There are many ways to explore Peru, but without a doubt one of the most rewarding is through a land trip, especially aboard an all-terrain truck, which gives you the total freedom to tour the country at your own pace, stopping in the places you want for as long as you need. Just a few months ago, Lenny, Destination Specialist for Western Europe, ventured on an exciting tailor-made route with a group of travelers, this being his first experience on a multi-day car trip through Peru. Each group of travelers embarking on this unique adventure can customize it according to their preferences and time availability. In this story, we will take you on a 9-day trip on an off-road journey where the landscapes and little-explored corners found along the way stand out, thus offering an indelible visual experience.
The adventure begins in Lima, where we prepare to embark on an unforgettable trip by picking up our passengers at their respective hotels. Our vans are ready and equipped to take us through a fascinating route to Nazca. To get the most out of the day, we recommend leaving early, ideally before 06:00 hrs. This precaution allows us to take full advantage of every moment of the trip and gives us the opportunity to make strategic stops along the way. One of the unmissable delights in the south of Lima are the classic stuffed breads that we find on the road near the district of Chilca. And if we are looking for a more substantial breakfast, nothing better than a bread with crispy pork and onion sauce before reaching the Asian district.
A medida que dejamos atrás la bulliciosa capital y atravesamos Chincha, entramos en la región de Ica, donde una parada en la Reserva Nacional de Paracas es imprescindible. Aquí, la naturaleza nos sorprende y nos invita a explorar sus maravillas. Si el tiempo lo permite, podemos optar por un emocionante tour en lancha por las Islas Ballestas. Continuando el viaje, llegamos a Ica, donde el mágico Oasis de la Huacachina nos espera con sus impresionantes dunas, perfectas para hacer sandboarding y dar un adrenalínico paseo en carros areneros por el desierto, una aventura que despierta los sentidos y nos lleva por un valle de arena interminable. A medida que el día llega a su fin, nos acercamos a nuestro destino final en Nazca. Aquí, la posibilidad de sobrevolar las enigmáticas líneas nos aguarda, ofreciendo una perspectiva única de estos misteriosos jeroglíficos. Para aquellos que prefieren mantener los pies en tierra firme, una visita al mirador nos brinda una vista panorámica de la zona, especialmente hermosa al atardecer. Con el anochecer, nos retiramos a nuestro hotel en Nazca, listos para descansar y recargar energías para continuar nuestra emocionante ruta al día siguiente, que nos llevará hasta la encantadora localidad de Chalhuanca en Apurímac.
The second day of the trip surprises from the beginning, as the landscape gradually changes as we leave the coast behind to enter the imposing mountain range. Here, you find yourself ascending one of the highest points of the entire route, crossing the majestic scenery of Pampas Galeras in Ayacucho. Before reaching this point, it is recommended to take a lunch break in the welcoming community of Puquio. The opportunity to enjoy the views and explore the surroundings is simply fascinating.
After recharging your energy, continue the journey by road until you reach the town of Chalhuanca, a place for a well-deserved rest in the comfort of a hotel. Upon departure the next morning, the road trip resumes until reaching the city of Abancay, capital of Apurímac. There, it is advisable to stop to enjoy a delicious lunch and contemplate the city from the local viewpoint, which offers an impressive panoramic view.
Continuing with the journey, before reaching the final destination of the day in Cachora, we will find another viewpoint to contemplate and admire some of the snow-capped mountains of the region. This experience becomes even more magical with the warm evening light painting the horizon. Cachora, known as the picturesque supply town before embarking on the trek to Choquequirao, welcomes visitors with its rustic charm and the promise of adventures to come.
The trip to the historic city of Cusco is what follows next and takes us on a journey full of wonders and unforgettable experiences. From the beginning of the journey, several stops offer unique opportunities to explore and be amazed. One of the most impressive experiences of the route is found at the Capuliyoc viewpoint, the official starting point of the trek to Choquequirao. From here, a spectacular view of the majestic snow-capped mountains and the imposing canyon of the Apurimac Valley opens before everyone, a vision that remains in memory. Before arriving in Cusco via Poroy, we make a stop to admire the famous snow-capped Salkantay, another natural spectacle that takes your breath away. Once in the ancient Inca capital, we immerse ourselves in its cozy streets, exploring its temples, markets and all the corners that this city steeped in history and culture has to offer. The varied offer of bars and restaurants invites us to taste the best of local cuisine and enjoy the lively nightlife.
Upon leaving Cusco, we begin the return journey with our final destination in Andahuaylas, although here we are still halfway through the trip. A recommended stop on this route is San Luis de Salhuite to visit the famous Piedra de Salhuite, located in the archaeological center of the place, surrounded by impressive Inca terraces. On this route, we pass through picturesque authentic villages, where traditions are deeply rooted. In February, during the Pukllay Festival, we can see colorful troupes and regional dances that celebrate local culture. During other times of the year, we feast on delicious local food and refreshing typical drinks, such as chicha de jora and frutillada, readily available in these small towns we visit along the way.
As we begin the trip to Ayacucho, the next stop, the journey invites us to enjoy both the road and the impressive landscapes that the route offers. Even in Andahuaylas, there are opportunities to stop and explore fascinating places. One of these stops takes us to the archaeological center of Sondor, with an antiquity that transports us 2,000 years back in time. Immersing yourself in its history and contemplating the ruins is an enriching experience that connects us with the region’s ancestral past. Furthermore, in the surroundings of the Pacucha Lagoon, areas dedicated to glamping await us, a perfect option to enjoy nature and the serenity of the valley. Once in the heart of Ayacucho and installed to rest until the next morning and continue to Huancavelica, you can continue exploring the area. Depending on the season, we can venture to visit the impressive Milpo waterfalls, where the force of the water takes your breath away, or immerse yourself in the history and grandeur of the archaeological center of Vilcashuamán, a place that awakens the imagination and amazement at the greatness of ancient civilizations.
The route to Huancavelica begins by following the trail that borders the slope of the Mantaro River, an ideal journey for those who enjoy excitement and are familiar with driving in terrain where only a 4×4 truck can venture. In this section of the trip, an obvious change in landscape and vegetation is experienced, marked by the transition from the mountains to the edge of the jungle. Here, we can observe how the mountains covered with eucalyptus trees give way to more leafy and exuberant vegetation.
The road continues passing through picturesque villages in the town of Huanta, until reaching the next rest point in Pampas. In this charming place is the wonderful San Juan hacienda, where a comfortable and unforgettable stay is offered. It is recommended to stay more than one day to enjoy experiential tourism, such as visiting the stable and witnessing the process of making dairy products, as well as taking horseback rides in the surroundings and enjoying the amenities that the place offers, such as bonfires, fireplaces. and relaxation areas. For the more adventurous, nearby is the Pamuri Andes Lodge, specialized in adventure tourism and with an impressive mountain bike circuit. Although the road to Pampas does not present many tourist attractions, the pleasure of arriving and enjoying the hacienda and the lodge makes the car trip completely worth it.
Once you decide to leave Pampas behind to continue the route to Oxapampa, the long road begins passing through Huancayo, La Merced and Tarma, where you have the option of spending the night at the Santa María hacienda or another nearby lodging. Once in Oxapampa, famous for its impressive natural beauty surrounded by lush forests and mountains, you can enjoy various activities such as visiting the Anana waterfall, exploring the Maripoxa Ecological Park, touring the Queen Bee Honey Circuit and discovering the ranch Anibal Ruffner, among other options, depending on your time and availability before starting the return to Lima.
When you return towards the end of the trip, you can enrich the route by choosing to enter Lima through the province of Yauyos, which offers unique landscapes of waterfalls, crystalline lagoons and deep valleys. Another alternative is to enter through San Mateo, passing through Matucana and Ticlio, the highest point in Lima. After passing through the districts of Chosica and Chaclacayo, you approach the capital city to finish the return trip at the hotels, leaving behind an experience full of discoveries and impressive landscapes.
As this exciting journey closes, it is clear that the true essence of Peru is revealed in each kilometer traveled, taking you from the heights of the Andes to the depths of the jungle. This journey immerses you in a diversity of landscapes, cultures and unforgettable experiences, discovering the hidden treasures of this beautiful country and leaving traces both on the earth and in our memories. If you are ready to immerse yourself in this exciting adventure and explore the most impressive landscapes of Peru, contact us for more information and personalized attention.As this exciting journey closes, it is clear that the true essence of Peru is revealed in each kilometer traveled, taking you from the heights of the Andes to the depths of the jungle. This journey immerses you in a diversity of landscapes, cultures and unforgettable experiences, discovering the hidden treasures of this beautiful country and leaving traces both on the earth and in our memories. If you are ready to immerse yourself in this exciting adventure and explore the most impressive landscapes of Peru, contact us for more information and personalized attention.
Discover the true essence of the country as you explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience!