On the road in Bolivia and Peru

Bolivia and Peru. Roads less travelled.

By CAROL SUTTON, House of Travel Matamata

INDULGE ALL YOUR SENSES with a taste of Bolivia and Peru… First stop La Paz! At around 3,600 metres, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Visit the “Valley of the Moon” and use the world’s most extensive cable car system, a public transportation system costing just $0.80 per ride!

Next up, a short flight to Uyuni to visit the Salar de Uyuni (Bolivan Salt Flats) and 12,000 square kilometres of PURE SALT. We stayed at Palacio del Sal Hotel, a hotel built completely from salt. Take a drive across the salt plains and discover the mysterious island Isla Incahuasi, covered in cacti, fossils and corals. Definitely take some epic pics, the Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest reflecting mirror. I adore Bolivia — put it on your bucket list!

Acclimatised fully, it was time to head to Cusco, and prepare for our four Day Inca Trail Trek. Cusco itself is a magical city that straddles two worlds. Ancient Incan ruins with colourful handicrafts markets dotted across Cusco exude a wonderful ornate local flavour. But equally you’ll be impressed by the majestic architecture that gives the city a truly Renaissance feel. Don’t cut your time short in Cusco, indulge, there is so much to see and do, plus several massages at 30 soles (NZ$12) are compulsory.

Another Cusco must-do is Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. A hidden gem and the alternative trek for Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. You will not only see one ‘Rainbow Mountain’ but numerous others, and hike for only one hour instead of three. The views are magnificent.

Machu Picchu is the highlight of most travel itineraries, receiving over 1.2 million visitors annually (most arrive via train on a day trip from Cusco) but for the adventurous, with a moderate to high level of fitness, I would thoroughly recommend the four Day Classic Inca Trail Trek.

Robyn Williams, a friend and travelling companion, wrote “A stunning 43km walk over four days with two amazing friends to Machu Picchu. The destination was the dream, but in reality, the journey was the highlight, filled with stunning scenery and unforgettable memories”. To me, this sums up the experience perfectly. ■

TIP SHEET

By CAROL SUTTON

GETTING THERE. LATAM flies Dreamliners direct from Auckland to its hub in Santiago, Chile. From there, grab easy connections to Lima, Cuzco, La Paz and more.

TRANSPORT. To maximise your time there, travel with a small group tour. Or we can create you a personalised itinerary with a private guide.

TIME. If combining both Peru and Bolivia, you really need at least 10 to 15 days.

VISAS. No visas are required when travelling on an NZ passport to Peru or Bolivia.

WHEN TO GO. Awesome yearround! But if you want to hike the Inca Trail, June to September is driest.

HEALTH. For altitude sickness, consume lots of water and sugar! The local coca tea helps and is readily available at hotels.

WHY TRAVEL / REASON NO. 1296

“I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on Earth — Then I ask myself the same question.”

Turkish author Harun Yahya

Ready to go? Come in-store, call 0800 713 715 or visit houseoftravel.co.nz.