Perfection in Peru
Peru is one of the most fascinating places on the planet, with a diverse landscape, every-changing weather conditions, and a history which spans thousands of years. Of course, the infamous Inca trail to Machu Picchu is an essential experience if you’re planning on spending your gap-year in Peru, but there are plenty of other magnificent sights to see, places to visit, and things to do.
When you arrive in Peru, you must remember that the highest numbers of tourists are present there during June through August, so it’s a good idea to avoid legendary sites such as the Machu Picchu trail during this period. However, whenever you decide to undertake the challenging hike to this historic Inca site, prepare to be dazzled when you reach the end by the beauty and mystery surrounding an area which lay undiscovered until the early 19th century.
Due to concerns over the trail’s endurance under the pressures from tourists, only ,500 people are permitted to use the trail per day, so you should to book with a tour guide in advance. The numerous temples which sit atop Machu Picchu are fascinating to atheists and the religious alike due to their history, beauty, and spirituality. It is claimed by many that witnessing the sun rise over Machu Picchu is one of the most breath-taking sights on this planet… and seeing it whilst on your gap-year is certainly something to boast about! Not only does Peru contain majestic man-made features, but it also lays claim to one of the most naturally diverse areas on the Earth – the Amazon Rainforest.
If you feel brave enough to challenge the spontaneous daily downpours, then the Rainforest will reward you with views of rare spectacles, such as jaguars, sloths, and nearly 40,000 other species of animals. Unfortunately, the current deforestation taking place in the Amazon Rainforest means that this natural wonder may not be around for much longer, so imagine being able to look back on your gap year 50 years from now, and recalling how you witnessed a truly iconic feature of the natural world.
As well as the Amazon Rainforest, Peru also contains the world-reknowned Andes mountain range. The snow-capped mountain peaks and towering volcanoes make for a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience, where you can encounter cougars, chinchillas, llamas, and over 3,500 other enchanting species of animal and 30,000 types of plant. The combination of the Amazonian and Andean wildlife means that , in Peru, you have the opportunity to see two-thirds of this planets animals and plants, and who would pass up the opportunity like that?
Peru is the perfect place to spend a gap year for all types of people, whether you’re interested in biology, history, culture, or geography. The demanding treks, high altitudes and changeable weather can be difficult, but as all visitors to Peru will agree, it’s worth it in the end. All you need to provide is your energy, and while you’re young, what’s the point in waiting around? Peru will provide the rest!
Map
View Peru in a larger map The following links contain useful information on Peru.
View Peru in a larger map
+w(228))
