you want a bird’s eye view of Peru but you think a hot air balloon or an aeroplane might be just a little bit too tame for you, then you’re probably the perfect candidate for Peruvian paragliding. Fly from mountain sites all over the Andes, or for something a little different to the areas you’ve been walking, Peru’s Costa Verde in Lima is the perfect place for paragliding. Take off from the spectacular cliff tops of Chorrillos, affording yourself a fantastic view of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean as you descend.

So, don’t wear out your feet while you’re in the Incan lands as there are plenty of ways of seeing the sights other than walking. Peru’s rich and diverse cultural history is evident throughout the country, and as much so from a bird’s eye view as from any other perspective.

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Walking Peru