South America was in my mind for quite a while for my backpacking trip.  Flight tickets are not cheap as Asia and that is also the reason, not more Europeans go there. Also, people were frightening me that it can be dangerous down there, especially with an expensive camera equipment. Because of the safety reasons (and a lot of nice stuff there), I choose Peru as my first South American destination. In the end, I felt safe there in the same way as I feel safe in Europe or Southeastern Asia. And yeah … Peru was for sure one of the most spectacular trips I did in my life. Why? You will found out that just by observing the photos.

Salkantay trip (with Machu Picchu)

After landing in Lima I went straight to Cusco and since I didn’t want to lose any time, I booked 5 days Salkantay hiking trip with visiting Machu Picchu on the last day. It cost just 165 $ for 5 days trip with accommodation, food, guide, horsemen, cook, transportation and Machu Picchu ticket included.  The journey started next day at 03:30 with 5 other Peruvians. First stop was amazing Humantay lake, next day passed the highest point at 4800 meters above sea level with the view on Salkantay mountain (6271 m). In the following days we walked down to the jungle (1600 m), experienced whole climate change and ended last day on the mysterious Machu Picchu (2400 m).

Rainbow mountain

Rainbow mountains were discovered for tourism two years ago and are becoming one of the most popular traveling hits at the moment. Thanks to the millions of years of erosion and different layers of minerals we can see  amazing coloration. On the road you can reach up to 4500 m by car and by walk, you reach the highest point all the 5200 meters above sea level – which is for me highest point standing on the ground for now.

“The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Cusco

Once, it used to be a capital of Inca Empire. Now it is the city with a lot of special charms just a few blocks away from the touristic points. It is the place from where you go to Salkantay, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, many other interesting places in the area including Salinas de Maras – a salt plant from pre-Incas times (on last photos).

If you want to see more from Peru you can check it HERE presenting you Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Huacachina, Paracas, and Lima. Later on, I have also plan to post my photo stories from Vietnam, Philipines, and Tanzania.