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Trekking
is not just about mountains and rugged terrain. Some parts
of the Peruvian coast combine the vast and apparently empty
desert with the jagged coastline to create extraordinarily
beautiful natural scenarios for hikers. One such spot is the
Paracas desert south of Lima and Bayóvar, in the northern
department of Piura.
On the other side of the Andes, along the steep eastern slopes,
drenched by the constant rains from the Amazon plains, spreads
the cloud forest. This land of impenetrable forests is believed
to be the last refuge for a unique wildlife (orchids, bromeliads
and tree-born ferns) and unique species on the verge of
extinction (the spectacled bear, the dwarf deer and the
yellow-tailed choro monkey). This area formed part of the
vast and complex network of pre-Colombian roads that linked
the highlands to the jungle. One of these routes leads to
Kuélap, the Chachapoyas fortress deep in the jungle
department of Amazonas.
Other fascinating routes in the eastern Andes include the
trails that descend to the east of Cuzco and Puno, and make
up spectacular, little-known circuits for trekking enthusiasts.
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